This is what procrastination looks like at my house today...

I should really be working on some writing assignments. But honestly, I just can't get myself to do it. The deadline for two of them is a whole week away. I'm just not feeling the pressure. I need that pressure.

So instead I've been playing with paper and glue and flowers. Making cards today, and having so much fun! Playing with all those different colors, arranging shapes, experimenting with designs - it's so kindergarten. So fun.

It makes me happy.

Movin' on up!

It's official! In 25 days, Phil and I will be moving for the fourth time in less than two years. That's right. FOURTH time. It's a wonder we even bother to unpack anymore.

Of the four moves, this one looks to be the least stressful (thank God!). Our new abode is just two miles away, and we can stretch it over a week. Though if I know me - and I think I do - once I start on Monday morning I'm not going to want to stop until the job is done! I have this thing with leaving projects unfinished... can't sleep until I see the end.

Anyway, it's still not a house, but we will have LOTS more space to live, an ATTACHED GARAGE and windows on more than one wall! Plus, the biggest selling point of all: we have permission to paint the walls! In fact, the landlord will even do it for us. Unheard of!!

So, lots of space, a cozy fireplace, a community pool and hot tub.... all you family members and friends: start your road-trip plans! We'll be ready for you!

In other news, I'm having a blast coming up with designs for my brother's wedding invitations! In fact, the whole idea of this little project has been sparking some fun brainstorms between Phil and me. More to come on that in the future. :)

Until then, sunshine and smiles to you all!

Thanks, Mr. United Parcel Service guy

Last week I made my second-ever online purchase (I'm a little behind, I know...), and today I got some FUN mail!! These flashy little things are going to make my whole spring!! Don't you want to party just looking at them?

I don't know if I'm more excited about getting a package delivered to my door or the fact that I now own a pair of shoes that isn't black, white or brown. I sense a whole new world of fashion opportunities opening to me.

It is a great day.

Ready to burst

Wow. There is nothing like stress to put a damper on creativity! For the past week I have been struggling with several freelance writing assignments that I got. It's been at least six months since I've had to work on a deadline, and I forgot what that feels like!

Don't get me wrong. I love a good challenge. Quite frankly, I do my best work under tremendous pressure. But the old procrastination beast in me reared her ugly head, so to speak, and I got way stressed.

Meantime, I have had a healthy list of projects and creative goals for myself sitting in the back of my head (and on a very prominent 'to-do' list on my desk), tempting me like that bag of chocolate chips in the cupboard.

I can feel it brewing, this creativity storm, waiting to pour into my life after I send of my final drafts tomorrow. For now, I must force myself to put up an umbrella and power through to the end of my assignment. Just a few more AP-styled paragraphs and the storm of '06 can safely arrive!

What is your story?

First of all, I must apologize for being so terrible at posting lately. I got some freelance work, so my writing energies have been focused on that. I promise I will be better about keeping up, though. Let's call it an "almost New Year resolution." :)

About my freelance assignments: I am writing two stories for a college newsletter for NDSU. I must say, I had forgotten how much I like interviewing people and weaving their words into a complete article.

Hearing other people share their stories with me, and then presenting those stories for the world to read, is energizing. Maybe that is part of why I love scrapbooking... Really, it's all about sharing stories. Sharing experiences and memories. Sharing life. That, I believe is what brings us all a little closer to one another.

So what is your story? I challenge you today to share a piece of your story with someone you love. You'll see. It will make your world and theirs a little brighter.