Last Minute Christmas and a Blogging Break

Hi Everyone,

I've been somewhat MIA this last week before Christmas.

I had plans to share with you

 a few of my last minute projects and decorating

but this week got away from me a little.

I haven't yet shared the Kitchen China Cabinet

 with the Putz Houses and Ornaments...

...and I had to paint a leaf for the little oak table, last minute.

I couldn't find it while I was painting the table in the first place,

but of course, I found it a week later.

...and I wanted to share the white tool tote on the vintage quilt piece runner.

It's a star pattern but looks like snowflakes to me.

And I haven't introduced you to the new members of the family.

So you get it all in one, last minute post.

I'm going to take a blogging break. I don't know exactly what that will be like since I haven't taken more than a few days away. But I know that it's time, and I need to focus on my health, exercise, cooking, and sorting through some boxes and things that I didn't have time to do before. In general, I need to allow myself a priority adjustment.

I've known for a while that this is the best thing for me. Sometimes I overdo it and then it works against me. I hate talking about my heart issues, but they are a fact of my life, (as I was reminded of this week) and I need to do what I can to take care of myself. Dragging boxes out, changing things up constantly to keep things new and fresh, and feeling the pressure to "keep up" need to be minimized. My wise husband sometimes says "You're your own worst enemy" (but in a loving, caring, and truthful way.) We've all said how much blogging has changed. It's a competitive sport now, and I chose to not go there over a year ago. Now there's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and whatever else is "de jour" this week. Unless you have a Brand and are actively selling product, it's all a little too much for me. I'm not into trying to "sell" myself. I've turned down multiple photographers and magazine inquiries, because I simply couldn't get it all ready for them. I don't have anything to prove to myself or anyone else. In sharing with some of you, I know there are more of us out here who feel the same way.

I'm not saying these things because I'm bitter or jealous or anything like that. I just know my health comes first and so I have to lighten my "everyday" load, mentally and physically. I'm sharing my thoughts with you because I don't want to just "drop off the face of the Earth" and have you guys wonder what happened. I hate drama and don't want you all to think I've "bitten the (proverbial) dust".

As you might guess, this will be hard for me. I love taking photos, sharing my ideas and love for vintage things, and most of all the friendships and interaction that we all have. Like I said, I don't know what this "break" will be like, but I owe it to myself to gear down a bit more, and listen to that still small voice, that's been getting louder and louder. I've thought I might do a spiritual journal online at some point, but that's just a thought at this moment. 

So, my dear friends, have a lovely Christmas, and a wonderful New Year. I don't know what the New Year will hold, but I want to be there to see it.

much love...