Hi there. If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you would definitely know that I am thoroughly enjoying this new ‘season’ of life. After 33 years in Education, I ‘retired’ from my job as Principal of a local Christian School at the end of 2017 and decided to devote more time to my Stampin’ Up! ® Business (Disclaimer: This post is a bit personal and maybe even a little soppy, so skip right down to the projects if you’d rather).
I feel so blessed to wake up every day and have the time to CREATE. There are so many ideas buzzing away in my head that I am usually up early to get the most out of my day. Check out my new ‘office’ –
to this!
February, 2018
For most of last year it looked like this –
Thank goodness for Cube Storage from Bunnings and some time to declutter. He, he … goodbye 2017! So much time was spent at work that it was a wonder I got anything craft related done in that space.
Don’t get me wrong, I was so blessed to be the Principal of Newstead Christian School for four years and a teacher there for ten years prior to that. It was such a privilege to drive the transformation of the school and to now see the fruits of all the hard work and dedication from the Staff, School Board and Parents. NCS will always hold a big place in my heart.
I am so happy doing what I absolutely LOVE. Paper crafting is a passion that has turned from a hobby into a fun business venture. There’s now time to look after myself (have shed 7kgs on a LCHF lifestyle ‘diet’ in seven weeks), to catch up with friends and family (had time to help my mum move house) and get the house organised before hubby retires too and we embark on a bit of travel.
A couple of weeks ago I got to go back to my ‘old’ school as a stall holder at the Fair –
… and made these fun cards using ‘Birthday Wit’ and Tutti Frutti DSP –
Product List
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These were super quick and easy to create but in the process I discovered that my passion really lies in making ‘one off’ 3D originals and teaching others how to create them through my written tutorials.
What ‘floats your boat’?
So goodbye old life, hello new …
There’s also a spot on my team for you!
Congratulations on your retirement! I know that you are missed at the school, but I’m so happy that you’re enjoying your new lifestyle! I retired several years ago, and now I find that there just aren’t enough hours in the day to create all the things I want to create, try all the new techniques, teach all the classes, etc! How’d I ever have time to work full time? Anyway, I love your beautiful projects, and look forward to each and every blog post. Thanks for your never ending inspiration! Good luck to you in your retirement!
Thanks, Patti. Yes .. never enough hours. How did I fit work in?
Bronwyn,
Thank you for sharing your transition stories. I appreciate all your insights. I recently retired after teaching special needs for 41 years so I can relate. What is the LCHF Lifestyle Diet? I definitely need to shed some pounds/kgs.
Thanks, Maureen
Thanks, Maureen. LCHF stands for Low Carbs, High Fat (good fats). I avoid potatoes and other high carb veggies, don’t eat pasta or bread, no processed, packaged stuff … cook most things from scratch because I now have the time … no SUGAR (well, very little of the stuff). It wasn’t easy at first as I love spuds, love pasta and love bread but once the kilos started coming off and I started feeling a lot more healthy, those foods don’t seem so appealing.
Thank you for sharing your story – it inspires me to continue on my journey. I, too, am in education and with retirement so far away your post makes me hopeful. I also wanted to thank you for sharing your beautiful projects – they are so creative!
Thanks, Rubina. Keep doing that ‘hobby’ even when you don’t have time because someday you will.
Congratulations on Retirement.
Congratulations Bronwyn! I love all of your projects. Thank you so much for sharing.
The best to you in your new adventure. Your post is uplifting and I’ve enjoyed your creations throughout many months I’ve been following you.
Glad you are enjoying retirement life; it’s your special gift to yourself. I love so many of your creations; they rock!
Thanks, ladies. I thought that this scenario would be a few years away for me but hubby and I decided to start building a life that we didn’t need a vacation from. 🙂
Congratulations on retirement. I have been following your blog for years. Everything you do is amazing. Thanks for sharing your tutorials – I love them.
Thanks, Jenny. I appreciate the feedback.
Congratulations on your retirement! I, too, am retired from education but the teacher in me loves to do stamping classes. I enjoy all of your creative projects. Thank you for sharing them.
Yep, once a teacher .. always a teacher ..