Andrea said ... I'm de-lurking to speak up. I've noticed the same thing about 2008, not as much time for crafty things, then again we're a third of the way into the year and it doesn't seem like it should be.


Blue said ... At least you are aware of the change, that, in itself, is a good thing.

Us out here (yes, I am only speaking for myself and generalising about everybody else) just hopes that your lack-of-craftiness-time doesn't mean that you are overly stressed or overly worked. And that if you are, you are able to find a few minutes here and there to get lost in the restorative medicine of occasional crafting.

Take care, Alice. No matter.

I, for one, enjoy your blog no matter the entry topic/content.

xoxo

Blue


mk said ... 2008 hasn't been what I anticipated either. So was 2007...and oh yeah, 2006. I know how much work goes into craft and I don't begrudge your changing priorities one bit; that you have recognized the shift and are addressing it is better than you setting your hair on fire, isn't it? Hope you get some time to put your feet up and relax.


Vivi said ... Don't beat yourself up! I had some pretty lofty plans for this year too, but something has come up that has made me either set them aside or put them off. We can make all the plans we want but we can't predict if life will let us implement them!


Nichol Brinkman said ... Alice,
Don't worry. I'm with Blue, I always enjoy your blog because of your writing. Time will present itself at some point, and in the mean time all you can do is your best. Just because you are super awesome and have a super hero type of name, doesn't mean you are super human. Your blog is great!

-Nichol


Shannon said ... You certainly haven't disappointed me. Don't be too hard on yourself. Sometimes, other things just need priority. In the long run, it will all make sense.


geek+nerd said ... I think that what you've just said is a battle for all craft bloggers. Deliver to the readers, find time to craft for yourself, fill your Etsy shop, if you have one, and oh ya live that little thing called LIFE! I don't find you pretentious and disappointing at all - if I did I wouldn't bother to write this. Feel better - Sarah


AndreaLea said ... I'm also delurking to say that in no way did I find anything you said pretentious.
I look forward to reading you blog and always enjoy your thoughts and pictures. Absolutely not disappointing. :)


Cheryl said ... I do not comment very often at all on your blog, but I read it each new post that you make. I work full time, but aspire to my artwork as well. Don't let it get you down. You are making what little time you have for your artwork, and it will all shakeout in the end. I love your blog!


Curupisa said ... I'm in a similar situation. It's funny that at work everybody said they started this year already tired (here summer goes from december to march). So, well, I can only hope it's for the best. On the other hand, it wouldn't be fair to be disappointed, because you're a generous person and blogger (besides, a post every day does not mean quality content).


anilia said ... You are bringing out the lurkers! I have had a terrible time balancing things this year so far. It doesn't seem possible to work and craft and go to school, and oh yeah, there is my husband too... I don't know how some people do it; blogging, crafting, homemaking, working all the time. I am happy to know I am not the only one that struggles with the balancing act that is being.


Alex said ... Don't be so hard on you, Alice.
You were inspired, brimming with ideas... but of course you're not living in crafty wonderland but do have a real life. Nothing pretentious with your manifesto at all.
Take your time, we're here. And please do tell us about that quality time with your hooks, no matter of which nature it will be.


kat said ... quit your job & dedicate yourself full-time to crafting & blogging! have you no sense of priorities?

hang in there. you didn't know back in january, that now would be so busy. who knows what later will hold?
~peace :-)


ambika said ... I'm sorry to hear you won't have as much time to post or craft as you thought you would but stuff happens and it's certainly not anything to be embarrassed about.

And maybe your load will get lighter before you expect...? Maybe?


Jody said ... Hang in there! I am right there with you this year. I feel like all I do it run around and I never get anything done. Work is crazy - home is crazy and I need my crafting!! Make sure to take some time each day for yourself - even if it's just to sit and hold your crochet hook. You can't totally give up a part of your life that means so you much to you. Try to find 10 minutes a day - and it will help!


Frizz said ... I feel you! I've been so busy with bill paying work there has been no time for any fun stuff - crap...frustrating crap.

Did you know that airplanes are 90% off track during their flights? The pilot's spend all their time correcting and re-correcting it to get to their destination. Think of 2008 that way. It may not be going as you planned so adjust your mission (don't beat yourself up), you may still reach your destination. I borrowed the analogy from a podcast- cool thought, huh?

That's all I got. :)
Hang in there. I check in for you as well as crafty-craft. Keep blogging.


stephanie s said ... i certainly owe you an email... but this shorty will do for now... don't be so hard on yourself. it is after-all only april, so there is a good portion ahead. i, of course, am no one to give advice, since all i am is hard on myself, so you can take it with a grain of salt - or more appropriately a glass of wine.
i have an idea - will have to propose such in my email... how's that for a little intrigue?



Dawn Elizabeth said ... I think 08 is definitely been hard for me too. Unfortunately it happens to many who people when life stuff gets in the way. Just try to keep your ideas written down, so when you have time, you can get it done.


Simone said ... Craft for me is something to be relaxed, careful and not stressed about (as a result people get gifts late) Making things is to be enjoyed. If life, is life then sometimes the little projects get put aside. But when life quietens down, what do I always do? Get busy with my projects! Its sad when the creative parts don't get tapped and expressed, but ultimately they do. Personally I'm looking forward to being retired...

Geeze... i do so get philosophical about these things! Love your blog, but so don't worry when you need to take breaks and simplify things.


Fuji Mama said ... You never dissappoint! Don't be embarassed--I think it's better to aim big, even if things don't turn out the way you would have liked!


Melisa Sriwulandari said ... Keep a positive outlook!


Elizabeth said ... oh, I'm so sorry you haven't had time for crafting! .....you just love it so much and make such cool stuff....I wish for you MORE TIME TO CRAFT!....I'll put in a good word for you with the time fairy. (I haven't made anything in a long time though...)


Elizabeth said ... I haven't blogged in so long that I put my blog address in wrong in my comment below!


Domi said ... Don't you just hate when life gets in the way of crafting?!?!


Mamagenerica said ... Think of it this way: everything you write is a gift to the rest of us, freely and generously given. We are not owed anything! I only recently discovered your blog and I'm delighted and grateful that you make time to share your craft, even if it's not very often. Manifestos are statements of hope and intention, not pretension; so keep hopeful, and we will appreciate everything you offer :-)


esther said ... i think this is something unstop-able and definitely would happen.. the coma (,), the fullstop. the halt. the unplan-break time in crafting because this is not something we do as 'full-time'/job. don't worry much alice, i understand how badly you want to spend more time in crafting because it's the alternative FUN in a crafter life! but i'm sure things will eventually work for you. :)

patience+right time+good mood= fun crafting+happy life! yay




randurini said ... oh dear, i understand this kind of time. i have tons of unfinished-crafts of mine while on my other desk i have to finish loads of reports! agh! be strong, dearest futuregirl... we're with you. (with the sound of gandalf the grey)

btw, i like that quote of yours, esther.
patience+right time+good mood= fun crafting+happy life!




bethany said ... mission statements are a mission. you are still on the mission. you inspire people. you share stuff. you still do this as much as you are able and also eat and wear clothes that are clean and have a relationship. that means you are fulfilling your mission.be proud.when time comes you already know how you want to use it and that is something too.

 
April said ... I think you need an "I will remember that I am an incredibly AWESOME and awe-inspiring individual with my own personal, devoted, drooling fanbase!" And just perhaps, to remember that every frown is also a smile, depending on how you look at it. Just think of it this way. Yeah, it sucks and can be frustrating that you don't feel that you have been able to live up to your goals and manifesto, but instead of being embarrassed and feeling pretentious, use those goals as a delightful snapshot of your energy, creativity, and sense of purpose. Go from "It's horrible I am not doing this" to "wow, isn't it cool that I can look at that and know that I have that kind of wonderfulness inside myself, ready to pour out when I have time?" Okay, enough from me, I know you get the idea. We will all hang in there with you where your life takes you, because hey, aren't we all in the same boat together?