This is the first week of
Journal 52. The first prompt is for the "word of the year". I really had to think about this one. I'm not one for resolutions, I'm not unhappy, I don't think I need to change anything about myself or my relations. Suddenly though I had this thought. Maybe it's time to USE the things that I have instead of acquiring more and more. The point hit home when I got a surprise package from my niece. She sent me a small box with some wooden stamps and punches that she no longer uses. I was thrilled until I tried to squeeze them into my craft room. That's when I realized that "I have a problem."
I'm sure many of you gave all you had to your family. You worked hard to make sure they had everything that they needed and much that they didn't need. You sacrificed, no, it wasn't a sacrifice because it was of love and you never felt anything by the joy at seeing them happy. But, now, suddenly, some of us are finding ourselves in a position where it is our turn. Now, we can think of our own needs and wishes. I have become the kid in the candy store. I mean, really, how many different types of glue does one really need? Each book I read, each video I watched, made me feel that if I had this paper or that tool, I certainly would be able to do the quality of work I was watching or reading about. Now, many different glues, colored pencil types, stamps, paints, brushes, dies, cutting machines, papers, etc., etc., etc., cram every nook and table top in the room. I can barely breathe! So, now is the time to USE. Use the things I have and stop buying more and more stuff. Anybody with me?

I used some of the new stamps I got from my niece on top of gesso and acrylic paint covered recipe book pages. I added some masking tape and used the punched our stencil letters that have been sitting in my stash for years. I played with different kinds of pens in the hearts and used leftover gears that had been sitting on my desk for weeks. A little dribbled black paint and white embellishments remind me to USE the things I have.
I love reading comments, so if you have a lot of things you should start to use, let me know. I'm interested to hear your stories!