Calendar Pages Upcycled...

This past week has found me sorting through my desk and stacks of papers and such.  Why do I need 5 calendars all for the very same year?  Donations I make result in the annual calendar and I feel compelled to hang on to them.  So in my surge to purge I used those calendars for cards and envelopes.  I spent one hour this morning and made a dozen envelopes with matching cards.  I use these for my weekly "Random Acts of Mail" that I send out.  With one calendar page I can make one envelope and card.  I love the cheerful colors and scenes that are there for me to work with.  While I am cutting and folding and taping I am adding my good thoughts and prayers for those who are in need of some cheer.  We do not always know the extent of their needs but I feel my cheerful envelopes and cards lend a smile to everyone who sees them.  What do you think?

I realize I have shared these before however I am so happy with how many possibilties they have that I am sharing them again.  Pockets created from calendar pages.  I simply fold and double stick tape the edges to form a pocket.  Easy peasy.  With the days seeming shorter as the darkness falls so early and our schedules fill out with holiday things to do, this is quick and very doable.  One calendar, one hour and endless possibilities.  

Think of all the uses these have and they are easy to mail inside an envelope.  These would even look good hanging on a Christmas tree.  Think of decorating a senior's small living space.  Wouldn't Grandpa like a new bandana contained within this pocket?  Maybe college students might like to receive some movie theater tickets and popcorn "seed" money.  A freind who is not feeling well might like to receive a nice hanky and some soothing tea bags.  How about a delicious chocolate bar to give to friends at holiday lunches.  What would you send along to someone?
The days are getting very busy with holiday buzz.  I almost feel overwhelmed at all the barrage of advertisements and catalogs and shop, shop, shop...until I take a moment to remember I have the power to slow down the pace and enjoy each day the way I would like to.  Yes, this sounds very "Pollyanna" however we each have the ability to slow down our hectic rush rush schedules.  Stop to think of how critical each task is and then decide which ones to focus on and let the rest be done by someone else or maybe not at all.  This holiday season I am really going to focus on what I want to spend my time doing for others. This has been such a busy year for Mr. C and myself with all our travel and road trips and pleasing others wants that I feel this is a good time to reflect and enjoy...our being together, our home, our families and our friends.  I cannot slow down the clock however I can slow down my reactions to all that demands my time.  This is the first year that I feel I am able to enjoy and truly be in the moment.  Yes, I may miss out on some fun but my peace and serenity is all important to me.  May we each be able to find the balance that works for us.  I am remembering my mantra..."If not now, when?"  I am truly grateful for each day and all that I am surrounded with.
Blessings and Creative Bliss My Friends...