WARNING: it is a REALLY long one...but try to read through..I think it is kinda worth reading...and there is a BRAND NEW CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT at the end!
In the past years and in the recent days, I have received comments, questions and emails from you about how "impressed you are" on how I "get things done"
Truth is...I don't always get my "creative things" done..or, shoot, my "physical" things done...or the house cleaning done..or, for the love of Pete, the laundry done...BUT (and yes, she is a big butt!) for the past 11 months I have been aggressively "Cultivating" just about every aspect of my life...for the better (at least, I hope!). "CULTIVATE" is the word I chose for 2011 and I have been running that poor little nine lettered word through the ringer!
http://homegrownhospitality.typepad.com/homegrown_hospitality/2011/01/happy-new-years-daydoodle.html
http://homegrownhospitality.typepad.com/homegrown_hospitality/2011/01/closed-for-restoration.html
http://homegrownhospitality.typepad.com/homegrown_hospitality/2011/01/cultivatingcreativity.html
http://homegrownhospitality.typepad.com/homegrown_hospitality/2011/01/cultivating-my-faith.html
I have been cultivating my faith, our home, my family and my art. I have lost focus way too many times, fought anxiety and doubt more than I prefer to admit (although I just did!), experienced one too many "forks in the road" and, at the same time, seen the road as clear as a bell and felt just as confused and lost...all while keeping my center.
That, my friends...is my FAITH in action.
whew...BUT (damn big butt, sorry for the language!) I have felt motion sickness along the whole entire way. You see, I have always, no, make that "had" (because I am REALLy trying hard to work on this)1001 projects going at the same time.
In the past few years, I have tried so so hard to change, modify, tweak...whatever it is...the way I work, but the fact is, that IS the way I work, when it comes to "art". I think back to my high school days in Mr. Friedrich's class and I was the same way. I think back to when I "tried" to be a college student in art class, and again, I was the same way...so for the past year, and more recently in the past few months, I have been a complete "Whirling Dervish" when it comes to creativeness while trying to stay grounded, focussed and the new truth is..
It is starting to change. (insert marching band music, fireworks, floats..)
Two of the best tools that I can suggest, that have proven to work for me is: God and a List.
It is really that simple.
I have come to finally recognize after being told, having read, even hearing it over and over, that I, no, WE, can not do things on our own.
duh.
We think we can "try" but the facts are the facts, so again, what is working for me is God..and a List. Each of my days start with a little quiet time (besides the snoring dog) coffee with Hazelnut creamer and creating a list of the days "to-do's" thoughts, a doodle or two and a verse and/or quote....
and then,
light a bolt of lightning (even though it was 84 degrees) it all came to me yesterday as I "checked off" one of the entries on my days list.
Now, here is my list for today:
After you are finished squinting, trying to read what is on my lists, go back and take a look at the first picture and read what is listed first:
- "Create a mini book from the "pile"
Now go back and take a look at the second photo, and right there, to the left and above my list is what I accomplished and why there is a check mark on photo one. Yesterday, I was on task, calm and completely 100% creatively focused. I was not sure exactly what I was creating. but knew that I was creating in the right direction.
That again...I am proud to say..
is FAITH in action. (go ahead, you can clap!)
Note: the "pile" WAS (keyword) a HUGE avalanching pile of 12x12 papers that I have been HOARDING for way too long because I was going to, "ut um"...use them one day. Yesterday WAS that day. It took up a majority of the day, but I used it all...and there was A LOT!!!!
whoot..whoot!
I created an entire 7" x 9.5" binder book that I am now writing an entire 12 month BASIC, EASY NO STRESS "follow along" class about the whole enchilada.. It includes what I have learned in the past year...what I have been working on, striving for and cultivating. Like I said, I am in the middle of writing the class curriculum so it is going to be a week or two before any more details will be available, but I can tell you that the first six months is based on:
January - Being Honest with Yourself
February - Surrendering Your Heart
March - Owning your Talent
April - Random Acts of Art
May - Life IS Beautiful
June - Surrounding Yourself with Friends
The "Part One..the first six months of 2012"online class will include a weekly journal prompt posted to the closed FB page, a monthly PDF printable calendar, a monthly PDF printable doodle to color an embellish to add to your own journal based on that months theme, a PDF of journal prompts, quotes and verses based on the monthly subject, techniques...
One of the best parts about this class is that you can do it with the avalancing pile of paper you already have...at home, in your jammies...whenever you want, wherever you are. The supplies are basic...a small binder, page protectors that fit into the binder and your basic "scrapbooking" supplies..well and your avalanche of paper.
OH..and..just in time to put on your "Christmas List" (Download Momswishlist).....The other best part about the class is the way you can purchase it:
The First Six Months for....$32.00
or
All Twelve Months for...$40.24
It is AMAZING what happens when a "whirling dervish" slows down...she..no, me (and probably you, too!) can focus.
More to come...and it is gonna be wonderful!!!
PLEASE NOTE: Nothing will be physically shipped to you for this class but it is IMPERATIVE that the correct EMAIL address is provided on your order to receive all class materials. Facebook is NOT required for this class. All prompts will be posted to group and emailed weekly.
Hi Stephanie...I sooo want to be a part of this too. Can't wait to sign up, as in NOW!!!!
Posted by: Karen M | December 30, 2011 at 09:10 AM
well you are an answer to a prayer!!
i wanted to do a monthly book this year because
i almost cried last night when i realized the stack
of 12x12 paper that i have hoarded...there's sooo much.
but...like you and many other women apparently...i twirl
and twirl and twirl and accomplish little.
so, I'M IN! can't wait to start!!
what a perfect way to start out 2012.
big smile!
Posted by: marci | December 30, 2011 at 10:13 AM
Who would have thought 25 years ago when we were ditching art class and going to breakfast you would end up doing all these amazing things. I am so happy for you and inspired by you. I would love to take this year long journey with you but Fred lost his job last year and well I am sure you know the rest of the story! I will just keep enjoying your blog and your doodles and seeing your smiling face! Praying for blessings for EVERYONE taking your class and for you!
Posted by: Nicci | December 30, 2011 at 07:51 PM
Because Mr. Friedrich knew we were going to breakfast, I would not classify it as "ditching"..Happy New Years to all of you!!!
Posted by: stephanie | December 30, 2011 at 08:10 PM
this class sounds awesome and I am new to "you"...I am just not sure if this class would be for me...I have not scrap booked in over ten years..but am a single Mom of 4 just trying to keep things together...I am def creative and always have too many projects and not enough time, energy or money to get things done, but more in the organizing, decorating, homey catagories...I would love to start journaling and cultivating every area in my life and deepen my relationship with Creator of everything...but my pile of paper is not pretty...it's bills and receipts and recipes etc. that need to find homes in this tiny place we know call home...
Posted by: shari | December 31, 2011 at 04:53 AM
you sound just right for the class! I hope that you can join us!
Posted by: stephanie | December 31, 2011 at 06:20 AM
Hi Stephanie...I just signed up to take your class and am sooo excited!! First off..I live in the sticks, so finding anything is a major thing for me..lol! I was wondering where I could find the notebook? I looked at Walmart, they only have large ones. Any suggestions? Thanks a bunch!
Posted by: Cindy | December 31, 2011 at 08:13 AM
you can use a bigger one..just cut your pages bigger...easy!
Posted by: stephanie | December 31, 2011 at 11:40 AM
Okay is is alright if I am totally impressed with YOU! You know what I love the most about all of this is that YOU found your purpose and you are using your abilities and talents to help others. YOU GET IT!!! Sometimes God has to teach us the same lesson over and over because we don't GET IT!! I wrote a post today on how I learned an important lesson about TIME!! I think you might like it,
Happy New Year, looking forward to more of what you will be teaching us out here in blogland, Kathysue
Posted by: kathysue | December 31, 2011 at 11:44 AM
Thanks Kathy Sue..It only took me 40 years to figure it out but I have at least another 40 to use it!!! Happy New Years!
Posted by: stephanie | December 31, 2011 at 12:34 PM
Oh I cannot believe this! My friend Traci told me about this and I came to read about your class on this page and that 1 Samuel verse is the EXACT SAME ONE I was listening to in the car on a sermon about David . . . that verse. Sign me up, I need to read more later after dinner, but sign me up!
Posted by: peggysue | December 31, 2011 at 04:01 PM
It's 2:58 pm EST - It it tooooo late to sign up? With everything going on I pushed this to the middle of the list and took care of the kids instead of me.
Please let me know if I can sign up???
Thanks if not I'll wait for next time.
Wendy
Posted by: Wendy Hamm | January 01, 2012 at 12:02 AM
sure!!
Happy New Year!
Posted by: stephanie | January 01, 2012 at 01:16 AM
:( am i too late to get in on this class?
Posted by: dianne | January 01, 2012 at 10:11 AM
I just signed up hope that was okay... Had planned to sign up before the deadline and missed it!
Posted by: Ginger | January 01, 2012 at 04:51 PM
I signed up for this class this morning, and I am so excited! When will I start getting emails? :)
Posted by: Becky Crews | January 05, 2012 at 07:34 AM
o.k. just signed up! Woo hoo! Happy new year to ME! :)
can't wait to get started :)
Posted by: allison stordahl | January 18, 2012 at 09:03 AM
I'm new to this. Should I have received an email? I'm on FB also. Please let me know what to do. I'm excited to get started with all of you THANKS!
Posted by: Dorene | January 21, 2012 at 08:07 PM
Well...I have just found your website and I am bummed...I am too late to start with your class as the deadline has passed. Bummed, Bummed, Bummed!
Posted by: Marie Nelson | January 22, 2012 at 12:09 AM
Guess what??? The registration was extended through 1/31 so you are a-ok to sign up!!!!!
Posted by: stephanie | January 22, 2012 at 04:59 AM
All of your welcome information and classroom links have been sent you you. Please check your inbox and "spam" as sometimes, for some reason, it gets sent there!
Posted by: stephanie | January 22, 2012 at 05:04 AM
I just found my way to this post today - and I signed up for the class and paid for it....but didn't get an email or anything with a link to the class contents!
Help! I'm so excited, I want to get started.
Posted by: Jill | February 10, 2012 at 04:32 PM
Hi Stephanie,
I just found your blog and this class sounds fantastic...is it still open?
Posted by: Linda F. | May 10, 2012 at 05:52 AM
I just found your blog and this craft project! Is there a way to do it now? This would help me greatly!
Posted by: Alison R | May 19, 2012 at 01:31 PM