Busy summer!

Here it is, the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year! If you have children going back to school, I bet there are no words that describe the intense feeling you are feeling at this moment. Thank goodness -- they are out of my hair for a period of time! Although I can't really relate since I don't have school age children, I do have a preschooler. She started preschool yesterday. It is a big moment for us at our house as Emma has not been cared for outside of the house since she was born! When dropping her off yesterday, she turned to me and said, "Bye, mom. Don't worry, mom". Hmm..did I have a worried look on my face, I wondered. When we picked her up at 5p, she had already gone through 2 sets of clothing. Fortunate for us, she loves preschool -- so far. Unfortunately for her, she was so excited exploring all that was offered to her she was too busy to use the bathroom. They told me this is quite common and not to worry -- she'll realize quickly to go to the bathroom since she hates being wet (she had a breakdown when it happened). I also was told by the teachers that she made friends easily and that she is quite the powerhouse (they said they could barely keep up with her). Okay, see -- I'm not joking when I say I need a nap in the afternoon -- the kid wears ME out when I'm home. She'll be going two days a week for about 8 hours while I'm at work.

Folks asked about how she's doing with the potty training. If you asked me this question about 3 weeks ago, I would've said -- we aren't going to make the deadline for being potty trained for preschool. Then by some act of God, a miracle happened. She suddenly realized that she didn't like going #2 in her panties. So she decided on her own that she wanted to use the potty instead. So within a week she was fully trained and is even staying dry throughout the night. So there is no magic trick into getting a toddler to potty...they just will do it themselves whenever they are darn ready!

I had a friend over last week Friday to help boost my creativity. I am preparing for my annual craft fair in November. I did get quite a few things done, so it does help to have someone around and to stay focused. So my question for you this week is -- what triggers your creativity? Is it music that helps? Is it looking through magazines for color combinations? Or is it just something that just happens for you? I know that if I take a big break from creating "stuff" it takes me so long to get back into the rhythm of creating again.

On another note, there is a reason why I've cut back on art lately. I'm falling apart! Barely 40 and I think I either have arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome. My hands have been tingling and numb (like right now when I'm trying to type!) and it hasn't been pleasant. So off to see a nerve specialist next week. I'll let you know what they say!

Well, off to work I go. Need to get busy with the craft fair stuff!