Hi everyone...
I am still here ...although I do have some news to share with you that I am not quite sure on how to say.
If you have been a follower of my blog for a while now, you would know that I started this blog back in August of 2010 at which point I considered my self VERY VERY new to scrapping. I started this blog as a way to enter a competition and things just kind of blew out of proportion since then...
I landed my very first Design Team position in late 2010, and that was at Pretty Paper Petals and for the last 7 months, I went from 1 Design Team position to having about 9 positions simultaneously. For a long time I enjoyed the ride. It was truly amazing....but for a while now I have NOT enjoyed scrapping to deadlines, printing out the 'month's work' and creating in what felt like a factory production line. It kind of went from wanting to scrap each moment of the day to feeling anxious and sick at the thought of touching one more paper.
To add to that, you all know that I started Once Upon A...Sketch in April and that takes a lot of work to run it the way I want to run it. I always say that I NEVER do half hearted things...and maybe I am a perfectionist ..I dont know, but I just don't do things half way. So I put a LOT of effort in everything I do.
So, you all know just how busy my blog is. All you need to do is look at the past month and you will see just how many blog entries I have made. And again, because I committ 100% to all I do, each entry would take me a while to complete...
Added to this, the amount of Guest Designer spots I accepted and obligations here, there and everywhere were really taking up a lot of my time.
I mean ...A LOT of my time. If you dont know this, I work 2 days a week as a primary school teacher, which is no walk in the park let me tell you...and also each Wednesday I manage our family business administration side of things. Plus...I have 2 little children who I love immensely and want to spend more time with.
It has come to a point where my husband would say that all the scrapping and online stuff is like a second job! And yes..it is!
All this has been playing on my mind for a while....what to do ..oh what to do?
Most people wouldn't do what I did. Most people would stick it out and see what happens. But..that's not me and I am not most people.
In order to survive this and keep breathing I had to do the only thing that felt right..and that is quit from ABSOLUTELY each and every one of my Design Team positions! Yep...look on my side bar...NO Design Team positions. All I have left is Once Upon A..Sketch!
Ahhhh....I can breathe again. I can actually breathe! You have no idea what a LIBERATING feeling it is not to HAVE to scrap because you..well..HAVE TO!
I am SOOOO grateful for all the opportunities I have had so far! All the people that trusted me with their product or their challenge blog or whatever it was. THANK YOU to everyone. But I simply could not do it any more. I just... couldn't do it. I had to stop now because I just could NOT bring my self to create anything at all.
Above all THANK YOU to all of you...424 followers later leaves me to conclude that some of you liked my work. But what overwhelms me with gratefulness is the constant comments I have received from all of you. Encouraging me...urging me...treating me with unbelievable words and love.
But my friends..I am taking a break for a while. I do not know for how long..I will not say forever. Just for a while. I hope to be back soon to share with you some really happy and exciting news for a future adventure but until then you will not see me on any Design Teams and I apologise to the wonderful people whose blogs i will not visit and posts I will not leave comments on.
I need this so that I can be back one day soon. I hope you do understand.
My last word of advice? You know all those Design Teams you are dying to be on, just like I was a few months ago? Well I hope you are accepted on them and you go on to be on multiple teams but ...like the saying goes "be careful of what you wish for"...because I guarantee you , you will find your self in the same position I am at right now....overwhelmed!
Wishing you all the very best...see you again soon!
Love always, Nadia.
Nadia....I don't blame you. Spend time with your babies (even though they are not babies--but always babies in our eyes) and take a breath of air. =) You deserve it my dear! <3 We understand!
ReplyDeleteGood luck Nadia with everything... I hope you find your peace and can create again for YOU! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
ReplyDeleteGood luck Nadia. I totally understand I was on too many DTs last year but I did ride them out. I have cut way back this year and you are right, it is more fun creating now as most of the time I am creating because I want to.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you found a way to restore calmness to your life ... being stressed out sucks! I'll miss seeing your amazing work and inspiration all over the place, but I totally understand how it could be overwhelming for you ...
ReplyDeleteI have often wondered how you ever kept up with all those design teams! When scrapping is no longer fun and becomes a chore, it is right to step back and do what is best for you! Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteYou did the right thing!Have some rest and we are here for you!Family come first...!
ReplyDeleteI'll be waiting for you to come back when you are ready!
Big hug,
Alex :)
oh yes when scrapping is not more fun it is time for a break...good luck in the future, I look forward to seeing your work and have fun with your family :)
ReplyDeleteThe best thing you could do was listen to your heart and you did. I hope to see you back soon but until then enjoy your family and day to day life.
ReplyDeleteIt will definately be sad to not see you around nadia- your work is AMAZING and you have deserved EVERY oppportunity you have recieved to be on a DT- I want to say tho, I understand (not from personal experience) but I do understand how it would end up feelign like this- I have seen it ALOT lately, alot of amazingly talented people who have gotten on a HUGE amount of DT's are doing the same thing- for the same reason- and from a parents point of view- I know how much time I want to spend with my children to the time I do is a HUGE gap. I think a break will do you good- to replenish your soul, to give you a break, to make you scrap for teh reason you started to scrap- wether it be to document your life, to have a legacy for your children. I think we all get caught up in the whole excitment of DT;s and recognition for what we create- for me Ive been tryign to get published for a LOONG time to no avail and I got very sad and disheartned, but when I took a break, scrapped for the sake of scrapping I realized it didnt matter if I was published or not- what matters is that I enjoy what I do.... I wanted to say for Once Upon a sketch- its is BY FAR the BEST challenge blog , the DT are amazing- and you know WHy I say this? Becasue when I do Once Upon a Skecth and upload it, the next few days my blog is alive with beautiful comments from you, your DT, and for me, and many scrappers that is a highlight- it doesn matter that we dont win- it matters that we took the time to do your challenge and YOu and your DT took the time to comment and that makes us all feel a little bit happy and proud of what we created. So many challenge blogs dont comment, the same people win all the time, the heart and soul is gone from it. SO THANK you beautiful lady for giving each of the people you have touched in some way- be it in a DT, from doing a challenge, from a simple comment on a blog, THANK you for the time and effort you have put in and given each and everyone of us!! It has not gone unnoticed and I for one, a little unknown the blogeshere have apprecited EVERything you have done and this break you deserve and I hope you enjoy iy and one day (soon :D) come back :D all the best!!!
ReplyDeleteOh...All people once in a while need a break Nadia, you have perhaps a creative crisis, dear. Every day I was inspired by your amazing creations and yuor talent... I'll miss seeing your amazing work. I look forward to seeing your (lightly)future projects!
ReplyDeleteGood luck Nadia! Enjoy your gorgeous family! You deserve the break. (((hugs)))
ReplyDeleteI already told you that your blog was amazing, with too many things for me to follow it all, and I totally understand that's it's a huge work that one can't assume for ever. Sometimes the best is the enemy of the good ! I just hope you'll say hello from times to times and show us new LOs ! hugs !
ReplyDeleteGood luck with everything, Nadia! I know what you mean - when you are enthusiastic and want something so badly, once you have it, it can be a little difficult juggling things! But now you've got a bit of breathing space to enjoy being creative again! Take care. Speak soon
ReplyDeleteKaren x
Hugs!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm not surprised at all - not if I look to your sidebar and see all the places you have been designing for.
ReplyDeleteHopefully you have found your way to "survive" - by doing what you just did. And hopefully you will find your glow and pleasure when you create all the beautiful things you do! Life isn't about how many teams - but who you create for - yourself/your joy!
Lots of hugs all the way from Norway :)
Good luck Nadia, your amazing talent has been inspiring to so many, but I'm sure you family will benefit the most from having you all to themselves for a while!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean. Luv ya still! :D
ReplyDeletegood for you sweets!! I think any designer can relate to you 100% I almost did the exact same thing as you and quit all my teams, but knew deep down I'd crave scrapping so stayed on with only a few. It is my down time at the end of the day and actually destresses me. Yes, what an enormous difference to scrap because you WANT to. Now I can actually wait SEVERAL days in between scrapping and not freak out! I will continue to adore your work and look forward to your future creations (which I know we will see!)
ReplyDeleteI will miss your wonderful work but 100% understand. This is supposed to be a fun hobby, not a second job. I too have slowly been cutting back and completely "get it". Enjoy the break and your family. Design for yourself, not for others.
ReplyDeleteYou made the right decision Nadia. Thisis very courageous and I would be a bad friend if I blamed you. I won't ! I will follow your work on Once upon a sketch. It is a great challenge blog and the DT you have is great !
ReplyDeleteTons of hugs !
Καλή ξεκούραση και εύχομαι να είσαι σύντομα κοντά μας για να μας καταπλήξεις και πάλι με τις δημιουργίες σου!!!
ReplyDeleteGoodjob, proud of you, hugs from Potsdam NY! Will stalk you on Once Upon A Sketch happily!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting that long post Kristal above, that completely echos my thoughts!
ReplyDeletei really wish you a good luck to the things you want to do... it is hard to create when you have deadlines and just HAVE to make something new....and you don't have an inspiration... then the result is not what you wanted it to be....
ReplyDeletehope you have a great time with your children and hope to see you soon at my little blog house!!!!!
xxxxx
take care!!
I completely understand! I too went through a purge stage, and I completely get it and respect it. Best of luck with everything!!
ReplyDeleteOh sweet Nadia, I can totally understand your feelings. Lately I've started wondering too how you managed to do it all: serving on so many design teams, raising two children, working at school etc. etc. I've seen you growing in your scrapbooking and at the same time your list of DTs became bigger too. Being on a DT is an amazing opportunity and a great honour, but when you notice you don't enjoy scrapping anymore and can hardly breathe because of all DT commitments, you know this road isn't the right one anymore. I'm glad you decided to choose for yourself, your children, your husband and that you decided to follow your heart. I'll, just like all these other blog followers of yours:), miss your work a lot, but most of all I'm really happy and proud of you that you listened to your heart. Sometimes you just need to take a little break to get back on track later. I'm sure I'll see your amazingly beautiful creations on your blog again. It's just time to take some rest, to relax and to spend time with your family and with yourself. And at the moment you start missing creating and you feel like you want that creative outlet again, you know it's the right time to get back to it again. No matter if that takes a few weeks, a few months or maybe a few years. Just listen to yourself, follow your heart and try to find yourself back. Big, big hugs! And just like all other girls, I also want to say THANK YOU! Thank you for supporting all of us, thank you for providing us with the most amazing OUAS challenges and sketches, thank you for leaving me such sweet comments on my blog, thank you for inspiring me and thank you for giving all of us the opportunity to get a peek of the wonderful personality that you have. You ROCK:)
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean! I've held off on some of that for those same reasons you said. I do hope that you recover quickly :) because I enjoy seeing your creations. I'll keep up to date on your Once Upon a Sketch blog. I respect you more for staying true to your style and not sacrificing your details for more spots. Thank you for the inspiration!! hugs!!
ReplyDeleteDo you know what? I can totally relate to what you're talking about, because I've been in the same place as you! Well, I'm definetely a brilliant scrapper like you, but for a couple of years ago I had tons of DT obligations PLUS I decided to start a challenge blog.
ReplyDeleteSuddenly I got almost physical sick of looking at or touching papers, I just closed the door to my scrapbooking room, quitted my DT's (also the challenge blog...) and left that door closed for six months.
I spent the time on enjoying my family, I found out I was pregnant, read books, had a great time... Then one day, I wanted to clean my scrap room. I sold out and gave away most of my stuff, and then all of I sudden I felt the urge to scrap :)
Now I'm on DT's I've carefully chosen, and do some guest DT assignments but just to the point where it's fun.
You are great to share this story, you're brave!
Haha, that was supposed to be I'm definetely NOT a brilliant scrapper as you :D
ReplyDeleteBig hugs to you my dear friend! I think the trick is to pace yourself & that is something one learns with time. I have had a few stages of my life where I have actually gone into depression from being SO OVERWHELMED that the switch tripped inside of me & I was incapable of doing ANYTHING!! The last time was 13 years ago & since then I have learnt to recognise the signs & how to work really, really hard (because, like you, I am a perfectionist) but at the same time how to sacrifice some dreams in place of others because YOU CANNOT HAVE IT ALL - that is a modern day myth. My husband cooks most nights (oooh...confession!) he enjoys it & it gives me an extra hour in my studio. The other side of the coin is that if you want the recognition you do have to sacrifice some personal time - so what is the answer? It is to take on what you can cope with, at the pace you are happy with...For me that is not over 6 DTs at a time so when one term is up (or nearly up) I am on the look out for something else that will interest me & help me grow. We all feel overwhelmed with life at certain stages - if we are truly LIVING life to the full (as you & I both do) then we are bound to feel exhausted at times. I take some time off here & there and there is no shame in it (remember my confession when I told you SOME DAYS I DON'T WANT TO SCRAPBOOK!) but for some reason, in this particular industry, one is made to feel ashamed that one doesn't want to scrapbook 24/7. It's ridiculous...look at all other artists, sure, they go on tour & go all out then they recuperate. You have had a flat out year & now you are having some time away. Enjoy it!! When you come back to your second job (which it definitely IS as we work AS HARD IF NOT HARDER) than many people in other careers, you will be back with a renewed vision & understanding of your limitations & the wisdom will make you aware of the pitfalls so that YOU WILL NOT burn out next time because you will take on less & you will trade some things for others. There is no perfection in this life - the best lesson you can learn here is to give up on being perfect in all areas of your life & DO WHAT MATTERS MOST - xxx
ReplyDeleteNadia, I wondered how you were keeping up. Good on you for making that huge decision to give yourself back so much time and not worry about scrapping to suit others needs. Can't wait to see your future creations made for 'you'. Take care xo
ReplyDeleteHey Nadia! You Started your blog in August 2010... ME too!!!
ReplyDeleteGoodluck with everything!! You & your Creations will be sadly missed.....
*HUGS*
Good luck Nadia. I'm sure you have made a wise decision.........after all you're imagination and creativity will always be with you but your family may not. xx
ReplyDeleteHi Nadia!! Good 4 U to stand back & assess wot u really want. Scrapbooking is supposed to b fun not full of pressure so well done for taking back control! I LUV ur work, u r an amazing scrapper which is y u landed so many positions. U r an extremely kind hearted person, u always took the time to leave some luv for everyone. I think u have taught a lot of us y this is so important to do!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with all ur future endeavours. I hope u find that wonderful balance of happiness & fulfillment us Women all seem to b striving for!!
(hugs) Nadia, I KNOW how difficult this decision was for you, but rest assured, you have made the right one for YOU. I hope the break does wonders for you ... we will all be here when you get back :-). Thinking of you heaps, take good care, enjoy your family xxxxx
ReplyDelete:-)
Gosh Nadia...I don't know how you kept up with yourself for as long as you have. I understand the overwhelming feeling of HAVING to scrap/produce work....but I have only been on 1 design team & 1 creative team for the past 6 months (and other creative teams for about 2 years before my current ones)...and I too am not feeling that I am enjoying it like I once thought I would. Things in my life have also changed to help contribute to my overwhelming feelings. I completely agree with everything you have said....especially the bit about being careful what you wish for :-) Good luck with the future, whatever it holds for you...and we all look forward to seeing your gorgeous work again, sometime in the future. I think you have made the best decision for YOU...Enjoy being able to breathe!.....
ReplyDeleteWhen I say to my husband "I have to get this done", he'll turn around and say to me "Why, it's just a hobby isn't it?".
ReplyDeleteOver the last few months I have seen so many people talking about putting their scrapping tools away, that they are finished with their scrapping journey. I have wondered whether (for some of) these people they have just had so much happening that they pushed out the love of scrapbooking.
I am glad that you have decided to step back a little before you stopped enjoying it at all. Enjoy the break :).
what can I say... That is the most beautifully written! :)
ReplyDeleteAs someone said in there comments, there seems to alot of pressure in this craft, as to why, I dont know. There shouldn't be. Its a HOBBY and something WE WANT TO DO, not something we HAVE TO DO. Us as mothers, always put extra un-neccessary pressure on ourselves, as to why we that.. who knows..
anyhoo.. enjoy MAKING memories and CREATE them LATER :))
x
TOTALLY get it Nadia! :) I have resisted the urge to accept more positions for that reason too.. it all just gets too much and it takes the enjoyment out of what should be a fun and cathartic pastime. Enjoy your 'break', whatever it turns into and i hope you return with a renewed sense of stress free creating... jx
ReplyDeleteOh Nadia I know that would have been a terribly hard decision for you but I know without a doubt you have made the right decision. Sometimes a break is the best thing that can happen for us...enjoy it, take as long as you need, we will always be here for you :)) I know I am going to miss your scrappy creations dearly and miss your gorgeous smiling face around but I am sure you will come back all refreshed and ready to go again! Take care and all the best honey...enjoy your little girls while you can :))))xx
ReplyDeleteNadia, I often wondered how you did it? I can totally understand you decision. I will miss seeing your works of art....take card, best wishes for the future:))
ReplyDeleteSad that you've had to go through this but kinda wondered when it would happen, so hard to commit to so much with the lovely little ones we have in our life, isn't it? Hope you stick to scrapping because YOU want to...you are so talented and your babies will enjoy their albums in the coming years. xx
ReplyDeleteNadia, I always wondered how you managed to do so much on your blog and design teams along with work and raise a family. I thought you were a superwoman - and still do. You are very brave but I'm so glad you made the right decision for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to miss your creations but I know that you'll be back someday, scrapping because you want to not because you have to.
Take care and enjoy that precious time with your family. Sending big hugs to you
Nadia...that's a huge decision you've made. You deserve this break my friend. Family comes first especially when you have two adorable girls. I'm going to miss your creation and I wish you all the best and take care.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Shamma
Dear Nadia, I think we can all relate to this dilemma. We want to do it all .. we think .. but then it just becomes this horrible obligation that can truly make us ill if we let it. You've made a great deicision. And after a bit of rest, we'll still be here .. waiting to see your gorgeous work! Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteDear Nadia, I think we can all relate to this dilemma. We want to do it all .. we think .. but then it just becomes this horrible obligation that can truly make us ill if we let it. You've made a great deicision. And after a bit of rest, we'll still be here .. waiting to see your gorgeous work! Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteNadia I enjoyed reading your post and my eyes filled with tears.
ReplyDeleteBut I could understand you, because the responsibilities are too great, the worst of it is really the delivery of work.
This kills any one !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I want here to tell a little about my life before and after since I met you.
The first time I went to your blog I just was blown away by your work and I realized how you could turn your pages into real masterpieces, and just being simple.
And that simplicity has made I admire you..and every day I went to your blog and I loved even more!!!
Until one day I took courage and I left a comment.
And when you came to my blog and thanked me I just died of excitement!!! Yes I almost die..and I call all my friends to see my post and see you in there!!!!
It was like a goddess scrapper had come to me .. a mere mortal!
It really was how I felt.
But then over time, we end up friends I saw you was more than a talented artist, you were real person, so sweet and a extraordinary person and I was enchanted by this friend so dear!!!
And today I thank God for having known you and we became friends and what else .....
I admire about you is that even though I speak and write english with many mistakes, my english is poor !!!!!....you always understood me.
Nadia thank you for being my friend and for having inspired me last month to be a better person!!
kisses and huges with love
Cynthia
Hi Nadia.. thank you for your honest blog post..i really wish you all the best..take all the time you need to do all the things you want.. you have too much scrappiness inside of you to be away for too long..thank you for all the encouragement you have left me on my blog. it has meant a lot.. you have lifted me up so much.. so i will look for your new blog posts because they will come again.. you just need to be you.. just you.... until next time.. take care of yourself and your family.. and enjoy each day.. and breathe.. love lizzy
ReplyDeleteNadia.. I always wondered how you managed to keep up with all those DT commitments and when you went back to pt work, I thought OMG how does she do it!! I can totally understand your decision to take a step back and spend some quality time with your family, and on a smaller scale can relate to how you feel. I am going to cut down my DT work when my terms finish at the end of the year and spend some time scrapping just for me. I will really miss seeing your gorgeous and inspiring creations. Take care and enjoy the precious time with your beautiful family. Sending your big squeezy hugs :)))
ReplyDeleteNadia, you did the right thing =). I´m not a follower of your blog, but I come in here now and then and really love your work. Take your time off and take care of you and your family.
ReplyDeleteHugs Maja/eyovine
You are one smart puppy and I wish you all the success in what ever you do! You have your priorities in the right place!
ReplyDeleteWell you know I am one of your biggest fans and I totally understand. You know you have become a great friend and I will support you all the way and I take your advice and I would certainly do the same thing when it got too much.
ReplyDeleteTake care and stay in touch....xx
I completely understand...!! Best of luck with everything ...take care... hugs...xoxo
ReplyDeletebest of luck, enjoy your time with your family, they are you deserve, relax and come back when you are ready!
ReplyDeletei totally applaude you Nadia.. congrats on taking such a HUGE step... well done.. and i hope that we still see you around because your work is absolutely amazing.. thank you for all your inspiration and love... MWAH... lots of love an sugar.. lj
ReplyDeleteNadia, so sorry to hear that you have had a tough time...I take my hat off to you for keeping up with all your DT's for the time you did. Remember, scrapping is meant to be for you, to preserve your memories - not to meet a deadline! Enjoy the break, your teaching and family time....I hope to still see your creations on your blog - just for fun layouts! (they're the best type) Hugs xx
ReplyDeleteDear Nadia What can I say that haven't been said already! You are blessed with a loving family, 2 precious children, a job, so life is precious, get on with it, live it to the fullest, enjoy your kids and as you can see we will patiently wait for when you are ready. Many blessing o you journey know that you are loved and will be missed!
ReplyDeleteGood for you!! you're right most people would probably try and tough it out. But you know what's best for yourself and your family. Enjoy your break from it all and i hope you find joy in your craft again soon. xx
ReplyDeleteOh Nadia, I wondered how you managed to cope with as much as you were doing, it was a pretty amazing feat so I hope you are proud of all you achieved but can now enjoy a bit of down time, relaxing and spending time with your family. I am sure everyone will be looking forward to you getting your mojo back in the future and scrapping again but when you come back just go a bit slower and only do what is going to make you happy and keep you enjoying your hobby. That is why I don't apply for other design teams because even though I am seriously tempted sometimes, I know how hectic and stressfull the rest of my life can be and know I won't cope with more so I just have to talk myself out of attempting it :) So enjoy your time away with a bit less stress in your life and I hope that one day you get the scrapping bug back as it is a wonderful hobby to have and you definitely have a gift for it! {{{Hugs}}}
ReplyDeleteNadia totally understand your decision, and totally understand your need to step down ... it's impossible to keep up with so many things and some people can't see the amount of responsibility and personal time needed to be on DTs, heck even keeping up with ONE blog is too much some time .... Scrapbooking should be about YOU, and YOURS!!!
ReplyDeleteSo enjoy yourself, your girls, your hubby ... make your memories, then, create for YOU and them ....
Breathe!! Enjoy!! Live!!! Find your balance, and everything will be fine!
Thank you for sharing all of your incredible work over the past months - it is extrememly beautiful. I pray your rest time is completely refreshing.
ReplyDeleteOh Nadia, I will so hate to see you go. You have been so supportive and inspirational to me, one of the most of anyone I've ever "known" in this industry! But, I understand, and I know why you feel this way, you gave your ALL to each and every thing that you did, every project, and every detail. It shows in your work and in your caring and support of everyone around you. You are truly one of the sweetest and most caring individuals that I know. I wish you only the best, and you are right, your family comes first. I applaud and admire you for your decision, although I will miss you tremendously. Please stay in touch on FB or somewhere! Hugs and best wishes for all you do.
ReplyDeleteNadia...as women I think we always have to trust our gut and do what is best for us and our family....good for you!!!!!
ReplyDeleteNadia your work is brilliant. I have enjoyed reading and looking at all your creations. I believe you have made the right decision. I just started Blogging this year, and I find that it takes up a lot of my spare time, time which I could be doing my scrapping and creating. Scrapping or doing any art form, has to be pleasurable and fun. Please continue with your blog "Once upon a time" , I enjoy reading it. I wish you all the best.
ReplyDeleteFamily time + Scrapping + Work = HAPPY TIME :)
Hi Nadia. Firstly, you have done an amazing job on all the DT's that you've served on, you've done an amazing job of your blog and Once Upon A Sketch is growing and blossoming...so well done on the huge amount of success that you have achieved over the past few months! You are super talented and you totally deserve it. This all being said, there is no shame in taking a breather...in fact sometimes it's really wise to be able to know your limits, and then take a step back and re-evaluate...we can't make progress until we get off the wheel that we are running on in order to gain a new perspective on what we want, what our priorities are and what direction to take...then when we are ready, we can head in the direction that is right for us, with renewed energy, purpose and enthusiasm. Do what is right for you and your family and never mind the rest. Thank you for being an inspiration...take care.
ReplyDeleteNadia...I take my hat off to you....your state of mind comes first,and bravo for doing what is best for you...granted we will miss your wonderful work and your fantastic comments...but I am sure you will be around....And as I was saying last night it is great to scrap when you feel like it and not because you have to do so....I wish you luck,to deal with things that life pans out for you.....
ReplyDeleteHugs Nadia :)
ReplyDeleteYou've done the right thing. You know you have my support xxx
Gosh, you have had to make a brave decision. I know how time consuming scrapping can be. We have had this discussion before and you know where I stand on it. It's so easy to become overloaded in this industry. I hope you can rekindle some of your love of scrapping now that the pressure of expectations and deadlines has been removed. xx
ReplyDeleteAll the best Nadia, I have soo enjoyed being inspired by your creations... and I'm sure everything will work out just fine for you :)
ReplyDeleteYup! Sometimes the best thing to do is take a break. You, and only you know what you need! When you are ready to come back, you will, but for now enjoy that lovin family you have and scrap only when you have the desire in your heart!
ReplyDeleteBIG hugs,
Sandi :)
Oh Nadia - I TOTALLY know where you are coming from - I've been there and wish I'd taken the stand you did - instead of churning out things I just wasn't happy with while I pulled myself together! Wishing you ALL the very best...
ReplyDeletexXx
Hi darling sweet girl! Being so much older than you are, I have with my years of, call it aquired wisdom, quietly followed your bushfire energy from the sideline waiting for you to come to a halt long enough to realize exactly what you have done now. Helen and Kristal are lovingly sharing their thoughts on exactly the same experience, as have so many before you. My heart is filled with glowing happiness for you Nadia, because I know this is what your true heart wants and have yearned for. What you and your DT do over at OUAS is causing so many waves of happiness around the globe, THIS is exactly what scrapping should be about! Kristal puts it beautifully: "it doesn matter that we dont win - it matters that we took the time to do your challenge and YOU and your DT took the time to comment and that makes us all feel a little bit happy and proud of what we created." I am proud of you and am now exhaling calmly in the certainty that one beautiful soul has found her true way. Thank you for taking the time to notice my own recent happiness and for wishing me luck, I deeply treasure your words. All the happiness on earth to you! xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteMY GOSH 72 yes 72 comments, if that doesnt tell you how much you are loved adored admired and truly inspirational nothing will, I hope the break is short and sweet and that you will soon be back, even if it is at a slow pace, You are amazing :)
ReplyDeleteOh Nadia, Its been a while since ive been on here and i come back to see this, and my dear i do not blame you, i know where you are coming from with all the comitment thing!!! you just take your time and when we see you back here well it will be because you want to come back just for you!!!! you take care now and you enjoy your girls, cause i can tell you since i sold my business just 2 weeks ago man o man im just loving my life and that time with my boys again, you know we cooked cakes the other day for the first time in over 12 months!!!! hope you can enjoy stuff like this too on your break. Will MISS YOU.
ReplyDeleteTONI
XOXOXOX
Olá Nádia,conheci você pelo Scrap for Help,amei sua página e agora vendo seu blog nossa! Você faz trabalhos maravilhosos lindos demais!Vou seguir-te para aprender mais beijos.
ReplyDeleteless is more!! that's the point!!! totaly agree with you.
ReplyDeletegreetz from far far away!!!! ;)
Best of luck with everything ...
ReplyDeleteCherubs
I totally understand and glad you take some time to rest and spend more time with the family. Family comes first Nadia...take care and take it easy! We would love to see you again and for sure I am gonna miss you!
ReplyDeleteUnderstand competely Nadia. I too have had to step down from a few of my DT responsibilities because its does start to get all too much - you're So right when you say 'carfeul what you wish for' Looking forward to that good news of yours! Ha hah, wonder what it could be? Hmm, think I might have an idea.... all the best! Enjoy your break.
ReplyDeleteI miss you already Nadia! I hope you are doing okay, come back and chat with us all soon xxx
ReplyDeleteThats kind of sad that you have to take a brake and 'quit' all you used to do. But hope is all for better and you'll come back all refreshed and full of new ideas! Take care ;)
ReplyDeleteHey lovely lady I hope you're taking some peaceful time for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteHugs hun,
Jx
Hi my lovely friend.I just arrived today from our family trip to Dominican Republic and Mimai,it was great!!!!
ReplyDeleteI totally i¡understand you And I think we talked about this while ago!!! Take your time and scrap just everything you want!
Hugs!
Luzma
Just breathe and enjoy your family and friends, sweet Nadia!
ReplyDeleteOh Nadia!!, I'm back and I just read this now!! I truly believe in doing what is right for you and not letting everything take over your life. family and health are most important!!
ReplyDeleteΑγαπημένη μου Nadia καλησπέρα από την όμορφη και καταγάλανη Χαλκιδική! Ξέρεις πόσο πολύ αγαπήσαμε εσένα και τις δημιουργίες σου από την πρώτη κιόλας μέρα! Πόσο πολύ ήρθαμε κοντά σου και πόσο πολύ θαυμάσαμε αυτή την ανοδική πορεία σου στον χώρο του scrapbooking! Μπορώ να πω ότι ήδη μου λείπεις εσύ και οι δημιουργίες σου, όμως σαν μανούλα κι εγώ σε καταλαβαίνω απόλυτα. Πόσο δύσκολο είναι να κρατήσεις την ισορροπία, από την μια να κάνεις το κέφι σου κι αυτό που σε ευχαριστεί, από την άλλη να έχεις χρόνο για τα παιδάκια σου, τον σύζυγο, την δουλειά σου, τις κοινωνικές υποχρεώσεις σου! Πάρε λοιπόν τον χρόνο σου, εμείς θα είμαστε εδώ να σε περιμένουμε και να σε σκεπτόμαστε! Να περνάς καλά και να μην νιώθεις άσχημα γι αυτήν σου την απόφαση. Νομίζω ότι όλοι δείχνουν κατανόηση κι αγάπη! Μια μεγάλη αγκαλίτσα από όλες εμάς κι ένα μεγάλο ευχαριστώ για τις πανέμορφες συνθέσεις σου, για την έμπνευση που μας έδινες και την επιθυμία να κάνουμε κάτι καλύτερο και πιο όμορφο! Φιλάκια και να προσέχεις τον εαυτό σου!!!
ReplyDeleteHi darling Nadia, we know very well how busy you were :) I was surprised to read this post (obviously I read the first few lines of the next post first) that you actually have 'resigned' from being a DT... because I just did exactly the same last month! Check my sidebar too and read my post in July ;) I hope you will be able to manage things at your side, do whatever make you happy... just continue scrapping when you feel like doing it and when you have the time to do it. Crafting is completely addictive I know but I guess we have come to the point where we almost cannot handle 24hours calmly. Take this time to relax, and we all will keep waiting for you to come back. We know you will come back :) I wish you all the best and take good care ya!! Enjoy your ample time with your loved ones - that's exactly what I am doing. I'll see you!! =){HUGS}
ReplyDeleteWith lots of love,
Sabrina
Nadia, I haven't ever had SO much going but completely know how you feel. After a while of having so many commitments you feel like you are drowning and it's hard to keep afloat. I wish you the very best and hope that someday you'll come back and wow us again.
ReplyDelete