School is about to start, for me and the kids both. Student teaching is about to begin too. I craft also. And I can do it all well. But I have to sleep at some point, lol.
I've learned in recent weeks that I'm not good at being the Popular, Cool girl. I never was. That's why Studio Calico wasn't a good fit for me anymore. I don't have flair, and I don't want to spend all my spare time trying hard to impress you. It feels fake. And I've got other plans. I have a life outside the computer.
I just need to remember, I think we all do, that you need to choose what's best for you, what fits YOU and your lifestyle best, and not worry about what everyone else is doing. Because, truth be told, nobody is doing it all, even if they lead you to believe so on the internet.
Disney commercials get me every time. I saw one that other day that said something about only having 850 or 950 Saturday's with your kids before they graduate from high school (Gosh, I need to look that up. A difference of 100 is quite significant. Good grief). I'd much rather make sure all of those count with my family before my girls have the choice to leave and never come back, ha!, than try to impress someone who in the end doesn't really give a hoot about me personally. It's been a humbling lesson, but one I needed to learn.
I'm still here, and I'm still creating. I still have projects to share. But I don't need to be standing in front like I thought I did, for you to see me.
I just love you Davinie! You are so genuine and real that it is felt in your work and your words. You're amazing in so many ways seen and unseen. Thank you for always being candid and caring in all that you do.
ReplyDeleteMelissa
P.S. Best of luck in school!
Well said Davinie! You definately need to be true to yourself, i dont want to see how the cool, popular people live, i want to relate to what real peeps go through. Good luck with your student teaching, sounds fun.
ReplyDeleteLove this. I need to post it in my office. I have been feeling stretched pretty thin and have recently started grad school too. I miss being published and having deadlines but I also want those Saturday's with my kids too. Since I have stopped it has been harder to carve out "me time," hoping to work on that soon.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with student teaching!
I just want to say that every piece of paper you touch is awesome. Trying to juggle family, full time work, and crafting is tough. Heck I couldn't even keep up with Project 12 this year. Something has to give and for me that was crafting. My eldest is going through a developmental delay that may or may not be on the spectrum and my youngest is the most spirited 3YO that has a speech delay. I still love to scrapbook, but it takes me days, sometimes weeks to finish a page. I'm alright with that. From what I read on this blog, I think you are an awesome mama, wife and person. That was a longer comment than I intended, but the short of it is that you are making the right choices for you! And little old me will still read and admire your work and thoughts.
ReplyDeleteLove this. Thanks for sharing. I think you are awesome although I don't comment very much. This so resonates with me today!!!
ReplyDeleteMel xx
I love you just the way you are! I always checked your gallery first at SC & have been so inspired by your designs. Good luck with your student teaching & thank goodness you stayed you!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ginny, I adore you just the way you are. I am so proud of you for putting your family first, because at the end of the day, that's what matters. You, my dear, are inspiring.
ReplyDeleteThis is perfect. Thank you for putting it so eloquently. I know you are going to be a fab teacher some day very soon. So proud of you for following that dream!!!! Can't wait to see your next creations my friend!! Xo
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have had a very unpleasant experience recently and I'm sorry for that. It is their loss...a real friend is hard to come by but always much needed. It is obvious you are a true and caring person. I love following your blog. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteI'm just glad you still have your blog :) I'm love coming here for the inspiration Davinie and for that I thank you!
ReplyDeletepowerful words...I love that you wrote them! I wish it could be about the work in this industry because I will miss your work and inspiration at Studio Calico...the gallery isn't the same without you. You are one of a kind...to be liked just the way you are! I will continue to follow your adventures here! Good luck at you start student teaching...it is a great profession!
ReplyDeletewell, you are a cool girl in my book! :)
ReplyDeleteI have the quote "comparison is the thief of joy" above my computer. It is there to remind me to be me. I think we have very different definitions of what popular and cool are. You ARE popular and cool to me. I adore you and your work and have for a very long time. Your reputation on the inside of the industry is something to be proud of, as well. You are respected, considered professional and sought after. To quote a favorite book "You is kind. You is smart. You is important." YOU have had longevity in this industry. How many can say that? Flair? Well, that's a flighty thing based on trends. It's consistency that is important and you have that! You.are.awesome! By the way, happy anniversary! :) Right there, is what it's really about!
ReplyDeleteLori Gentile, you are awesome. Thank you for this!
DeleteI hear you about the "popularity." I feel like I've never been, and never will be the cool girl - in scrapbooking or otherwise!!! But I stay true to myself, so I'm good with it. I think you are pretty cool, but that's just me! Good luck with student teaching!! I started my TENTH year of teaching two weeks ago. Insanity. :)
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