Hop Art Studio

Army

The beginning of this month my sweet son James left for basic training. Yes, he joined the Army back in May of last year and was in the delayed entry program. So this was the month he was to leave.

I have to tell you that the months leading up to the day he left flew bye. I don't know where they went! Honestly. I knew he was leaving. I was prepared for him to leave. But it hit me like a ton of bricks when I saw that van pull away and I knew that he would be on his own.

I'm glad that we had a lot of time to spend together last year. He wasn't in school and only working part time (just under 40 hours). We'd often have lunch together or spend  a few evenings alone while his little brother and Dad were at baseball practice.

We have always been close, he's an artist like me and we share so many similar interest, but I think last year was even more special because I knew he would soon be gone. And also I knew that this was something that he really wanted. Maybe something that he needed.

Funny, I've been a girlfriend with her boyfriend at basic training the first year and then his fiances  the second year while he was stationed far away. Then after our first year of marriage a move to a new state and then right away a 6 month depolyment!

So separations are not a new thing for me. Many separations from my hubby when we were young, when we were new parents and when are kids were in school. But boy nothing really prepares you for the first time your child leaves you. Especially when they go away to the military. Sorry, it's not the same as when they leave to go to college. We haven't talked to him in weeks. So, yep, not the same at all!

So keep James in your prayers for safety and that he continues to grow to become the wonderful man that I know he is to become. He has been a blessing in our lives and I know he will continue to be a blessing to all those that he meets.

And yes, prayers for this Mom. Even though I'm handling it really well and I was prepared for this new journey it still is not the same place with out our James here.

Still Time!

Stamping Up stamp Sets for Sale

 

I still have several Stampin Up! stamp sets for sale. If they do not sell by the end of this month I will be moving them to either my Etsy store or sell them locally. So if there is something you're on the fence about hurry up and let me know that you want it.

Thanks for the sweet comments. I agree, I need to take care of me also and not use up all of my energy taking care of my family. (Although, for me, they do come first.)

But as a sweet friend posted "To thine self be true." When we put our passions aside and don't attend to them then we will never be 100% happy.

I will make it through this stage of my life. I'm actually excited about this year! 

Bring it on!

Life Changes

A new year filled with lots of changes.

My son left the beginning of the month to start his career in the Army. He is currently going through basic training. I look forward to the weeks ahead. To supporting him through this time in his life and to be there for him when he graduates in the spring.

Times have changed. 30 years ago when my hubby (then boyfriend) went away we had no contact with him until he graduated. Now there are websites, Facebook pages, cell phones and photos that we can look through. Life is good! All of these changes make this time for us parents easier. So please keep him in your prayers and thoughts.

I don't make New Years resolutions but I do take time to reflect on the year before and evalutate what I should do differently this year. What improvements I should make, in myself and in my life.

The past few years have been a struggle for me. Emotionally and physically. I will turn 49 this year. As 50 looms near I realize that I have not been true to myself - in many areas. I have let my wants and needs be pushed to the way side as I have had to focus so much time and energy into being a wife and mother. In a world where so many women have been taught to put their careers ahead of their family I guess I have lead an "archaic" ideal of family life, where mom stays home, does the cooking and chores and is always available. I'm happy that I have chosen this path, no regrets. But it hasn't been an easy choice during times when women no longer cook or have chosen traditional roles in a marriage. 

Now I'm not saying I'm unique, I know there are many women who make the choice to leave careers and be SAHM. It's just, at times, makes me feel different. That's all.

So now....as I'm reaching a different point in my life...with my first born leaving home. My baby only having 2 years left in high school and I'm almost 50 that I have to stop and think about changes.

And yes, going through that "change" in a woman's life I have to try to take the time to find what I want to do the next 10-20-30 years of my life.

So. I plan on drawing more, watercoloring, painting, yes crocheting and knitting.

And I want to color again. I do want to get back into card making. But in a different way. 

For me, not for anyone else. But for what I want, what will make me happy.

I want to be creative. 

I want to be an artist, again.

Thank you for sticking with me.

Thank you for letting me share my passions with you.

Thank you for the journey.

December Thoughts

I've been busily decorating the house for Christmas once we got back from our trip up north. I enjoy this time of the year but this year is a bit more stressful. My son leaves soon for boot camp,  the beginning of January. So this month is happy and sad at the same time.

To help me handle some of the stress I'm feeling I've been busy crocheting and knitting. Yes, I'm still working at it. It's very rewarding.

This little bird is a Lion Brand® Wool-Ease® Amigurumi Love Birds Pattern Number: 80015AD I used cotton yarn instead of wool. He turned out a bit larger than I expected. Hence, why one should check gauge! LOL.

This fun scarf is in the new issue of Crochet world - New-Season Scarf designed by Carrie Carpenter for Caron International. It is really easy to make and so soft. I used a Acrylic/rayon blend that I found at JoAnns by Sensations. I have a special friend in mind that I want to give this to.

I found this beautiful Wool blended yarn at JoAnns that was just enough to make this Cowl.  LionBrand® Vanna'sColors Easy-Over Cowl Pattern Number: L10382 I have another friend in mind that may like this cowl.

This adorable little dress is from a pattern  from Linda Permanns book Little Crochet called Swing Set Cardigan. It can be easily lengthened or shortened to fit the size one needs. I used Caron Simple Soft yarn.

I know that I've not been sharing any cards or coloring on my blog. It's been a real challenge for me this year to be in that frame of mind. I think we all get burnt out every once in a while and I just needed a break.  

I needed to step back from things and re-evaluate why I do the things that I do.

Are we doing them for ourselves or for other people? Is what we are doing making us happy or does it add more pressure to our already busy lives? It's important to put things in the right perspective from time to time.

As Christmas looms closer and this year comes to it's end I can honestly say that I'm glad that I committed to sticking to what I needed to do. Something that was more conducive to my well being. 

Next year, well I haven't made any decisions yet about what direction I want to go. I needed the break this year, maybe next year I'll feel a bit different and take baby steps back into the crazy world of paper crafting!