August was full of travel. First, to Nashville to see old friends as well as family; then to San Francisco for a family wedding which ended with a trip to Sonoma Valley for my Sweetheart and me. We love wine country and all the goodness that comes from that glorious region. I even got to check off a "bucket list" item-we flew over the vineyards in a hot air balloon!
The process of lifting the balloon is VERY impressive
This thing is 8 stories tall
The adventure begins!
Unbelievable beauty at this height
We could actually see the grapes on the vines flying this low
The celebratory post-flight champagne brunch
We were allowed to pick and taste these.
What a beautiful experience. We ate great food, tasted great wines, took MANY pictures, and will always cherish the memory of this time together.
Now that you know what has kept me from blogging for the last 30 or so days, I'll tell you something else going on in my life. I'm heading in a new direction with paper-crafting. As I approach my third anniversary in this delightful hobby, I recognize a narrowing of focus (for now).
My favorite projects are tags and embellishments for packaging which most frequently are for celebrations of new births as well as birthdays and the Christmas season. I want to spend more time creating specific projects that will sell in a local shop (or two). We shall see if this leads to an Etsy shop... All of this to say, I find that trying to keep up with challenges actually distracts me from what I believe to be my real purpose.
At the same time, I love participating with all of you in the creative process. You inspire me to think differently and try things that otherwise would be overlooked. While I'm not saying goodbye, I am saying I won't be making as many cards and posts will not be related to challenges as often. I know I will still be "stalking" your blogs and hope you will still visit me. I would be broken hearted to lose contact with all of you on-line-friends. Please say hello whenever you can!
Thanks for stopping by,
Suzanne
Looks like you had a delightful trip! ;-) Those photos are awesome. I feel like you've described here - that my creativity wants to take me to other places than just answering challenges and such. Just can't figure out what that direction is yet, and looking forward to when I do figure it out.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to you, my bloggy friend! I will be looking forward to what the future holds for your creativity. I'll still be keeping an eye on your blog. ;-)
Wow... what a great trip!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see your tags/embellishments/other creative endeavors!
Glad you had a fab trip. How was the landing in the hot air balloon? (lets just say I was hysterical! and they said our landing was good!)Good luck in your new venture.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful trip. We love going to Napa, it so beautiful. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous pictures.
ReplyDeleteI totally get what you mean, about making your own projects. It can be very distracting . I will you well and hope you will still post the beautiful things you make. I have been making Christmas ornaments. I love the way they are turning out , I just don't post them.
Best of luck with your new project. I can't see how you could be anything but a success. Your work is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI'll look forward to watching your progress.
GOOD LUCK, Suzanne! I know you will be very successful with selling your projects. Please let us know how that goes! I would love to see them. I've missed your posts, but am happy you've figured out what direction you need to go. Life is TOO SHORT.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful trip! I've always thought a hot air balloon ride would be fun, but I'm so not a morning person--LOL! Best of luck in your adventure. I'll be interested to find out how things sell--have always wanted to be able to do that but hadn't figured out how--although I know there are angel companies. Hope you have fun--I'm sure you will doing what you want.
ReplyDeleteLove your photos and wish you all the best with your new direction you are heading in and I look forward to see what you will be doing!
ReplyDeleteJust checking in to see what younwere up to.
ReplyDeleteI hope business is good, It is nice to find purpose :) me? I am still looking for my 'style"!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a wonderful holiday! My husband proposed marriage in a hot air balloon over the Lockyer Valley, it was beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWhether you are posting for challenges or posting for fun, I'll still be visiting!