Coffee Break #5
Whoa – hey there friends! I am so sorry for the sporadic posting over the last few weeks. In short, life and work completely caught up with me; and something had to give. If you can believe it, my blog schedule is usually one of the last things I choose to sacrifice…but this time around, I simply ran out of hours in the day and lots of things just didn’t get done (if you think my posting schedule was dismal, you should see the state of my house and my Inbox!) But…I have lots of really good excuses and so much to catch you up on! So before I jump back into house updates and projects (starting back up this Friday!), I thought this was the perfect time for a good ol’ coffee break. So grab a cup of whatever you like, settle in, and let me fill you on life, the blog, and everything in between!
Catch up on past Coffee Break posts HERE!
My “Secret” Project Revealed
So let’s get right to it! The main reason I ran out of hours (and sleep!) is that I’ve been working for months on a “secret” project. It’s a project that took an insane amount of hours, creativity, organization, logistical coordination and travel (eep!) to pull off. I was able to juggle it all without really skipping a beat until these last few weeks when it was time to carry the project over the finish line and literally every spare minute I had was required to do so. Now that I’m on the other side of this massive undertaking, I can finally start to sleep share it with you guys!
I plan to tell you every last detail of how this opportunity came about and what my experience was like, but here’s the short version: I spent last week in Denver on Craftsy’s set filming a class on using the Cricut Explore and vinyl! Yep – you read that right: filming a class. No photos, no hiding behind the camera or computer screen. Me + makeup + talking + video cameras = one crazy ride, a whole lot of awesome projects, and itty bitty vinyl scraps everywhere you can imagine! I shared a bunch of sneak peeks over on Instagram and Facebook all last week, and you guys will be hearing about this a ton as we get closer to my class actually launching. For now, I’ll share this short reflection.
As many of you longtime readers know, this little blog has brought me a lot of heartache over the years. In addition to struggling with identity, comparison, and the elusive work/life balance, I’ve never been “one of those bloggers” who gets pitched lots of wild and crazy opportunities, trips, and collaborations despite how hard I work. Nonetheless, I’ve continued to passionately create content here at THIHM for the main reason of sharing my ideas with, inspiring, and connecting with YOU. Admittedly, I gave up hope long ago that my work would someday catch “someone’s” eye. But you guys…it finally did!
Out of the blue, I was presented with this intriguing and exciting opportunity to film a craft class for Craftsy; and despite my insecurities (and perhaps better judgement!), I went for it. I have now experienced one of these “pinch me” opportunities that I never dreamed would come along. And while I’m still wrapping my head around it all, I can certainly say the experience was fun and scary, stressful and rewarding, enlightening and humbling. I learned a ton about myself, about what I’m capable of, what I love to do and make and maybe even more about what I don’t love to do and make. I’m not sure I’m cut out to be the next great craft TV personality, but I remain incredibly grateful for this platform, the projects I get to share, connecting with you all…and the random, truly awesome opportunities that (eventually?) come my way! Much more to come on this front, my friends! After I step away from the Cricut machine for a while and get caught up on some major sleep 😉
Living For Naptime
When we first found out we were expecting Sam, I wasn’t really concerned about how my life would change the first year. My experience with Henry taught me that the first year isn’t SO disruptive…it’s the second year of a child’s life when the chaos truly begins! And friends, as we approach 1 year of Sam’s birth and he becomes increasing mobile, verbal, and destructive, all those worries are now being fully realized. Gone are the days when I could plop Sam in his bouncy in the craft room and keep working my little heart out. Nope – little man likes to roam and cuddle and play and explore (all good things!); and as you would expect, all of that is requiring more and more of my time, attention, and energy (also good things!). I’ve been reminded that trying to get things done with a baby awake is an exasperating and fruitless endeavor, so I am back to nap time and night time being my only productive work hours. I am truly trying my hardest to embrace this season of our life. We’ve waited a long time to have a baby roaming our floors again, and I know full well it doesn’t last forever. Still, I got very used to being able to accomplish so much during the day, and this shift has proven to be one of the hardest for me yet. #reallife #tryingtokeepperspective
No More Site Jumping!
While I haven’t had much time to devote to anything beyond chasing Sam around and prepping for my Craftsy class, I was able to tie up some loose ends on my site update. After the site launched back in September, many of you wrote to me saying that it was awkwardly jumping down the page as you scrolled. I saw it, and it bothered me too; I just didn’t anticipate how much it would bother you guys! I was hoping it was a quick and easy fix, but it wasn’t #storyofmylife. I eventually tracked down someone who could fix it; and although the site jumping isn’t 100% gone, it’s now greatly improved. If you are still seeing a big, awkward jump as you scroll down your screen (either on computer or mobile device), clear your cache or refresh your browser and it should go away! #sorryaboutthat
Do You Want To Read About…?
Every now and then, I get an urge to share a random non-DIY/home/organization post with you guys but I hold off because “the experts” don’t recommend straying too far outside your niche. Lately, I’ve wanted to share how I (finally!) lost the last of my baby weight, some reflections on being a work-at-home-mom, how and why I made Sam’s baby food, books I’m (trying) to read etc. Does this kind of stuff interest you? If you’d like to see me start to sprinkle this “lifestyle” content in to the regular rotation, please let me know!
Our Bat Family
And one more update for you, my friends! I struggle a lot with what I can and cannot safely share here on the world wide web, but I want to say this for those out there who care, are curious and/or are paying attention. You may or may not have noticed that a certain family member was absent from our Halloween photos. Yes, our marriage is just fine, and no, he wasn’t the one taking the pictures. Hopefully that and this will help you put 2 and 2 together. I’ll also say this: the boys are good; I am also good but extremely spent in every way possible; and you better bet we’re counting down the days until we can all be in a single picture again! Oh – and yes, prayers…if you do that sort of thing…for him and for us…are always very helpful 😉
Okay – phew! I know I jammed a TON into this update. But hopefully, all these updates will give you a sense for why things have been a little…umm…inconsistent around here lately. Please know sharing here and connecting with you guys is a huge priority for me and something I’m trying very hard to keep up with. I plan to now be back to my usual Tuesday-Friday schedule for the foreseeable future. But if I’m not here one day, please know I’m trying desperately to keep a lot of different balls in the air…and I’m going to drop one every now and then…and I’m trying so hard to be okay with it when they do 😉 Hugs to you, my friends! Thanks for letting me catch up and see you back here on Friday!
Megan
28 Comments on “Coffee Break #5”
Congratulations on the Craftsy opportunity- you really deserve it and it’s brilliant to see you succeed. In regards to the “Do you want to read about…?” section, I think you should go with your gut and write about the things which strike you as being worthy of a post! Everyone has their opinion of course, but personally I think a lot of the appeal of your voice is how “real” the content is. These sorts of lifestyle things are what a lot of readers think/have thought/might some day think about too.
It feels a bit funny to write so familiarly to someone I’ve never technically met, but why not? You put your feelings, thoughts, and lots of positivity out on your blog so I can respond openly too:) We’re all just moms/women/people after all- and I like how your writing captures this idea (which is what I was sort of implying in the first paragraph). Thanks for adding something good to the internet!
I was going to comment, but Ava said what I was going to say, but better! I enjoy your content because it’s “real” and would love to see how your projects/crafts/decorating fits into your real life! (And who doesn’t want tips to lose a few pounds?) My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My husband recently started coaching high school basketball and I’ve been single-parenting a lot more recently and anyone who does this for an extended period of time has my deepest respect and appreciation! I am deeply grateful for the sacrifice of your husband AND YOU.
Congratulations on branching out with this new opportunity babe! Also, I am really grooving on Bat-woman. Sorry Alfred couldn’t make it! 🙂
Kudos on the Craftsy gig! Can’t wait to see you in action! Bring on all the posts – it would be interesting to know more about you. (Baby weight loss for me ended in another pregnancy😊). Thanks for all you share. Time lapses between posts are ok – I remember how much little ones thrive with a parent’s attention. Your family is in my prayers. Thank you.
Congrats! What an exciting experience. And how awesome to teach your sons that you can do anything you put your mind to. Enjoy those snuggles and times with your sweet boys.
I would love to hear how you lost the last of the baby weight. My baby is old and I need motivation to get rid of the extra I have carried for the last several years. Go ahead and write what you feel is important. I have loved reading your content, even if it isn’t totally pertinent to me. (I have a silhouette not a cricket.) I can just relate to the kids, work, wanting to make pretty things life.
Thanks for being an uplifting part of my life. I so look forward to your posts.
Hi Megan! Congratulations on your new Craftsy work/opportunity! As for your “lifestyle” posts – I’d love to hear what’s been working for you (weight loss, recipe). Use your judgment … Be safe/careful with what you put out there on the interweb, esp for your children… we’d like to think everyone is kind and nice, and most are, but there is the “dark element…” You have a lot of good stuff going on…
Hi Megan! It’s great to have an update and know that you guys are okay. And yes, it can get a little frustrating not finding new posts here, specially since I like your content so much, but hey, we get it! Please don’t be so hard on yourself.
Ps.: Would not mind lifestyle at all (as long as it doesnt take over)
Best wishes from Brazil
Aw, you sweet thing, juggling work, new opportunities, little ones, and missing your hubby! <3
YES, please do share more about the subjects you mentioned! It is fun to get to know you better; our lives aren't one-dimensional, and neither should yours be (online)! 😉
Missed you, and glad to have you back! The Craftsy thing sounds sooo awesome, and I can’t wait to see/hear more!
As to sprinkling in lifestyle posts, I think that is always a good thing. I understand the marketing perspective of not straying from your niche, but that really cement readers returning to a blog is connecting with the writer, and that can be strenghthened by the lifestyle posts. Not to mention, each of those topics is one I’d be interested to read!
Just keep doing you, Megan. Many blessings, and prayers… I know these times are always an extra challenge for you.
Thanks always for your honesty and hard work. I love that you want to share some other parts of your life and welcome that if you decide to include it. I don’t mind your posting schedule or lack of posts. I totally get it. Life with little ones is hard work and it sounds like you have lots going on. Write when you can. And by the way, the new blog format looks fantastic!! Thanks for sharing your experiences with us!
Thank God you’re all OK! I was getting worried when you hadn’t posted since it’s so unlike you. I am so relieved that exhaustion/single-momming/amazing opportunities are “all” it was. 🙂 I am so excited for your Craftsy tutorials — that is just awesome!! And I think the lifestyle content would be fun every once in while…as long as you think it’s fun. Your honest voice is the best thing about this blog. I’ll be keeping you all in my prayers!
I love your lifestyle posts! Bring them on.
MEGAN!! You were in my neck of the woods! I hope our bipolar fall weather didn’t give you *too* much whiplash. 😉 Also: CONGRATS!! Craftsy is a Big Deal & I’m so glad you got this opportunity!
As far as the “do you want to read about…” YES. All that. MOAR. 😀
I noticed your man was absent from the halloween pix & assumed he was “out of town on business.” My love to all of you during this deployment. <3
Wow! Huge congratulations on the Craftsy gig!! That’s awesome! You really earned that one – your Cricut posts are so well put together, I felt I could do it and I don’t even have a Cricut, lol. 🙂 You are a great and thorough teacher.
FWIW, I love your lifestyle posts. As strange as it may sound, though we’ve never met you seem like someone I would really like in person, so you feel much like a friend I get to touch base with from time to time. 🙂
And for your sweetheart, I can only offer my most heartfelt *salute.* I thank him, and you, for what you sacrifice. I owe you. <3 My prayers, you have them! xox
Hi Megan,
I’ve always enjoyed the not-so-craft-related posts . E.g. when you joined glimpses of military life
I second another poster’s opinion: make sure you’re comfortable with what you put out there – since not everyone is kind. But I for one really do enjoy the lifestyle posts as well.
Congrats on your class! Looking forward to learning more about it
Great post, very honest as always!
Well done on your craftsy gig. Cant imagine you doubting yourself, you seem to accomplish so much and have it all together. Would love to read a blog on other topics…especially the baby weight! Generally finding time to fit in what is good for you along side what is good for the kiddos! Thank you for sharing!
I do wish the “experts” would stick that advice where the sun doesn’t shine! I’ve heard other bloggers site the same reason for not sharing home life when they really do want to. I get that if you’re a home/craft blog that suddenly posting details on how to swap a transmission makes zero sense. However, posting about part of your daily life…when all your readers are people with daily life themselves is just ridiculous. YOU are your “niche”…posting about what’s going on with you does NOT constitute going outside your niche.
I’ve said it on other blogs, when the authors asked, but if I wanted a soulless post about how to do a craft or organize something there are PLENTY of brand blogs out there I could frequent. I like your blog because you’re a person we can connect and empathize with. You have struggles and mistakes and successes and variety of things going on in your world. The polished project posts that feel like they could be from a brand blog or a retailer blog are the ones I like the least. I like the ones where I know you’re a person…don’t feel like you need to hide your personhood from your readers!
You go gurl!!!!! Way to go with landing a Craftsy gig! You deserve it and prayers are coming your way too!
Yes! to lifestyle content. It’s a nice peek behind the screen of the person creating all these awesome projects. 🙂
I’m so proud of you, dear friend!! Can’t wait to see what your next big gig is going to be!
Congrats! I love all your content, including the non-craft-related posts. Share away! 🙂
I always love your coffee break posts! Whew, you have been one busy lady lately! I always enjoy some “lifestyle” posts thrown into the mix; it’s neat to hear about other facets of the loves of my fave bloggers. And as a fellow mom, I’m always eager for different tips/insights on shedding that baby weight! (My 3rd baby is 8 months old and I’ve got 15 lbs to go to be back to pre-baby weight.) I am ever grateful for the sacrifices you and your sweet family make for our nation…I will be keeping you all in prayer.
Oh, Sweetie (sorry, I’m a grandmother of ten and mom of several, and I just hear you in my heart). You are such a brilliant writer, creator, mother and wife; please cut yourself a HUUUGE amount of slack at this time of life. You are doing a wonderful job as a blogger and teacher, and we appreciate you so much!
Megan I noticed your loss of weight and yes I’d love to know what’s working for you! xx
It seems outrageous to me that you aren’t getting pitched all sorts of offers!! The only reason I can guess is because you have a diverse range of topics instead of focusing on solely home decorating?? Though the home decorating topics are my favorite and I don’t have little bitty ones at home anymore, I love that you stay true to YOUR family and YOUR life. You will never be able to relate to everyone 100% of the time anyway. Do not think of it as a negative but as a positive. Sometimes I feel like my favorite bloggers spend too much time on a pitch or a product that I don’t necessarily care for and I wish they had more time to focus on more diverse projects. We loyal readers notice and appreciate your greatness!!!
THANK YOU for fixing the site jumping issue – it really was super annoying! 😛 And I would love to read more about whatever you share – I’m definitely one of your readers who has moved from just reading for crafting content – I’m interested in your life, too! 🙂
Hi Megan
How lovely to read you again ! Congratulations with your big project and I’m sure you were the best being the true you as always. Yes tell us eveything you’d enjoy as it seems as other readers have written, you’re one of our close friend even if we never met.
And yes I do understand about your bat family, we have to take care on the Web and I do think of you and of the duty !
Have a nice Sunday.
I really enjoy your blog for all the reasons others mentioned — the realness, the creativity, ideas…congratulations on your newest opportunity! Many ((hugs)) as you readjust life with your husband away. May you be given the strength and endurance to make the days joyous (and some days just to make it to the end.) Happy Thanksgiving!