Well, neither of my paintings were accepted, but I still think they're good. :)
Now, it's back to writing. My critique group is getting on my case about not being done with the first draft of my book. I'm on it, I promise!
We met tonight and I got a lot of great feedback on my story. I really need some motivation to get myself writing on a good schedule and getting some real work done. Any ideas?
#38 - Painting
I entered two of my paintings in a contest.
I don't have a lot of high hopes of them winning, but I'm not totally convinced that they won't.
I thought I'd post them here for all to see. Please don't post and tell me you hate them. Just shake your head and move on. :D
If I do place in the contest, my painting(s) will be placed in an art show, and put up for sale. That would be so cool!
Now, all of you, go out and do something fun. If your dream is to be a painter, go for it. If it's writing, give it all you've got. Or, if you're like me and you can't decide what to do with yourself, try a little of everything.
And if you have no idea what might interest you, try something. Take an acting class. Buy a Wii. Becoming a video game master is something to be proud of, too. :D Throw some pottery. And if it doesn't turn out well, throw it at the wall. You might find it relieves a lot of stress. Try decorating your house. You might have a knack for it. Garden. Cook. Scrapbook. Get a book about finding your passion. Organize a play group. Or a book club. Or a hairbow-making or card-making group. Hike. Run. Jetski. Sit in the park and stare at the sky, contemplating the universe. Sit down with a piece of paper and brain dump on the page about anything and everything that comes to mind, whether it makes sense or not. Maybe you'll find something you want to do in the middle of the whole mess.
Sorry, I'm getting carried away, I think. Maybe I should have just said, "Wish me luck."
I don't have a lot of high hopes of them winning, but I'm not totally convinced that they won't.
I thought I'd post them here for all to see. Please don't post and tell me you hate them. Just shake your head and move on. :D
If I do place in the contest, my painting(s) will be placed in an art show, and put up for sale. That would be so cool!
Now, all of you, go out and do something fun. If your dream is to be a painter, go for it. If it's writing, give it all you've got. Or, if you're like me and you can't decide what to do with yourself, try a little of everything.
And if you have no idea what might interest you, try something. Take an acting class. Buy a Wii. Becoming a video game master is something to be proud of, too. :D Throw some pottery. And if it doesn't turn out well, throw it at the wall. You might find it relieves a lot of stress. Try decorating your house. You might have a knack for it. Garden. Cook. Scrapbook. Get a book about finding your passion. Organize a play group. Or a book club. Or a hairbow-making or card-making group. Hike. Run. Jetski. Sit in the park and stare at the sky, contemplating the universe. Sit down with a piece of paper and brain dump on the page about anything and everything that comes to mind, whether it makes sense or not. Maybe you'll find something you want to do in the middle of the whole mess.
Sorry, I'm getting carried away, I think. Maybe I should have just said, "Wish me luck."
# 37 - Schizophrenic Muse
My muse is schizophrenic.
I can't seem to make myself settle down, focus, and work toward a single goal until it's done. I do have some success from time to time, but at others, I can barely focus from day to day, let alone the weeks or months at a time that it takes to complete a big project.
Lately, my muse has been speaking in the language of paint. I went to an art auction on board the cruise a few weeks ago and bought a few really beautiful pieces of art. It was the first time I've bought anything like that, despite the fact that I've always wanted to.
After that, my husband kept trying to tell me that I can paint things just as good as those things at the auction. We got into a big argument over it and I suddenly realized - I can paint that good. I can't paint exactly like Monet or Kincaid, but I can paint in my own way, and the paintings I've done in the past - some of them, anyway - are nice.
So, I went and bought a bunch of new art supplies and started painting again and I'm so excited! Just by examining the art at the show and giving it a lot of thought, I've come up with some things that have really improved my art, so as soon as I picked up a paintbrush last week, my painting was immediately better.
And I don't know if it could be a coincidence, but I just heard the other day about an art contest being held right here in my town, and I'm thinking seriously about entering it.
There have been other times when I've been really excited about music and I've played the piano a lot, bought new sheet music, etc. I pulled my old clarinet out a couple years ago, dusted it off, bought some new reeds and books and went to town re-learning how to play. Another time, my husband rented a cello and I rented a viola and we spent a lot of time playing - we were both in the orchestra in High School.
Then, last night I had critique group, so I've been spending some time going through and critiquing the other girls' work, and last night, we got together and went over everything and I got a lot of great feedback on my story. So now, I'm excited about my writing again.
On the one hand, I think it's a good thing to follow the muse. By doing what I'm most excited about at that moment, I feel like I best tap into my creativity. On the other hand, I think I need to be more firm in telling my muse to be quiet and just buckling down and getting to work.
Does anyone have secrets they'd like to share that might help me accomplish my goals?
I can't seem to make myself settle down, focus, and work toward a single goal until it's done. I do have some success from time to time, but at others, I can barely focus from day to day, let alone the weeks or months at a time that it takes to complete a big project.
Lately, my muse has been speaking in the language of paint. I went to an art auction on board the cruise a few weeks ago and bought a few really beautiful pieces of art. It was the first time I've bought anything like that, despite the fact that I've always wanted to.
After that, my husband kept trying to tell me that I can paint things just as good as those things at the auction. We got into a big argument over it and I suddenly realized - I can paint that good. I can't paint exactly like Monet or Kincaid, but I can paint in my own way, and the paintings I've done in the past - some of them, anyway - are nice.
So, I went and bought a bunch of new art supplies and started painting again and I'm so excited! Just by examining the art at the show and giving it a lot of thought, I've come up with some things that have really improved my art, so as soon as I picked up a paintbrush last week, my painting was immediately better.
And I don't know if it could be a coincidence, but I just heard the other day about an art contest being held right here in my town, and I'm thinking seriously about entering it.
There have been other times when I've been really excited about music and I've played the piano a lot, bought new sheet music, etc. I pulled my old clarinet out a couple years ago, dusted it off, bought some new reeds and books and went to town re-learning how to play. Another time, my husband rented a cello and I rented a viola and we spent a lot of time playing - we were both in the orchestra in High School.
Then, last night I had critique group, so I've been spending some time going through and critiquing the other girls' work, and last night, we got together and went over everything and I got a lot of great feedback on my story. So now, I'm excited about my writing again.
On the one hand, I think it's a good thing to follow the muse. By doing what I'm most excited about at that moment, I feel like I best tap into my creativity. On the other hand, I think I need to be more firm in telling my muse to be quiet and just buckling down and getting to work.
Does anyone have secrets they'd like to share that might help me accomplish my goals?
# 36 - Hold On, the Light Will Come
Despite the fact that I own hundreds of books, I rarely read one more than once.
It's kind of embarrassing, actually. It's just that there are so many books I love, and so many books I want to read. There isn't time in life to do it all.
So when I wanted to relax and read a book while I ate my chocolate on Mother's Day (Thank You Sunday School Presidency!), I was searching for a book I hadn't read yet. There was one book on the bookshelf that stood out to me immediately and I felt drawn to it. But I passed over it because I've already read it. But the Spirit was insistent and so I pulled it down, expecting to get bored soon and want to read something new.
Boy, was I wrong. This book was exactly what I needed to hear right now. I've actually been copying down quotes from it because they touched me so much.
I decided to give the book a shout-out because it's so wonderful.
The book is Hold on, the light will come - and other lessons my songs have taught me by Michael McLean.
This book is so inspiring and uplifting. It tells the stories behind many of his songs, where he was in his life and career when the song was written, and the things he learned through those experiences.
As a fellow "creative person" who is trying to write something the world will want to hear (re: read), I am relating so much to the stories and messages in this book. I highly recommend it, so go out and get yourself a copy. And after you read it, put it on the bookshelf because someday when you really need it, it will be ready and waiting for you to pick it up and discover it all over again.
It's kind of embarrassing, actually. It's just that there are so many books I love, and so many books I want to read. There isn't time in life to do it all.
So when I wanted to relax and read a book while I ate my chocolate on Mother's Day (Thank You Sunday School Presidency!), I was searching for a book I hadn't read yet. There was one book on the bookshelf that stood out to me immediately and I felt drawn to it. But I passed over it because I've already read it. But the Spirit was insistent and so I pulled it down, expecting to get bored soon and want to read something new.
Boy, was I wrong. This book was exactly what I needed to hear right now. I've actually been copying down quotes from it because they touched me so much.
I decided to give the book a shout-out because it's so wonderful.
The book is Hold on, the light will come - and other lessons my songs have taught me by Michael McLean.
This book is so inspiring and uplifting. It tells the stories behind many of his songs, where he was in his life and career when the song was written, and the things he learned through those experiences.
As a fellow "creative person" who is trying to write something the world will want to hear (re: read), I am relating so much to the stories and messages in this book. I highly recommend it, so go out and get yourself a copy. And after you read it, put it on the bookshelf because someday when you really need it, it will be ready and waiting for you to pick it up and discover it all over again.
# 35 - The Art of Letter-Writing
The art of letter-writing is practically extinct - and I'm just as guilty as anyone.
I decided it would be fun to write letters to my kids and send them every few days over the course of our trip. So I was at Wal-Mart the other day, shopping for stationary.
I was amazed to find that they don't sell any stationary. None. Seriously. That is a really sad sign that nobody writes letters anymore.
I have a book called "Letters" by Marjorie Pay Hinckley. It contains a lot of the letters she wrote to her husband when he was away, and to other people throughout the years. As I read them, I was thinking how sad it is that everything is done through e-mail these days.
I'd like to see a raise of hands by those who love to get letters in the mail. Every time I go to the mailbox, I have this moment of anticipation. What's going to be in there? Maybe a package. Maybe a letter. Maybe a card. 99.9% of the time, all that is in there is junk mail and bills. Sad.
Now, let's see a raise of hands of those who love to write letters and send them in the mail. Particularly, hand-written letters. Hmmmmm... That's what I thought.
So, I've decided to make a goal to write at least one letter to as many of my friends and loved ones as I can. Please don't feel bad if you don't get one, as I might miss some of you, or fail to meet my goal. In fact, if anyone who is reading this is disappointed when they don't get a letter in the mail, go ahead and send me one. I'll be sure and return the favor. :)
Anyone else up to the challenge? If you can commit to writing at least one hand-written note to at least one person, leave a note in my comments. I'd love to start a revolution. ;)
I decided it would be fun to write letters to my kids and send them every few days over the course of our trip. So I was at Wal-Mart the other day, shopping for stationary.
I was amazed to find that they don't sell any stationary. None. Seriously. That is a really sad sign that nobody writes letters anymore.
I have a book called "Letters" by Marjorie Pay Hinckley. It contains a lot of the letters she wrote to her husband when he was away, and to other people throughout the years. As I read them, I was thinking how sad it is that everything is done through e-mail these days.
I'd like to see a raise of hands by those who love to get letters in the mail. Every time I go to the mailbox, I have this moment of anticipation. What's going to be in there? Maybe a package. Maybe a letter. Maybe a card. 99.9% of the time, all that is in there is junk mail and bills. Sad.
Now, let's see a raise of hands of those who love to write letters and send them in the mail. Particularly, hand-written letters. Hmmmmm... That's what I thought.
So, I've decided to make a goal to write at least one letter to as many of my friends and loved ones as I can. Please don't feel bad if you don't get one, as I might miss some of you, or fail to meet my goal. In fact, if anyone who is reading this is disappointed when they don't get a letter in the mail, go ahead and send me one. I'll be sure and return the favor. :)
Anyone else up to the challenge? If you can commit to writing at least one hand-written note to at least one person, leave a note in my comments. I'd love to start a revolution. ;)
# 34 - The Slow Lane
I'm really enjoying life in the slow lane.
There's a lot of hype about the fast lane, but I've learned in the last few weeks that it's WAY over-rated.
I've always gone about 10 mph over the speed limit. I've had my reasons for believing that you will never get a ticket for going 10 over or less, and in my 15 years of experience, I have never been pulled over for doing any less than about 13 over, which reinforced my belief. It may or may not be true, but it's my perception, so there you go.
Well, I got pulled over by a gold SUV a few months ago. (As an aside, I think it's awesome how cops are starting to go undercover. There are a lot of people who only slow down when they see a cop. You'd never think the gold SUV behind you is a cop until it's too late.) I was going 10 over, but I was in a hurry and every time I'd look at the speedometer, I had pushed it up to 15 over, so I'd try to slow it down, but I was living right there on the edge, and it really made me mad at myself when I got pulled over.
After that, I tried to be more careful, but I was still driving in the 10-over range.
Well, I decided a month or so ago that I would try an experiment. I started driving 5 over and I was absolutely, jaw-droppingly amazed at how much less stressed I felt as I drove around town. I coupled that with a serious effort at leaving for things early and I was so very excited at my new-found knowledge that I could actually slow it down a bit and not feel like I had to stay right on the tail of the guy in front of me.
A week or two into the experiment, I was talking to my dad about it and it hit me - if I felt that much better slowing it down to 5 over, what would I feel like if I actually drove the speed limit? I was afraid to try. I didn't want to be that car that has a million people piled up behind them, cursing them for going so slow and making everybody late.
But, I decided to try it and the most amazing thing happened. It seemed like the whole world slowed down, almost as if everyone was in slow motion. When I drive the speed limit, I feel like I can just lean back against the seat-back and breathe. Nothing bothers me. I accelerate a lot less vigorously now, and I start slowing down for lights long before I used to, rolling to a stop instead of screeching to one.
Now, I'm wondering what all the hurry was about. I get everywhere I need to go in almost the exact same amount of time I used to get there in. I have to admit, I do feel stressed when I'm going 25 and someone gets on my tail and there's no way to pass. I speed up to about 5 over at that point, but then I tell myself not to let them bully me into speeding. So I try to just breathe deep breaths, force myself to relax, and go 5 over until they're past.
In 6 days, I'm about to take my slow-down experiment to the next level. I'm actually going to move out of the slow lane and park my car on the shoulder. My husband and I are going on an 11 - count them, 11 - day vacation. 11 days and 10 nights of absolute, blissful freedom. We'll be on a cruise for 5 of those nights. Talk about parking your car on the side of the road. We'll be pulling our beach towels out of the trunk and setting them up right there off the side of the freeway - figuratively speaking, of course.
I'm going to miss my kids like crazy and worry about them, but it is going to be soooo nice to go snorkeling off the coast of Mexico, ride roller coasters at Six Flags, make out whenever I feel like it, day or night. *blush* Did I just say that? At least most of you have probably stopped reading by now. :)
Seriously, I don't think I've ever done anything half this exciting and fun in my life. DH and I never even had a Honeymoon. The closest thing to this that we've ever done is a 2 day, 1 night trip to Victoria, BC for our 10 year anniversary. That was just a small taste of what this vacation is going to be like.
Back to the original point of my post - I highly encourage everybody to just slow down and relax. In this fast-paced world, we all need to relax a little bit. You don't have to go to the spa to get pampered - pamper yourself right on the freeway by relaxing on your way to your kids' next soccer game.
There's a lot of hype about the fast lane, but I've learned in the last few weeks that it's WAY over-rated.
I've always gone about 10 mph over the speed limit. I've had my reasons for believing that you will never get a ticket for going 10 over or less, and in my 15 years of experience, I have never been pulled over for doing any less than about 13 over, which reinforced my belief. It may or may not be true, but it's my perception, so there you go.
Well, I got pulled over by a gold SUV a few months ago. (As an aside, I think it's awesome how cops are starting to go undercover. There are a lot of people who only slow down when they see a cop. You'd never think the gold SUV behind you is a cop until it's too late.) I was going 10 over, but I was in a hurry and every time I'd look at the speedometer, I had pushed it up to 15 over, so I'd try to slow it down, but I was living right there on the edge, and it really made me mad at myself when I got pulled over.
After that, I tried to be more careful, but I was still driving in the 10-over range.
Well, I decided a month or so ago that I would try an experiment. I started driving 5 over and I was absolutely, jaw-droppingly amazed at how much less stressed I felt as I drove around town. I coupled that with a serious effort at leaving for things early and I was so very excited at my new-found knowledge that I could actually slow it down a bit and not feel like I had to stay right on the tail of the guy in front of me.
A week or two into the experiment, I was talking to my dad about it and it hit me - if I felt that much better slowing it down to 5 over, what would I feel like if I actually drove the speed limit? I was afraid to try. I didn't want to be that car that has a million people piled up behind them, cursing them for going so slow and making everybody late.
But, I decided to try it and the most amazing thing happened. It seemed like the whole world slowed down, almost as if everyone was in slow motion. When I drive the speed limit, I feel like I can just lean back against the seat-back and breathe. Nothing bothers me. I accelerate a lot less vigorously now, and I start slowing down for lights long before I used to, rolling to a stop instead of screeching to one.
Now, I'm wondering what all the hurry was about. I get everywhere I need to go in almost the exact same amount of time I used to get there in. I have to admit, I do feel stressed when I'm going 25 and someone gets on my tail and there's no way to pass. I speed up to about 5 over at that point, but then I tell myself not to let them bully me into speeding. So I try to just breathe deep breaths, force myself to relax, and go 5 over until they're past.
In 6 days, I'm about to take my slow-down experiment to the next level. I'm actually going to move out of the slow lane and park my car on the shoulder. My husband and I are going on an 11 - count them, 11 - day vacation. 11 days and 10 nights of absolute, blissful freedom. We'll be on a cruise for 5 of those nights. Talk about parking your car on the side of the road. We'll be pulling our beach towels out of the trunk and setting them up right there off the side of the freeway - figuratively speaking, of course.
I'm going to miss my kids like crazy and worry about them, but it is going to be soooo nice to go snorkeling off the coast of Mexico, ride roller coasters at Six Flags, make out whenever I feel like it, day or night. *blush* Did I just say that? At least most of you have probably stopped reading by now. :)
Seriously, I don't think I've ever done anything half this exciting and fun in my life. DH and I never even had a Honeymoon. The closest thing to this that we've ever done is a 2 day, 1 night trip to Victoria, BC for our 10 year anniversary. That was just a small taste of what this vacation is going to be like.
Back to the original point of my post - I highly encourage everybody to just slow down and relax. In this fast-paced world, we all need to relax a little bit. You don't have to go to the spa to get pampered - pamper yourself right on the freeway by relaxing on your way to your kids' next soccer game.
# 33 - Naming Posts
I'm getting a little tired of naming all my posts "Confession #XX"
So, that's my confession for today. :)
Actually, I think I'm going to keep it up because it presents a kind of challenge for me to come up with an opening sentence that sounds somewhat like a confession instead of just giving each post a catchy title and plunging into it without much thought.
So, that's my confession for today. :)
Actually, I think I'm going to keep it up because it presents a kind of challenge for me to come up with an opening sentence that sounds somewhat like a confession instead of just giving each post a catchy title and plunging into it without much thought.
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