Sunday Weekly Wrap-Up

A week til Christmas! Wishing everyone peace and love during this final week before Christmas and all through the Christmas holidays!

This past week has been a hectic one -again! At least my hubby is on the mend and back to work. At school we are busily preparing for our Christmas concert - singing 4 multicultural songs about light and peace.

I am trying to finish Christmas cards - got out half of them today. The past few weeks put my agenda for Christmas way out of whack. Oh well - at least the rest of the cards should be mailed by Christmas!

I haven't even started my baking yet - which in some ways is good as I would probably have been eating too many by now.

Art this past week was limited to viewing rather than actually doing.

I won 2 giveaways this past week for which I am extremely grateful and excited.

1. The book "The 12 Secrets of Highly Successful Women" by Gail McMeekin", a giveaway hosted by Jamie Ridler.

I loved Gail's first book and I know I will love this one. A big Thanks to Jamie and Gail!

2. A planner pad from Glenda Myles, of "Myles Ahead", who is hosting a wonderful "planning for 2012" workshop over 4 weeks. I am loving it!

The Artist's Way

Today is the last check-in. We have now finished the book, with this last chapter. Chapter 12 is very encouraging.

Several quotes really struck me:

"Creativity requires faith."

"Each of us has an inner dream that we can unfold if we will just have the courage to admit it. And the faith to trust our own admissions."

"Our truest dreams for ourselves is always God's will for us."

"There is a path for each of us. When we are on the right path, we have a surefootedness."

I love the idea of the God Jar and placing all our doubts, fears, worries into it. Then we can truthfully say - "God's got it".

I now will have to reread the book and complete many of the tasks I skimmed over. This will be a 2012 task. I also intend to do a much better job of the morning papers as I reread this book.

It has been a very worthwhile journey through the book with such a supportive group of people. Thank you to all of them who have made this a wonderful journey of discovery.

Check here to stop by and visit at Paula's blog.

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.

Sunday Weekly Wrap-Up / The Artist's Way

This past week has passed in a flurry of parent interviews, volleyball practices and a tournament, and a wee bit of time for art. The interviews went well, although not all parents showed up. It made me think of an article from the NY Times I read this week about how we need better parents. A very interesting read.

The volleyball tournament turned out disappointing for the kids at the end as they lost the semi-final round. Cheating by another team was not addressed and my group were very discouraged. It definitely was a learning experience - for all of us! They did extremely well though. I did write a long letter to the coordinators - but haven't heard back.

The Artist's Way

I am back on track, finally. Chapter 11 was filled with wonderful messages:

"Creativity is oxygen for our souls."

Creativity is its own reward.""Creativity requires action and part of that action must be physical."

"As artists we are spiritual sharks."

"I need to create what wants to be created."

"Creativity is not a business."

This chapter was inspiring and so positive. I love the idea of a creativity notebook and listing the wishes for 7 areas of our lives. I intend to do this, but connect it with the planning for 2012 (see below)

Lots of nurturing is encouraged for the week ahead and I intend to do that.

As for morning papers - that still is not consistent and is done at night, to unload thoughts and ideas so I can sleep! My artist date continues to be time to create.

It is hard to believe that we are almost done the book. This group of people who have shared the journey are so supportive. Be sure to check out Paula's blog for others of the group.

AEDM

Leah of Creative Every Day offered a Survival Guide for AEDM and it has been very helpful. It has given me prompts and ideas that I can continue to use after November is over.

I have done a bit of sketching and more photography this week. Here is a cat based on an Escher print:

My favourite model:






A sky I couldn't resist:








2012


Both Jamie Ridler and Glenda of "Myles Ahead" both have started the planning process for 2012. Check out both for some ideas and direction. 2012 is only a month away!

Sunday Weekly Wrap-Up

This past week I have actually been able to create or work on some art each day.

(and have now found my header for my Sunday Weekly Wrap-Up - hopefully I will figure out how to add words to the above!)

AEDM

Leah of Creative Every Day is hosting Art Every Day this Month and I am following her survival guide. There have been interesting nuggets each day.

Here are a few pieces I did this week from her prompts:

Walk outside and observe the world around you:

I love the leaves at this time of year - loved the rough wood behind. Love photography as well.

Make bad art (it's getting me in the mood tho for the holidays!)

Just Do it:

I had seen this heron in an old, old copy of "Flat Tail" and I loved the lines.
(I love herons as well) So I attempted a sketch - on a day when I really didn't feel too creative.

Create Small:

I do this all the time with ATCs .

The Artist's Way

I am a week behind! I finally finished Chapter 9 for our group that is hosted by Paula.

I love the message in this chapter that enthusiasm and play are paramount. Yes we need to have discipline, but the joy must be there in the creating.

I enjoyed the task of describing and visualizing what my future life will be like.

"I am an artist and an art teacher, holding classes for children".

Yes, I can see it! And I am working on steps to get there.

When the task asked us to chose an artist totem I knew what it had to be:an art doll I created a few years ago for a Visual Arts teaching course I took.

She has many of the symbols I associate with myself. She now has a place of honour on my shelves.

This week I will forge ahead with Chapter 10.

Sunday Weekly Wrap-up - AEDM, The Artist's Way

Just a quick post as I have a bit more work to finish report cards for tomorrow.

Time for Sunday Weekly Wrap -up - my look at the week that was.

AEDM

This month is "Art Every Day Month" - a challenge offered by Leah at Creative Every Day.

I am enjoying working through Leah's Survival Guide. She provides a prompt each day, to spark inspiration and motivation. It is also a chance to see more of her artwork.

Here are a few of the pieces I have created and a summary of what I've done:

Nov. 2: Watercolour Horse - inspired from a card from Saratoga

Nov. 3: Finished ATCs for a swap (theme was Stamps/Scrapbooking)

Nov. 4: Painted backgrounds for ATCs

Nov. 5: Photography (more skies! I posted a few photos for SSS in the previous post)

Nov. 6: Worked on my art room! - Leah talked about having your own creative space on Day 4 and I finally got inspired to do that.

The Artist's Way

Paula at "HappySnappy" hosts this exploration of "The Artist's Way".

I have read Chapter 9 but have not done much on the tasks . My artist's date has been my daily time for creating or working on my art space.

Morning papers - nil. I did re-read those I have done this round and the round before (a year ago). It is not surprising, I guess , that some of the same issues arise.

Now that reports will be out of the way I can devote more time to actually working through this chapter.

Sunday Weekly Wrap-Up (getting back on track!)

Sunday evening is typically the time of the weekend that I spend on schoolwork - marking, preparing for the week, planning new units. Often, this time squeezes out time to reflect on the week that has passed for my "Weekly Wrap-Up". The result has been no blogging on Sundays lately. The past few weeks there has also been little art or even study of "The Artist's Way".

As I have been visiting blogs the last while, I have come across so much to think about. One has been that time is precious and we need to do what we love and to spend time each day doing something just for us.

I have missed creating and "The Artist's Way" community. So, I am re-committing myself to a daily practice of making art, taking care of my health and studying creativity.

The Artist's Way

I have been reading the chapters and am now working on Chap. 8.

I am still not doing the morning papers consistently. When they are done, I write at night to get ride of the chatter in my mind so that I can fall asleep. It works!

My artist's dates have been mostly exploring artists online. There is so much inspiration out there! (I know - I need to spend more time doing.)

Many of the tasks in Chapters 6-8 have proved interesting. I will probably go back later to do some of the ones I have not done. My little journal is filling up with notes and quotes and tasks done.

It has been a very worthwhile journey through the book this time. Mostly, it is knowing others are on the same journey and facing similar issues. I am also more accepting of not completing everything. I do what I am able, when I am able.

ATCs

This past week Ii have finished a number of ATCs. I like this format, as the cards are small and manageable (4 usually on a theme).

(Thanks to Paula for the gorgeous backgrounds for both sets of Hallowe'en cards!)





Photography
Just a few photos I took this week:



What a life! I guess at 19, she deserves her naps.



The sky tonight:



Earlier in the week:

Full Moon Dreamboard / The Artist's Way

Chapter 5 The Artist's Way:

Time for Our check-in for this chapter - Paula has been hosting this book club and I am finally making headway!

I enjoyed the tasks in this chapter. The virtue-trap quiz was a real eye-opener. I found issues of guilt, fear and self-esteem still percolate below the surface. The lists were a good exercise as well. I do have many wishes and desires and need to work toward these.The morning papers are still not done consistently - more as I need them. They do help get rid of the negativity though.



My artist dates the past few weeks have been my photography

(Favourite subjects

- Fluffy, our 19 year old cat. We have a new name for her - our Walmart greeter!





Skies



Flowers







and creating my art cards.

I am also enjoying teaching art at school. I love helping children bring out their creativity.

I must apologize for not visiting blogs and leaving comments. It has been a hectic return to school and there is just not enough time in the day anymore. I will get back into a better routine soon I hope! Thanks so much to all those people who do leave such lovely comments - I really do appreciate them!

The Artist's Way

We have finished Chapter 4 of "The Artist's Way", with the group being hosted by Paula. I read this chapter while travelling, and did a few of the tasks. The one task that I absolutely refused and felt such resistance to, was the reading deprivation. I could not even attempt it!

I have found myself over the past few weeks sorting through books and papers, and getting rid of a lot of "stuff". When I read about making these changes in this chapter, I felt on the right track. I still have more to do, but it feels good to be clearing away clutter.

I am back to doing morning papers. It does help to clear the mind. I want to start this school year off with a better morning routine and maybe this will help.

I attempted a number of the tasks with the buried dreams exercise - listing hobbies, activities and skills. Interesting lists!

I thought about a number of the tasks while I was in the car, but did not write the letters. I do intend to do this.

One artist's date took place in Lake George. There was an outdoor fair and I spent a good hour visiting art booths and seeing a lot of interesting work. I even bought a few pieces.

The second artist's date was in Saratoga Springs. I saw one artist's work and was mesmerized by the size of the pieces (well over 4 ft. tall) and the vibrant colour. I have to track him down online!

During the past 2 weeks I have not been very creative. I haven't worked on ATCs or painted and I have missed that. Travelling was enjoyable and I did take a lot of photos tho. It was fun to explore Lake George and Saratoga Springs - something we have not done in the past few visits.

But now it is time to get into school mode. I have started planning and will be going in all week to set up my classroom.

I must make time for art though - I have missed it.

On to Chapter 5 this week.

Sunday Weekly Wrap-Up

It is that time of the week when I look back at what I have been focusing on creatively.

The Artist's Way

I have read Chapter 3 but have not done many of the tasks. Listing who I admire, but alive and deceased was the easiest.

The idea of being kind to oneself each day in small, concrete ways really appeals to me. It is so necessary to be kind to yourself and to give yourself permission to carve out some me time each day.

The quote "Leap and the net shall appear" is one I need to just do.

I was sporadic with the morning papers. When I do them, I do feel lighter!

This week I will get to more of the tasks and the morning papers!

My artist's date was a fun one this week. My hubby and I took in the Kitchener Blue's Fest this afternoon and had a great time. The downtown of Kitchener is blocked off to cars for 3 days and there is music at 3 different venues. We visited 2 of them.

The music was awesome, the weather beautiful and I had a chance to photograph lovely flowers and a grand old church. (see below for these photos)

While we were listening, I noticed this saying on a man's Tshirt in the row ahead of us:


Perfect quote for this chapter!



Calendar ChallengeI finally finished my August calendar for the challenge at the Kathryn Wheel.

I always thing of water in August, as many of our holidays are near water. The stars represent both stars in the sky (which I tend to notice more in August) and starfish.

ATCs

I took part in a couple of swaps this week.




ATCs for a PAT - where each participant states their theme (angel, koi, shrimp, fairy)





Muppets




My Giveaway Prizes


These are the 2nd and 3rd prizes for my giveaway - 2 ATCs and a tag. They have been sent on to their new owners.






Photography
These were taken at the festival. The flowers and small waterfall were in Victoria Park.






This was a watermelon a young man had carved at one of the many food venues.

This was a small statue of Mary in the garden of the church where we parked our car.