Thursday 24 January 2013

My One Little Word {and how it has changed my course for 2013}






Hi there scrappy peeps!  Hope you are all well!!  You may have
noticed that I haven't been around as much lately as in 2012.
As you know I went away on a month's holiday but what you don't 
know yet is that I've had to return to full-time paid employment.


Towards the end of last year we had a nasty incident at my sons'
school and were forced to remove him.  Our only alternative here
 is a very expensive private school.  The good news is he loves it
there!  The bad news is it's costing us more than 10 times what we
 were previously paying!!  Ideally we'd like to move our other 2
younger kids too so that means earning a salary & not spending
 it on scrappy supplies!


The implications of this mean I won't be around as much but 
of course I will still visit all my bloggy friends as much as I can
 & post here as and when I can too.  I'm hoping I may be able 
to settle into a routine when things are less frenetic.  While
the accolades are great it's the friendships I've made & the
relationships that have been built that mean the most to me!


With all this on my mind while we were away on holiday, knowing
 that difficult decisions had to be made, I had no idea what word
 to choose for 2013, then of course WISDOM came to mind!


For the past couple of years there has been relative stability in 
my life, more so than in a long time, so I took advantage of it.  
We were settled into our own home at last, after 4 long years 
of moving around & renting here (after emigrating from Zimbabwe) 
& I was unable to officially work for these years, while waiting
for my residence permit.  I immersed myself in scrapbooking, hoping
 there may be a way to eventually turn my passion into my living 
but sadly it didn't bring about any viable 'real life' opportunities.


 Online I applied for everything that appealed & have learnt 
so much from the opportunities I have been given.  Sadly they 
don't pay the bills though so I have had to resign from half of
 my design teams in order to allow me the time to earn a living 
some other way.  I wish things were different but it is what it is.


I've said goodbye to Berry71Bleu, Les Papiers de Pandore & 
Scrap Friends and am still with Purple Pumpkin, Scrapmatts & My
Creative Scrapbook Kit Club.  My selections were based on timing
 and product I still have  to utilize. I ♥ all my teams, past &
 present! So I've cut my obligations in half & will still be
 around, working to excel more than to compete :)


By the end of last year I was exhausted. While I loved our holiday
it did little to revive me as we spent 10 days out of 31 travelling,
which, lugging 30kgs of luggage on and off trains & ferries, was
absolutely awful!  In Bali I found a serenity that I haven't felt 
in a long time though and I'm doing my best to make sure I 
hang onto it, which means 'being present in the moment'.


I wish there were more hours in the day to pursue all that we
love to the fullest as I do have a little local "scrapbooking
 venture" in mind, that may work out & if  I get that
 going I will share more}.


I found some great quotes to help express how I feel about 2013.
 Feel free to snag them if they strike a cord with you too. 


I still have some creative goals I intend pursuing in 2013,
so look out for a RESOLUTIONS post coming soon!!



44 comments:

Bernadine said...

Hels so no how you feel. As you no life through me a massive curve ball last year and I am just embracing it. You been blessed to find a job. Their is just nothing out their for me. I know everything is going to work out for you and your family. You and Shane are fantastic people. Lots of love always. Bernie

Lizzy Hill said...

Fantastic quotes/piccies...you're a whizz at that sort of stuff...or should I say a WIzzz DOM???!!!! Hope it all works out how it should & I'm glad you're still going to be sharing some of your gorgeous work...gotta see those hol snaps scrapped!!! And soooo glad you enjoyed Bali. Pretty special place:):):) Heart & prayers are with you:):):)

Linda Eggleton said...

It's hard when you have to make difficult decisions about things that you're so passionate about...but ultimately, family comes first. I hope everything works out for you & your family, Helen...and happy for you that you've been able to hang on to a couple of your DT's...looking forward to seeing your gorgoeus work this year. Take care :)

Vicky Varvadouka said...

You my friend have put me into deep, inner thinking....LOVED your post! Thanks!!!
xxx

Kerryn said...

How sad that your son has had such a negative experience but it is pleasing to hear he has found happiness at his new school. Change can be hard but it also brings exciting challenges and opportunities as well. Wishing you and your family health and happiness in 2013 and look forward to continuing to follow your beautiful thoughts and work here on your blog. x

Lizzyc said...

Take care of yourself and your family.. they are the most important things in life!!

juscrap said...

Hello dear friend. Unfortunately in life plays tricks and things do not always come out with like .... You're a hardworking person and I'm sure everything will be resolved soon. I'll keep waiting here for your posts and learning with you always. hugs

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

Such a beautiful and inspiring post Helen! I loveeeeeeee your OLW for 2013!! And loving all the quotes you have for us today!!! I consider you a friend ... so you know I won't leave you... I will visit whenever you post :)

Alison said...

I hope the job works out for you Helen......it always comes down to doing what is best for your family
Love and. Hugs
Alison xx

Lynette Jacobs said...

At the end of the day...family is what it is all about. I am happy for you that you can go back into a career. I hope you will be happy there and become fulfilled in what you will be doing. Remember...I will always be here.

Shayne said...

We do the things that have to be done don't we? I hope that you have found an awesome job and are happy and back in the field you love.

I'll miss you in blogland, but will still read you when you post.

Wishing you lots of luck with your new venture and I hope that find peace in what you are doing.

Am sure you'll still be scrappin like mad!

Keren Tamir said...

I'm going to miss you so much Helen!! I'm so glad we became friends and shared so much together. Your friendship means a lot to me!!
I want to wish you all the best in the world!! Mostly may you and your family be healthy and happy in this new year!!

sending you a warm hug
Keren

Marelize said...

You certainly are making some big changes Helen. I love your positive outlook on life. Take care of you gorgeous family, that's the most important thing. The rest will all fall into place. Wishing you all the joy and happiness that you deserve in 2013. Take care. xx

Evgenia Petzer said...

oh, Helen... i don't even know what to say... i jsu hope you will have a good balance and will fit quickly into your new routine...

Judith said...

I can related to a lot of what you're doing. We had to move our son to a private school as he was being bullied at the state school and they just wouldn't do anything about it. It was the best decision we've made as he has been so happy at his new school. We ended up sending our daughter there too. I've been lucky in that my part time work have been able to pay the school fees but having lost one job last year the reality is setting in that I will have to go back to work full time, something I have been putting off as I will get to see so little of the kids. Just need to find a job as there isn't much around in my area. I hope everything works out for you.

topkatnz said...

Hugs.best of luck.onwards and upwards.hxxx

Eila Sandberg said...

Helen, I can so relate to the school issue. Had to do that with DH's daughter too. She still talks about how it was a life saver and helped her get the best start possible into adulthood. I know how much you love your family, it may have been a difficult decision, but it was the right one. Keeping 3 assignments + a full-time job will still keep you very very busy. I am so happy you can still fit in time for your own passion. I will treasure your visits even more when you can find the time to make them! Now you take care of your beautiful family and yourself, much much love

Gayle Price said...

Wonderfully written, beautifully expressed post. You sound so positive, as always, so I know it will all work out for the best for you ( we will always do what is best for our children, sacrifice is a major part of parenting after all......and your children will not be at school for ever, remember !!! ) I'm sure this little change in your life's journey will not dampen, hinder or extinguish your creativity, it will always be there....just think quality not quantity. Good luck back at work ! xx

Unknown said...

Helen, I think that with your positivity, motivation, and clear headed outlook, you will do great things, no matter what you choose to do. Sorry to hear that you have had to cut back on this hobby, of course, but we all understand the major ups and downs life throws at us from time to time. I wish you the best with everything!! Take care!!

jeanie g said...

Helen I wish you all the very best in the whole world and hope that 2013 will be a happy one. All we want for our children is for them to be happy and we do ANYTHING to help when they're not. You're a very strong, courageous person and I salute you. Here in the UK I've been going to Al Anon meetings to get support and understand the disease of alcohol addiction that has claimed my husband and son. It's been so hard but they have a mantra which they say at the meetings. Look for STRENGTH to accept what you cannot change. COURAGE to change the things you can, and WISDOM to know the difference. I think you have all three. xx

Unknown said...

Sorry to hear of your struggles, Helen. Your positivity and outlook on the future is so inspirational- I have no doubt that you will do well in whatever you do. You are wise to cut back a bit and see what comes in the months ahead. I pray for swift stability and definitely wish you the best in everything! Glad you're sticking around some- take care- and keep us updated~!

xErin

Lynnda said...

Hey Helen.... Happy new Year.... I so miss ya...


Like you Im just back from hols... almost 40 days being away!!! feels so long!!!


hope everything is well for you and family!!!.... hugs...xoxo

Chantal Vandenberg said...

What a well-written post. I'm sorry that your son went through what he did but it's great that he loves his new school. All the best with your new venture and it's great that you can stay on a few DTs still. Hugs! xo

sandi said...

Great post Helen. Family first! Yes, the scrapping is not the most important thing....it's the family. Enoy the ride and scrap when you can with what you have....you'll find that you're just as happy my friend.

Mitralee said...

Dude! I am sure your new adventures will lend a spice to the time you get to scrap! We are always here in blogland to say hi whenever you pop in! It's always a short list of what's important, and you are working on Tilbury Inc. which is number one!

Tracey Sabella said...

Such difficult choices, I'm sure!! Our children are only young once, and helping to create a good environment for them is so important. I home educated for 19 years, and put most of my hobbies on hold to help our children pursue theirs. Now that they are all young adults I'm enjoying pursuing my creative outlets. One of my favorite Bible verses is related to wisdom ~ James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all men generously and without reproach. What a blessing for me to be able to rely on our Lord's wisdom!! Wishing you all the best in 2013, Helen!! ~ Blessings, Tracey

http://gracescraps.blogspot.com/

Bellaidea said...

Helen, I had lots of fun with you ar Berry 71 Bleu and will all GD`s you made. I knew you was very, very busy. Maybe now you will find even more fun in creating when you don`t need to make SO many pages, maybe you will have more FUN. I belive it's will be a very good yer for you , take care my friend!

Unknown said...

Hey glad you are back of you vacation you have take so beautiful pictures and love the quotes so fantastic

hug;s
carla

phamil said...

Helen, I totally understand where you are coming from and wish you the best with your new adventures and employment. I will miss you, but will check in when you post, and will chant whenever you are able! I too, cherish the friendships I've made in this industry and consider you to be one of the ones I've become luckiest enough to "know"!!! Many hugs, and much success to you. I know you will excel in whatever you put your mind to!

phamil said...

sorry about the above spelling, "chant" is of course "chat"!! LOL!

Rachael Funnell said...

What a GREAT post Helen!! Glad to hear that you are not giving up on Scrappin altogether.... I would sure MISS you!! GOOD LUCK with everything... ♥

Sandie said...

Helen, may your road be a smooth one in the transitions you are currently making. One thing came to my mind when I was reading your quotes and personal words - as one door closes, another always opens. I'm so pleased to hear your son is much happier in his new school, and I do hope you can put your other two younger children in as well. So pleased though, we will still be seeing lots of your wonderful creations - I do adore your 'style', and your openness in sharing about your life. Bali is a magical place for some (others hate it), and if you ever find your way there again, let me know and I will meet you there! LOL
Wishing you every happiness, no matter which way your life leads...xxx

Desire Fourie said...

Helen I can just imagine how difficult it must have been for you, but I am sure your children's future are one of the most important things in your life. Also being a South African I fully understand the state our education system is in and private schooling has become kind of a necessity to guarantee a sound education. We dont even have children and can hardly believe how parents can make it financially. I wish you all the success with your new fulltime position and may it also have rewards for you not only financially but emotionally as well. We are also facing a difficult 2013 as there a few big life decisions for me and my hubby ahead.
Big hugs of wisdom
Desire

Unknown said...

I've chosen a word for 2013, it's enjoy...
hugs !

Svetlana Austin said...

wow Helen... it is kind of bitter-sweet post... I am glad that you are not disappearing off the scrap-radar completely but I totally understand that the children come first. we are just lucky enough that our school is still in good shape in any regard. I hope you will be able to find your feat very quickly and we will be able to see a lot of inspiration from you. good luck to you and take care! hugs ♥

Marjie Kemper said...

Wow! Major decisions and life changes sure are upon you. I'm wishing you the very best in 2013 and always, Helen. I think you're wise to reduce your team obligations at such a critical time... there are only so many hours in a day and you still need time to exhale. Hoping for the best for you moving forward!

yyam said...

Change is sometimes a good thing. It just means better time management to do all the things you want to do. :) I find myself most creative when I have deadlines to meet...lol. I know you can do it Helen. When one door closes, another opens. All the best for 2013. I'm rooting for you!

Sabrina Scrapbook said...

A heartfelt post, Helen. Hope you will cope well, it took me a year to balance work in KL and crafting. I am more stable this year in terms of managing time and life, I wish you all the best in whatever you intend to pursue. Take care!

Denise van Deventer said...

With change, comes many new opportunities and I know that you are a super talented lady and will continue to create!! That's just who you are! I am sure your new ventures and avenues...will bring more new ventures and avenues!! May 2013 bring many new and exciting things your way!!! Best wishes to you Helen! ;-)

Denise Price said...

Hi Helen, thanks for your little comment blitz on my blog--I really do appreciate your keeping in touch. I agree with you that the friendship side of blogging is very important.

I've got some catching up to do with commenting on your blog now, so here goes...

Good luck with your new job! I know it's not what you anticipated...but to look on the bright side, at least it will allow you to do what is best for your kids and their education. And that's the most important thing, right? I think it is.

I'm really sorry about the bullying incident at your son's school. As I'm sure you know, bullying is a big problem here in the States, and there have been some terrible consequences (suicides, etc.) as a result. It's a shame that the teachers & administration at your son's school didn't want to create a bully-free climate at their school. I think you absolutely did the right thing by placing your son in a different school, and I'm glad he's happier there.

Sounds like things have been pretty rough for you lately, but hang in there. I know you'll make it through--you're made of strong stuff. Hugs from Denise. <3

Leonie said...

Oh Helen, just catching up on blogs and came across this post. How quickly our lives can change hey? I'm so sorry that your son and family have had to go through what sounds like some pretty big upheavals and in such a short time. Glad that you were able to find employment but sad too that it means you have to cut back on something that you are so talented and passionate about. You're a very inspiring and positive woman Helen. Praying that 2013 is good to you and your family. Take care. xx

Leonie said...

Oh Helen, just catching up on blogs and came across this post. How quickly our lives can change hey? I'm so sorry that your son and family have had to go through what sounds like some pretty big upheavals and in such a short time. Glad that you were able to find employment but sad too that it means you have to cut back on something that you are so talented and passionate about. You're a very inspiring and positive woman Helen. Praying that 2013 is good to you and your family. Take care. xx

Leonie said...

whoops! I shouldn't be so impatient, that's double the love from me. Lol cheers. ;)

Mrs Frizz said...

May you have the time to enjoy all your scrappy goals for this year ... take time to enjoy them.