(Cosmo Cricket layout, created June 2008)

It has been a year since I tried out for the Cosmo Cricket design team, and what a year! I had such a blast designing for them and being a part of their truly wonderful company! Come July 1st, my contract is up, and it is time for something new, so I hope all of you talented scrapbookers out their will apply for their new call.

Since the official Cosmo announcement earlier this week, I have received several e-mails asking me what I was going to do next. While I do have a few pending projects, for now, I am just going to relax and let what comes come! Since this door is closed, I throw my windows wide open and invite the sunshine in. I’m ok with a break, I’m ok with opportunity. I’m just going to be and enjoy the ride. Don’t worry, readers, there will still be plenty of scrap happening on this blog, and more of my goofy stories and rambling thoughts.

On the 18th Jonas turned 7, Maggie turned 4.5 and Gabe hit the 4 month mark. This summer they are equally driving me crazy and being absolutely fabulous. They are so busy being creative and so intent on learning. I am truly impressed with their innate desire to grow. I think many of us lose that as we age and complacency sets in. Jonas has been flying through workbooks and is jumping reading levels, and it is wonderful to watch. Maggie is practicing writing her letters and making new connections daily. Gabe is grabbing stuff and doing his darnedest to cram said stuff into his mouth. All little steps, all such good examples.

I followed their example and have spent much of my week devouring books: The Continuous Atonement by Brad Wilcox, The Lacemakers of Glenmara by Heather Barbieri. I am partway through the bestselling biography FDR right now, and it is fascinating. It is good to be learning, good to be doing. Work is such a blessing, and a life’s work should be filled with opportunities for learning in small ways and big. Read a book, learn a skill, make a relationship and learn about another person. Keep on growing, keep on serving, and use up your time and talent finding as much joy as you can. It is how you keep life good.