Lotsa Scraps

I made this card using this week's Card Patterns sketch as inspiration. And, I guess I can say "inspiration" because I've developed a bad habit of glancing at a sketch, turning my back on it, creating, and then turning back to find that I left an integral part of the sketch out. Oh, well. Sketches are pretty much just a starting point anyway, right?

SHOW

The "Thank You" sentiment is from one of my very oldest Stampin' Up sets. I'm thinking it was a hostess reward that I chose after my first party. And, I still like it and the three images that came with it. So — back in the drawer it goes. I'm not doing so well at culling out my old sets, am I? Maybe that means that I just have extraordinarily good taste that hasn't changed over the years. :)

So, since I forgot to add any twine or ribbon or even a strip of paper to create some vertical interest, I may have to try this sketch again. We'll see. If I get a chance, that might mean tomorrow will be a two post day. Wow. Haven't done that for awhile!

AND TELL:  stamp is from Stampin' Up (Thank You Blocks); cardstock is Papertrey Ink (Rustic White) and SU (vellum); patterned paper is a bunch of scraps trimmed into 1" squares; ink is StazOn (Jet Black); rhinestone is from my stash.

Now I feel like there should be a trumpet fanfare playing... or a parade marching by... or cheerleaders shouting a victory chant... or something. Today marks Day 31 of the Flylady Beginner BabySteps. Day 31 of 31 days. I did it. Woohoo and yea, me!

Before I tell you what Day 31 says, let me just report that my house is not perfect. My life is not perfect. But — surprise, suprise — I'm not perfect either. And, this side of heaven, I won't be. So, this isn't about perfection. It's about gaining a measure of control (over myself) and doing a little something each and everyday. It's about establishing enough of a routine, that many things become automatic. I buck a routine with just about every fiber of my being, yet — I know that when I keep to one (with some flexibility, of course!) I am a much happier person... and, hopefully, more fun to be around.

So — as I write this, my sink is full of breakfast and lunch dishes because I didn't get the dishwasher unloaded this morning. A couple of the things that I bought while out running errands are sitting on the counter still. There's a hot spot building on the kitchen island. The dog's bed cover is in the dryer and I haven't done a load of clothes today. Only one bathroom got a swish & swipe this morning. But most of that can be taken care of in short order. And will be. And, I know that it's only going to take me a matter of minutes to do it. And, just as importantly, I know how it all got to be this way — last night I stayed up too late (drat that monthly PTI release party!), didn't complete my before bed routine, and got up too late to finish my morning routine before leaving for work. There truly is something to this routine stuff, you see. And it's been good for me to have my eyes opened to it (again). 

Day 31 — it's really like a pep talk. Or a big hug. A gentle reminder to keep looking at your control journal morning, afternoon, and evening — and another reminder that you don't have to do everything Flylady suggests all at once. The more you do (regularly), the easier it gets and the more you can do. And the more you want to do. As she says, "You don't have to see the top of the staircase to take the first step. Or the 30th. Just keep FLYing (Finally Loving Yourself)." [That was the Janelle paraphrase. :) ]

Hope you've had a wonderful day! Thanks so much for stopping by! 

Comments

[Kay Gasser]

Well maybe everything wasn't done by day 31...but I know you have learned a lot of things that will make your life easier each day....I am proud of you Janelle...love K

[britt]

Every time you add those little flowers for your cards I love them, and I'm always excited to see your next little flower rendition :)

[Amy Duff]

very clean and simple card! I have to agree the little flower in the right lower corner is just too cute! Very sweet card!

[Vicky]

I love your lively, colourful card. That is a great sentiment and I DO think you have extraordinarily good taste! So, your Flylady journey is over and I could almost hear the music swelling and found myself dabbing at my eyes with a tissue... Sigh! What shall we play now?!

[SueB]

First - love your card. Great combo of scraps. Second - so proud of you that you finished!!! As I've said, I could not do it. But, I really appreciate your inspiration that led to my now sparkly clean fridge and my bathroom drawers that are clean and organized, too. It does feel good - and will be nice to return to when we come home from vacation. Thanks, Friend, for sharing so much of yourself.