It’s been a mad couple of weeks, you guys.  I know I’m quite late posting this week, and I’m sorry.  And I’m sorry that this post isn’t all that exciting.  I’ll try better next week.  This has just been a very trying couple of weeks in my personal world…

The good news is that thanks to the encouragement of my awesome mother in law (whose visit was a VERY bright part of this past week), I have been battling the giant pile of kickstarter reward packages like a BOSS.  Checking, double checking (’cause I’m obsessive like that), printing postage, and sealing everything up, and FINALLY getting them into the car and to the post office.  I’d like to think that I didn’t mess a single thing up, but I’m smart enough to know that’s impossible…  But still!  I took the plunge, crossed my fingers that it’d all turn out well, and loaded up the car.

As you can see, Myla helped me by doodling on a couple.  (I’d have her draw a doodle on more, but once she gets going on a scene, it’s like Picasso’s “Guernica,” and she won’t let me change the envelope out til she’s completed and entire scene.  But there are a random few that have been doodled on, so that’s cool.)

I really tried to make these packages something I’d be proud of, something I’d love to get in the mail myself.  I wanted to show everyone HOW MUCH I appreciate all the support for our little venture.  It still blows my mind that complete strangers logged on to pledge, no matter WHAT the amount, and for that, I’m so grateful.  You guys helped me make a dream come true!  Our little weird and wonderful book is out in the world now, and that’s amazing!

My mother in law (always playing devil’s advocate) asked if I was prepared if anyone might not like the book.  And the answer is uh…..NO?!?!   I hadn’t even considered that.   Because it doesn’t really matter, in a way, does it?   It’s made with love, and I put my heart into it, and that can’t be TOO wrong, can it?

SOoooooo.  The past couple of weeks have been very personally trying.  And school is out.  My usually-sweet munchkin has started methodically pushing my buttons.  The husband will be back from deployment soon.  I am, generally speaking, worn out.  I am exhausted.  I am tired…But I react to stress by keeping busy.  I do projects like a madwoman.  I do try to cut myself a LITTLE slack–let the standards go just a little bit on the house and such.  I try to find relaxing moments where and when I can.  I try to always save an hour or two in the evenings just to watch a show and draw.  That helps a LOT.

The book we made is filled with all kinds of interactive pages.  It’s my hope that people will get out their art supplies and share those pages with someone, and doodle right there in the book.  I hope they do.  And I hope that if they do, they share their pictures with me, because I’d LOVE to see them!

I’ve already heard from a few people who’ve gotten their packages, and I’m so excited!  In the meantime, I’ll keep plugging away, I’ll “just keep swimming,” I’ll keep my chin up, I’ll do my best to stay on top of things.  So I apologize for this week’s not-so-exciting post, but I appreciate the low-stress and supportive nature of this blog.  You guys are awesome, and I believe that.

So if you’re one of those people that are treading water this week like I am, don’t despair!  It might help to know there are others out there going through the same thing.  And no matter what it is, no matter how big or small, I think we all deserve  a pat on the back for hanging in there and doing the best we can (even if our standards are usually better).  Because, DANG!  Some weeks are rough.

So HIGH FIVE, YOU GUYS!