Monday, April 11, 2011

Work in Progress.

Yep. That's me.

(I'll get to the picture in a minute.)

When I started this kit club 4+ years ago, I knew right away what I'd call it, simply because that is me. I am good at some things, fair at others, and a failure at a bunch, too. But I try. I put stuff out there. And I'm always evolving. I hope I'm not alone in this, right?

My family. My life. My work. My attitude. My home. I am. You are. We all are...works in progress.

The other day, my dear friend Val phoned me up to just say the sweetest thing--to touch base with me--and to tell me that she admired me because I have it "together." She had seen something on the blog, and we had been talking about decorating our houses the week before, exchanging ideas and such--and she simply wanted to take the time out to just be a friend and say that to me. Then we had the best laugh. Because we both know I am NOT that person. Not in the LEAST. So I am here to come clean, in case you thought differently.

I am often asked how I find the time to do such creative things. I always have the same answer, and that is, "It's my JOB." If you had that kind of commitment, you would, too! I am blessed in that I do not require a lot of sleep. But--make no mistake--I have also paid the price for that as well. I forget words mid-sentence. Ask any one who spends time with me--they will tell you the truth. I am not a great cook--but I do enjoy baking. Hence my username on some message boards, "cookielover." (No, I had no idea that meant anything else when I selected that as a username. No, I'm not hip or cool enough to even understand that kinda urban dictionary stuff. Yes, I still think being that naive is funny, and it is who I am, so I've never changed it. And I love that it has been an inside joke with my girlfriends, too.)

I need a hair cut. Badly. Add to that at least a bottle of color and some highlights, please. I am chubby. I love manicures and pedicures, but would pass up a free massage in a heartbeat. I'm not trendy or hip or stylish with clothing, and it doesn't really bother me. I prefer to spend my $$ on my family, the house, or scrappy stuff--that makes me happy. My scrap room is a mess, and I am constantly struggling to keep up with emails and phone calls daily. Please do not for a moment think I have my act together...

You hopefully know where I'm coming from, right?

This weekend, I hosted a crop at our home. I made "White Trash" for a treat, and thought to use blue chocolate, since I had the pastel colored M&M's for Easter. As I'm stirring it, I start to realize how nasty it looks. My honest husband comes over and agrees, and we start to laugh. He thinks it looks like mold, and urges me not to use it. Well--wasting perfectly good snacks covered in chocolate was not an option in my head! I was certain my scrappy girlfriends would understand...

Not only did they understand, they ate it.

And they also pranked poor Stacey who arrived a bit late and missed the story, telling her she shouldn't eat it because it was covered in mold, as they laughed at her expense. Turns out, they're works in progress, too...goofballs...

I've often thought about this hobby and how it has brought so many wonderful relationships into my life. It has also made me reflect and appreciate who I am, and for whom I care. This bond and understanding is shared by others instantly, simply because of scrapbooking. For this, I am incredibly grateful...

Thank you for reading this blog. Whether it is your first time, or your 1,167th, thank you. Thank you for taking me for who I am--good and bad and simply, as-is. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, leaving comments, laughing with me. Thank you for being my girlfriend--whether it is online or in-person--you have meant the world to me. I don't tell you all that nearly enough, either.

Enjoy your Monday...

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have been following your blog for some time but felt compelled to comment on your honesty and this post is just fabulous.

Ryzmomplus2 said...

I still tell everyone how lucky I am to have met you and have you as a friend quirks and all. What a great post, something for us all to remember about ourselves. We are constantly changing and learning (A work in progress) - and as a side note, wish I was at the crop too!

Heather said...

I would eat your moldy white trash any day!!!! :)

jamie said...

great post, trish.
at moments i thought i was reading something about me!
i most love your response to 'how do you do it all?" reply: 'it's my job.'. I am going to 'lift' that one, as i get it all the time.
am sure i will be back to read this one again.
i am so happy to know you,
~j

Candace H said...

♥ this post and sincerely hope that one day I get to meet your "irl" but do ♥ that scrapping and cyberspace have allowed me to "meet " you and be blessed by your kindness and creativity!

pickmepam said...

love your blog trish. seriously, any day i'm at work, (b/c i have a decent computer here) i check your blog when i start my day and before i end my day, just in case. so may ideas have come from you and i love being a neighbor.

curlyqmosaics said...

Are you kidding! I love the blue food coloring! It is unexpected yet very festive! In fact right when I saw the photo, I wanted to find out the how to!

I adore everything about you, your blog and your creative energy! Truly inspiring!

BabyBokChoy said...

Good to read more about you Trish!! I'm a fan :) Please make me some sausage dish :) lol

borcherding said...

LOL!! MOLD! That is freakin' funny! Great post! Just wanted I needed on a Monday. And THANK YOU Trish for being such a wonderful and sweet person! You have always been so kind to me and I really hope we get a chance to meet in "real" life someday! Thanks for being YOU!!!

Nathalie said...

Thank YOU Trish for your honesty, your humor and the constant source of inspiration that you are! You are a beautiful work in progress :D

Deb said...

Trish, I think you are completely wonderful just as you are! Thank you for saying what so many of us think about ourselves, letting us know that we're not alone and that we're all in this thing called Life together. You are a creative being, a great wordsmith, a nurturing and encouraging soul. Though we've never met, you have shared enough that I WISH we had, that I wish we were neighborhood friends, that I'm grateful every day that I can check "Work In Progress" online and get the little perk-me-up or inspiration that might otherwise be missing without it. Thanks a bunch for the blessings!

P.S. My great aunt Anita used to make rainbow-colored angel food cakes; the blue and green ones were a bit unsettling at first, but they always tasted just fine (just like your blue white trash!) :D

Ryan and Erin Russell said...

Haha, what timing. I just had a reminder this morning about how much I do not have it together and felt a sense of kinship that I am not alone as I read your post.

Mary Ann Jenkins said...

I'm so glad I "met" you too! Hopefully someday it can be "in real life" ;)
Thanks for the reminder that it is okay to be a work in progress.

Laina Lamb said...

You are real and I love ya for it!

Valerie said...

I love you....just as you are. today. <3

Heather said...

Awwww! That's awesome! Thank you for the reality check. I LOVE your blog! Keep doing what you do!!