Holiday break comes to a screeching halt on Monday, January 5th. I’m ready to get back to my routine, but I am sad to see my free-wheeling time come to an end. Ironically, i am reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert right now. It is truly hitting home for me. There is something to be said for embracing the things that bring you joy.
Traveling brings me joy for sure, but Michigan winter, especially this Michigan winter, is not exactly conducive to travel. I don’t even want to leave my house to pick up groceries, let alone travel anywhere further away right now. Unless it was to the Caribbean. I could really find some joy on a warm, sandy beach.
No travel joy, so I’ve been testing out other ways to find my joy. empty nesting has given me time, and dare I say more energy, to try out new activities. This has led to some unexpected joy.
This holiday break we embraced “Forced Family Fun”. Most days were spent in the kitchen, cleaning up the house in preparation for guests, or watching television shows together. Most nights were spent playing Yahtzee, Skip-BO, UNO, or Aggrevation. I think it’s fair to say that Chuck and I are competitive people and have created competitive monsters. Forced Family Fun brought me joy.
The girls and I also spent time together crafting. After the Christmas dinner was cleaned off the Dining room table, we pulled out crafting supplies and worked on journaling projects. I spent most of my time working on an Altered Book and creating a watercolor journal (even though I don’t watercolor haha). Macey worked on a Junk Journal, journaling her time spent (so far) in Europe. (Check out the House of Books Instagram page where I purchased Macey’s junk journal kit, and some cool additions for my altered book) Molly is creating her own journal. She isn’t sure what she will be journaling yet, but her style is cheetah print, and it turned out pretty cute. Crafting, or crap-ting as Chuck calls it, has brought me joy.
I am thankful for Up North Arts (https://www.facebook.com/upnorthartsinc) for providing a variety of classes this season. Their programing brings me joy. During the month of December, I was able to try out:
Wood Burning Class – I even bought myself a new wood burning kit to make my own ornaments, and gift tags at home!
Altered Books class with Linda Liabenow, who also taught me how to make my own watercolor journal in October – Don’t know what an altered book is? See pics below and visit this page for more information.
I’m altering a book on etiquette to be a book with our family holiday meal traditions
Each of us has our own recipe that we “specialize” in for the holiday. I’ve added sections to my book to include a recipe card section for each of these holidays.
Resin Tray class with Amy Gruden – In July, I fell in love with and purchased a resin tray from Amy at an Art Fair. During this Up North Arts class, Amy taught us how to make our own wave tray. I didn’t have a lot of hope for my non-crafty-self in this class. If I’m using anything sticky my hands are all up in it…finger prints everywhere! I surprised myself, though, and created a wonderful (for me) wave tray and want to try it again. I’m looking forward to Amy’s second class! Check out Amy’s beautiful art on her business Facebook page: Indigo & August.
Also, showing some appreciation for our local library, which, thanks to a county millage, can offer some FANTASTIC programming. During the month of December, I was able to attend a couple of JOYful and therapeutic events:
Every other month, The Cadillac Wexford Public Library does either a craft or collage night. This tree was technically made in November, but it’s cute so I wanted to include it. Follow them on Facebook to find out more about their monthly events.
Jane Austen’s Birthday Party at the Wildflour Bakery. The Wildflour Bakery was an excellent place for the Cadillac Library to hold this event. We had fabulous tea and scones, Danced like they did in Regency times (sort of lol), learned fan etiquette, and played games. This event was AWESOME!
In conclusion:
Finding my Joy Holiday Checklist:
- spending time with family
- Spending time with Friends
- Crafting
- TRYING new crafting projects
- Cooking
- NOT cleaning lol….although a clean house brings me joy
- Reading
McKeever faves For Game Night:
Yahtzee: https://amzn.to/3Ljuldu
Skip-BO: https://amzn.to/4powyCv
Aggrevation: https://amzn.to/3NuLO3i
Basic Crafting Supplies:
Wood Buring Kit: https://amzn.to/49n5zkP
WATERCOLOR Paper: https://amzn.to/4pz5Bwc
Vintage Paper: https://amzn.to/3NuQxly
Cutting Mat: https://amzn.to/4qApJi9
Fabric Squares: https://amzn.to/4jp4nCb
Bone Folder: https://amzn.to/3N9YI6L
Tearing Ruler: https://amzn.to/4aP5I2Z
Paper Trimmer: https://amzn.to/4sF5iTg
B7000 Glue: https://amzn.to/4q82VXn
Utility Knife: https://amzn.to/495PQYr
Fabri-Tac: https://amzn.to/4jmiYhA
12×12 Cardstock: https://amzn.to/4pZLckI
Vintage Ribbon: https://amzn.to/49nuF39
Elmer’s Craft Glue: https://amzn.to/4pmNIQQ
**Disclaimer** As an Amazon Affiliate, if you click on any of the links provided and make a purchase, I may receive a commission on your purchase. SO….ORDER LOTS OF STUFF! Although chuck may disagree, MOMMA NEEDS A NEW PAIR OF SHOES!!!!
Hive & Seek 
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