Tomorrow is the big day. Bright and early, as the sun is beginning to rise on the east coast of North America, the first challenge of the Month of Challenges-2016 (the fourth) will be posted. Scrappers from all over the world will be hitting refresh, pretending to see if they have mail, but actually opening the Lily Pad on their phone. Scrappers that usually sleep in, will be up, coffee in hand anticipating the first challenge, and wondering if they are prepared. Those in Europe, the Far East and Australia will be up, fighting sleep or requirements for the day to get the head start.

Are you prepared? Ask yourself this question. Are you ready to take on the next 31 days, to scrap your fingers to the bone.  Have you sat down with your family and explained the situation.  That for the last 11 months, you have cooked, cleaned and seen to their every need, but this month is for YOU.  Dinners will be quick, and sometimes may not always seem nutritious.  YOU have a challenge to complete.

There has been a whole lot of activity in the forums, how do I prepare? Should I tag everything? What should I buy? What if my kids don’t like PopTarts? You see I buy large quantities of Pop-Tarts and keep them on my desk.  When one of my numerous children come to say, “Mom, mom, we haven’t eaten all day? Can we have dinner?”  I toss them a Pop-Tart and snarl in a sing song voice, “Mommy is busy, please go away until I finish today’s challenge”  Luckily, these things come in many flavors.  I apologize to those who can not obtain these delicacies. Perhaps, you have a treat that you can use to calm the family.

How did you do it? I am a 3 year veteran, completing all 31 challenges, 3 years in a row. Yes, and because of my diligence, I became a POLLY!  My main tip, is to learn from each challenge.  Don’t just do a page to do a page, make a page you love .  Pour your heart into each one.  If you get stuck, go and leave love in the gallery and get inspiration. One of the most amazing things about the MOC is the encouragement from everyone! The gallery overflows, the forums are electric with energy and there is no such thing as a stupid question.  You asking is important, get clarification, learn and love the process of the whole month.

This is what is going to happen.  The first challenge is started, and you will be fine.  You will say, I can do this, I can do this. Then you will be like, I’m done with that one, is it tomorrow yet? Bring it on, I’m a scrapping machine! That will go for a few days, then your nemesis, your arch enemy  of  scrapping will be the days challenge.  Your shoulders will slump, perhaps a small fit on the ground with kicking and screaming will ensue.  But YOU WILL NOT be defeated! YOU can and WILL do this!

Don’t quit! Even if you are overwhelmed, the Pollys are all trained in MOC encouragement. Reach out in the forum and try again. We want you to succeed.  This isn’t a month of pain, but growth and fun.  Hold on to the JOY of scrapping and don’t rush it, love it!

~never lose your joy