I often keep and collect interesting bits and pieces or scraps that I think may be useful.  Unfortunately they usually lay about or are forgotten somewhere and by the time I manage to transform new life into into them, perhaps years have passed!
Even so, it is amazing when these materials are rediscovered.  Somehow they find the shape and form they need as if it was already decided.  It is hard to describe how it feels when materials magically speak themselves into new existence.  I hardly have to do anything, it all just happens, as if they have minds of their own. Some materials are nothing special to look at but for some unknown reason have caught my eye and combined with something else, change dramatically.

Quite regularly I am obliged to adapt to the materials I have at hand.  This is surely when people create their best work.  Imagination and improvisation become necessity rather than choice and true creating happens in these moments.  There is rarely a plan, only experimentation, trial and error...in fact, some mistakes become masterpieces!

After these first few weeks, I already feel a satisfying sense of achievement.  Four of these projects have been in my head or on my to do list for a long time and I am now able to tick those boxes!  I love lists and even better, I love ticking or crossing things off lists.  I am also reimagining, recycling, repurposing and using up my marvellous stash of materials.

There is a moment in the week when I feel a sensation of slowness, when time stretches out before me languidly and everything seems possible. Then suddenly the weekend is over and the shock of a new week is upon me! It is a very brief moment but incredible while it lasts.
Even if I was a super organised time management expert, there still wouldn’t be enough time for everything. I have been thinking, even mildly trying, to adapt my sleeping habits and become an early morning rather than late night potterer but I don’t think I’ll manage it. I do love the mornings and am often up early-ish anyway, but they are busy with routine and time frames and teenage sluggishness. Hardly ripe for my relaxed pondering.

This weeks project reflects the mood and the moment, short and sweet. As I ironed the old creases out of my little upcycled skirt, I considered that this 52 weeks process may help me define what I really want. (Ooh, that’s a biggie). I sense change and new choices in the air. Time to smooth and iron out the kinks and flaws in readiness.
I have discovered over the years that I am quite precious about my me time. It may sound indulgent but it is SO important. Offering and allowing myself time, keeps me happy and sane and I occasionally growl when other things intrude on this space. Does reduced time lead to reduced effort? Sometimes. Depends on how mindful you are.