Resolution/Goal Check-in: January

Confession:  I am not one to make a resolution, let alone a bunch of them, come January 1st.  However, I always set some goals to work on throughout the coming year. I find it helps me keep focus and perspective on life and challenges me to be, and do, better.

This year, my goals include:
1. Make a brand-new recipe each month
2. Read 1 book a month (I often don't make time to just read.  This, I feel, will help me make time for it.)
3. Finish 2012 scrapbook and keep up with 2013 scrapbook
4. Go to 3 places I have never been: 1 restaurant, 1 city, 1 museum or attraction
5. Blog once per week
6. Limit facebook time, posting once or twice a week.
7. Take a course in the education field (professional development)
8. Paint a special piece for the house (I haven't paint since university)

So, how have I been doing meeting these goals?

1. Recipe:  I made a bok choy salad for lunch one day.  I have never prepared anything with bok choy and I was curious.  I found out you can eat it raw, so I thought - Perfect!  I found this recipe: http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/salads/spicy-crunchy-bok-choy-salad/  Now, I didn't have rice vinegar, so I used regular vinegar.  (It would have been better with the rice vinegar.) I omitted the almonds as I am allergic and I didn't have a jalapeno pepper... so that got left out.  Overall, it was okay. I am sure, if the recipe is followed exactly with no omissions, it would be full of flavour and perfect to accompany a steak dinner or a tofu dish. For me, I think I will search for other  yummy bok choy recipes in the future.

2. Read: I have my Kobo to thank for meeting, AND going beyond, this goal.  (FYI: I LOVE my Kobo Glo I received for Christmas.)  I read The Foretelling by Alice Hoffman; The Custom of the Army by Diana Gabaldon, a non-fiction, riveting work (not really that exciting) about the care of chihuahuas, and I am halfway through The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah Moggach.  I also borrowed an e-book called The Element by Sir Ken Robinson.  (I am almost finished that one.)

3. Scrapbook:  I have uploaded new papers and embellishments into Storybook Creator - I had a backlog of files to load in from last year.  I also purchased credits for a 12x12 book and an 8x8 book.  I plan to use the 12x12 for the first six months of my 365 from last year.  I have finished to May 2012  for that book.  So almost there!  For 2013, I have simply been organizing my photos (all digital into folders) and really haven't contemplated the book yet.  That will have to change if I am to keep up with this goal.  That being said, I have taken on keeping a SMASHbook for the year.  AND I have been adding to it throughout the month.  Does that count for my scrapbook goal?

4. Places:  There hasn't been any progress yet on this front.

5. Blog: I have been doing at least once a week, faithfully, and lovin' it!  I don't really know how many people I am reaching, but for me, it is not about that.  It is an exercise in creativity, expanding my writing skills and voice, tracking my year and events/items I feel are important, and getting experience using the program.

6. Facebook: I WAS doing well on this until last week.  Last week, we adopted a new four-legged friend and well, that meant more posts; then old habits crept back in this week.  February is a new month, and I will try again to limit time on fb and keeping my posts to a minimum.

7. Course: This is a work in progress and it isn't necessary to complete this month. :)

8. Painting:  I am searching for the topic of my piece.  I have played around with a few ideas... abstract vs. a more Impressionist inspired piece.  I am debating to do a large piece vs a triptic (An art piece that consists of three canvases that hang together.)  More developments will be shared in the coming months.

I am please with my progress thus far in 2013.

I have also completed and begun several other projects.  I already showed you some of the crocheted pieces (and working on my son's cowl now.)  I also blogged about the SMASHbook (and more to be posted in the short term.)  As well, I have made an upcycled dog sweater from a sleeve of a wool sweater (post to follow) and a personal address book for a close, dear friend.  I have been documenting the process of creating this book as I have gone along as I will be blogging about it shortly.

I am LOVING, LOVING being crafty, creative and keeping this blog.  I am feeling centred and calm. (Maybe great weekly dates have been a contributing factor, too.)

January was a good month!

My Smashbook Adventure Begins

What is a Smashbook, you ask?  If you were like me me, you may have never heard about it until recently.  For a refresher, simply put, it is a book that collects it all: thoughts, dreams, plans, inspiration, memories and treasures. (AKA: a junk drawer). There isn't necessarily a rhyme or reason to it, it is a book that houses your "stuff."

I am an artist.  Although, over the last number of years, you would never know it.  No new finished masterpieces adorn my walls or unfinished ones hide in the corners. The truth is since I had kids, the artist in me has remained silent, never wanting to speak up and break free from the confines of schedule, routine, kids, work, life. I am truly me when I am painting, creating, collaging, drawing, getting covered in paint and pastels.  I feel alive when I soak in the moment and time stands still.  The artist in me longs to reign and show my kids that just because you are a 'boring ol' parent,' it doesn't me the "you" in you dies.

Enter stage right: the Smashbook.  I am hoping the essence and spirit of what it is, ignites the artist in me once again and puts me back on track.

How will this happen exactly?

Well, a number of years ago, I took up scrapbooking as a token creative activity.  And I can't lie; I LOVE it! I scrapbook traditionally (paper, stickers, photos, glue, and pens) and digitally.  I think in terms of layouts and design when I take pictures.  I ponder about the musings of my journaling that will accompany my pages (I actually DREAD that part, believe it or not!)  And I try to capture the essence and the feeling of that exact moment when I scrapbook.  When I leaf trough the finished pages, I feel blessed and I know I am leaving a special legacy for my family.

But sometimes I would like to throw convention of "acid-free," "proper layouts," and "rules" out the window and return to the way I used to scrapbook when I was a teenager. My journals and books resembled more of a "smashbook" than a tidy, handwritten book of teenage angst writing and pictures.  My books and tape covers I made (for those endless mix tapes) held magazine cut outs, pictures of my favourite things, sayings, doodles, tickets, receipts and even petals from flowers received on special occasions. They were memory joggers every time I opened the tape case or perused through the book.  Any sorrow, pain, anger or loneliness that accompanies teenhood, was lost to happier moments and a smile always adorned my face.

My Smash Book set I purchased with
my 40% Michael's coupon

Naturally, to achieve this freedom again, I did what any self-respecting crafter/scrapper does: take that 40% coupon from the Michael's flyer and make a special trip to the store to pick myself up the basics... a book with a pen/gluestick combo and a few extras (journal boxes, decorative tape etc.). I actually found a starter kit.  PERFECT!

With my wares in tow, I returned home and leafed through it just as I do when new textbooks and curriculum arrive at my door. (Yes, the nerd in me is showing through!)  The blank pages hold so much possibility; they are blank canvases awaiting to waken to creative juices.  The extras are delightful and extend my expectations even further.

But there is a problem.  Sometimes a blank canvas remains just that.  Blank.  Empty.  And I often leave my canvases blank despite the inspiration that exists in my head. The worry of spoiling the possibility and ruining my vision takes over.

I am determined, however, that 2013 will be a creative one and this beautiful Smashbook of mine will be filled with so much of everything interesting, cool, fun, memorable, happy of this year by December 31, 2013!

So far, I have only added a few things, mostly a couple of lists.  I still need to let go of the organizer in me and allow chaos and whim to take over.  I believe that in doing this exercise I will overcome the blank canvas syndrome that has plagued me for the least several years.

Here are some urls to explain and show Smashbooks further:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PFsArr4Z1s
http://www.smashstoriesblog.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kiz2xFdfwl8

BINGO!

Have you ever had a moment where you sat silently with a smug grin on your face; you know, the one that turns one side of your mouth upwards as you give yourself a virtual pat on the back?

Me, too!  It is not often, but every now and again, I have one.  My moments are usually associated with something my kids are doing and that I have had a hand in their "success."

For example, like this morning. My daughter HATES reading.  I mean she CAN read and does when she HAS to, but reading is not an activity that she gravitates to or wants to do with her time.  (I can relate.  I was the same at her age).

But, my smug smile appeared earlier today when I have hit the jackpot.

BINGO!

I finally found some books that have captured her and have taken her hostage.  They have enveloped her with relatable characters, fun plot twists and sparked her imagination a little.

Last night, she was nearly tripping us as we arrived in the door to get to the books I picked up at the library for her.  Just for her.  I had a strong feeling she would like them.

This morning, she put her breakfast on hold and said that she would get to her school work AFTER she read for awhile.  Who can argue with that?  Not me, as I sat across from her drinking my morning coffee, with that smile adorning my face and patting myself on the back.

1 point for mom!

BINGO!

The books that I "won" with for her:
The English Roses Series by Madonna
AND
Whatever After Fairest of All by Sarah Mlynowski

I am crossing my fingers that this ignition of the desire to read for enjoyment will continue.  Well, off to hunt for some more winners, I mean, books for her to read.

Words.

Words.  

Do I have your attention yet?  Read on...


According to dictionary.com, the definition of words includes the following:

1."a unit of language, consisting of one or more spoken sounds or their written representation, that functions as a principal carrier of meaning."  
2. "contentious or angry speech; a quarrel."
3. "a short talk or conversation."
4. "warrant, assurance, or promise"
5. "news; tidings; information"


Synonyms to words are:
 statement, declaration,  pledge,  message, report, account, 
catchword


Words hold much power.  They can build up. 
Or....  They can tear down.  


It always amazes me the ways in which we use our words to do both.  And often the latter happens without realizing that our words hurt or destroy.  So I have to remind myself to monitor and chose my words wisely.  The words I chose should be ones that "build up" and enhance the days of my children and my friends.  I want them to be blessed and/or guided by my words.  


When my Papa passed away in ' 97, I stood in the long receiving line after his memorial service.  I must have shook hands and spoke with close to 300 people.  All these individuals had such kind things to say about my Papa, not only about the man he was but about the words he said to them.  His choice of words had such an impact on those around him. I recall one man telling me that my Papa made him feel like he was worth something.  Papa didn't pass him off just because he was using the soup kitchen, but rather made him feel like a human; someone of importance.   He told me that my Papa would sit and talk to him. Papa encouraged him.  The man continued to say that when my Papa was in the room, my Papa would step back into the shadows and make people shine.  


And that's what Papa did.  Often.  My Papa, with his choice of words, would provide those around him with encouragement, respect, support and friendship.  [Isn't that a  true practitioner of the faith, as well?]  


Now, think back to when someone has said something positive or encouraging to you.  How did you feel?  What was your reaction?  Did you share or extend those kind words to someone else?


That is my experience.  The more you give away your positive, encouraging and supportive words, the more words from others are carried on in the same light and spirit.  I am always striving to keep this at the forefront of my mind and on my tongue.


However, honestly, like everyone else, I am humbled every so often when my choice is not that of positive words and the effects are the opposite. Hurt feelings and undue stress are put on relationships.  


As a teacher, a mother, a wife, a sister, a daughter, a friend and a neighbour, I need to be an example (just like my Papa.)  I don't have to be perfect, but it is necessary to then use my words (along with actions) to heal the hurt that I unduly caused.  Not only is this a humbling and important act, but it is an example how to correct myself, the situation and to get back on track.  


Sometimes, those hurtful words are directed at you.  How do you respond?  How do those words make you feel?  What words to you give back? 


Its a never-ending game.  But we are reminded in Proverbs 16, of the power and effects of our words, and why we need to chose them wisely. 

Proverbs 16:21

²¹Good judgment proves

   that you are wise,

   and if you speak kindly,

   you can teach others. (CEV)

Proverbs 16:23, 24

²³You can persuade others

   if you are wise

   and speak sensibly.

    ²⁴Kind words are like honey--

   they cheer you up

   and make you feel strong.(CEV)

Proverbs 16:27

²⁷Worthless people plan trouble.

   Even their words burn

   like a flaming fire.(CEV)

(PS. I chose the Contemporary English Version for the verses as I think it spells out the point clearly)


What kind of words will you chose today?