Just testing out my new signature file – what do we think?? The lovely Lizzie from Fizzy Pop Designs did my doodle name and I added the camera from the new 9th & Bloom Collaboration Kit: Memories…Captured. I am really digging that new store and this new siggy. Hope you like and snag one yourself well you’re at it!
I was reminded the other day that the most important thing is: Be true to yourself! When people question your intentions and don’t get you, just know that if you are honest and true to yourself that is all that matters. Trust me, I know that is easier said then done but I’m trying to maintain a positive attitude in the face of opposition. This as well is not easy for me since these past two years have been tough and a real struggle. Last year I was extremely sick and burnout. It’s taken me awhile to realize who I am (an on-going process), what I’m doing (still developing that) and the life I want to lead (TDB). I’m not going to lie – it’s been a real journey and I don’t have any real answers but I know that in the end I have to be true to myself and stand up for what I need, want and believe in.
Some of my truths that make me ME!
It’s been a crazy busy week here but with all good things thank goodness! Since it’s the weekend though I’ve decided to take a break and chill. Although when you work for yourself and your business & hobby are the same it’s hard not to design and create. But I’m going to focus on some designing for me this weekend as well as trying to relax some. That word “relax” is a very hard concept for me to grasp but I’m going to try gosh darn golly! Hope you having a good and relaxing weekend whatever you are doing.
My awesome friend Downtown Mary Brown was in NYC last week visiting and we had a great time together! So I’m finally catching up with things this week! This picture is of the outside of the NY Contemporary Art Museum. I’m trying to have this “Hell, Yes!” attitude this week to get things done. So far it’s working.
Anyways, here’s a list of some things going on here and things I need to tackle on my “to do” list:
I have been cleaning the apartment/office the past few days since we have a friend in town and it feels good to declutter. I admit I am a pack rat and throwing out stuff is not something I am good at doing. Although I think I have gotten better in the past few years especially since it’s starting to overwhelm me. Seriously, looking around and seeing stuff sticking out of every nock and cranny is starting to drive me bonkers and stifle my creativity! I was at a book signing the other day and the author, Rice Freeman Zachary said that “when you clean your outside world you clean the inside world” and this really resinated with me. So I started purging some of my stuff and it felt good.
Last week I had the great opportunity to attended the Blog Out Loud NY event. Blog Out Loud is a resource for creative people to gather inspiration and information to start and maintain social media communities with the goal of enhancing their business, creating a presence online and connecting to community. They host offline events every few months in different cities that feature a panel of digitally-savvy web influencers who share their stories and style with the audience. The panelist discussed the importance of blogging, the etiquette of blogging/social media and overall ideas to help inspire you to write and think about your blog. Some important things I jotted down were:
I’m so glad I attended this event since it totally inspired me to look at my blog in a new way and find my voice again. I also got to meet some great ladies as well: Patty who writes NYC Girl At Heart blog, Ashley who is the mastermind behind the Twitter jewelry at SurvivalofTheHippest.com (I can’t wait for my necklace to arrive any day now!!), Monica from Macaroni Kid and Michelle from When I Grow Up Coach. These ladies are truly fabulous and I’m glad I had the pleasure of meeting them. Check out their sites and blogs too while you are at it!
Recently me and my friends went to see a taping of The Martha Stewart Show. We were excited about seeing Martha, potentially some cool guests and giveaways. Luckily we were in the front of the line so we were guaranteed seats. We even got free coffee from the Chock Full o’Nuts truck. Seeing the set and how they put together the show was cool but we were slightly disappointed with the guests – organic food chefs, nothing craft related unfortunately. Although Martha got a little miffed during a segment, so that was something to see and we did get a free book. LOL! Anyways, it was an experience but the time with friends and the drinks afterwards were the highlight of the day overall.
I’m working on a Dixie Carter blog post – it’s just taking me forever since she was very near and dear to me. Hopefully sometime soon!!
As a scrapbook I consider myself a “memory preservist” but sometimes documenting life’s events is hard for me. Depending on the subject matter and the importance of a memory/event I tend to put off dealing with it. I always want to capture it perfectly and that makes it hard to actually finish it. Well I’ve been thinking about it over the weekend that life is too short and I need to just do it because you never know when it’s too late. I came across this great quote the other day and it really spoke to me: “Memory is the diary that we all carry about with us.” by Oscar Wilde. We may carry all of our memories with us but we need to share them with others so they can be passed down and not forgotten. So don’t put off what you want to document or preserve for “another day” – do it now so you won’t regret it later. In the next coming days, I plan on working on some difficult layouts and journalling so stay tuned for my stories.
2009 had lots of low points but it also had some very high points. This collage captures some of them (in no particular order).
Looking forward to see what 2010 captures for me. Goals and new year’s resolution to come =)
I’m not going to lie, this year was a challenge for me. I have learned a lot about myself and life during the past few months. Hardship and adversity has given me a new found perspective on life and if I had to do it all over again I wouldn’t do it any different. Here’s to new beginnings, new friendships, deeper friendships, newfound passion and adventure in 2010!
