It’s Okay Not To Let Go
The obvious solution was to sell it. ALL of it. Every last piece.
Every basket full of stamps, scissors, and ink hiding in the closets, every folder bursting at the seams with stickers and do-dads in my desk, and every beautiful sheet of hand selected 12×12 paper stacked up in the garage.
Every reminder of the free time I once had, every glimpse of the passion and love of paper that still resides inside me, but is no longer fed and nourished by quiet evenings with my craft.
There is no time these days. My priorities have changed. There are so many digital options that are quicker, easier, and cleaner. I need the space for the growing collections of clothes, toys, art projects and other child related items that are taking over our house.
But first… One Last Hurrah. I had to finish Nathan’s baby book.
I couldn’t be one of those mothers who goes all out on her first child with handmade quilts, clothes, and scrapbooks, but leaves the second one with nothing other than hand me downs and a box full of unorganized photos.
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| My cute little number two… |
So, this week I picked up 9 months worth of photos from Target. I got out my supplies. I pulled out the book that I had purchased when I was pregnant with Nathan. I started piecing it together. And I re-lit the spark between me and my paper, the love affair that I pushed away so long ago.
Lesson learned, Mama, even though you don’t have the time you used to for “extras” like scrapbooking, don’t give it up all together! This week, with every page I put together, I grew more and more excited. Looking at the photographs, telling Nathan’s story, imagining him turning the pages of this book with his own children some day. I knew I couldn’t do it. It all had to stay, happily stuffed in closets and drawers. I may not have all the time in the world, but if I was able find time to do it today, then I can find time again tomorrow, or next week, or next year. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. When Nathan’s album is done, I am going to stash my supplies back in the garage, closet, and desk drawers. And they will be there, waiting for me again, whenever I am ready. And it may be awhile, because I’m busy hanging with the three most awesome boys in the world…
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| My Boys, on Father’s Day. |
For the next week, we are on “Vacation”. Hubby’s home for 10 days, and we have lots of family fun adventures planned, starting with Disneyland! I’m going to try and take a break from my computer, and log off facebook mobile as well… we’ll see how long it lasts! Thank you to my new followers, I will be visiting all of you when I get back!
I’m linking up with bigger picture blogs today to share my bigger picture moment…
Love,
Suzanne
8 Comments
Corinne
Oh I love this! It's so hard to find the time w/ the second for the same things we did with the first (and before the first…) but so important 🙂 Glad you were able to rekindle the creative passion! Have a wonderful vacation!
Cindy @ This Adventure, Our Life
I think it is true once we put something as a priority, we will find time to do it, at least I find this true. Good for you to complete Nathan's album! He will love it someday! I am working on Bailey's album too (just a regular album though, unless I can find something somewhat done)! Have an AWESOME vacation!! Hope you get some great rest and relaxation with your family!
Jamie
What a wonderful post
Hyacynth
I've been having the same exact guilt over this same exact thing: G. has an amazing baby book, and EJ, well, does not. I've almost told myself to just give it up, but you know, I can work it in. I can take baby steps to fitting in 10 minutes here and there. Like you, I can do a little and then put everything away until I can do more. All of my baby booking supplies and tools can stick around until this season has passed. Thanks for this post, and thanks for linking up. 🙂
Laura
How funny, I have a post like this swirling in my head but haven't had time to actually post it 🙂 I was feeling this way a few weeks ago – I packed up all my yarn, knitting needles, etc, and put it in the closet because I was annoyed that I don't have much time for it anymore. But of course, I pulled it all out again a week later. Somehow we always find the time for the things we love, right? 🙂
Erin Butson
It doesn't have to be all or nothing?!?!What a concept! Not easy for me:) Thanks for the reminder.
humel
You had me worried for a moment – so relieved you're hanging onto those supplies!
Sara
Oh! I like this post, thanks!