Happy New Year
It’s New Years Day and I feel like I should say something profound but I haven’t been able to think of anything other than I hope your old year ended well and the new one will go the way you hope.
Last year I picked the words explore and persevere as my words for the year. I didn’t try as many new things as I would have liked but I did do some things, I did some small art works and took a boot making class on line. The boot making class brings us to perseverance. I have made 2 sets of boot tops so far and am not happy with them. I did adjust the pattern between tries and I am still not happy. the upper fits better but the Uncle is not right yet. I ordered more wool and will adjust the pattern again and hope that I am 3rd time lucky. so more perseverance this year too.
I think the other idea I would like to work on is self awareness. Trying to do the things I want and not what others think I should do. That sounds a bit selfish but I don’t mean ignoring other peoples needs just being more aware of my own.
Step one for everything is doing the new year sort and tidy. Nothing like working to make a mess. Everything is on the wrong place and its time to put it all back and maybe find better places for things. And maybe but only maybe, get rid of some stuff. I am not good at getting rid of things that might be useful. I have the packrat gene.
13 thoughts on “Happy New Year”
Getting rid of stuff ‘that could come in handy’ is very hard for creative people, so good luck with your tidyup/sort out.
It’s very hard to put your own creative needs above and before family and work needs – the only answer is to emigrate to somewhere that has 28 hours in every day.
So far I have managed to get a large garbage bag of fabric to go to the second hand store. Most was left over from another project I am not going to do again. I bought some bins in different sizes yesterday so I hope that will help.
Are you suggesting a custom made planet? Perhaps one that has plants good for fiber or dying and animals that all have feltable coats? and a nice temperate climate and of course that 28 hour day.
Happy New Year! It is hard to get rid of stuff and every time I do I find a use for it. 🙂 But like you I have limited space and am unorganized. I’ve managed to take over every unused space with different projects. I will be forced to make some decisions and get organized. I was fortunate this year to try many new things in spite of my physical limitations because of back surgery. But I have made my creativity a priority which right now is easy since my children are at both ends if the country and my husband is still working. When he retires it may be different. Good luck with your steps for a better year!
Thanks Marilyn. I got the yarn sorted this morning. There is probably more hiding that I will find as I go. I am trying to be realistic and say ok I have had this for several years and I don’t much like the way it looks felted so it is going to go. I hope you back keeps improving so you can be creative the way you would like.
Thanks Ann!
I’ve threatened to get a skip in to get rid of my husband’s junk! Of course I don’t have junk – only useful bits and pieces which seem to take up more space than I do!
I don’t think you’re being selfish, why shouldn’t we do those things we enjoy? It’s what I’m going to do this year. I;ve already made a start by resigning from a couple of committees, on one of which I am, and I can almost say was, Secretary. 🙂
My main aim is to get fitter, I’m a regular walker, but intend to make time go further, faster and more often. We live in beautiful countryside so it’s not as if it’s going to be a chore. 🙂
Hope it’s 3rd time lucky with those boots! Look forward to seeing them. Were you able to download the instructions? I believe you said last year that they were only availablr for 3 months.
Judith
I think we would need a lot of dumpsters here if we ever move. having a farm with out buildings gives you lots of places to put “useful” stuff.
Last year I managed to get off and stay off all committees and boards. It has been nice not to have to worry about any of it. I plan to keep it that way for this coming year and then I will think about it.
I got to download the instructions but could not keep the videos.
Walking is great exercise.
As I am nearing my 73rd year of life, I have to say that I am surprised to still be working. I have resigned from several committees also, so that I can spend more time in my studio and it is paying off for me. I have spent many years doing for others and now it is my times to explore my own possibilities. Looking forward to another great year.
It is about time you let your creative juices flow Judy. I am looking forward to seeing what you make.
Happy New Year Ann – I hope you get everything you wish for in 2014. The taking time for self is a hard one but it is really important for your well being and happiness. When someone asks you to do something, you need to take time to think about it before automatically saying yes. Tell people, you’ll think about it and get back to them. Then you can decide if it is really something important that you should do or if you really should say no. Saying no gets easier the more you say it 🙂
I hope the boots work out for the third time. I know you spent a lot of time on them and it would be nice if you got a pair you liked.
Thank you Ruth. I know it is just a small word but it can be very hard to say. Your suggestion is a good one. Taking the time to think can be almost as hard.
I have hope for the boots. I know the adjustments that need to be made. Now all I need is the wool. I may bet really confidant and put a pattern on them. I had planned to do it after with needle felt and wool embroidery. Still time to think about that.
I don’t think it’s selfish either, Ann, and agree with Ruth that it is very important for your own happiness, and that effects health too.
I have limited space, am terribly unorganised and seem completely unable to put things back where they belong! I’ve tried doing clear outs, but I have always regretted any craft or art item I have got rid of/given away. Hundreds of pounds worth of dvds? No problem. Those torn pieces of paper I was saving for collages? Kick myself often 🙂
I think the answer is a storage system based on how often something is used. or if we’re messing with time, lets warp space too, get more room 🙂
Thanks Zed. The boxes I got are all clear and stackable so that I can see what’s there. I am terrible at putting things away. At least there is a place to put things when I do tidy up.