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I love my blog, but between one thing and another, I have found myself neglecting www.fabuliciousfifty.com. Here is a little life update.
At first I felt guilty and then I felt upset. I then sat down to figure out why I wasn’t blogging. And gave myself a free pass for a few weeks while I got a few things in order.
A little bit about my work life
Followers of my blog will know that I had to give up full-time work a while ago. I don’t mind saying that I found this hard. Hard not to be doing what I was passionate about, and hard to complete a working day when it was required.
I am delighted to say that I have re-organised my life, retrained and am now combining my years of experience with new skills.
As part of this ‘new me’ I now have my own dedicated website built for me by the talented Sinead from Mini Media. Have a look at www.kerrymanning.net, where you can read all about how I keep myself busy when I am not blogging or crafting.
You will notice that there is a section on speaking. It is a wonderful privilege to stand up in front of people and share my story and my philosophy of life.
You will also find some links to podcasts and other exciting collaborations.
Writing my book
I have also been working away at my book I am so excited that I have now reached the milestone of 20 thousand words. Quite a bit more to go, and it is only a first draft, but it feels good to put words on paper (in a digital version). This is a very personal book, and it isn’t easy to write. It is coming along and I believe that I will make my goal of finishing before the end of 2017.
I am the manager of my own health
My health continues to be a soundtrack in my life. I wish it wasn’t so, but it is. Perhaps I was hoping for a magic pill which would take all the pain away.
The result was quite the opposite and I felt down and despondent when I was simply told I was getting worse and the arthritis was spreading. No magic bullet, no cure and only painkillers on offer.
My normal positivity deserted me for a little while. Thankfully it returned and I realised that the only person who could help me was me. I have the freedom to try different treatments, experiment with mindfulness, creativity and pacing.
It isn’t easy, and I think this contributed to me not writing much for a while. I have no choice really but to accept that this is my journey and it is up to me how I travel.
There will always be days when I dig deep and find the energy to throw myself into exciting things with abandon. And, yes these will be followed by days when rest will be a requirement, as will medication.
I am determined to live life to the fullest. Why shouldn’t I?
Being Creative
Being creative is, for me as essential as my favourite liquid, tea. I strongly believe that when you are being creative you are in a state of flow, and it is when you are in this beautiful place you fill yourself up. So many of us are always giving and sharing and we need to fill our own cup in order to continue.
With this in mind I have been very busy with my creative endeavours. I have been teaching my class in Spiddal every month. This is so enjoyable, both the creativity of coming up with the projects and the special time spend sharing laughs with other creative souls.
Another highlight over the past weeks has been teaching An Grianan – the Irish Country Woman’s Association adult education centre. What a beautiful place, I can’t wait to go back again.
I have also just completed a big batch of handmade cards for the lovely Filippa of Harvest Breeze in Westport. Her gift shop is a true treasure trove for all the senses. If you are in Westport, please do pop in.
A new look to my blog
I am back blogging so expect posts to become regular again. I am also working on a little blog make-over with a little more structure to highlight the areas I love blogging about.
This is a sincere thank you for your support and for reading my blog.
Kerry xx
