resolutions

Looking Forward

| terriaw

Rather than setting resolutions, I am making a list of things I’m looking forward to in 2011. It’s more fun that way, and more realistic too. Why put more pressure on myself. I have the philosophy: Don’t set yourself up to fail; set yourself up to succeed! Of course, I want to keep doing a couple things I did in 2010 that worked out well (like exercising 3-4 days a week). But it’s always nice to go forward with a fresh perspective.

  • I have four classes this semester, so I am looking forward to learning more. I will be taking Drawing for Illustration, Advanced Computer Graphics, Concept Development and Digital Photography. Whew, that’s going to keep me busy!

  • I would like to do more experimenting with my bag designs. I do love to challenge myself!

  • I would really like to develop a collection for my shop that is more coordinated with the seasons. I am a very “in the moment” kind of person, so planning ahead like that could be tough. I think I’m up for it.
  • I would like to learn how to make clothes again. I haven’t made any clothing since I was a teenager, when my mom taught me how to sew.
  • I would like to offer a couple more tutorials for you.
  • I am looking forward to participating in a couple swaps throughout the year.
  • I would like to enter a couple more craft shows.

It’s always fun to imagine what the new year is going to bring us. I heard someone say recently that 2011 is the year of living dreams. It should be great fun to expand my horizons and chase a few dreams along the way!

Things I’m Looking Forward

| terriaw

This is not really a list of resolutions; more like a list of things I’m looking forward to in 2010.

Doris asked to participate in a quilting bee, which I’ve always wanted to do, so I’m excited for this one.

I’ve also been invited to attend a quilting retreat, another thing I’ve always wanted to do, so I’m excited for that weekend in June. (Thank goodness it doesn’t conflict with the opening of Eclipse.)

In college, I was a journalism and English major, so I had a lot of Shakespeare classes. I am looking forward to relearning Shakespeare with my new book, and going to a few plays this summer at the local theater.

I am going to organize a Christmas in July ornament exchange. Stay tuned if you’re interested.

I currently have six unfinished quilts that I will finish before I start another one.

I would like  to expand my etsy shop. (in the works over the next few months)

Biggest of all, I would like to find something else to do for a living.

Wish me luck!

A Year in Review

| terriaw

I love being able to look through my 2009 blog posts and Flickr pages to remember what I did this past year! Here are a few highlights:

In 2009, I took an art design class, a couple drawing classes, and a silver smithing class.

Texture QuiltAccordion Book of ValueBlack-White and Analogous Logo DesignsMy Recreation of the Spring FaeryLook at what I made!

I made a few quilts.

Finished Candy QuiltAva Rose Quilt TopJoin Me for a Picnic?Zig-Zag Quilting on My Zig-Zag QuiltMod Girls Quilt Top - Ready for QuiltingMy Coin Quilt with Bell Bottom FabricsQuilted Darla 9-Patch QuiltFiggy Pudding Patchwork Quilt Top
I spent two weeks in China visiting my sister and her family.
Me at The PeakLaundry Hanging OutsideFive Rams StatueMy Sister Getting Help at the MarketMy Mom and I in Foshan
We did a lot of gardening around here and planted several new trees in our backyard.
My Favorite TulipsFlowering Crab Apple TreePink Bleeding HeartsAnother Flowering Crab for My Garden
I spent my summer vacation with my sister and family at my parent’s cottage.
Chillaxing on the beach!Taylor kayaking at sunsetBonfire at DuskCool trail through the woods
I made a few bags, mini quilts and entered a few swaps.
Garden Party Pin Cushion CaddyBack Side of My Chocolate Lollipop BagHalf Square Triangle Mini QuiltString Pieced Mini QuiltMy Three Newest Mini QuiltsMini Coin QuiltsMini Quilt for Spring Blooms SwapFriendship Bags for Two of My FriendsMini Quilt for My PartnerExtra Squares Make a Potholder and CoasterFall Tablerunner
New Patchwork Trails LogoTechie Bag for FallStuff SacksCheckerboard Set in blues and redsNew Laptop Bag - Posing!Zippered PouchGood Folks Patchwork MatChristmasy Stuff Sack for Gift Bag
I spent my birthday in New York City.
Me on the Walking Path in Central ParkMe in front of a statue at St. John'sMe at the Bethesda FountainSkyline from Central ParkThe Mall in Central Park
I started an regular exercise routine, and I lost 10 pounds!
I lost 10 pounds!

It was actually quite a productive year! I am looking forward to starting fresh in 2010 and switching gears in a couple areas of my life. I am also looking forward to seeing what next year brings for all of you, my blogger friends. I hope you all enjoy a happy and safe New Year’s Eve!

Procrastination and A Resolution

| terriaw

Happy New Year to all my wonderful and inspiring blog friends!

One thing I try to avoid in life is too much talk about work, so I also try to avoid complaining here about my job, which is one of my least favorite things.  You see, I went to college for journalism and English because I thought I wanted to be a writer.  After graduation, I found out how little journalists make so I took a job working as a paralegal.  Many, many years later (roughly 15!), I am still doing paralegal-type of work.  But these days, I find myself looking back to square one, or maybe looking for square one!  In my typical procrastinator way, I often just go home after work and garden, cook, bake, sew, knit, and be as creative as possible to avoid my career dissatisfaction and satisfy my craving to create.  I don’t want to do that procrastination / avoidance thing anymore.

Amy Butler's Belle fabrics for a tablerunner

I consider myself lucky to have a job in this economy, but I just can’t see spending another 15 years pushing paper in a corporate cubicle which lacks the creativity and individuality I need to keep my sanity.

Amy Butler's Daisy Chain fabrics for a quilt

This year, I want to focus more on finding my own creative style and voice, specific to me. I want to be better at what I’m good at. The first step is to minimize the distracting clutter, which includes getting rid of miscellaneous craft supplies that take up space and feel like baggage.  That’s what I did this weekend.

de-junking pileYep, those boxes are full of craft supplies that I’m not going to use and need to get rid of to avoid potential moments of procrastination.  I considered having a craft garage sale but I don’t have a lot of spare time and frankly, I just don’t feel like it. I’m going to drop off this pile to Goodwill.

Next up will be the design class I am taking at the local technical college as part of the graphic design program I enrolled in. I’m really excited to learn more about the design process.

I have a lot to be thankful for and a lot of hard work to be proud of.  I hope I turned my initial complaint around to a positive mission for 2009!