Well, if you made new year's resolutions or goals this year, how are they going? I must have picked some good ones, because I'm having a lot of fun with mine so far. You know, new year's resolutions really ought to be fun - a little treat for yourself. I think people often think of hard things to do to try to get their butts in gear, but then they don't stick to them. If you choose something exciting instead - something to look forward to, something new to learn, something to challenge your mind and/or body in a positive way - you will likely have greater success.
One of my resolutions this year was to purchase only used items for myself this year with the exception of underwear/socks,etc., food and health items, and some crafting supplies that I need this year to assist with one of my other resolutions: to improve upon my basic knitting skills.
So far, the buying used things has been easy and fun! Amazon provides such a wonderful used book service. I use it all the time and am able to find nearly perfect quality books at a fraction of the new price.
I went shopping this weekend at Goodwill for some "new" clothes for me. I have been doing this for years. One of the things I like about shopping at Goodwill is that I can purchase things on a whim. I can get something that catches my fancy for the moment or season and if I do not like it in 6 months to a year, I can re-donate it and it only cost me a few dollars.
This time I looked into my cart and saw a lot of shades of orange and pink! I am trying to add color to my wardrobe and I found myself kind of laughing to myself and saying, "I think I'm noticing a theme here." I even have alternating orange and pink fingernails right now. I'm just really attracted to that color combination right now. Perhaps it's because spring is actually just around the corner here in FL.
One of my more whimsical - and favorite - purchases this time around was this great pink polka dot skirt!! This is just FUN and I'm really happy when I wear it!
Here are a few shots of my new hat:
Doing these things; crafting, making art, just causes me to vibrate with happiness. Through it I experience a kind of FREEDOM that is pushing its way into other boundaries of my life. I can't exactly explain it, but it is good.
I also worked on a collage that represents just what I am feeling about this process, this way of being and doing that I am so enjoying. I think that some of this has to do with the fact that my children have entered ages of greater independence from me and that has allowed me to return to some of the things I did before they were born. But now... now, I am able to work with more depth (by simply experiencing them and motherhood) and, yes, more freedom. I am not doing my projects becuase I am trying to achieve something like a career direction or something similar to that as I would have done in my twenties, before my children. Now - at least Right Now - I am really just enjoying the art for the art's sake, or the knitting or crafting just for that sake. I have such a great appreciation for just the doing of it, because I haven't been able to do it for a long time, since my children had been so small.
So, here is the progress of my collage I made this weekend which I titled, "Right Now."
Thanks for looking!Comments
Feb. 20, 2007 - Hi
Posted by twocabingirls
Nicole ~
I came across your blog - imagine my surprise to see a familiar face. Your girls have really grown! What fun to peek in on you.
Blessings to you! Tiffany
Feb. 20, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by amalapert
Hi! You left a comment on my blog but I think you have me confused with someone else. Regardless, I'm happy to meet you - we have a lot in common it seems. Both homeschoolers, both fiber artists (I like to crochet and I sometimes dabble with knitting) and I like a good resale store too. ;) Your collage is so awesome! Though my mother and brother are both artistic (in the drawing/painting way), I've never been interested until I just saw your collage - that is something small I could start with and do fairly well, I think. You may have just given me a new hobby to work toward. :) Thanks for stopping by my blog and I'll be sure to add you to my bloglines feeds!
Feb. 21, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by amalapert
And oddly, I see your "just wondering" 2-19-07 entry on bloglines but can't find it on your actual blog. So now you have ME 'just wondering'. lol Anyway, I wanted to post on that subject. I have been on homeschoolblogger for over a year now but since they upgraded in Nov, it's been slower than molasses. Drives me nuts. And when I do finally get in, I lose connections a lot too. So I switched back to blogger (my original blog place, can't remember why I switched in the first place.) and I've been much happier. People also seem to respond more there because there's not all the logging in and creating accounts, etc. Just my .02 on the subject. ;)
Feb. 21, 2007 - Hi!
Posted by SmallWorld
Thanks for visiting my blog, and I love your colorful life! Your hats are gorgeous, as is your collage! I feel happier already on this gray Southern day!
Feb. 21, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Revee
Great skirt! I loved pink polka dots. I really like your hat too. The color is wonderful and the style is so pretty and flattering. :)
Feb. 22, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Kelli
Your new skirt is too cute and I love the pictures of you and your new hat..you did a great job!
Kelli
www.kellishouse.blogspot.com
Feb. 23, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Tammy
I like your idea for resolutions. It's a totally differenc concept then most people have! Your hat looks great, and the collage is really nice!
Feb. 23, 2007 - Lovely!
Posted by jenn4him
Wow, what a great job! You have a great sense of color.
Thanks for sharing. I am really enjoying my visit.
Jenn
Feb. 24, 2007 - ADORABLE!
Posted by Anonymous
Love the artwork....so fun and happy.
And really love your funky cool hat...and I drooled over your flirty skirt :)
You are so fun!
Aimee
Mar. 15, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
great collage. and i also really love the hummingbird shots. stopped by after you visited and left a comment on my blog, via CMP group.
blessings