We moved around a lot when I was young, so I am extremely close with my family who I have always spent most of my time with. We settled outside of Nashville in time for me to make some friends before entering high school. I traveled to Murray State in Kentucky where I spent 4.5 years in an "on again, off again" relationship I stupidly thought was heading towards a future and was also getting a degree in Elementary Education. After graduating, I moved back "home" and got a job teaching in the county I graduated from. I ended the long-term relationship. I taught for three years.
After three years of teaching three different curriculums, being moved through seven different teaching positions, and moving in and out of five different classrooms, I decided it was time to move on when they told me I would have to do it again. So here I am, currently unemployed (unless you count my full-time, non-paying job of searching for a job every work day) and trying to figure out what to do next. I love children. I love teaching. But I just didn't feel like my job was focused on educating students as much as I imagined it would be when I was dreaming of becoming a teacher. I was also starting to feel voids in my life...things that were missing, things that were unbalanced, and parts of me that weren't being fulfilled.
In the time I was deciding what to do about my teaching career, my best friend and my sister were both engaged and getting married. It was opportunity (and sometimes a need) to use my creativity, party planning, decorating, coordinating, gift giving, organizing, cake decorating, crafting, and photography that I always loved. That time of my life made me realize just how much I love and how much joy I get out of being creative and using that part of my brain.
That part of my soul.
I started this blog last winter, while I was teaching, as a hobby. Just a place for me to post ideas and things I was proud of (or sometimes embarrassed of) creating and doing. What I feel now is that God tugged at my soul and nudged me to start blogging to help me realize the dream of finding a career and/or way to use the creative mind He blessed me with.
So what does that look like for the future? I have not a clue. My biggest dream is to be a wife and mom, but I'm far from that right now. I love photography. I love baking and decorating cakes. I love decorating my house and home projects. I love party planning. There are hundreds of options. I just have to decide which direction to go. It will take time. I'm sure it will involve some trial and error. But I'm excited to start the journey and see where it leads me. In the meantime, I'm hoping to find just A job to pay the bills and support my crafty addictions. Maybe continuing to blog will guide me to where I need to go. If anything, I hope it will inspire you to discover, nurture, and release the creative side of your soul.
Stacey, I just have to say you and this blog are such an inspiration. I'm incredibly impressed at the talent you have and the ability to share it with people. You are going to make amazing accomplishments in your life. Enjoy the journey!
ReplyDeleteHi! I know you're probably wondering who in the world this is. Well, you were my 3rd grade teacher. I know you might not want me to wander into your private life, but I hit a pin, was your pin. I really want to let you know, that your class influenced our, (Alex Cook, Kira Scott, and me) lives so much. We are still best friends, and have been since 3rd grade. I have a Pinterest board with then and now pictures. Thank you so much and Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteEmily, I am so sorry I just saw this! It made me smile so much. I very much miss you girls and that third grade class. You all made me a better person, too and I will never forget you! I hope you are doing well...It's hard to believe that you guys are growing up so fast! Thank you again for the sweet words...it made my day! :)
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