What Routine?

I'll admit that I have no routine in my life right now. My day to day living is without structure. I lost routine after Eric died. I didn't give it much thought right away, but over the last few weeks, it's become increasingly apparent to me that not having a routine is wearing me down. Not having a routine has made it challenging for me to identify what I truly enjoy in this new, unfamiliar life. So recently, I gave myself permission to take my life in a different direction. I'm trying on old habits and collecting new ones. What do I want to bring back into my life from my past? What haven't I tried in the past that might be good for me right now? It's all a part of establishing a new pattern in the hope of finding some stability and predictability. It's been a long time since I've had either and I'm at a point where I feel it's time to find both. Change is in progress...

One of the things from my past that I haven't done in a while is scrapbook solely for myself. I'm realizing I need to find balance between scrapbooking and designing. Both play a huge role in my life and the challenge is often trying to figure out how to do both without having to sacrifice one or the other. I recently decided to leave Studio Calico's Design Team. It was a really difficult decision for me. Being a part of a design team isn't just supplies and creativity. There are relationships involved and investments made. In the end, the experience realized is amazing. One you never forget. So many great friends and shared stories. I know many from "The Studio" come to visit my blog. That's why it's so hard to share the news here today. It's a decision that I'm hoping will allow me to find time for personal scrapbooking. It's what I seem to need the most right now..plus, it's an old habit and it's one that brings me great satisfaction. I'm looking forward to seeing how it fits in with my new life.

I did mention "new habits" in the first paragraph of this post. I'm looking at new "roles" within the scrapbook industry. They're a little bit different than what I've done in the past. I'll be able to share more on this topic later on.

A quick last note, I'm guest designing for "All Moments Remembered" in May. The kit arrived at my front door last week and it's lovely. They included a lot of paper from one of my favorite pattern paper manufacturers. I'll be working on layouts using their kit over the next few days. I'll also be joining them for an online chat the evening of NSD. Feel free to join us.

Note: The blog will continue with the changes. I'll still be posting new ideas and scrapbook projects here along with the usual day to day stuff. The only real difference you'll see is more personal work from me. :) 

Comments

[Jackie]

I went back and read your blog from the beginning.It was amazing everything you shared.I wasn't aware of the whole story.I think it was courageous for you to share your story here in your blog and to share some of eric and ethan with your readers.I am sorry to hear of you leaving Studio Calico.I loved seeing your work there.I understand that you are trying to find your new place in a new situation.I just would like you to know that whatever you do I wish you happiness and success and I hope you will continue to share.sometimes it's ok to "Just Be" and just let life lead for a while.I have no doubt that your journey will lead you to a place of success.I wish you happiness and peace in your struggle to redefine your life.Hugs to you and to ethan.

[tracy-lihanne]

i for one will be sorry to see you leave studio calico, your work is just outstanding, and always gets me checking your gallery :)
im always reading your blog, so at least i know your not quitting the scrapbooking scene all together!.
best wishes to you and ethan.
xx

[Laura Carter]

Christine - while I'm sad to see you leave SC, I applaud your decision to figure out what is best for you right now and follow your heart. As you so well know, this is our one and only life and it is so important to embrace each day and live without regrets. Best wishes and warm hugs. Laura

[Irene]

Gosh, it's so sad to know that you are leaving Studio Calico. Your works are so inspiring!

[Barb N.]

Said this at SC and will say it again. . .
I'm sure this wasn't an easy decision for you to make, Christine. Good luck in your future endeavors (can't wait to hear what they are).

[Mia]

I am as well sad to see you leave SC, You where the one whom got my eyes open for them, but i as well do understand that you may need a lot of changes and a lot of time to figure out who and what you want in your life right now, and i am very curious over what it is you cant tell just yet... wishing you the best

[Tina]

Good luck in all your future plans - I will be watching for you to pop up in other places. Looking forward to seeing more of your work.

[heather]

I know you have had to make many decisions lately and some may seem very scary and strange, but the bottom line is you have to make choices that make you happy. It would be easy doing the same familiar things but if it isn't right for the new you or your new direction, you can't live your best life. I hope you can always live your best life and find the happiness you truly deserve.

[diana (moonlightgrrl)]

Christine, it is sad to see you leaving Studio Calico, but I understand your decision and hope that it gives you the time you need for yourself. You are amazing! And I have always loved everything you create, so while this news is disappointing in one aspect, I look forward to seeing all the new and revisited things it leaves open for you to do. Thank you for sharing with us for so long and I hope that you continue to do so through your blog!

[emily pitts]

you're leaving the dt, but you're not leaving sc right? you'll still be around occasionally, right? please? may God continue to be with you.

[Erin Bassett]

Sorry to hear your leaving SC...but I completely understand why & I wish you the best with all that you are doing creatively & raising your son. {{{{hugs}}}}

[judi]

you will be missed as a design team member, but will continue to inspire whether with your layouts, or with the courage you show every day...you will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Judi

[Aleida Franklin]

I understand, but I am stunned and have some little selfish feelings going on. I am a big fan of you and your work. I will miss seeing your work as a DT in the gallery at SC but hopefully will continue to see more of your work. I'll miss your presence there. But I will always be here Christine and cheering you on.

A.

[Donna.]

WOW! I just read because I love to see your work and enjoy your pictures. I was shocked to read that you are reorganizing your life. I know it was a tough decision to leave your DT spot, but I know that you made the right decision for you.

I'll still read here. Please don't stop blogging and sharing. I can't wait to see more of what you do.

Good Luck with your future endeavors. (Can't wait for you to talk more about it.)

<3

[Erin M]

Sad to see you leaving Studio Calico, but happy that you will be spending more time doing projects that are important to YOU!!!
Looking forward to the continued inspiration on your blog as well!

[Tiffany]

Oh Christine, while I am sad to see you leave Studio Calico...I am completely excited for your new endeavors and your quest to make time for yourself and to scrapbook for yourself. I have to say that I have admired your strength and I love staring at your pages. May God bless you and I can't wait to read up on everything going on in your life!

[Katy]

Lots of luck with your new choices. I read your blog regularly and love your work and will continue to come here to read your story and gain inspiration from your work. It looks like you are moving forward ... good for you. :)

[lindsay]

wow. i'm shocked. but proud that you're making the decision to do what is best for you. your work is what sent me over the edge into joining a kit club. you have such an amazing talent and i look forward to watching you grow on this new journey you are on.

[Jen M.]

Sorry to hear you are leaving the Studio Calico team but I am happy to hear that I will still be able to see your work here, it always inspires me to see your creations!

[Lisa King]

As long as you're still creating, and sharing those creations here, it's all good!

[Sharie]

Wishing you all the best for your future plans - we will miss your DT work at SC, but hope you'll still continue to be at home there!

[jane]

change can be good! My prayer for you is that you don't find your self isolated, as I have found myself. I spend WAY to much time alone, and we are exploring different avenues for me to be out and about more without killing our gas budget since we live in the country.

all that to say, I'm still praying for you as you continue to heal and adjust.

[Lisa Hall]

Christine
I have been following your life for the last 8 months. My heart went out to you when you lost your love. Having never met you funny how words and art and creativeness brings people together,
I still look to see you come through this cloud. I am so proud of you and the gift that you give to you, to say it is ok to find your true self,wow good for you.

I lost my daughter and did the same stripped the old and began a new it was the best thing that i could have done, you be the butterfly now. You have your family to love you and your son to make proud. This is just one minute at a time with life as you know, YOU try your wings and FLY. I will miss seeing your work @ SC but will still watch you grow from HERE. keep your chin up and look to your heart for guidance your heart will always let you to the right path.
Find happiness in what you do.
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY
BEST WISHES
Lisa HAll ,, 1118 polly

[Rachel]

Leaving SC must have been a tough decision to make, but it's rewarding to know you have followed your heart.

Looking forward to seeing you over at the AMR mb on Saturday!!

[suzanne]

I recently left a DT after two years of being with them. It was such a hard thing to do, but like you, I also just really felt like it was something I needed to do because I wanted to do more scrapbooking for myself. So far I have no regrets at all. I wish you all the best and I'm glad we'll always have your blog for your beautiful layouts and inspiration!