{me}

if you're reading this.....than I guess that means you still come visit me. I must apologize. I haven't had anything to talk about. I haven't been sewing. I'm sorta at a crossroads right now. Not that anything is pulling me away from my dolls......I just sorta feel that my time is up. I don't know how else to explain it. I've been going over this in my head for months now. Actually in January I had decided to close up shop, and after hitting the "delete" button on my website, the tech at Homestead talked me out of it. So she restored it all for me. And I am glad she did. January (as always) and February were really good months for me. But I'm struggling. It's all my fault. I think I'm in a rut. I made the same things over and over....and it's like my creativity has been stolen from me. I don't know where it went. Can I tell you how hard this is for me? It's all that I know. I've done this for 12 years now. I haven't worked other than sub temp jobs since I had Christopher. It's like losing your job after all these years. I'm sorta lost. I don't know which way to turn. I'm struggling with it. And I feel bad because if you're reading this, it means you visit me, and I've had nothing to offer...and I know what it is like to visit blogs that never update. BORING! Whats the point, right? So I'm sorry!

My mom was here for a month. It was wonderful.

 

We didn't do much. but just spending time with her is enough for me. We drank lots of Starbucks. We ate lots of Starbucks ice cream. And now I'm going on a major diet! I did get her hooked on Big Brother. tee hee! And of course watching The Bachelorette together. But I am completely bored with that. We did a little shopping. We had 3 birthday parties. I already miss her so much. She left this morning. It's wierd...because I feel like she is still here. Now I'm lonely. I asked her to stay longer. But she has doctor appointments at home. She needs to check up on her Lymphoma. She feels a lump. And that scares me! She's upset because her hair just started growing back after the chemo.

My baby is growing up so fast! I wish I could stop time. He starts 8th grade in just over a week. And he's shaving now!

 
and he's soooo girl crazy! omg.... I am so not ready for this!!!!! Look how tall he is next to my mom!

I finally got a good pic of Yummy Boyfriends kids, him and I and Christopher.

 
yes...i always wear black shirts! LOL

alrighty.....I still don't know what to do with my dolls...but I do have some stuffed and ready to coffee stain, so I'll be back in a few days sharing them with you.

Thanks to those of you who keep checking back to my boring non-updated blog!  
  
 

Comments

[Candace]

Not boring at all, we all have ups downs and crossroads.

[Fitzy]

Good job. One update. Just do one more thing today. Don't push yourself, it's supposed to be FUN not laborious.

I'm the blogger that doesn't update. I could care less, hahaha! It's just not where I'm at these days, and it's OK!

When you're in this "place" don't do rash things. Just plod along and know we'll be here when you can make it.

[Sandy]

Yep - I still read your blog! :)

[Sandra Myers]

HI Nicole, its OK to have time off/out because sometimes "Life" just keeps us busy! I often feel l am trying too hard to make new designs/dolls,so l just let go and usually inspiration comes! I have 5 sons and my youngest (16) is also shaving !!! Sandra:-))

[Deb Trotti]

Hang in there Nicole. I have been going through the same thing and all of my other crafty girls have too. Just follow your heart and I know the answer will come. I would miss your blog though if you stopped posting. Just saying. :)

[deede]

Hey, Nicole-
I was beginning to worry about yall! Glad to know you're OK. Like the others said, you'll be OK; you just have to find your place. No matter where that is, you're still you and you'll be OK.
You have love in your life and family so hold tight to that and an answer will come!

[Alex Duenkel]

Don't give up on your doll and business! We would miss you! We all go through this... and then one day we wake up and get busy again. I have been reading The Handmade Market Place by Kari Chapin because I feel like my crafts have no direction and are all over the place. In the book she talks about an "Inspiration Wire" somewhere in your studio, craftroom or even over your kitchen sink window (if you have one). When you are looking for inspiration it can come from anywhere... and on the wire (or scrapbook) you can clip drawings, photos, magazine cutouts, anything you like... inspiration will come to you and you will have a new "thing" that we all have to have.
BTW, I love your family photo... Everyone looks so happy!

[Florine Kreeb]

You are going through what most of us do, at one time or another. Suddenly, everything seems just..........blah! But, believe me, a door or window will open and you will be going gangbusters again. You are living a life that many people would kill for! You have love and kindness and creativity in your life. What's better? Hang in there!!

[sharon]

Hang in there Nicole. Your dolls are awesome. I have a house full to prove it. lol They make me smile. I'd be sad if you gave up making them and so would alot of other people.
Your lucky you had all that time with your mom. You two seem to get along so great. Alot of us don't have that. So right there you have that to be happy about.
I wish her the best of luck at her appointment. That is a scary thing for sure. We'll all be saying prayers for her.
Hugs
Sharon

[Jenn Bontrager]

Nicole, It was so good to get an update from you. Been really missing your posts. I hope you don't give up making your dolls or your blog. You were the first blog I ever discovered. I saw your ad in Home Companion and checked it out. I was hooked!! :) Just hang in there!

[Kim]

I have followed you for quite some time. I love your little dolls. I have changed my blog name and look. I am sure you will get past the slump, trust me we have all been there. Take care.
PS--Oh one day you referred a mini scrapbook album i had to have even though i didnt even scrapbook I have since started papercrafting and now it will come in handy.

[Eileen Gamache]

Hi Nicole~
We can realy relate to this struggle~I think Carol gave you good advice, though~keep doing what you are doing while you figure it out~ Your dolls are the best!
♥E

[Sonja]

Nicole- don't go saying you have nothing to offer. Shush! I have often wondered how you do it, making dolls all these years. I get so bored I can barely finish one thing. I admire you for it. If you feel it is time to move on- consider the decision carefully. Do what your heart says you need to- just don't stop blogging cuz then I'd have to hunt ya down! Seriously, I totally relate am wandering around lost. Maybe we'll run into each other. :)

[Carol in E TN]

You are in a place that we all have been. Just keep on doing what you have been doing until you get clear direction to do something else. Your dolls are adorable. I don't have one, but I want one someday!!!