Halfway through November (Or, Finding Balance)

I love the challenge of posting every single day in November. I really do! It forces me to actively churn the ideas that often flow quietly below the surface, to dig deeper on some days.  Participating in National Blog Posting Month (NaBloPoMo) — even though I don’t bother signing up on the official list — is something I enjoy.

HOWEVER…

I have a lot less time to read blogs in November. I started the month with a Creativity Retreat, during which I began several quilting projects; these are Christmas gifts that need to be kept secret from the recipients while being completed. I also have other homemade gifts of various sorts that need to be… made. Combine the crafting of homemade gifts (we have a large extended family) with a big family holiday (hello, Thanksgiving!) and college kids coming home TODAY for up to a week, and you have just found the recipe for one overwhelmed blogger.  Happy, busy, fulfilled, but also overwhelmed.

People, I have nearly 200 unread posts in my Google Reader.  I’m trying really hard to not feel guilty about it. I’m trying really hard to convince myself that it is okay to just scan through most of those posts and not click through to comment on them, but that is hard for me; I love the give-and-take of comments.

Reflecting on the IMPORTANT in my life

I’m trying to find balance in all of this.

I do NaBloPoMo because it inspires me and pushes me into creativeness.  Perhaps there is a connection between those creative juices and the making of gifts instead of purchasing most of them.   
Thursday evening I spent 5 hours focused on book club (we are as much a support group as we are a book club. It’s awesome).  Last night my family attended the school play and appreciated H-J’s work in building the sets, along with the enjoyment of spending time with my SIL and seeing a terrific production of “Our Town.”

I got up early today, dropped H-J off at school for a competition, put away the last of the Halloween decoration and pulled out the last of the Thanksgiving decor. I’ve ironed a tablecloth, gotten 2 loads of laundry started, and made pumpkin pies. And right now, I need to pack up my sewing machine and unfinished (and not-yet-started!) projects, and head out for a Creativity Day to work on some of those Christmas gifts. The three college kids will arrive while I am gone so I doubt I’ll get back to the computer tonight.

I do miss my regular visits with my blogging buddies! ♥

___________________________

Please tell me what is keeping you busy these days.