Thursday, February 20, 2014

On my mind...

No, it's not Georgia I've been thinking about—remember that song?—but I've definitely had a lot of things on my mind this week. ☺

First, though: Happy Thursday, all!

As I mentioned, this week has been a busy one for me. It's been filled with doctor's appointments (mine and the kids'), coughs (both of the kids), and preparations for a birthday celebration. My son will be seven tomorrow. I can't believe it! The years really do pass by so quickly. He's requested another Mario cake this year, so I'll be up all night baking and decorating: fun—and tiring—but definitely worth it!

Last night, though, I worked on my latest prompt for my art journaling course. I've been taking some inspiration from an artist I featured in my Sunday Inspiration series a couple of weeks ago, Hong Yi. (Post here.) She creates her art using unusual materials like coffee stains. I've been working on a tea-stained background for one of my art journaling pages, and so far I'm pretty happy with the results. I love trying new techniques. I'm learning so much!

One other thing I've been thinking about this week is whether I should attempt to participate in the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. I signed up, but with everything going on in April (namely our new baby's arrival!), I'm not sure I'll be able to keep up with the posting and commenting. Decisions, decisions!

So how has your week been? Any big plans or celebrations? Are you planning on participating in the A to Z? If so, what are your tips for juggling a busy April and the challenge?

Wishing you all a fantastic Thursday. ☺



31 comments:

  1. If I can get this picture issue resolved I would like to do the A-Z again. It is a big commitment:)

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  2. How exciting! Congratulations on the new baby. I have signed up for the A-Z again. I am wondering about my sanity but figure I have March to prepare. Knowing me my best intentions will go out the window and I will be blogging each day at the last minute! :P ♥

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    1. That's what always seems to happen to me, too!

      Thanks. ☺

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  3. Carefully, have a baby and post daily is going to be difficult!

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    1. So true. I'm not sure that I'll be able to handle it.

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  4. I'm too much of a sissy for the A to Z challenge. Kudos to all who participate.
    April??? Oh my gosh, Dana. It's almost here. Can't wait.

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  5. I can't believe your son is going to be seven already! Wow! Happy Birthday to him. (I decided to do the challenge on my Mama Diaries blog. I'm doing a word related to being a parent. That shouldn't be too tough.)

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  6. What a busy week you've had. Last April we got really busy at work about a week into the A-Z and I had a hard time keeping up so I can't imagine keeping up with a new baby. I'm sure they wouldn't mind you setting out a year on the A-Z. Will miss your posts, but there is always next year. :)

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    1. That's true. I'm so weird, though—I feel like I need to be where the action is! LOL That's why it's so hard for me to decide.

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  7. As much as I love reading your posts, I agree with the above comments, You shouldn't have to worry about visiting and commenting on other peoples blogs when you've got a new baby and all your other personal and family commitments. I was planning on skipping A-Z this year since I'm behind on other things and I'm getting burned out on blogging. I am going on vacation very soon and if I get pictures of 26 letters (that I can write a paragraph about) I may just spend a day writing up the month of posts. You just never know.

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    1. Thanks, Donna. ☺ Have fun on your vacation, and good luck getting your letter pics. I always love reading your posts.

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  8. The A-Z Challenge can be so rewarding, but it's also a gigantic time suck, because there is so much to keep up with! I don't think I'll be participating this year, but I might change my mind when the time comes lol!

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    1. I think I'll probably decide at the last minute, too! :)

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  9. Sadly, no A-Z for me. While it was great fun, I just don't have the time. If I do it, then my book will essentially have to be put on the shelf for a month. I'd really like to get the thing done by the end of the year.
    Ya know, I may just repost (not being an actual player, but have a month of old A-Z posts....?).

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    1. And why not? Your posts are always awesome! :)

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  10. I try to set aside big chunks of time in April for A-Z, especially this year since I'm one of Alex's Minions. :) Just keep in mind that you can still visit blogs and leave comments without actually joining A-Z - most of the people you already follow will probably be participating anyway. That might be easier for you and a lot less pressure. :)

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    1. Good idea! Thanks, Madeline. Have fun being a Minion! I bet it'll be a great time!

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  11. I haven't signed up yet (I have Safari on my phone and that browser causes issues for it) but I plan on joining in. My plan for juggling things? Make it up as I go. Plan my topics ahead. Write because I miss writing.

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    1. I like your tips—especially the one about writing because you miss writing. :)

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  12. Happy early birthday to your son! Please have an extra slice of cake for me :)
    And I will not be participating in the A-Z challenge. Maybe next year :)

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    1. Thanks, Keith! I think he'd tell you he had a great day.

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  13. Happy Birthday to your little man :-) yay ..
    I didn't realize your baby is due so soon.. I cant keep up with time these days. exciting times :) The challenge sounds like fun!

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    1. Thanks, Dawna. ☺

      Yes, the Challenge is so much fun! I hate to miss out.

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  14. Wow, you do have a lot going on! I'm undecided about the A to Z, but I guess I should make up my mind pretty soon. :)

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  15. Does seem like a busy week, Dana. You are such a good mom for making a Mario cake (I would have been at the bakery, LOL). I did sign up for A/Z as you know but I'm keeping it very simple with my theme and I'm not going to stress out if I don't visit a lot of blogs. Of course my April will not be anywhere as busy as yours with a wee little one. You can always try it and drop out if it gets to be too overwhelming.

    betty

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    1. Thanks, Betty. That's sweet of you to say.

      About the A to Z: I'm probably stressing myself out more than I should. I might do exactly what you said and just try it. First, though, I'd better come up with a topic!

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  16. fantastic cake! whoa, looks like so much work! I'm sure your son loved it.
    I signed up for the a-z too...but am rethinking it as well. If I were YOU, don't think i'd commit! You must be getting excited for your baby's arrival. any names picked out? She will be here before you know it!

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    1. Thanks, Mare! It took me quite a while to make, but that's because I like to work while the kids are in bed. I always want their cakes to be a surprise. :)

      Yes, right now I'm leaning toward not participating in the A to Z. I feel sad about that, though. As you know, it can be so much fun!

      We have a first name picked out, and we're working on the middle name now. ☺

      Hope all is well.

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