Don’t Worry – Be Hoppy…

Don’t Worry – Be Hoppy…

Hi there

Thanks for popping in. Sunny Sunday, and it’s time to hop about! Get busy, be productive, MAKE SOMETHING – even if it’s just the bed!!

It’s the only way for me. I have to keep busy, keep with my hands. Can I level with you? I’m certainly not alone here when I say things have been getting to me; the real news, the fake news, fearmongering and catastrophizing is starting to impact. I find my fuse is very short, and things which usually wash over me are getting to me.

There was a moment last week when I was anxious, panicking and spiralling. Things weren’t going the way I had planned, and the pressure was building. Proper washing machine spin cycle head. So I called a friend: Dave. And this is what he said.

“Go with it. Just go with it.”

And in a moment, once I relaxed my shoulders and ACCEPTED it just as it was, the panic mountain melted. It was as if a pressure valve had been released, as if the pressure build up in my brain just hissed out of a tiny hole. And during the next few hours every time the pressure started to build again, I just repeated Dave’s simple sage words to myself. It worked. It really did. That, and staying busy. Hopping about!!

Here’s one of the brand new Clarity Card Card kits we showcased on TV last week. The Whimsy Hare:

So many fab elements and stamping assets. Really cool. Here’s a whole gallery of Hare art from our clever Design Team….thanks to all xxx

What will you do today? I am on the Lino Cutting trail. I’ve got some ideas that I want to try out. That’ll keep the head focussed!

Whatever you do, DO something! Don’t worry – be Hoppy!

Love and Hugs

Barb xxx

Here is the link to the website for ALL the new Cut card kits, still available at a special introductory price x

CLICK HERE

17 thoughts on “Don’t Worry – Be Hoppy…

  1. I love all these products, they’re so lovely and I watched your shows last week. Great demonstrations Barbara. You really make it easy for those presenters! I completely understand your “washing machine head”. I have it too, and sometimes it really is hard to focus on anything! But guess what I do when I’m feeling like that? I watch YOU!! So never underestimate the effect you have on others with your artistic talent and your easy style!
    Wise words from Dave.
    Hope you have a lovely Sunday, doing whatever makes you happy. Grateful thanks as always x

  2. I didn’t have a particularly good week either so know exactly what you mean about the brain going into overdrive, panic mode. Like you getting busy with the hands really helps calm things down even if only for half an hour or so. Let’s hope we all have a better week this week.xx

  3. I wish I had a ‘Dave’ – yours is GREAT!!!
    I’ve come to the conclusion not to listen to the news much these days, facebook is a non starter too – I have also realised that making cards is much better for me if I add some watercolouring (blame your gal Sam Crowe!) it is much more satisfying. I would be colouring these wabbits/hares – get the brushos out.
    Have a lovely ‘doing’ day (I’ve just made a simnel cake, the cooking smell is driving us all mad)
    Love
    Maggie (Bendy Yorkite)

  4. I’m going to pack my bag this afternoon ready for my Groovi Club tomorrow. I’ve just got back from a Tesco shop – my oh my haven’t prices rocketed. Got the family coming for Easter so cupboard overflowing now 🤣🤣. I don’t watch the news now preferring You Tube withBarbara’s dulcet tones. That calms me ❤️❤️

  5. When on a previous blog about cut cards I asked if we could have some bunnies I never dreamed you would already have them. Should have known as it is coming up to Easter. I am stunned by the samples and really look forward to receiving the four different sets I ordered.
    I agree that what with Covid, the war in Ukraaine, the political problems, rising prices and so on, we all need something or somewhere to retreat to so we can get some peace anc calm. But as you often say – this too shall pass.
    But never mind a washing machine head – I just wish I had a washing machine. Repair man came out Friday 6 Days after the machine broke down, when he left I loaded the machine, switched it on and hey ho IT BROKE AGAIN!!!!!!! As they only have one repair man at present I now have to wait until Thursday for him to sort it out. The pile of washing grows as does my frustration so I resort to CLARITY to calm me down. Like you I do like to keep my hands busy and crafting, painting, sewing and other things all help.
    Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
    Hugs.

  6. Dave is certainly a wise man. Big birthday for me and not the best health wise. I will repeat Dave’s wise words and I am sure it will work. Saving up for the lovely kits xx

  7. My daughter always says you must focus on the things you can change and ignore the things that are out of your reach. If we all concentrate on the little things you can change, then the big things will follow. I cannot do anything to stop Putin, but I can make cards to donate to raise money to help his victims. Little things that I can complete. Today, I am on a mission to completely put together a mountain of finished projects, while my head spins with new ideas. Then I can see space to do more sunflowers. There will also be room to put my little notebook in which I can grab ideas from my whirring brain and write them down for future use.
    Have fun with your lino cutting, Barbara, and listen to Dave.
    xxx Maggie Craner (Silvercrafter)

  8. I really tidied my craft room today and found it very calming to restore some order. Found lots of things I had forgotten I had at the same time so a double win.

  9. To get engrossed in a crafting project is the best way to forget what is going on in the big wide world or even our personal aches & pains. I have been trying to catch up with projects & family cards that have been put to one side whilst waiting for my new glasses. Not so sure about the glasses but I have got a few things done. Its nice to tick a few boxes on the to do list. That also makes you feel better.
    So listen to Dave – ”Go with it ” & then one of your sayings ” One Day at a Time” xx

  10. Wise words from Dave. I haven’t listened to the news for ages. Love to listen to Barbara on SHACSHAC and Paul on Groovi Tuesday. You always keep me calm and i groovi craft along too. Take care.
    Lesley xxx

  11. Sorry you have been struggling, Barbara. I spent the afternoon weeding a raised bed and sifting compost to add to it. Lovely afternoon. Hope you have a good week, one day at a time. Face things one bite at a time. Lots of love. Hxx

  12. Hi Barbara
    Sorry to hear you had a bad week, I’m with most people I don’t watch the news and I realise that I can’t change things so do exactly as Dave says.
    We went to see Simon & Garfunkel story last week great music everyone singing along to all is groovi it reminded me of clarity. I also did a stonemason course this week 2women 7 men but great company the chap that runs it does Glastonbury every year. Wonder if you remember him from your trip there a few years back. His name is Tom Clark and has classes all week.
    Hope next week is better for you.
    Love Ruth & Jackie xx

  13. Barb.
    Sorry to hear you’ve been suffering with a bad case of ‘washing machine head’, I emphasise, it’s a tough place to be.
    Getting creative works for me too, and during Lent I determined to ‘craft’ something every day if I possibly could. It’s done me the world of good, and I’ve got something to show for it which also helps.
    Take care, and see you in the SHAC
    Claire

  14. Hello Barbara
    The daughter of a very dear friend of mine was diagnosed with a serious heart condition when she was 10. She died when she was 50.
    I asked my friend how she had coped for all those years, knowing her daughter could have collapsed and died at any time.
    Her answer was ‘If you can’t change things, you have to just go with it’. Very wise words.
    Love Roz.xxx

  15. Hello Barb, I need to take a note out of your book, as things have been getting to me too lately. I loved the launch of the cut card kits, and I have my eye on all of them, but will have to prioritise in order of need, although they all fall under that category! However they will have to be purchased slowly. Love the shared images, so much inspiration. Take care and stay safe everyone. Bx

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