101 in 1001 Days

Friday November 11th saw the end of my 101 Things to do in 1001 Days.

When I started the list back in Feb.2009, it was a challenge to just make the list, let alone think 2 + years into the future. But the time has past and I did accomplish many things on my list. Not all of them, but a lot. Did I think it worthwhile? Yes, very much so. It helped me set goals and although not all were met, I believe I accomplished more because there was a list.

This quote is quite true:

"The tragedy of life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal.

The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach." by Benjamin E. Mays

So today I have begun a new list of goals, some from my first list and many new ones. The next 1001 days will pass, whether I plan or not - so I want to reach for many new things - especially retirement! And fittingly enough, the 1001st day falls on my Mom's birthday in 2014!

(I will add my list to the side over the next week)

Check here for the original site of 101 in 1001, where you can help creating your own list.

Creative Every Day - SELF

Leah of Creative Every Day has had us focus on a new theme - that of "SELF". A bit scary as I have not done a self-portrait for a looong time! My first one leaves a lot to be desired but it loosened me up for some other art tonight.





For July as well, I am hoping to create a collage/piece of artwork each day as well as take a photo a day. (For 101 in 1001 Days as well as Rowena's 100 in 100 Days)


Here are my offerings for the past 2 days:


July 1



A sunflower - using oil pastels, glued to a watercolour background




The baby bird allowed me to get up close - we couldn't find his nest and he was certainly looking for food from mom or dad! We kept our cat in - as she is still a "killer" at age 17! What a scruffy little thing!



July 2



Another sunflower - this time with tissue, watercolours and collaged to a watercolour base.



Our gardens this year are blooming with some beautiful, colourful flowers. But this white rose caught my eye.

My 101 Things in 1001 Days

I was fascinated by the idea of creating a list of achievable goals that could be accomplished in a longer span of time. 1001 days is neither too long nor too short.
I created my list and began the task of working through those goals on February 13, with the finish date of 11/11/11 ( a real symmetry to that date).

My list:
1. Go somewhere special each seaon with my love. (1st trip taken Feb. 16/09)
2. Lose 20 lbs.
3. Write a short story and submit it for publication.
4. Write at least 10 letters to the editor. (1 down - 9 to go)
5. Move my body for 30 minutes 3 times a week. (Slow getting started!!)
6. Revise our wills.
7. Create and fill an art journal.
8. Walk a labyrinth.
9. Read the Bible from beginning to end.
10. Create a scrapbook of Mom and Dad.
11. Make a cookbook of Mom's recipes for everyone.
12. Organize our photos.
13. Create a wall of photos.
14. Create a blog and post weekly. (Have accomplished the first part - yeah! March 17/09)
15. Start and use a gratitude journal daily. (Have started)
16. Identify at least 25 things I like about myself.
17. Identify at least 50 things that make me happy.
18. Paint a large canvas.
19. Reorganize my craft area.
20. Create a studio.
21. Visit BC again.
22. Go to Newfoundland and Maine.
23. Choose 1 month and take pictures every day.
24. Choose 1 month and create a collage every day.
25. Learn how to use photoshop.
26. Find a mentor.
27. Design a business card and get it printed.
28. Get an article published.
29. Start work on a book.
30. Get my advanced degree from Nipissing.
31. Get my Visual Arts Specialist.
32. Get my Primary Specialist.
33. Get my Reading Specialist.
34. Learn a new craft or medium.
35. Make a vision board. (First step - collecting words and images)
36. Give 10 "just because" gifts.
37. Celebrate Earth Hour annually.
38. Reduce my carbon footprint.
39. Adopt a family every Christmas.
40. Learn at least 1 piece well on the piano.
41. Learn to play small drums and join a drumming circle.
42. Learn to dry felt.
43. Improve my French.
44. Plant a tree.
45. Plant sunflowers.
46. Work with gourds.
47. Bake bread at least 5 times.
48. Crochet for Charity.
49. Perform weekly acts of charity. (This one has been good to do)
50. Improve as a teacher.
51. Run a craft club at school.
52. Organize all my teaching files and books.
53. Learn to meditate.
54. Master 25 new recipes.
55. Take an online art course. (Have started media collage)
56. Make a quilt.
57. Read at least 101 books. (2 read)
58. Write a bucket list.
59. Plan for retirement.
60. Reorganize the garden.
61. Volunteer with an organization.
62. Learn how to use the computer better.
63. Design a new kitchen.
64. Work on our family tree.
65. Finish the afghans.
66. Take part in an arts and craft show.
67. Declutter. Simplify.
68. Make a digital album of our trips.
69. Find ways to make more money.
70. Face a fear.
71. Create a great piece of jewellry.
72. Make hearts to give away.
73. Do something special with my wedding dress.
74. Listen to 101 songs by artists I've never heard. (I'm enjoying allsorts of music at different blogs)
75. Go to a gallery/museum or art show once a month.
76. Compliment one person each day, even if it is just myself.
77. Learn to use the sewing machine properly.
78. Watch the top 10 films of all times.
79. Do something to help others at least once a month (more than an act of kindness).
80. Photograph the things that make me happy and make a collage.
81. Try at least 5 foods I've never tried before.
82. Sell something on EBay.
83. Read 10 biographies or autobiographies.
84. Identify 3 bad habits and work on getting rid of them.
85. Go for a walk several times a week.
86. Use a slow cooker at least 2 times a month.
87. Give blood.
88. Put aside $1 for each thing accomplished. Donate to a worthy cause.
89. Tell my husband I love him every day. (Yes! yes! yes!)
90. Try 5 different restaurants we haven't tried before.
91. Write family and friends more frequently.
92. Write a letter to my children to be opened when they are 30.
93. Write 101 comments on other people's blogs.
94. Watch all of the AFI's 100 Best Films.
95. Read at least 10 non-fiction books.
96. Listen to 101 albums of the "1000 Albums you should hear before you die".
97. Follow the "Fly Lady" for 1 month.
98. Write a poem.
99. Send 101 cards or postcards "just because".
100. Watch whales.
101. Save for something spectacular.

A First - Still a few left at My Age!!

My first identity was as Bunny and John's daughter. I am an orphan now. I lost my Mom last May; my father 36 years ago. My mother's influence is still very strong. Hence the title - a homage to her.

I always said that when I grew up I wanted to be a teacher, writer or an artist. I have written, I am a teacher, but I have only dabbled in art. Well, at 57 - when will I be grown up and be an artist- if not now?

I have been following The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women blog, hosted by Jamie Ridler.
All the advice points to "Just do it. Create.".
So "do it" I will.
My first step was to create my "101 Things in 1001 Days" list. I want to challenge myself to try new things and be creative.
My second step was to start a media collage online course. More on that later.
My bravest step thus far though, is the creation of this blog, to put myself on the line.
My goal is to explore my adventures in art, education and life. .
Join me in my explorations.