Dear, sweet readers of mine, two weeks ago I wrote a post about all the projects I had finished so far. I immediately felt that I owed y’all an apology. You see when you gather three months of posts and activities in one big scope, it might seem as if I have my act together. As if I am in control, and super productive. Well the fact that I prepared this post for you the next day and am only now ready to post is, is proof enough that I don’t, but it gets worse.
Let me keep it real for you. You know I am all about keeping it real. There is enough fake in this world already. And since I trust that you are all real women like me anyway, I thought you might appreciate a little insight behind the productivity too.
So let’s start with that infamous craft room project.
I started it halfway through January (13 weeks into it and counting…). I haven’t been able to use my craft room since. This is the current state of it.
A cupboard in the middle of the room. Still full, that needs to be emptied (but where to put that stuff in the mean time) and taken to goodwill. A bare wall where some sort of storage unit needs to come and stuff everywhere.
Speaking of stuff:
My table so full that I can’t even cram one more thing on it. Or under it for that matter.
This craft room project is taking forever and I seem to be moving messes from one corner to the next. There is still so much work to do here, and problem is I keep getting new ideas at the same time. So who knows when I’ll ever be able to actually craft in this room again.
And take a look outside. We had a bit of nice Spring weather earlier this month. And I took advantage of it and jumped to work in the garden (hence the stalled progress on my craft room. Focus anyone?!). I cleared out this border on a Sunday. Took me hours, those weeds where not budging. But I conquered them and the ground has been ready ever since for the next step in my garden vision. Still waiting…. And the weeds are coming back and are laughing at me….
Of course while digging in the garden that day I had visions of ‘doing a little bit after work each day’ and working my way through the borders. Excellent idea. I did it that Monday. Straight home from work I put on old clothes and garden boots and started weeding this border. My man looked on with more horror than surprise on his face “what are you doing? I am hungry? Shouldn’t we cook and eat!!!” .
But I put in my 45 min and then called it quits for that day. I was going to pick it up the next day after all…… See that clear demarcation line. Yeah. My new routine lasted exactly one day. Haven’t touched a shovel since.
And then there is our garden table……
Does this look at all familiar to anyone? All my leftover decorative projects got dumped here. There is still my Christmas wreath in the middle, the pitcher with the I-am-done-blossoming cherry blossoms, my twig wreath (I disassembled my mantel because I needed the palette wood for another project), the bulbs waiting to be planted in the garden. And yes there are still some vintage ice skates hanging in the corner back there.
So, please let no one be fooled by the pretty – everything in its place pictures – I love to post here. I am just hiding the mess….
But out of chaos we attempt to create beauty. And slow and steady might not be the way to win the race, but it will still get us to the finish line. And a little nudge in the right direction, or maybe even a stern kick in the butt can help break the circle of procrastination and get me going again. So hang in there my friends. I will get it done! And beauty and inspiration will be here again… even if it kills me trying to create it for you.
So can anyone relate? Anyone? Please……
You made me laugh. Now I don’t feel so bad. I have projects started, half done, not started and stuff everywhere. And time just seems to keep flying by. Hopefully I will complete something soon.
Look forward to when you get your craft room done.
Happy to have made you laugh! I am just glad that so many are in the same boat. Definitely makes me feel better about my messes.
Hello Marrinane,
Just visited your blog , which I often do, and a always inspired that you are always forthcoming and honest about your endeavors. Love all the projects you share and hope , once I recuperate to use your plaster rose tutorial. Don’t stress yourself out too much, life goes one ,so keep on nesting.
Jenny
Have fun with the plaster roses. Let me know how they turned out!
Oh can I relate Marianne! I too am working on a craft room, built totally from scratch, in a corner of our unfinished basement. It is a slow process indeed! And my gardens are calling me too. I have a little time yet, but have planted some seeds in cups, and plan to plant some more this afternoon.
It seems like so many things are calling for my attention, and in the meantime my house is in chaos. The room where my craft supplies are is currently stuffed to overflowing worse than yours! Plus I have more stuff upstairs and packed away downstairs. Help, I’m drowning in creativity LOL! I can hardly wait until the craft room is done, or at least usable, with some storag,e to start moving my craft supplies in there. I’ll be eagerly awaiting too see yours. Maybe we can spur each other on
Have a great weekend!
Deborah
Oj building from scratch. Both so exciting and so exhausting. Keep working on it and it will get done! (I say to you and to myself….)
You did make me feel better…I am in the same boat as far as my art studio is concerned. I was moving piles around for a long time, so I can definitely identify. I think it is because there are so many little things to organize, and don’t forget, make them look good, too! Come visit my blog I have been sharing my progress!
I’ll come see your progress if you’ll have patience with mine. Isn’t an art studio the worst place to do any kind of makeover. Oh the piles and the mess!
I can SOOOO relate!
I’m all over the map (of my home) when it comes to projects. I work outside here, then there…only to come inside and work here then there…
snap a few photos…edit a ton more photos.. craziness. I’m personally getting tired of the shuffle (of stuff) and am thinking of hauling it all off!
thanks for sharing your true self with us. I know it makes me feel better.
Pat
Hihi, I know that feeling. Having twenty projects going at once and not finishing a single one. And don’t get me started on the extra work that the photographing and editing of said photo’s brings. But we must love it, or otherwise why would we be doing this to ourselves. ♥ M
Oh, I can relate! My goodness I appreciate you keeping it real! There’s enough fake stuff out there. We all struggle with achieving the things we dream up. But as you’ve said, little by little, a bit here, a bit there, and in time – all will be done!
Yes just keep on keeping on, and everything will get done. Or not…. And most of the time that is ok too, the world will keep on spinning even if we don’t manage to paint that little extra table.
Absolutely, absolutely. The trouble is I do have a sewing friend whose house is spot on, the only downside is that her kids are crabby most of the time. An organised mind seldom produces sathes of beauty. That’s how I like to pretend anyway. Must away and try to tidy a little bit before my daughter whisks me off to the city for the weekend. Cherrie
“An organised mind seldom produces shades? of beauty” Wise words my friend. Very wise and comforting words.
works in progress? Join the crowd
It’s a big club.
LOL yup, it sure is a big club. If we were to charge admission fees we could be millionaires. But better not, we would never get anything done if we also had to manage a club
Yep. Got it. A work in progress….all over the place! But I’m happy! And I dance around the house and the little piles here and there!
It’ll get done when it gets done. I’ll still read your blog whether you have pretty pictures or not or cleaned up rooms or messy ones! This is really just a lot of fun and getting to know you is where it’s at for me!
xo
~K
Marianne, you’re so bold and brave! I don’t have the guts to show the behind-the-scenes or even the “Before” when there’s an “After.” That last paragraph really spoke to me. I love your blog and your *REAL* inspiration. You’re a gem!
Warmly,
Sara
Thank you! But you should never be afraid to show the real you. Making real connections is what this blogging thing is all about.
But I am glad my words helped you. Love, M
Thanks for keeping it real. Sometimes I look at the beautiful spaces everyone else makes and I want to stop blogging altogether since mine will never look like that. After all I have a full time job and an etsy site, not to mention all the other things a person has to do to take care of their home and yard. And did I mention 12 grandkids to spoil. But I so enjoy looking at everyone elses wonderful projects and dreaming. And that one time a month when I finally get something noteworthy to post about then, tada I feel extra proud. Not sure how everyone does it, but I sure enjoy the journey. Of course then there is the other problem, I tell myself “Get off Pinterest and start making stuff instead of just reading about them!”
Don’t be to hard on yourself, life is a work in process. I had to learn all kinds of routines and yes, it is all about routines. Take a timer, set it on 15 minutes, lay three bags ready and go. Stop after those 15 minutes, even if you are no way near done! The three bags are for: Give away/goodwill, thrash and keep. If your keep is going to be way too full too early, you can always consider to divide that bag in different ones.
Just read some about de-cluttering on http://www.flylady.net. You don’t have to follow every rule, but she’s got some smart suggestions.
Just don’t create for others. Create for yourself, she’s the only person you’re facing every day. What happens when you don’t recognize that person anymore? It’s not only about the destination, but about the journey you take as well. I love that you’re sharing this, it takes guts. Salut
Over half-afgemaakte projecten kan ik meepraten. Ik weet nu 2 jaar dat ik ADD heb, (na burn-out en depressie ontdekt) en sindsdien ben ik heel wat makkelijker voor mijzelf. Er zijn veel dingen die mij niet lukken (vol te houden, moet ik zeggen) maar ik ben wel heel creatief, zowel in dingen maken en in oplossingen bedenken. Helaas werkt dat laatste meer voor andermans oplossingen en weet ik het veel te vaak niet meer. Ach, jammer dan. Laatst heb ik ergens gelezen dat AD(H)D een vorm van evolutie is. Voor mij is het een stukje biologie en ik steek liever energie in de dingen die mij wel lukken, dan tegen mijzelf op te boksen.
Focus je dus op de dingen die je gelukt zijn en pak elke dag één project aan. Opeens is die kamer bijna klaar en is de inspiratie overal weer te vinden. Sterkte meid, met alles. Pas op dat je niet opbrand en denk goed om jezelf.
Groetjes Ryanne