I have been in a weird place lately. I know I need to create, I want to create, but scrapbooking just isn't an option for me. I'd love to do it, but I'm not emotionally there yet. Back in February, when my Dad was in the hospital I signed up for my first Artist Trading Card (ATC) swap. I thought it would be something small I could do while I was at the hospital and figured it would help pass the time. Well about a week or so after I signed up for it, my Dad passed away, so needless to say I didn't think about it again. In May the host emailed me and told me that my cards were late and asked if I planned on doing them still. I told her about my situation and she was very understanding. She told me not to worry about the ATC's if I didn't feel up to them. I thought about it. I really didn't feel like doing them, but I made a commitment so I said I would still do them and would work on them that weekend. Well, doing those cards was so freeing, and felt so good. See creating for me has always been extremely therapeutic and over all effects my mood. I must say I didn't think they were my best work. It was like learning to scrapbook all over again, but they made me feel better.
Fast forward to now.. I have since done 23 ATC swaps and was totally addicted to them. I've even hosted three: favorite photograph, Napoleon Dynamite and a Skull one. I still am doing them, but it's time to move on... so what am I doing now?!? You'll have to check back tomorrow to find out!
can't wait to see what you have been up to! great atc's!!!
Posted by: trace-e | October 31, 2008 at 06:38 AM
hang in there! we've all been in "weird place". great atc's!
Posted by: jillconyers | October 31, 2008 at 02:26 PM
I so know what you mean. This summer I thought I would sign up for some swaps since I was out of school and would have time to do it. Then my dad went in the hospital too and unfortunately never came out. By that time, I had signed up for 3 swaps. I felt overwhelmed, but committed. Everyone was understanding but the biggest drawback for me was that everytime I would go to print out what I needed for the ATC swap I would have to go to my dad's old office, which didn't want to do. I finally had to bite the bullet and go in there and print them out. I am glad I did, but I am now a little hesitant to commit to anything again.
I am glad you have found a creative outlet through your ATCs. I am more of a Scrapblog.com girl and probably always be.
Best wishes.
Posted by: Annemarie (mommyvictory) | October 31, 2008 at 06:14 PM
Hi Katie, I was cleaning out my scrapping space and came across an order from you from last December, and there was the specially packaged ribbon by your Dad. It made me think of you, so I am stopping by to say, thinking of you.
Posted by: AnnetteD | November 01, 2008 at 12:54 PM