Today’s page was week five’s homework for the Soul Restoration class.
This week’s theme is about knowing what your definitions for happy and sad feelings are. As usual, I don’t want to go into detail since it’s Melody’s content but I will talk some about what came up for me. I struggled more than usual this week because there was a lot of journaling to do and I am one of those people who likes to do her homework before I do the art. I wrote for a while but then put off writing anything for many days. This was a sign to me that the way things were structured wasn’t working for me so after postponing it all week, I finally changed it around. I still plan on doing the work, but I think it was too much for me to focus on at once.
So instead of focusing on each definition, I made a list of things that give me positive feelings and a list of things that give me negative feelings. Here’s what’s on each list:
The good
finishing a task
coffee & graham crackers
quiet time
doing art
scrapbooking
family time
hugs from my boys
Jake’s hugs
practicing gratitude
completing my exercise
helping someone
getting positive feedback
schedules
good books
learning new things
journaling
honest compliments
choice
holding hands
going to the movies
bubble baths
tulips
puppies
taking photos
sunsets over the sea
picnics
my kids laughing
feeling free
being forgiven
letting go
unexpected kindness
chocolate
The not-so-good
saying yes to something i don’t want to do
disappointing people
not enough sleep
yelling
the unknown
failing
having to quit
going back on my word
comparing myself to others
not being able to measure up
sarcasm
not doing my best
wasting time
when what’s on my mind doesn’t match my artistic abilities
lack of planning
dropping the ball
piles
empty gas tank
driving somewhere new
putting myself down
feeling alone
holding on to a mistake
holding a grudge
shame
reacting without thinking
making a mistake
Each list can easily be 10 times longer. But I just wrote in five minutes and told myself it was ok for now. I then printed the words and made this two-page spread. Blue for the happy and brown for the not-so-much. This is a guide for me to remember what makes me sad, upset, disappointed, etc. It’s also a reminder of things that make me feel good so that I can do more of them, especially when I am feeling blue.
Here are some other observations from this week:
1. One of the things I noticed was that “completing a task” came up in several of my lists. This is not very surprising considering how much I like getting things done. But it did make me realize that I can change the way I start and end my days so that I wake up and get something done immediately. Which will start my day with a great positive feeling. I can also end my day with a completed task or at least set it up for the next morning’s task completion. Help myself since I know the joy this accomplishment brings into my life.
2. If I can start each day with the task to complete and then do exercise and art, I am already in a good mood. Then when I start work, I can do the same. Instead of reading mail, I can just complete a task first. Then the good mood from that will help me go through my mailbox more quickly and efficiently.
3. I need the take the time to hug my kids daily. I do this a lot already but I need to do it more. I need to slow down and smell them and hug them and laugh with them. The joy this gives me is unparalleled and I need to make sure to do it each day.
4. I would like to plan my meals and the kids’ meals more. I’ve been saying this for months but not actually doing it. Let’s set it as a goal for getting organized on this before February is over so I can have a plan in place for March. (if not sooner.)
5. I need to journal more. What a gift it’s been to rediscover journaling this year. I am so thankful to Stephanie and Misty and Melody. They reminded me how amazing, anchoring, soul-lifting journaling is for me. I need to make the time to do it daily. It feeds my soul like nothing else.
6. Overall I need to look at these lists each day. And make sure to do at least 5 of the “good” items and focus hard on not doing the yucky ones. To make myself more aware daily. Start the day and end the day with a review of my lists. So they are always forefront on my mind.
There we go. I am so sorry that this Tuesday will be the last class for Soul Restoration. I can’t remember the last time I took such a powerful class (and online!). I have simultaneously been working on other art journaling pages too so if you’re sick of these, there are different ones coming I promise.
Another look at each page:
Weekly Art Journal is a weekly project for 2011. You can read more about it here.
Today started great. I woke up, got David on the bus and exercised right away because I was due at his school exactly 50 minutes later. We went, came back, got stuff done, Nathaniel napped, I worked. I had a breakdown in the middle of the day and worked myself into a tizzy and then thanks to some amazingly kind people it resolved itself just fine but I still have the headache to remind me I need to stop doing this.
Big boy was a dear as he always is.
And I realized that we never showed you the valentines he made for his class. Here’s the outside.
Each girl got a stamped flower which David colored.
and each boy got this stamp which David also colored.
The little boy is watching Thomas on the ipod.
And then sneaking a look at me for a split second. Well not at me but at least looking up.
I did a sketch today. It’s got a long way to go but it was fun and I am glad I did it. I still have to do my portrait and I have to write in my art journal. but overall I am still marking this day down as a good one. Any day we’re all healthy is a good one in my book.
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that my friend Katie listened to me rant for a good thirty minutes about something relatively stupid and she didn’t blame me once. She listened, she supported and she was wonderful. Thank you Katie, love you!
2. I am grateful that my husband also supported me magically today and rushed right back out so we could make it to the post office on time. He didn’t question me or call me crazy (which I am) but he loves me and I am so thankful for that.
3. I am grateful for the kindness of a semi-stranger today. Someone whom I don’t know and she had no reason to be this nice to me but she, too, didn’t call me crazy or capricious. She worked with me and tried to make me happy. I am truly grateful.
4. I am also grateful for the few minutes of Skype I got to do with my sister so I could wish her a happy birthday. She had no internet today so she hasn’t seen my note to her yet but I still got to see her, however briefly. I love her so.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that it’s Valentine’s Day (he had a lot of candy at school!) {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that Daddy watched a movie with me
3. I am grateful that we ate dinner out (goat cheese sandwich for david!)
Today is my sister Yona’s 40th birthday. I am so sorry that I cannot be there to give her a huge hug and be there to celebrate with her. So I wanted to make her a list of 40 reasons why I love her so much. They are not in any order and I can easily think of hundreds more so this is just a tiny subset of the world of reasons I am thankful she’s my sister. She’s amazing and I am truly lucky to have her in my life.
40 Reasons Why I love you so:
- I love that you taught my kids how to blow kisses and catch them
- I love that you save all your boys’ toys so mine can play with them, too
- I love that you spend hours playing with my sons, even over the internet
- I love that you cook us delicious meals when you visit!
- I love that you are always honest with me
- I love that you never forget any of my special occasions, you always check in, follow up and you never ever make me feel alone.
- I love that you taught me how to read. The best present I got in my life.
- I love that you always tell me how proud you are of me.
- I love that you read my blog. You even comment!
- I love that you are dedicated to making sure our kids are close to each other and we are close to each other’s kids.
- I love that you are always patient with me.
- I love that you do not judge me because I am so different and you love me just the way I am.
- I love that you inspire me so much with your self-confidence.
- I love that you are always so genuine and I can feel your love so deeply.
- I love that you call my husband your brother. He loves you so!
- I love that you listen to me complain about the same worries for hours and always reassure me.
- I love that you are so organized and work so well with mom, I am amazed and inspired by everything you two have accomplished.
- I love that you make sure your kids know the importance of education and studying. You’ve probably done more homework with them than when you were a kid!
- I love that you always believe in me.
- I love that each time I visualize your face, you always have such a big smile that it travels all the way to your eyes. Just thinking of you makes me happy.
- I love that you are patient and kind to mom and dad and me.
- I love that even though you always say you can’t think of good ideas, you’re the one who came up with all the amazing ideas like roses with sentiments to mom and dad, the videotape for dad, the site for mom, etc.
- I love that besides reading, you also gave me my second all-time-favorite present, the book. I cherish, love and adore that book you gave me even though it makes me cry every single time.
- I love that you support my scrapbooking and always encourage me.
- I love that you save and collect and beg for scraps of fabric just so you can get them for me. You are so kind and generous and loving.
- I love that when I asked you for some trinkets and beads, you did your typical Yona thing and ended up buying me drawers full of amazing things and sent me a huge box. You love to spoil me.
- I love that you taught everyone in your family the love of skiing so it’s something you can all do together now. You’ve always been so good at sports. (Unlike your little sister.)
- I love that you love taking pictures almost as much as I do.
- I love that you always, always look out for me.
- I love that you make sure I don’t miss anything even though I am so far away. You always send me videos, copies of presentations, family events, and make a point of making me feel included.
- I love that you and I can spend an entire day just talking.
- I love that you are your own person. You have taught me to be stronger.
- I love that you like learning and taking lessons just like me. Languages, candle making. I so wish we could take them together.
- I love that you took the time to come visit me so we could spend some time together just you and me. You’re always amazing like that.
- I love that you’ve always been by my side. All the cards and letters you sent me when you were away and then when I was away and all the emails and Skypes now. Even though we’ve spent more moments apart than together, I haven’t felt your absence once.
- I love that you are such an amazing mom. From the very first moment, you were comfortable with being pregnant and then raising twin boys. You always showed me that it is not as scary as I worried it would be. You have two amazing sons and that’s due, in large part, to their amazing mom.
- I love that you always put your family first.
- I love that you never forget to do what’s right. Invitations, obligations, thank yous. You’re so much better than anyone I know.
- I love that you and I will be sisters forever. I am so thankful.
- I love you so much canim ablacim. You are my role model, my solid, strong, confident sister thanks to whom I will never ever feel alone in the world. I am so thankful to have you and I love you so so so much. I am so sorry I am not there with you right now but my heart is with you, always.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY YONA!!! I LOVE YOU!
And my final layout with Little Yellow Bicycle’s Twig line. I adore this line.
Journaling Reads:
One of the only regrets I have about living far away is that I am away from you, Yona. I know we had a tumultous childhood but we’ve grown into sisters who love each other so much and I am really sad we’re so away from each other. Even though I was really scared o leave the kids, I am so glad I took the plane to come see you while toy were in NYC. It will be one of my favorite memories of the two of us forever.
Taking photos every day is inconsistent. Some days life is too busy for any photos, other days we get too many. Today’s one of those too many photos kind of days. We started with the family shoot. Which always starts smoothly.
Then Nathaniel starts wiggling like you’re choking him.
Then the tickling begins.
Daddy sneaking in a kiss while the boys are doubling over from laughter.
More shrieking and more laughter.
And Nathaniel is about to fly out of my lap.
David actually did fly of Daddy’s lap and smacked right on the floor. Then there was the grabbing of the clicker because both David and Nathaniel covet it. So there you go, it’s amazing we get any decent shots amidst the chaos.
After the shoot, I exercised, read to David and we put Nathaniel down after he and Jake went to get David’s cake. While he napped, David played with his legos.
I should correct that to say while he did not nap because Nathaniel didn’t actually take his nap today. He lay there, wide awake. So I finally gave up and he played quietly in the living room until it was time to go.
David played quietly too. So I rested and read a bit.
Then it was time to go to the gym for David’s birthday party. He had been there last year, too so he knew exactly what to expect.
And made sure to make the most of every moment.
Nathaniel ate some snacks and watched quietly.
Amazingly this was the only cake photo I was able to snap before David blew out all the candles and got down to eating. This year, I didn’t get any good “David and cake” photos at all. Oh well, some years are like that.
After the party, we came home and both of the kids were excited to open David’s presents.
Dinner, bath time, some playing and it was the end of our long and eventful day. Another day to add to the list of gratitude and blissful moments to hold on to forever. I love you so much, my son, happy happy birthday.
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that we were able to have a small but wonderful party for our boy and that he truly enjoyed it very much.
2. I am grateful that I got a lot more rest than I’d anticipated today so it all went more smoothly than I thought it might.
3. I am grateful that I get to do some art and have some quiet time tonight. I love having it every day but especially on days like this when there’s been a bunch of noise (no matter how wonderful) in my day.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that I had my birthday party {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful for my new legos
3. I am grateful for mommy and daddy
David says:
I gave this story three stars because it was a sad book because the witch was turning people into stone and she tried to kill Aslan.
I loved Aslan because he was nice and the saved all the people who were made into stone. He sacrificed himself for Edmund and then he died and then didn’t die because he came back. I like Santa because he gave them presents. I like Peter because he had a sword and he was brave and killed the monster. I like Edmund because he killed the witch in the end. And I like that they became kings and queens.
I didn’t like the witch because she turns people into stone and she tricked Edmund and was going to kill him. I also didn’t like the dwarf because he handcuffed Edmund.
But I liked that it was a happy ending!
Reading a book a week with my six-year-old son David is a weekly project for 2011. You can read more about it here.
I started the day with eating my frog which meant that the rest of the day was going to be great and then I exercised and then it was time for the Big Picture class chat. I am loving the energy in that class, btw and it was a wonderful chat!! Then I worked on my Soul Restoration work and did a lot of my homework. A ton of journaling which centered me and made me feel so much better. Right before the exercise was, of course, family shots.
Which were exceptionally challenging this time.
Then it was time to take David to a birthday party. It was closeby so we took a nice stroll to it but then when we got there, he got really really upset and scared of the Jedi who was the entertainment at the party. He immediately cried and refused so after ten minutes, we just walked back home. It was a really beautiful day so I just enjoyed the walk and tried to be happy to be with my child. Then it was time to go to our appointment and by the time we came back, the light was all gone. So I snapped one of the little boy.
And then asked his dad to hold him so I could snap another.
I wanted one of the big boy, too, but he had a bloody nose. He’s been picking it too much!!!
Tonight is the art part of the Soul Restoration homework, a bunch of comments in my class, some art journaling and if i am lucky maybe my portrait. Tomorrow is a hectic day so I will need some solid sleep, as well.
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that I journaled today. I love the feeling it gives me. I need to make it a priority.
2. I am grateful that I did my big frog work for the weekend. I feel so much better when that “dreaded” task is done.
3. I am grateful that I get to do some art tonight. I love love love getting to do art.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that we started a new book {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful tomorrow’s my party
3. I am grateful for mommy
jake
Jake had a long week this week. A lot of early mornings coupled with afternoon meetings. But the week is over and next week promises to be quieter for him. He’s been happy and excited and optimistic for most of the week and it always makes me happy to see him so happy. His positive attitude is always contagious.
karen
I feel like I’ve had a relatively long and unproductive week. This week went faster than I would have wished and there wasn’t enough downtime during the weekend to catch up on the balls I dropped during the week. And next week looks even more stressful with two trips to David’s school, a playdate, a visit to another school, and a day with no school. And then there’s class chat, etc. Not to mention work which promises to be hectic and stressful. But, of course, it will all turn out ok and I have lots of faith. I am always grateful.
david
David turned six this week. Six years old. I cannot believe it. He’s been so wonderful, too. He was excited to be center of attention at school and have us come and read. He was excited to get a lego set he loves and he’s really excited about his party tomorrow. He’s been happy and thankful and appreciative and not one bit spoiled about anything. I am so thankful for his kind heart and thankful attitude. I hope it continues through the years. I also hope his party goes well and he has a really good time.
nathaniel
I introduced Nathaniel to David’s ipod this week so he could watch Thomas while I watched my own TV or turned off the big TV altogether. He’s quickly learned where the lock button is and can turn it off just fine. He has yet to master anything else though so he always takes it off Thomas and then cries to get it back. He does love having it with him though and I love not having to deal with the choices the Google TV version gave him and all the frustrations that came with him changing his mind every five seconds.
and here’s the card version:
Us Right Now is a weekly project for 2011. You can read more about it here.
Today started hectic as I had a webinar early in the morning and then exercised and then did a layout and then it was time for work. It wasn’t until after I picked up and drove David to the doctor that I realized I hadn’t taken any photos. So I tried to snap some.
Little boy was eating his veggies.
Which he likes considerably more than the big boy.
But the big boy is better at smiling on cue.
Then we finished our book which took way too long to read and the kids played with their daddy while I relaxed. I have a lot of back pain lately so I feel wiped at the end of the day. And I still have a few important errands to finish tonight so I can’t just lie on the couch like I wish I could. I also have the art journaling, portrait, and Soul Restoration homework to do. Alas, all wonderful things to spend my time on so it could be much worse.
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that it’s the weekend. I really really need the rest.
2. I am grateful that I finished all my scrappy homework for this week so the weekend will all be art and no major deadlines.
3. I am grateful that while I have a long long list for this weekend, it’s all things I want to do and things I am grateful to get to do.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that we finished our book {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that I get to play wii tomorrow
3. I am grateful for mommy
We are almost halfway through February and I must admit that the 2.7 is getting more bearable. I cannot imagine 2.8 at all and 2.7 is still something that requires a lot of my personal motivation to get to but I can do it and I am not weeping like I was the first few days of the month. I know that’s how it’s supposed to work, but it’s still nice to see.
I’m still hungrier than usual and sneaking a bit more than I should which is why I think I’ve lost so little in the last few weeks. I’ve even had to weigh myself a few times to see a loss and not gain. Cheating? Maybe but I only note it if it does show a loss. And long term it all equals out anyway. I need to stop sneaking and eat better and more.
According to the fitbit, I am moving more which is good. Most days, I reach 9,000 or more steps now. And I am happy about that. I am trying to take the longer way, park far, and not be too lazy to go upstairs, etc. So that I can use the excuses to move more. The TMJ doctor helped me with my tailbone a bunch this week too so it’s feeling better and that makes a tangible difference. So all in all, progress is being made. However slow and small. Progress is progress.
and here’s this week’s card:
Healthy for Life is a weekly project for 2011. You can read more about it here.
This is another Pink Paislee layout I made for CHA. It uses the Butterfly Garden line.
Journaling Reads:
My wonderful sister, I cannot believe how long it took for all of us to get back together again. I am so thankful that I took this trip to NYC so I could finally see your amazing family again. Those two days were some of the best in my life. Next time we will do it much much sooner.
Nathaniel’s getting better and better at rummaging through stuff and expressing himself. I love this in general but it’s hard on some of the longer, tiring days.
I wanted to get some nice shots of David but he wouldn’t let me.
And then he gave me that sneaky smile. The one I love.
Nathaniel wasn’t happy I got between him and Thomas.
And got wildly dramatic so I just walked away and let him have it.
I have really strong allergies (or a cold) so I’ve had nonstop headache for two days in a row now. It’s no fun. What is fun though is that my class started and it’s wonderful! I love love love it.
Tonight’s plan is book club! So I need to get my stuff together quickly so that I can go and come back and go right to bed. I need all the sleep I can get lately since I am not all that well.
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that my class is finally open. I’ve been waiting for it for so long.
2. I am grateful that it’s one more day and I get to rest some. Even though the weekend is a bit more hectic than usual, I love the rest.
3. I am grateful that we have book club tonight. I am dreading it a bit at the moment but I know I will love it when I go.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that in two days I have my birthday party {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that I made a chain of hearts in art class
3. I am grateful that i got creature power at school (dragon fly).
|
projects for twenty twenty-five
projects for twenty twenty-four
projects for twenty twenty-three
projects for twenty twenty-two
projects for twenty twenty-one
projects for twenty nineteen
projects for twenty eighteen
projects from twenty seventeen
monthly projects from previous years
some of my previous projects
|
