off balance

My creative energy this summer has gone toward building a comprehensive summer program for youth in residential treatment. Through that, I have taught duct tape wallet making, turned an outdoor courtyard into a giant tie dye station, made melted crayon shapes for charity, and coordinated plenty of guests and outings. And, coordinated a half day school program. And those were just the things I could mark on daily schedules.

After the water balloon dart painting, I haven't touched anything resembling a personal art project. At the end of the day, I feel creatively dry.

This has been an activity-packed summer. I have done a lot of cool things, and I have some more cool things planned. I took Katie to see "Wicked" in Dayton. I spent a blissful week in Michigan. I have great plans with friends in the weeks ahead, and a trip to IKEA next weekend. Summer has flown by too quickly. School starts in a little more than a week. Besides the intentional rest in Michigan, I feel like I haven't had a free moment.

Right now, though, I'm in the midst of taking an online class (for licensure) that is zapping any kind of free or creative time I may have. It's one of the main reasons I haven't blogged lately. I haven't been artsy or crafty. I haven't even made treasuries. And I will likely be away for a few more weeks, as I learn how to balance all of these commitments I made.

I am learning that I need structure in a class, because this class has only one due date. And it's online, so my attention toward it is constantly competing with Pinterest.

I will be back on a more even keel soon, I think. I need to be. Hope to see you soon.