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Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Finish things



I have a dream.
I dream that I will one day live off of my creativity.
I dream of working for myself.  Of filling my days doing what I love.  And getting paid for it.

I have another dream.
Of opening up an Etsy shop.

Now I know some of you are thinking, "Seriously?  It's not that hard.  Just do it."  Well, I'm here to tell you that it is that hard.  Maybe hard's not the right word.  But it certainly takes a lot of work, time & attention to detail.  Every little step seems to take a million other little steps.  I've come a long way, but I'm not quite there yet.

The other night, after a tireless day of prepping & organizing for my shop opening, I realized that it just Was Not Going To Happen that day.  So in an act of desperation & frustration, I decided to breathe.  (sigh)  And then I had a conversation with my wise self:

"Am I really meant to go down this path?  Am I really meant to live off of my creativity or am I just meant to live creatively?"

And my wise self said to me, "Yes, of course you are dear.  Live what you love and the money will follow."

"Well then, why does it seem so impossible?  Why does it seem so impossible?"

"Because it is.  If you make it so.  And besides, you wouldn't appreciate it so much if it came easy.  Now would you?"

"So what now?" I asked.

And my wise self wisely said,
"Finish things.
Start things.
Do things.
Make things.
But most importantly, FINISH THINGS."

And with that I went to bed.


Today’s post is part of a brave blogging link-up LIV LANE is hosting for the courageous students in her How To Build a Blog You Truly Love e-course.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

2011 Create with K8

Many of you know that I'm addicted to art retreats.  I love participating in art activities, exploring photography, and being surrounded by other creative souls.  But one thing I always find myself saying when I'm at these retreats is, "I wish the ladies back home were here"...or "so and so would love this"...or "why don't I do this more often?"

So in 2011 I decided to bring the art retreat to me!  One Sunday afternoon out of each month, "the girls" gathered at my house for a creative adventure.  People came when they could make it; it was a no pressure, no experience needed kind of thing.  We did everything from rock painting to xmas tree decorations...but the end result wasn't the important thing.  It was about creating, it was about community...and turning a dream of mine into reality!

In honour of each and every one that joined me along the way - and to all those that really wanted to come but just couldn't get the stars to aline - I put together this little video of the monthly projects.  I hope the rest of you will enjoy it as well!

And now, on to 2012 dreams.  What are you dreaming about?

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

I just blew my own mind

oh my! by Kate Daniel
oh my!, a photo by Kate Daniel on Flickr.

"I just blew my own mind."

That was the subject of a recent email that I received from a friend.

Isn't that awesome?! Doesn't it make you want to do something that just blows your own mind, too?

I think I will vow to create as many mind-blowing moments for myself as possible in 2012. How about you?


(Another friend reminded me about this photo this other day...thought it was appropriate.)