My OLW Reveal

2017

A brand new year, all shiny and all possibilities ahead. I, like many others, am glad to see the end of 2016. 

I created a journal page for the last Colour Me Positive weekly themes and it really does express what this new year offers:

As I thought about what word I needed for 2017, I reflected on my journey with using OLWs. For five years now, I have chosen a word (or in the case of the first one - a phrase) to guide and represent my overall aim for the year:

2012 - Carpe Diem (Seize the Day)

2013 - Believe

2014 - JOY

2015 - Bloom

2016 - Shine

Although each word did have a positive impact throughout the year, I probably expected much more from my OLW. Last year's SHINE was to help me shine brightly, to move forward with my writing. I had moments but not what I hoped.

Hope is a necessary thing - we need it always. A quote by Desmond Tutu, reminds me to look for the light:

Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness. 

So as I read and listed possible words, I kept coming back to one word - CULTIVATE.

It struck me that I really needed to put more effort in my dreams, to really dig deep and work at developing my skills and abilities.

A definition online from Merriam-Webster confirmed that and more:

1. 
   

2. 1:  to prepare or prepare and use for the raising of crops; also :  to loosen or break up the soil about (growing plants)
3. 2a :  to foster the growth of <cultivate vegetables>
   c :  to improve by labor, care, or study :  refine <cultivate the mind>
4. 
   
5. 4:  to seek the society of :  make friends with

For 2017, my OLW is CULTIVATE:

I need to dig dep, to bring forth new, stronger growth. I need to prepare myself for improved skills in writing and the arts. I also need to make more friends.

I plan to cultivate my best self this year - especially as I hit a milestone on the 7th - turning 65.

I plan to cultivate:  my creativity ~ in art and in writing

                             JOY

                              greater belief in myself

                              gratitude

                              my passions

                              community and friendships

                              healthy lifestyle

                              faith

This will be a year to grow, to DO, to write, to create.I have faith that this year will be a breakthrough for me, a time to pull all my OLWs together - to bloom, shine especially as I get down and dirty prepping and preparing, and loosing the soil so I can grow.

My OLW will enhance my winter dreamboard that I created December 21st.

 What is your One Little Word for 2017??

Linking with:

Paint Party Friday

Inspire Me Monday

Creative Every Day

Sunday Weekly Wrap-up

Finally - posting on a Sunday! I have had a busy few weeks, with writing and tutoring, so really haven't created much art. I've missed it though. Today I had some fun collaging and created a few pieces.

Full Worm Moon Dreamboard
Tonight is the full worm moon and I had to create my dreamboard. I wrote about it here, complete with the how to's of creating it.

Here are some of my dreams for the month ahead.


Journal 52/ One Word
I have been enjoying the weekly challenges at Journal 52 and have completed a couple of collages for the prompts. "Dream" is also one of the prompts at 'One Little Word".

Stars
I loved these quotes by Maya Angelou

and
Harriet Tubman

so created with both.

Colour Swatch inspiration:
My colours were orange and turquoise and I used gelli papers and another quote about dreaming - for the full moon!

Writing
I have been writing daily for the March Slice of Life  challenge at "Two Writing Teachers". It has been a challenge at times deciding what to write about, but I am enjoying it.




Also Linking with:

Creative Every Day

Inspire Me Monday

Art Journal Every Day

Paint Party Friday

March's Gelli Party 

New Collages

The Magic of Christmas

At Inspiration Avenue the the theme this week was Christmas and at OLW (One Little Word)  magic was the word to focus on. For me, Christmas has always been a magic time. This quote said it all. I loved these stickers from the Lung Association from 1979 - created by children. Magical!

This is the final life word prompt at Paper Traders. Laugh every day was the prompt and when I looked up quotes I could not choose just one. Here were my favourites, with a photo of my daughter many years ago enjoying herself.

Sunday Weekly Wrap-Up

It has been an unsettling week. My hubby had surgery Monday, was in hospital for 2 nights and then went back yesterday. He is doing okay - just some complications. We missed 2 special Christmas celebrations and decorating our tree. At least it is up - with lights. And we have gotten some extra time together. Even sat and watched "Larry Crowne" last night.

I have read a lot this week ( I discovered and read "Kate Morton's "The Distant Hours"), with just a bit of art done .

After 2 1/2 days away from school, my class were quite happy to have me back Thurs. (and I was very happy to be back).

Now we just have to wait for follow-up and for my hubby time to heal.

The Artist's Way

I did a few more tasks with Chapter 11. It was by far the most enjoyable.

My journal is slowly filling up with lists and tasks done. I still have to go back and do a number of tasks throughout the book. My art dates were the few times I actually got to create art.

The morning papers still elude me. I was able to write a few times at night - still my preferred time.

It is hard to believe there's only one chapter to go.

 

Heart Exchange



I took part in the "Heart Exchange" through Louise Gale's blog. What a lovely experience. We each had a partner for whom we made something from our heart to theirs. I received a gorgeous heart book from Jenna. What a thoughtful gift - one that I am going to use to inspire me in 2012!









(thanks so much Jenna and Louise!)





Planning for 2012

There is so much available to help in planning for 2012.


I just signed up for Ali Edwards "One Little Word 2012" online course, which will run all year. I have been choosing a word to help guide me with intention throughout the new year for a couple of years.








For 4 weeks in December, at "Myles Ahead", you can start a weekly process of visioning for the year ahead.

The 100 questions exercise was very interesting and has resulted in 10 questions/themes I hope to pursue in 2012.



Reverb 2011 has begun again, although through a different organizer than last year.



With all three of these groups, the primary goal has been to choose a word of intention for 2012. I made a preliminary list of 20 words and have finally chosen my word. Actually, it is one small phrase, as it encompasses so much of what I want 2012 to be.

I turn 60 in early January and so begins a a new decade, one that I want to be healthy, eventful, and exciting.

The phrase is "Seize each day" from the Latin "Carpe Diem". (A fellow teacher has this as her license plate and I always feel it deep inside when I see it.) It can mean so much. I hope it forces me to reach out and do more and see more.



The 2 ATCs I created above hold 2 quotes that very much fit this phrase.