can't keep up

i feel like i am running in a million different directions lately. and it seems there is just never enough time to get it all done. i need better time management skills. more order to my chaotic life. i made a list of ways i can become more organized and plan to implement them in the coming weeks. because the schedule just promises to get crazier in the next few months.

i have been working a lot. (thank God.) 

i don't think i have talked much about what i do for a living here. i am a waitress. nothing fancy about it. i wait tables and make pretty good money doing it. here in seattle you make more than you do in the south waiting tables.  health benefits a 401K and everything. you can make a livable wage here doing what i do. and i actually really really love my job. i love being around people and i love the fast pace. and i am really good at it.

 

but still.....i have been having back problems and can't see myself doing this forever. i have bigger dreams. and i really don't believe you are ever too old to follow your dreams. my dream is photography. to own my own business. but i know nothing about it. and i am not a great self learner. i would need school. but that's what i see for my future. and i feel that is a very realistic goal for myself. i know i can do it! but i have to be patient. i have a family to consider. and the goal of getting to chicago must come first. then i can work on getting my butt in school. one thing at a time. and optimistic happy dreams of the future in the meantime! and waiting lots of tables! :) 

on to other stuffs....if you grabbed one of my fall mini kits they are on their way! don't forget to link me up with the books you make with them! I can't wait to see.

my etsy shop WILL open this coming week. i am sooooooooooo excited. i put together some really neat new product to make december daily kits. and i will have mixed paper journals for sale and garlands and butterfly prints and all sorts of other pretty little things. i can't wait to share!

in the meantime here are some photos (FINALLY) of my fall mini book so far. if you are making one please share your links!!!!! 

i used a lot of fabric in my book. i love that green zebra print stuff. 

those little circles are actually the holes i punched from the papers to make the book. i use those a lot. all of my mini books lately have a cohesive style. i have been using the same little "this book belongs to" tags in all of them and similar designs. i like it that way. they all look like they go together.

those hambly leaf overlays were peeeeeerrrrfect for this project.

whew. photo overload. that's the basics of my book. i made a lot of blank pages that i can just add to throughout the season. hope it inspires you in some way!

have a great day!
peace,

kate 

 

 

 

Comments

[Michele]

I miss the Seattle area! It's probably one of the most culturally diverse areas in the nation.

Love your fall mini! I haven't scrapped in months and you've inspired me girly!

[Kate O'Brien]

Thanks for the comment Michele! And yes, Seattle is very diverse. It reminds me so much of New Orleans in that way!

[Brittany]

OH! your mini book is so beautiful. loves.

and on the subject of photography, when you get settled in chicago, post a listing on craigslist for free photos to build your protfolio and get the word out about your biz. your photos are excellent already, and at the very least, you can make money while you learn. :o) i did a few shoots this summer and now have potential repeat paying customers. i too have to get a few things in order before i jump in completely, but it is nice to know "i can do this". oh, and lots of photogs need second shooters, so you can get experience and learn right now.

[Kate O'Brien]

Brittany,
Thank you SOOOO much for your info! I never thought of those ideas. That would be a great way to get some hands on experience and teaching.

[Keshet Shenkar]

Love your book! And I hope you get a chance to pursue your photography dreams--you could start with an online class for a manageable piece of the pie!

[lu]

You are one of my favorite online personas. Simply because you are so authentic and genuine. I am sure that if your dream is to be a full time photographer, you will accomplish exactly what you are looking for. Be and stay determined. All will work out for your good.

[Jennifer Kolakowski]

Love the Fall Mini book Kate! Building on some of the other comments...maybe a mix of photography + mini scrapbooking online class...after the February class, that is. I think you have a real eye for photography and your self portraits are A-mazing. I would love a class built around the two...taking self portraits and capturing/scrapbooking the real me/you. Thanks again for sharing!
jen

[Britta Häusler]

Oh wow, I LOVE this!!!!! Thank you so much for this, Brit

[Marie]

oh girl I feel the same way! I need more time. Lovin the book! Wicked great!

[Kate O'Brien]

thank you ladies for your comments!

and jen...i will definitely always be doing some sort of scrapbooking. i want to do more classes and kits. next year is definitely the year for that. i have so many ideas and plans! i feel like i need to expand my own creative horizons some though and might benefit from a class of some sort myself. i think i might indulge myself and look around for one this winter season. i want one that's a think outside the box and very artistic class. if anyone knows of any online classes like that link me up!

have a great day ladies@

[sharron]

love the album and you def make me wanna get busy making something..anything!!!
i am looking forward to your etsy and those garlands you'll be making and selling.
and yes serving is one of the hardest jobs in the world!!! we always tip really well and i like to tip a little extra when the server is getting harrassed or new or having a rough day!!! i REFUSE to go out to eat with people who are rude and lousy tippers..that can be a deal breaker for friendship with me!!! the golden rule always applys!
as far as being organized and chaotic..my life gets more like that with age..going from ocd to lazy haha. i am a momma of four and finally realized that everything can wait except for the kiddies growing at the speedo f light.
blessings for a fresh fall start tomorrow!!

[Kate O'Brien]

Sharron,
Thank you so much for your comment! I love your respect for servers. It IS a hard job. But customers like YOU make it fun! And I agree, if you can't tip please go to McDonald's. Especially if you live down south. Servers that work in states in the south only make $2.13 an hour. You basically live off your tips! Here in Seattle we make $8.75 and hour plus tips. So it's much easier to make a livable income. It's a fun job and I enjoy it. I love the social aspect.

thanks again for your comment!

[rachel kulak]

Is it too late to grab your fall mini? I have been a fan of yours for years. Your creativity is so inspiring!

[Sasha Farina]

the book is beautiful kate!

[Kate O'Brien]

rachel...........send me your address. i have one left! :)

[Jennifer Kolakowski]

Kate,

THANK YOU SO MUCH for the fall mini kit! It came in the mail today. I love it and you made my day! Can't wait to get scrapping! Thank you again Kate. I will post on Flickr once I start putting it together.

Thanks again!
Jen

[Stacy Hamby]

That mini book is awesome. I am so bad at putting together different lines, do you have a product list? Nothing dramatic, just the brands you used?

[ellen s]

you so inspire me. i think that is the coolest you get benefits! we are struggling with that right now, at least the kiddos are covered.

that mini is the greatest...can't wait to see your etsy store!

[jaszmurka]

beautiful album ♥