Making Time

I've been doing so much reading in the last week, I haven't made any real time for blogging, or anything else. Yesterday, the kids got a snow day. We woke up to temperatures of -28 C with a windchill of -35 C. Today we found the temperature had dropped to -34 C and at that cold, who cares what the windchill is. The snow keeps falling, providing a beautiful view of undisturbed drifts in the backyard. It's been perfect weather for staying in, wrapping myself in a blanket with a mug of hot chocolate nearby, and burying my nose in a book. I also took a little time and filled the kitchen with the warm aroma of fresh banana bread.

Even though I'm getting lots done, I still struggle with feeling like I don't do enough. When I get caught up in a book, whether I am writing it or reading it, other things tend to get left behind. I always wanted to be the kind of homemaker who without fail provides nutritious and delicious meals for her family every night. The other day I made a nice meal and one of the kids asked what the special occasion was. I try to feed my family a balanced and varied diet, but we do end up eating the same old dishes more often than I'd like.

Then there are all the projects I've planned for myself. Last weekend we finally got the Roman blinds I made hung in the windows. Once I figure out what sort of valance I want to go with them, and get it made, I'll post pictures. But the fabric for the blinds sat around the sewing room for months before I got to it, so I wouldn't count on a valance anytime soon. I also need to get to work on the quilt I'm making for my step-son and his fiance. The wedding isn't until June, but June will be here before I know it.

All the different aspects of my life will continue to compete for attention, and I'll continue to get things done bit by bit. The trick is trying to balance the right amount of cooking, sewing, family time, community involvement, church work and writing. Sometimes it seems like the writing should really come last on the list, but there is that nudging voice that won't let me do that. It's good to have a family who is so supportive me. And even if we eat the same thing every night for the next year and the window treatments never get done, they think it is great that I take the time to put my stories on paper.