Happy 2012!

Tags

just write, project 365

Journal created by Bag Lady Lulu (click photo for link)

I really can’t decide what’s more amazing – that it’s already 2012, or that I actually completed Project 365 on December 31st.  I didn’t know if I’d make it!  I am so proud of myself for sticking with it, and really really love the results.  An entire year of my life, my family, our adventures – all scrapped and organized and snug in two fat binders.  It was a wonderful project.

And now I need a year to recover.  :)

So it’s a brand new year.  Have you made some resolutions?  Chosen a few goals?  Picked out your One Little Word?  Christen Olivarez wrote this in her Editor’s Letter of Somerset Life Magazine:  “This year, why not make a resolve to do more of something?  More reading.  More laughing.  More creating.  Simply resolve to do more of what makes you happy.”

I couldn’t agree more.  This year I’d just like to do more of what I love:  Take care of my family.  Take care of myself.  Read good books.  Sew and scrap and make things.  And I’d especially like to write more.  Just Write.  Write because I love to, because it’s fun, because it makes me happy.   For now, I don’t want to worry about publication or agents or e-books or blogging… I just want to write.   Novels, short stories, journaling – whatever my fingers and my heart feel like working on.  It’s time for me to remember why I fell in love with writing in the first place.

Whatever your plans for 2012, I hope that the year is starting out wonderfully for you!  And may you find peace and happiness all year long.

Happy New Year!

 

 

Project 365 – Day 345

Tags

Bonnie James, old barn, photography, project 365

I’ve always wanted to photograph this beautiful old barn.  It sits on some family land and is so rickety that you’d swear a strong wind could push it down.  I can tell there are amazing stories in every painted board and every old stone.

Friday Favorites

Tags

favorite books, inspirational quote, kelly rae roberts, photography, taking flight

Happy Friday!  I thought I’d take a minute to share a few of my favorite things from this week.  I hope you have a wonderful and restful weekend!

Favorite Photo

 

 

 

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Favorite Quote

“Make choices based not on fear, but on what really gives you a sense of fulfillment.”  ~ Pauline Rose Chance

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Favorite Finds

Book description from Amazon:  “In Taking Flight, you’ll find overflowing inspiration–complete with a kindred spirit in author and mixed-media artist Kelly Rae Roberts. Join her on a fearless journey into the heart of creativity as you test your wings and learn to find the sacred in the ordinary, honor your memories, speak your truth and wrap yourself in the arms of community.

Along the way you’ll be inspired by:

• Step-by-step techniques–learn the most-loved mixed-media methods of the author and seven talented contributing artists, and combine them in fresh and unexpected ways.
• Thought-provoking prompts and quotes–along with encouraging stories, insights and gentle guidance for finding your bliss, whatever your art or craft.
• Plenty of eye-candy–pages and pages of the author’s endearing artwork, along with the varied works of the contributors.

Of course, learning to fly isn’t entirely a step-by-step process–sooner or later, you just need to take a deep breath and spread your wings. With Taking Flight as your guide, there’s no doubt that when you do, your creativity will soar.”

scrapping, geometry, and a little crochet

Tags

Bonnie James, crochet, Family, scrapbook layout, shapes

There’s a lot of busy creating going on around here this week.  Some of it is purposeful, some of it is just playful (which, really, is purposeful too!).

Baby Sophia’s album is coming along nicely.  Only four more layouts to go.  I haven’t overdosed on the pink and frills yet…

I never imagined I’d be using a compass to help me make a scrapbook layout, but here I was yesterday, conjuring up memories of tenth grade geometry classes!  This layout was inspired by a table placemat (of all things!?) and will be part of my Project 365 album.  This is just a little peek of the unfinished page – lots of adhering and sewing and embellishments to add.  I’ll post pictures and some instructions and products when I’m finished.

Last night I took a crochet class for beginners… and am very, very thankful that I had such a patient instructor!   While crocheting may not be my calling, I will say that it was really fun to learn.  It was also really relaxing once I figured out how to hook without tying up my fingers or making terrible knots in the pattern.  And one perk I was not expecting -  it smothered my writer’s block and helped me get back on track with my book today.  After a two-week hiatus, I just edited eight pages!  Whew!!  I think I’ll keep the crochet hook and yarn handy…

What creative adventures are you up to these days?

Project 365 – Day 319!

Tags

Bonnie James, butterflies, martha stewart crafts, my mind's eye, Scrapbooking

Yep, I’m still plugging away at Project 365!  And also still working on Baby Sophia’s album.  There are butterflies and pink patterns everwhere – I love it! 

Can you unscramble the letters to find the title of this layout? 

**Supplies:  Martha Stewart Crafts butterfly embellishments, My Mind’s Eye “Lime Twist” paper, Prism six strand floss, Close To My Heart – My Acrylix “Alphabets” stamps**