Friday Challenges on a Monday

Sometimes I am late...............really late............a few minutes late for work, really late when it comes to getting into bed at a decent hour. Although I have quite a few type "A" characteristics with hints of perfectionism..........the type "B" in me guides my schedule. I had a bit of a rough week last week, which had some negative influence on my creative flow. Fatigue, coupled with higher levels of emotional arousal left me at a loss to do much but be lazy! Sometimes when I feel that way, it's helpful to push myself to be Unlazy.........to get out of the house.....dress extra nice intentionally and remind myself that continuing to feel this way will not be productive. Grey moods and negative emotions can have a spiraling effect unless they are attended to. Reminding myself that I am responsible for keeping myself down, I was able to pull up, but not without effort.

I made a promise to my self last night to start moving in the morning. A brisk walk before work to start my day. I was close to going back to bed, but reminded myself that I had told my neighbour that I was going to walk. I am sure that she wouldn't have been disappointed in me, but sometimes sharing your goals and plans with others ensures that you will commit and follow through. And I enjoyed my walk this morning.............listening to my favourite music, the strong sweet scent of Lilac fragrant in the air, enjoying the birds and the deer and the cool breeze on my face, I told myself that this week will be better. And I am positive that it will.

Anyway, I kind of lost myself there for a minute : ) . This card was created to cover two challenges. My Friday Bloggers Group Challenge as well as the Hanna Stamps Challenge that is played each Friday in the Hanna Stamps Forum. You can access both Splitcoaststampers and The Bloggers group from my Sidebar.

The Bloggers Challenge was to create a Red, White and Blue Card, the Hanna Challenge to use Chipboard. I created my own Background on the card, by stamping a small flower stamp to the cardfront, filling in the petals with a Sakura White Gel Pen and the Red Middles with my second addiction, next to chocolate-stickles!. The main image was coloured with Copic Markers. I used Stampin' Up! Real Red Craft Ink to cover the chipboard flower-so much quicker than paint! and had to add some polka dots to it of course!!!! Hodgepodge brushed silver hardware is the base for the sentiment and a SU! Ice brad adorns the middle of the flower.

To all my American friends, have a safe and happy memorial day !!!!!!!