Monday, July 23, 2007

Quiet time...





There are voices which we hear in solitude, but they grow faint and
inaudible as we enter into the world.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson


So often I think we forget that we need to take time for ourselves and this seems to be the first thing that we sacrifice when we get busy yet it makes us better people for taking that time. Whether it be some time to read, scrapbook, have a long soak in the tub, or whatever your "thing" is, you need to remember to do it for yourself. This is as much a reminder to me as anyone else. I find that I don't take enough conscious time for myself and I eventually notice when I'm not doing that because I find my patience not there in the way it needs to be to take care of three kids! Can you tell that this is one of those days?

I've been doing lots of reminding myself to take a deep breath before saying anything today! I don't think the rain and being inside helps either on days like this, but I think that may have stopped, so maybe we can get out for a walk later.

The funny thing is that I'm in a good mood actually, but I notice that my fuse is a little shorter. I took care of Sophia Mon-Thurs last week as well as the boys of course (as usual), but then worked Thursday and Friday night at the store as well as Saturday and Sunday! Doesn't leave too much time for me. This week is going to be the same, so I need to be more conscious of doing a couple of things for me! I really do enjoy working at the store too, but I just need to plan my own time out better when I have more hours there!





OK, so the blog challenge at Scrapperie today was to give a review of something, so this picture of my mini book is part of my review of the Bind-It-All system that I got to try out yesterday! One of the teachers at Precious Memories where I work, Tobi, did a demo of the machine yesterday for customers and I wanted to try it out so that I could tell customers about it. We got to make these cute little 3X6 mini books and the system is soooooo easy to use. I tell you, if you like making mini books, this is the thing to buy! You can put the holes is all of the paper for the book at once and then it'll go through two sheets of chipboard at a time too, so you can do your covers at the same time. Then, you just cut the coil binding to the length you want and drop it into the holes and then put that in the machine and push the handle down to close! Simple and fabulous!

The 2Peas Blog question was about scrapbooking style. I guess I would say mine is mostly about clean lines with maybe a little graphic thrown in though I'm always up for a challenge and like trying new things. I'm inspired by the work of a lot of other people these days, so it's hard to clearly day what my style is though I know I'm draw to certain types of things.

Well, better be off since I think I hear at least one of the little ones! Have a great day and take some time for yourself...I know I will later!

Cheers,
Colleen

12 comments:

Tamara Wheeler said...

Colleen, I LOVE the mini album. Very Cute. And thanks for reminding me to take time for myself. Have a fabulous week!

Anonymous said...

I have the bind it all - and I agree - best thing out there - so simple! It is on my top 5 list of best things I have bought for scrapping!

Tobi Crawford said...

ha! great picture of your mini book. love my bind-it-all!!!

Alyssa said...

Wow...my mind is spinning thinking of all the things I could do with a binding machine. Love your book...and all the flowers.

Lynn said...

Whew! I thought I was the only one who was not taking time for themself! I am wrong! I lol while reading your great post. I am going to take a nice long soak in a wonderful hot tub in just a little while. That is going to be my "ME" time.
I've never seen the Bind-it-all in action. I've heard great things about though. I'll have to check it out. Love your mini-album.

It's Not Easy Being Green said...

First of all, you would think at this point I would remember but each time I go on your blog I jump! It's the music! Every time I forget and it scares the hell out of me! Second, love the mini! What stamps did you use? I love them!

Jill said...

Great picture and very pretty album! Good luck getting some time to yourself - that's harder than it should be.

Theresa said...

Write a time for you in your calendar, honestly, schedule it, it works. Let the kids know that it's your time and take it. Soak in the tub, scrap, read, or just sit on the porch and think. The whole family will realize that you'll be happier and that will make everyone happier.

Kristin said...

the mini album rocks colleen!!! love it! i agree that i'd LOVE to get the bind it all system... so cool! :)

thanks for sharing your review, and all your awesome work :)

have i told you lately that your blog ROCKS?

Stephanie said...

Love your mini-book!
Thanks for the advice you left on my blog!

mum-on-the-run said...

Love your mini book!!

The Bind It All is my my main "want" ATM :)

Janet said...

I LOVE the mini-album! The flowers are just beautiful. :-) Janet