Blogging and why I've been absent for a while.

Well it certainly has been a funny old year. I think all our lives have changed during 2020 and there have been some real ups and down in my world.  I always try and focus on the positives so here are the positives

• I have a lovely home, supportive family and a cute little dog
• My Stampin' Up! passion and being an Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator has given me purpose and focus.
• My YouTube channel has connected me with subscribers who are all friends across the world who support and encourage me constantly with their lovely comments.
• I earn a few pennies with lovely customers who buy Stampin' Up! products through my online store https://amethystarcrafting.stampinup.net/   link
• I craft almost every day, thinking of new ideas for each stamp set that I have to show and inspire others.
• I am constantly evolving and learning new things in my crafting journey which keeps my mind active.

So here are the negatives that I have been faced with in the past few months

• After being furloughed in May from my job of 10 years working with the elderly in a local day centre, we are now all being made redundant and are half way through the series of three consultations. A very sad time for all concerned and I will miss it dreadfully.
• I am half way through a skin cancer scare having had a small lump removed from my arm, I have to go back and have more removed as they didn't get it all first time. This is obviously an uncertain time, but thankfully once successfully removed will be the end of it.

We all face challenges in our lives and the things that we thought were certainties like our jobs and health can suddenly be turned upside down and we have to realise that although at the time it can seem overwhelming there are always positives to focus on.

So at times like this some areas have to take a back seat as juggling too many balls at the same time means you always have to drop one or two and my blog has taken a back seat.

My intention is to get back to blogging, chatting to you all, sharing some of my crafting creations, inspire you and motivate everyone I come into contact with.

Keeping our mental health healthy is as important as keeping our bodies healthy and crafting is a great way to improve our mental health.

So here is a card that I recently enjoyed making

and the sentiment is my daily mantra at the moment, that however tough things may appear "You can do this"

See you all soon, stay safe and well and be kind.

Love and Hugs

Jane xx