So here I am.
But seriously, this is so cool, it feels like I'm expecting special guests and I need to make my home pretty to welcome them!
Welcome!
It's been a while since I posted anything on my blog. The truth is, I just can't do it and being able to admit that in itself is a relief and shows that I'm a big girl now!
My mother came to be with me when I was going to have my baby. She took care of me, nursed me and helped me heal. She gave me all the support I needed to become a mother. I don't know how I could have done this without her. I felt that because I had become a mother, I had to give everything else up, but my mother gave me a lot of courage and confidence, she made me believe that I could do anything! And I DID believe that I could do anything! And so, I took the Flying Lessons, had great ideas for my business and also, went back to school full time. My mother has gone back home now, and although I'm still confident, between being a mother, a wife and full time school, I'm a zombie! My son is 7 months old, but he's the size of a one year+ old. I'm exhausted! I can barely stay awake!
I ask myself, why I'm putting myself through all this.....? And then I remember! It's all because of him!
I took the flying lessons because even though I thought I couldn't have children, I always knew in my heart that I would wanted to be a stay at home mom, just as my mother was for me. She was a housewife. But so much has changed. Even though being a mother is my number one role and priority, I know there's so much more in me that has to be brought forth.
Technology is allowing us to have opportunities that our mothers didn't and I owe it to myself, my son, my family and all the women of the world to take full advantage of these opportunities and be the best I can be! We're all in this together!
On the subject of going back to school, even though I used to own a dressmaking business (amongst other things), I never had any formal training, and I didn't know how to sew! (even though I had to sew!) I've always been afraid of sewing! And so, upon arriving here in the USA, and wanting to further my career and my education, I decided to take on an MFA in Fashion Merchandising. I was playing it safe! I was getting easy A's! After the birth of my son, I knew I had to stop playing it safe, stop thinking that I wasn't good enough to be a full fledged Fashion Designer, and so I ditched a year's worth of credits and switched over to the MFA in Fashion Design.
It's hard hard work! I have to stay up all night when my husband can take of our baby, and I have to sew and draw! I'm not getting A's like I used to, but I KNOW I'm doing the right thing!
I'm going to school online, so again, thanks to technology, we CAN have it all, just in smaller doses!
This is one of the reasons why I connected with Kelly Rae so much. By living her life, and sharing, she made me believe that it would be possible to be a full time mom and still run a thriving business, and that's why I took the Flying Lessons.
It's been great, but for now, I just can't do it. I can't fly.
And it's ok. It's not like I've given up, I just have to gently push my business plans aside for now, and still dream and take the tiny steps that I can.
So, for my Facebook family, this is why I haven't been very active in our group. I'm so grateful for those of you who are keeping the dream alive and keeping the community strong, knowing that some of us can fly in and fly out, knowing that the rest of you are soaring! The conversations, the information, the sisterhood has been the BEST part of Flying Lessons! It's been wonderful. The very few times that I'm able to come to the group are when I'm nursing my baby, or when he's asleep in my arms, and the most I can do is to 'like' something, or just type a few words. But just being able to fly by from time to time is encouraging, it makes me believe that it's all possible.
So THANK YOU!
In the spirit of the blog hop, this is what I'm doing to keep my wings strong! I really wanted to create something special, but it just wasn't possible.
I created this 'package' as a way to honor and express all the things I love! Fashion, Decor and Art. It's a set of one painting and two pillows. It's something I plan to develop further and these will be the first items in my Etsy shop.....I hope.
I've also created a little make believe 'boutique', at the top of my staircase at home, with my paintings and pillows, my flowers and other creations, so any time I climb up, this is the sight waiting for me, reminding me that there's work to be done.
So, soon, my friends, soon.
Thank you so much for stopping by!
P.S. For my other friends outside of the flying family, please take a few moments to visit these lovely ladies at their blogs!
Amaranthine Violet: http://magic-gypsy.blogspot.com/
Amy Hillenbrand: http://amyhillenbrand.blogspot.com
Beatriz Peñas B.: http://beatrizbepe.blogspot.com/
Beth Cougler Blom: http://sobliss.wordpress.com/
Carmen Patti: http://carmenpattistudio.com/wordpress/
Carol Bray: http://theredpaintedcottage.blogspot.com
Christina Fajardo: http://christinafajardo.blogspot.com/
Cindy Jones Lantier: http://www.lantier.org
Connie Rawlins : http://www.dabblinginlife.blogspot.com/
Dana Brock: http://www.dzynbydana.blogspot.com
Deborah Velásquez : http://deborahvelasquez.blogspot.com
Elissa Brown: http://thefreckledarmy.blogspot.com
Hillary Courson: http://www.hillarycourson.com
Jacquie Williamson: http://www.jacquiewilliamson.blogspot.com/
Jane Paynting: http://inkspiredwings.wordpress.com
Janet Forrest: http://tatterednworn.wordpress.com/
Jennifer DeVille: http://jenniferdeville.com/blog/
Jill Lambert : http://www.jill-lambert.blogspot.com/
Julie Hamilton: http://spaark.wordpress.com
Kanchan Mahon: http://Kanchan-Mahon.blogspot.com/
Karen Claverie: http://giddyupletsride.blogspot.com
Kari DeSaulnier: http://karidesi.blogspot.com/
Kathleen Conard : http://newfromoldcreations.blogspot.com/
Kathleen McKinnon: http://harmonyschoolhouse.com/expressions-blog.html
Kathy May: http://kathymaydesigns.org
Kelley Miller: http://www.kelleymillerartworks.blogspot.com/
Kelly Corso: http://birdinatreecreations.blogspot.com/
Kelly Hoernig: http://www.kellyhoernig.blogspot.com/
Kim Hyer: http://www.apaperaddict.com/
Kris Lanae Binsfeld: http://cherishdesigns.wordpress.com
Lenore Angela: http://www.lenoreangela.blogspot.com/
Linda Barutha: http://lindabaruthadesigns.blogspot.com
Lisa Michele Products:
http://www.lisamicheleproducts.blogspot.com/
Liza Zeni Baker: http://lizazeni.wordpress.com/
Lynn Richards: http://alittlebluesky.blogspot.com
Lori Leissner: http://leissnerart.blogspot.com
Lori Moon: http://lorimoonstudio.blogspot.com
Mary Cottingham: http://www.barnbugstudio.blogspot.com/
Mary Sterk: http://justmarydesigns.wordpress.com
Megan Schmitt: http://www.schmittenwithwords.blogspot.com/
Melanie Douthit: www.douthitgallery.blogspot.com
Michelle Dwyer: http://www.magnetisedbylife.com/
Michelle Reynolds: http://shellsinthebush.blogspot.com/
Rachél Payne (Rae): http://collectingyourself.wordpress.com/
Rain Hannah: http://honeyandollie.com/
Rhiannon Connelly: http://www.starrybluesky.wordpress.com
Ruth-Mary Smith: http://patchworkfamilieshub.blogspot.com
Sherry Richert Belul:
http://simplycelebrate.net/cherry-blossom-soup
Stacey Chadwick
Brown: http://staceybrownarts.blogspot.com/
Susan M. Walls-Beverly:
http://www.susanscharmingtrinkets.blogspot.com
Teresa Cash-Czech: http://www.asmilemaker.com/
Tina Carlborg: http://www.tinachicky.blogspot.com/
Tonya Love: http://passport2creativity.com/
Ursula Smith: http://www.EasyScraps.com/blog
Zulma Cadena: http://edustory.wordpress.com/
Mary Cottingham http://www.barnbugstudio.blogspot.com
Shirley Ann - I was so blessed by your post - so honest and heartfelt.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you have come to realize that it is o.k. to take this season of your life and do the best you can (which sounds to me like you are being awfully hard on yourself - I couldn't do what you are doing with being a new mom and going to school) and not worry about comparing yourself to anyone else. Your creations are beautiful and at just the right time you will soar - you are already flying high!
Congratulations on being a mom - nothing better in the whole world - enjoy this time as it will be gone before you know it. My son is now 23 and I will NEVER regret for one moment anything I set aside to spend time with him.
Shirley Ann,
ReplyDeleteYou have such a gift and your story touched me so much! I love that you are not taking the easy path and you are pushing yourself and challenging yourself. You are where you are supposed to be. I strongly believe that every step on the path prepares you for the next step... You will fly and soar... I would encourage you to take a few moments every week to blog, even one blog post a week, a few minutes here an there... Keep your dream alive... and build a following so that when you get to the point when you are ready, you will be ready to launch with style! I love your committment to better yourself! We love having you in the group whenever you can like or comment! All my best! :-) Kris
What do you mean you aren't flying? You are flying, you are flying high! I feel so blessed that I was able to have children and my mother came to stay with me when I had them to teach me. What a blessing. So many young women don't have that. I count my blessings that I learned to be a good mother from her. That is an art! I consider them to be my greatest works of art! You are creating! Give yourself credit. All creation comes from MOTHERS! Be joyful in this day.Be gentle with yourself. You are loved!
ReplyDeleteYou are sooooooo flying! Can't you feel the wind under your wings? It may be just short flights right now, but that's okay. We are all right where we need to be at this moment. We're all close by, waiting to remind you how wonderful you are, just in case you forget. Enjoy that baby. He'll be full grown before you know it.
ReplyDeleteShirley Ann,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your post. I'm so glad that you made the time to write it and that you shared so much of your flight with us.
Congratulations on being a Mom!!!!
You are flying, my friend, we each have our own flight path. Remember, that you are taking all the right steps for you at this time. We're always here if you need us - even if just for a giggle now and then.
In the meantime, enjoy your journey - your flight. You have beautiful wings and a dream that I know you can reach at your speed. Bravo!
I so enjoyed reading your post and so glad that you chose to participate. Each of us is in their own stage of life and we can only start from there. Having a baby is exausting so be kind to yourself and join in where you can- guilt free!
ReplyDeleteShirley.......enjoy your baby and remember that your creativity will ALWAYS be there for you when you are ready!
ReplyDeleteGirl, please give yourself some credit. It is not that you are not making progress. You are making huge progress toward multiple destinations. You are raising a beautiful, healthy boy. You are getting your education. It's just that, through Flying Lessons, you'll land so much farther ahead of others who didn't even know where they were going (like me) when I was at the time of life that you are now. Be proud of that, Shirley Ann. You are doing great things. And I am SO glad that you decided to post. Your honesty was so moving.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Lori
Shirley Ann, Thank you for being so honest in your blog today. You're right, sometimes you have to do what you HAVE to do. Believe me, I've been there, too. Three young boys, working and going to school, Oh my! My boys are in their 30's now and I have three grandkids, one who is the same age as yours, 7 months old. Time goes so fast. So take a deep breath and breathe, and do what you must. Don't have regrets, and spend time with that little one of yours. You'll know when the time is right for you to fly again.
ReplyDeleteShirley, you are so flying!! Your words are captivating, your art is beautiful, you are learning, you are mothering, you are living the high life!! A lot of us can only flit through the FB group, but that is fine, since the rest of the flyers are so welcoming, that when we do get the chance to stop in it still feels like home. Keep on flying!!
ReplyDeleteFearless woman! Flying isn't about owning a business or showing up to your art. It is about being authentic and living a creative life. I can't think of much more of an artful living than being a mom. What a blessing to read your blog! Thank you for your honesty. Oh, and when you get to do your art and your business, it will be lovely. The little painting is precious....almost as precious as your boutique. Rae
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful blog! It's so nice to get to know you better. You are definitely a "flyer". Taking on so much, so many changes in such a small amount of time. Just keep flying, growing and dreaming!
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you stayed in the blog hop. You are talented and a busy lady with your family. Just know us Flying Girls are here when you need us.
ReplyDeleteFrom one SAHM to another... your child is the most important creation you will ever put your time and energy into. I took several years away from my creative and work life to raise my two girls. now that they are young women, I can finally put energy into my business dreams. Your priorities are absolutely in the right place and I am sure you'll find your way down the path to a place where your other creative dreams will take off as well. Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteAlthough those days are long behind me, I remember how difficult it is to have little ones. How difficult it is to be everything -- so easy to lose ourselves. I applaud you for keeping your dreams alive and steadily working towards your goals. And when you have a minute, know that your fly tribe is there!
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks for sharing your story with us. I was kind of like you. I put my name down for the hop and then wanted to pull it out because I didn't know if I could get something done in time. Having this as a goal though was good and having such kind comments made it worth it. Thank you for the comment you left on my blog; I really appreciate it. Your strength and determination in very inspiring. Good luck on ALL your endeavors.
ReplyDeleteThank you all do much for your kind words and your encouragement! I need to reply each one of you, one by one, but for now, this is a quick THANK YOU! I feel so blessed!
ReplyDeleteShirley Ann, I have created a lot of things in my life....a lot. But the best thing I will have ever done is be a mom. I created a home where she felt safe and loved, and where she knew that possibilities were endless, and you are too. The environment you are creating is the best form of flying, because it has eternal significance. When you invest into the life a child, there is no better thing. So you are surely Flying. What a great example you are of following your dreams. We will always be there for you when you need us....please know that. xo
ReplyDeletetiny steps are still steps in the right direction, give yourself credit for that, we are here for you when you need us, just push the button and the tribe will fly to meet you wherever you are!
ReplyDeleteShirley what a wonderful post sounds like you are doing a great balancing act. Fly High~ Jane x
ReplyDeleteWhether this is the right time for you or not, I am thankful for your spirit and thankful for your support of our group... You could've easily signed up to hop and not thought about it again, but the simple fact that made the effort to participate means a lot to me personal. I respect that. Thanks and good luck in all you do. We will always being flying around when you get ready!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Shirley Ann, what a wonderful post, thankyou for taking the time to make it. Your words & honesty is so inspiring. You are doing a fantastic job. Being a toddler mum, i can relate to what you are going through, only take on as much as you can, our children are the most important, the fly tribe is here 24/7 if needed & i believe everything happens in the time that it is meant to. Take care Shirley Ann xxx
ReplyDeleteI love the images in your site.You have made it a home! Thank you for your beautiful post. I cant believe I am still hopping around, but every site has drawn me in and it is so nice to connect. This group has been filled with so much support and enthusiam of which I am very grateful for. I have added everyones links to my desktop so I can connect more! Thank you! Julie
ReplyDeleteShirley,
ReplyDeleteHow fun that I have found you. You designed and made my wedding gown 10 yrs ago . It was the most beautiful thing I had ever worn. You took care of my wedding decor as well.. So classy . Yet what blew me away then, was u allowed me to hang around your work space for a whole week when I asked, cos I wanted to pick a few tricks of your trade. Never forgot about you, and several yrs later, I have drawn on that inspiration to unleash my creative self. What I learnt from you then was I did not have to be perfect to start something I loved! I have been reading your blog and boy, do I respect you so much more now. I am in Indiana now, can identify with a lot of what you share...finding yourself in another man's country, taking leaps of faith, leaving your comforts and your family behind...you continue to inspire me!!. I have a proposition for you...let's get together sometime in the future and write a book...BTW I registered for the take flight lessons online. Maybe we can link up @ aposei1@yahoo.com. My blog ...adorableyouapo1@blogspot.com. Continue to be yourself , your life is happening right now, make it amazing!!!!
สูตรสล็อต แนะนำสูตร สล็อต ออนไลน์ ที่จะทำให้คุณชนะเกมสล็อตง่าย ๆ แบบที่คุณไม่เคยได้สัมผัสมากก่อน ถ้ารู้สูตรแล้ว การชนะเกมสล็อตออนลไน์ก็ทำได้ง่าย ๆ รวยกันถ้วนหน้าเลย
ReplyDelete