Learn Something New Every Day 18-23

It's hard to believe that we are moving into the last few days of this project. Until you step outside and feel the chill in the air and realise that September really is drawing to a close. But then that means we are a bit closer again to Journal Your Christmas, and that has to be a good thing!

I have six more of my little cards for you today:

On the 18th September I pulled last year's raincoat out of the cupboard and learned that buying a coat you love (even if it costs more than you want to think about) is never a waste if it looks like new the second time around. On the 19th September I got back to basics and learned that checking a recipe, even if you are sure you are right, can be a useful, enlightening thing to do.

My 20th and 21st September days fit together nicely. As I unveiled my new blog look, I learned that the way I see my style and the way it is seen by other people isn't always the same thing. That was interesting. It made me think about the gap between internet perceptions and real life, and how to narrow that divide. The only way to do it, I guess, is to continue to try to write in my own voice and to create in my own way. With no regrets.

On 22nd I learned..no, alright then, I confirmed what I already knew. September has always been my month for "new". It always makes me feel like ringing in the new year and starting over and I love it. On 23rd September I was on the lookout for something I shouldn't forget. How about: not putting lack of energy down to impending old age, but getting your iron levels checked instead. Works for me.

Learn Something New Every Day 12-17

My week:

On 12th September I woke up to learn that trying to set a sleeve into a jumper when you are tired is never going to work. You have to unpick it and start over. I won't do that again in a hurry. On 13th September I thought about how I tend to leave anything new I want to try until the house is quiet and I have time to think. That means my concentrated learning happens during the week and my chance discoveries at weekends.

On 14th September I looked in the mirror and discovered that I really needed to go to the hairdressers. Why don't I ever make my next appointment when I'm there? I keep telling myself that's what I'm going to do and I never follow it through. On 15th September I took a break. Time for a breather; and I learned (again) that a day away with a dear friend is time very well spent.

On 15th September I thought about how a daily reminder was helping me to be more mindful of what I was doing. I'm doing as much observing as learning. Sometimes both. And it's good. On 16th September I allowed myself a liitle smile, because having a small something to look forward to is already one of my specialities. I flick through TV listings to see what is going to happen; the first page I read in any magazine is always "coming next month"; and kit club sneak peeks? Love 'em.

So we are over half way through now and I've just noticed that my cards seem to be getting more autumnal looking as we move through the month. Funny, that. Happy Sunday!

Learn Something New Every Day 6-11

My week:

On 6th September I learned that kids have an unending ability to teach you new things if you'll let them. Life is a lot more fun if you let yourself be the student sometimes. On 7th September I was on the lookout for something new to learn when I realised I already had one in hand. Enjoying the ride is just as important as reaching the destination.

On 8th September I decided to finally accept that grocery shopping is a never ending task. When I was ill many years ago and got better, I relished a trip to the supermarket as a sign of recovery. I need to relearn that feeling instead of complaining. On 9th September I learned to be grateful for the opportunites my kids have that I didn't. A trip to the orthodontist and a parent/student careers convention. I could have done with both of those.

On 10th September I learned again that you don't need to spend every minute of the day on worthy or improving activities. When The Accountant is off on a Friday he always shows me the benefits of a bit of relaxation and lazing around. On 11th September I was determined to learn something I have been putting off. How to really sew up a knitted sweater properly. On the right side. No back stitch. I think I've cracked it.

Postscript: I'm doing the Pass The Book Draw on Tuesday morning, so you still have time to check that out. Sandi has last months book on offer here if you would like to be in on that one too. And, finally, anyone reading in Bloglines, please don't forget to switch to Google Reader before the end of the month!

Learn Something New Every Day 1-5

In the end I couldn't resist. Once I started seeing everyone else's beautiful projects, my idea of simply keeping a diary suddenly didn't seem like enough. I wanted to join in properly. Then I remembered a little box of gift cards and envelopes I've had sitting around for about twenty years. Really, twenty years. You can tell by looking at it:

And so my project started to take shape:

Day One. Mostly MME and Sassafras papers with OA alphas

Today I learned the surprising effects of furniture rearranging. Moving the kitchen table and putting the laptop on "a desk" has made me feel a lot more productive.

Today I learned that putting your feet up and having a rest can be counted as a worthwhile activity if you aren't feeling too good.

Today I learned that it is possible to get in and out of Ikea in an hour. When you don't feel great, but you know exactly what you want. One grey bookcase.

I'll glue the decorative bit to the front of each envelope and slip the journalling cards inside. Then it can all go back into the box - which still needs a bit of work. Obviously.

Postscript: Many, many thanks to Eleanor and RachelB who have both been kind enough to award me The Cherry On The Top Award since I posted about it last. It's much appreciated! Lots of you have asked about my Last Night Party story - it's really a Christmas tale, so we'll see. When the time is right..And finally, look out for September's Pass The Book. Coming on Tuesday.

Help With Hipstamatic..

...Or, Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before.

I'm thinking that by now lots of you will have seen Shimelle's wonderful post on the Hipstamatic iPhone app. To be honest, I wish I'd seen it before I started playing about the other afternoon. I did finally persuade The Small One to download it for me (why can't I crack the app Store? I don't know); but with a quick there you go and a brief (but firm) you owe me £1.19, she was off. I had been hoping for a bit more let me show you. But that's what  you'll get if you check up on what Shimelle has to say. Really good stuff.

And once you've got the idea, you can have a lot of fun with the different effects. This is what I've come up with so far:

Before I go and take some more I'd love to take a minute to thank everyone who has wished me well with my Gotta Craft  news. Thank you. It means a lot.

Shimelle's Crop Party

Hurray! I've managed to fit a bit of scrapbooking into my weekend and I really didn't think that was going to happen. But you know Shimelle..she's kind of persuasive and kind of inspiring; so I wasn't all that surprised when I found myself heading over to her blog to check out the challenges. I've finished two so far:

This one:

for the cupcake challenge. It gave me the perfect opportunity to use a lovely felt cupcake I received in a swap last year on UKScrappers. It came complete with cupcake recipes (isn't that a neat idea?) so I added the original (crumpled because it's been used) to my page. And of course it's 6x12 so it can go in my "Celebrate Life" album.

This one:

is for the bunting challenge. You can see there is an empty space where the journalling should be and I will finish it. I just need to decide how I'm going to pull together the threads: it started as a page about The Small One's yellow coat, which made me think of sailing, which made me think of the phrase "stars to steer by", which made me think about guiding lights and school and friends and, well, all sorts of things, really. But you can see where I'm headed with it, I hope, and I'll let you know when I get there.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!