It's been a long time...

Ever have those times when life just seems to get in the way? That's the way my school year has gone this time around.  I was given a new assignment this year. I had Gr. 4/5 all morning for Language Arts, Social Studies, Music and Art, and then across the building for Gr. 1/2 all afternoon for Language Arts, Music and Art. I won't lie.  It was exhausting, but it was also fun getting to teach older kids, and kids I had enjoyed the first... second and now third time around. Yep. 

June was particularly busy. I retired and gave up my full time position. 30 plus years of teaching. It was a long one but a good one. I love being a teacher. The interactions I had and the relationships I built this year particularly reminded me of that. It was hard to go, but it was time. 

Summer has been good, although at first I just took some time. Time to be. Time to rest. Time to sort out myself, really. 

This week, I managed to get to my craft room and sort, organize and put some things away. Have you ever heard about how teachers are one of the few professionals that steal from home to take to work? I certainly did that. A lot came home that was mine. Coloured pens. Markers. Decor and decorations. Books. Books. More books. (Facebook selling has been a thing and the garage sale starts today.)

I spent time on me this week. I watched the on demand replay of Creativity Now. It was June 21. I was busy in my room with my family helping to load boxes and pack up my teacher life. 

Creativity Now is a demonsevwnt that gives us a chance to craft virtually together, and play with some new products. I love the sneak peek and the chance to just play. Peaceful Gardens is beautiful.  The new In Colors, Cloud Cover and Secret Sea, are growing on me as they featured heavily in this set. 

This set is great for holidays, sympathy, or just because. The papers are beautiful,  especially if you are partial to blue like i am. 

I also did some other playing. I am an independent Stampin'Up! demonstrator,  and nearly all of the paper crafting supplies I have are Stampin'Up! Nearly. I found some cool, more spicy and sassy sets over a year ago, and have not gotten much time to use them. I did this time. 

I love the sexy pin-up style of the woman in her lingerie. The sentiment I did some surgery on to remove the word "fun", which i used on the inside. The word "sexy" came from another sentiment, "confidence is...". It also was cut apart and then the two were put together to suit this stamp.  

I put it all together with some colours tailored to a friend. I think it came together nicely. It is fun to work on the sexy side too!

I hope that this is the first of many posts getting back on track and doing more for me. If you have something you would like to see, or a theme idea, drop a comment! Thanks for reading.