Sidetracked... but lesson learned

I have been making things for as long as I can remember. Creating things or making them nicer has always been a passion of mine, as well as a wonderful stress reliever. Not to mention it was one way I could give gifts to those I cared about, even on a very tight budget.

I am chair of a couple of committees for the Columbine HS Band Boosters and one of them is the Banquet committee. Every year we give the graduating Seniors a little gift. Last year one of the senior's mothers donated the gifts and took care of it all- very cool!

This year I was not so lucky and was left to figure out what to do. You understand we have a TINY budget for this, right? lol

So, I resigned myself to giving up precious studio time to decorate inexpensive photo frames. Thankfully I have fully embraced the shabby chic way of doing things, or I would NEVER have been able to pull it off.

After hours of sanding, painting and re-painting, collaging, sealing, and reassembling, they are finally finished. All THIRTY of the darn things. No two are exactly alike, but they are enough alike that one photo gives you the general idea.

I won't be at the banquet so I won't see anyone's reaction. I hope the kids like them- but honestly, I don't want to hear about it if they don't!

This band project really sidetracked me and kept me from doing what I wanted to be doing. But I will have you know, I have learned my lesson.

I have always helped out with things, I have always said yes, I have always offered my services. I have always felt that if I didn't step up to the plate, no one would. I guess I could get into a long psychological analysis of myself, trying to figure out why...

But I won't. I just know better now. Doing art, surrounding myself with creative, generous people, and exploring my boundaries has taught me that thinking of my time and myself as worthwhile is necessary, not selfish.

I think volunteer work is important to a well-rounded life and I intend to always give some of my time to something or other. But I also now know how valuable  my time is and that it is perfectly acceptable for me to choose what I want to do rather than getting railroaded or feeling guilty about it. It is also perfectly acceptable for me to say no without explanations.

I have chosen to keep a board position for next year and have given up all of my committees, without a worry about who will do it next- because someone will just have to do it. And it does not have to be me! lol