Today’s page was week six’s part 1 homework for the Soul Restoration class. I thought of doing them all together as one post but then I decided if I did each separately, I would take more time to focus on each so I decided to do that. Here’s the first one:
When I saw this exercise, I thought it was powerful-looking and that it would be easy. I didn’t think as much about how it might make me feel. I didn’t think it would be that strong because it was more of a “cut the words out and glue them on this photo” kind of assignment.
But, alas, I was wrong.
This exercise, as with the others, proved to be very very powerful. Just the act of cutting each word up and glueing them down one by one left me more impacted than I imagined. Glueing each of the “black” words made me sadder and sadder. I felt heavier and it took forever to finish the sections. I could almost feel each word taking its toll on me.
Then I did the white words and it went so much faster. I felt happier, lighter, and like a weight was lifted off of me.
I know it sounds corny but I really felt it. After I’d glued all my words down, I was left with a few words and a lot of space. The leftover words didn’t speak to me and I knew they wouldn’t fill the space anyway so I decided, instead, to put the blue tissue paper to make it seem more like the sky. And then I added my house which was red because I wanted it to stand out. I put the word “be” on it to remind myself to just be who I am. And a heart to remind myself that I am loved and that I need to love myself just the way I am.
Then to keep the feeling of light that the white words brought, I added the line “I will go where the peace is…in my heart and in my life.” I think this is the biggest lesson for me. The peaceful and happy words make me feel light and happy and I need to make a point to focus on them more. To remember to go where the good is. Where the peace is. Where all these wonderfully happy words take me. Where I feel unburdened, light, happy and at peace.
Because, there, I can be my best. I can be kind and loving to others and kind and loving to myself.
Weekly Art Journal is a weekly project for 2011. You can read more about it here.
Today started with exercise and then setting up the family shoot while the boys played.
And hugged.
We had an almost good shot here if it weren’t for David’s crazy face.
Nathaniel wrestled the remote from me so Daddy gave me a kiss.
And then the craziness began as Nathaniel hoped to leap out of my lap.
After that, we all went bowling together. The balls were too heavy for David and it took forever for each to roll down the lane.
Nathaniel had a great time watching and clapping and yelling “ball” each time.
I tried to keep David out of the way when it wasn’t his turn because he kept getting hit by the ball.
Then Nathaniel discovered the computer.
Which immediately became his favorite thing.
So he was not happy when David took his spot.
Then we came home and Nathaniel skipped his nap once more. David and I read, he did some workbooks and I did some of the todo items on my list.
Now we’re winding down as Jake gives them dinner. I am planning on going out to see “I am Number Four” with a few friends tonight and tomorrow we’re back to work. Even though I replied to some of the emails and comments, I am still really far behind on that. Alas, tomorrow is another day.
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful for family bowling!
2. I am grateful for great photos. I love taking these family shots so much.
3. I am grateful that I get to see a movie. Love love love movies.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that I went bowling {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that we might play monopoly again
3. I am grateful that i played with my little brother again!
This was one of the layouts I made for Maya Road for CHA. I love that it contains no patterned paper. Nothing but Maya Road products (except the little Jenni Bowlin stickers.)
Journaling Reads:
I have been trying to act healthier and lose weight for over three months now. I work out every single day and I eat much more carefully. I went shopping for clothes last weekend and was shocked to find that I can now fit into a skirt sized four. Four! I have never been a size four in my life. It’s so nice to have proof of all the hard work I’ve been doing and the hours of sweat I put into it.
I went to bed last night deciding to get a better attitude. Most of this month has been me whining and I am done with that. Things are actually really good. I am doing art, I am exercising, I am reading to my kid, I am stretching at work, I am journaling and even sketching. I am reading. I am taking photos. I am kissing my kids. I am even going out occasionally. I need to just relax. I’ve been doing a lot of the work in Melody’s final lesson and it’s all about choices. So anyway. I woke up this morning, exercised and then got to work. I did a lot of the todo list items while the kids played. Well, Nathaniel just put stickers all over his legs. (His recent obsession.)
And David was on the computer.
Here’s Nathaniel smirking but not looking at me.
Then it was time for the family shot. The thing is, with four people almost always one boy is looking elsewhere.
And when he looks back, the other one gets obsessed with the remote.
We try a bunch more times and then it’s time to get crazy. Everyone laughs and enjoyes tickle time.
Then Jake left to work and David and I did workbooks and he read a book to me and we got organized. So now he knows which workbook to do on what day (he does 3-5 pages a day) and he also picked 6 books to read for the week (one a day). I’ve been meaning to do this for a while and I am glad we finally got organized.
Then tried to get a shot of David. He was smiling so much that his eyes got small.
So I told them to make them bigger. And this is what I got.
Followed by this.
I tried to get Nathaniel to nap several times today but alas it wasn’t to be. So we all played for a while, I journaled, etc. Then Daddy came back home and it was family game night. David just got Monopoly Jr. for his birthday so that was the game tonight.
We had a great time playing and then the kids went to bed and I did a bunch of art. Finished my Soul Restoration homework (all I have left to do is my truth cards which I have only done one of the whole time. This will have to be a project for March or April.) and I finished the art/journaling book page for this week (more on this soon) and made two more pages in my book. We also worked on all the tax work we’d still left to do. It’s now 9pm which means I only have 1-2 hours left in my night. We plan to spend some cuddle time and then maybe I will draw one portrait and likely that’s going to be it for tonight. Tomorrow’s big task is to return emails. I have been neglectful of emails and comments.
A really good Sunday all in all, though, and I wish every week was a 3-day-weekend!
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful for so much productivity today.
2. I am grateful for family game night. I love game night.
3. I am grateful that I get to have one more day tomorrow before the stress and craziness of work begins once more.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that I played with my little brother {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that Daddy won Monopoly Jr.
3. I am grateful that we had game night!
David says:
I gave this story five stars because it was funny because they washed themselves in the water fountain. I thought it was funny that they stuck their dirty laundry in their pockets and wore it.
I liked both Claudia and Jamie because they talked to each other in a funny way (the royal way). I didn’t like that they ran away from home because it’s sad to do that because your parents are worried that you ran away.
My favorite part was when they got the sketch of the Angel because Claudia really wanted to know the truth and she got to find it out. I like Mrs. Frankweiler, too, because she shared her secret with Claudia and Jamie.
I think it was cool that they found the M under the statue and wrote a letter to the museum head. I also loved the 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.
Happy Saturday!! We started our day relatively quietly over here with the little one playing and David and I reading. Nathaniel’s been really good at playing alone lately.
He loves books, especially ones with trains in them.
Then I exercised and showered and it was time to take the family shots. Nathaniel knows the drill now and was gesturing for David to sit on Daddy’s lap.
And then all my boys were together. Love my boys.
We took a bunch but the remote was really misbehaving. It wouldn’t take pictures no matter what I tried. So I finally gave up. And found another remote to order. We got only a few shots this time.
Then it was time for Wii and naps. After Nathaniel’s nap, we went to Red Robin cause I was craving the chicken salad. But of course, immediately after eating it, I was overcome with guilt and regret. Then we came home and it was more wii time.
And play time for the little one.
I read and did some art and drew some faces. Plans for tonight are more of the same. Some journaling, some art, and maybe some reading. I feel truly truly exhausted so I feel no desire or energy to do anything even tiny bit taxing on my brain. Thus everything keeps getting postponed while I lay here and relax. Oh well, that’s the purpose of a weekend, right?
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful for some art time.
2. I am grateful that I am reading a book I love and keep looking forward to my exercise time because it means I get to read more of it.
3. I am grateful that Jake is being really kind to me and my random breakdowns lately. I am deeply lucky to have him.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that I got play games at Red Robin {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that Daddy spent more fun time with me
3. I am grateful that i got a balloon at Red Robin
jake
Long week for Jake, lots of interviewing candidates and working long hours. He’s been working from early morning to late afternoon. And then he comes home and spends time with both kids. He and David have been watching lots of Star Wars lately and it’s one of David’s favorite things. He looks forward to his time with Daddy all day long. Nathaniel, too, has been a big fan, he keeps coming to the computer and saying “daddy” until I show him photos of all four of us so he can see his dad.
karen
This week was a long week for me both at work and personally. But I’ve accomplished much and now I have a three day weekend to rest. My jaw’s been hurting and I’ve had several eye migraines this week. But I still kept exercising and I’ve spent lots of time with the kids. I went to David’s school to volunteer and now he’s got no school for a week. I very much look forward to some more time with him. He’s such a joy to have around.
david
David had a good week at school. It started with Valentine’s Day and a big party, then he went to the other school for a shadow day and then ended his week with a playdate. He’s now on vacation for a week and playing with his legos, on the computer, and Wii of course. We’re also planning to get back on schedule with our workbooks this week. We’ve been slacking a bit there and this is a good time to get reorganized.
nathaniel
Nathaniel is enjoying the little iPod I gave him. I love it even more because it means I don’t have to have the TV on all day long. The Thomas obsession was getting annoying on the TV whereas I don’t mind it at all when it’s on the small ipod with no sound. And he forgets about it for hours when he’s just looking at books of Thomas. He flips page after page and points out all the trains, cars, and balls. He’s also getting even more vocal and specific in his needs. My little boy is growing up so much and so quickly.
and here’s the card version:
Us Right Now is a weekly project for 2011. You can read more about it here.
Well this week is over! It was relatively painful and yet I still got a bunch accomplished both at work and here. Layouts done, portraits, sketches, art journaling. All done done done. And the plans for the weekend and relatively light which means i can work on my last homework for Soul Restoration. I can do more sketching and drawing and a ton of journaling. I haven’t been journaling nearly enough.
The kids were both at home today. But they spent most of the day quietly playing.
And being nice to me.
Here’s when David realizes that Nathaniel was actually pulling out the stickers on David’s trucks.
He played on the computer. He also played with legos. We read our book together. We’re a bit behind on the book, trying to catch up.
Nathaniel played most of the day. He wouldn’t nap but he was quiet until around 4pm.
Very preoccupied and working hard. I think he liked having David around.
Late afternoon he started getting cranky. I am guessing from not having taken a nap. But then Daddy came home and saved the day as he always does. He’s the very very best. I am off to watch some TV and relax and maybe draw a bit. I will tend to my class and the comments here this weekend. When I feel less exhausted.
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful for a three-day weekend. I need this one.
2. I am grateful that I’ve completed my biggest todo list item for the weekend already.
3. I am grateful that I have no plans at all for this weekend. This means lots of family time.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that I got to have a popsicle {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that Daddy spent some time with me
3. I am grateful that i got to play on the computer
Ok well I am not sure I can say anything good about a week where I gained weight instead of losing it. When I first got on the wii, it said I’d gained four lbs! I almost fell over. I did it again a little later in the day and it corrected itself to half a pound. Which is still terrible and it does not inspire confidence in the consistency of the wii but all in all, it’s obvious that the scale did not go in the right direction this week..
I know muscle weighs more, weight loss is not a sign of health, blah blah. Fact is, a good part of this journey is first to lose the excess fat. So I can then tone up the rest of my body and keep it healthy. Alas, I am still on track. Right after the scale this morning, I went and exercised instead of eating chocolate or crying. I was just mad. I am going to keep going of course. There’s definitely progress here. Just slow sometimes and that’s ok. I have 10 more months after this.
I bought three things this time so I will have to use them for January and February. One is the jacket in the photo. I then bought a skirt and a shirt, too. I will take pictures of me wearing them since I couldn’t find a company photo for either. Anyhow, another week of working hard.
and here’s this week’s card:
Healthy for Life is a weekly project for 2011. You can read more about it here.
Wow, stressful day! Well, it’s over and I will not dwell on it. I knew this week was going to be hard and I think I’ve called it all forth a bit by stressing so much ahead of time. So I need to learn to do better with that. I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately. All the stress it adds to my life and how much I am not working on staying calmer and tackling things as they come. Oh well. Life’s a work in progress.
David had a playdate today. It was so nice to see them both sitting and coloring.
Nathaniel played, too. By himself mostly.
And then watched his brother and his friend.
Then he watched some choochoo.
David didn’t want to color at first but then he relented. And I think he secretly enjoyed himself.
Nathaniel is getting so much older and understanding so much more. He also says “me me me” now.
And he likes to explore everything. Watch everything. Touch everything. I love love love watching him. Hugging him. Being around him.
I am so grateful for my little life.
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful for some happy mail yesterday and today. Happy mail is so special.
2. I am grateful that I’ve been sketching. Today’s sketch was sort of a fail but I am still glad I did it.
3. I am grateful that I might actually get to sleep in a bit tomorrow. Yey..
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that there’s no school tomorrow {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that Maggie came over
3. I am grateful that i got a new toy from my friend Matthew
Here’s a continuation of Random Thoughts I’ve been having lately. You can read part I here.
Here we go for more random:
5. Don’t believe what you see on TV. Ok this one is a complete side note but a few weeks ago, Jake and I went to the movies and there was this one scene were two people were having sex for the first time (with each other, not ever) and suddenly one said she only had 45 seconds and the other said “no problem” and so within that time, they both finished at the same time and it was implied that it was magnificent for both. It was a Thursday night and the theater was mostly empty. At the end of that scene, one person in the back shouted “Yeah Right” and everyone began to laugh.(sarcasm anyone?) Because, of course, it was so beyond unrealistic. It was almost ridiculous. But at the time, you didn’t really think about it. You were caught up in the scene. And this is so common in media these days. Giving us messages of “typical” marriages or relationships or intimacy. It makes everyone feel like they must not be the norm. They must be failing, messing up. Like how if you’re not a size 2, you’re fat. Consciously or not, we’re receiving these messages and trying to measure up. I think it’s terrible and wish they would stop feeding us these made up lies. I think if we all spoke the truths a bit more often, people could connect better and in general feel less messed up.
6. I’m Bad with Transitions. When I was at the airport for CHA, I noticed that I am bad with transitions. Sitting there and waiting for the plane was stressful because I kept wondering if I would get to carry my bags on and be able to fit it and who would sit next to me and on and on. I do this quite a lot. When I am on my way to something or somewhere I am often anxious and worried. Once I get there, I adjust and I am almost always ok. It’s the unknown that throws me off and brings in stress. I know this is common with kids and parents often have routines for transitions. Like going from dinner to bedtime or play to naptime or school to home etc. Maybe I need routines for my transitions too. More prep time. Maybe it will reduce my anxiety. I think it’s worth a shot. So for the next month or so, I will pay attention to when anxiety arises and try to see if it’s something I can establish a routine around. If you’ve done this, I would love advice.
7. Worry Lists I worry often and a lot. From huge things like something happening to my family to tiny things like oversleeping or doing some art badly. Worrying is a constant on my mind and takes up more room than I’d like and I often look for ways to get rid of it. I’ve mentioned the God Box idea before which I think is wonderful and I will do it. But I wanted more, so while I was flying to CHA, I decided to try something new. I sat down and brainstormed a long list of everything I was worrying about at that very moment. Big or small. Every single thing. Then a week later, I went back and wrote whether that item happened that week or not. And if it did happen, what consequences that brought. Were they as bad as I had imagined? Some of the items are long long term like something happening to one of my kids. For those I just check if something happened to them that week and then they go on the list again the next week. For others, they are short duration and get completely resolved that week. Like a meeting I am worried about. The meeting comes and goes and it’s over. So I can permanently get rid of that one item. The idea is that if I see week after week that a high percentage of my worries do not come true, maybe I will calm down more, worry less. If I see that nothing happened to my kids 98 weeks in a row, my senses of statistics starts kicking in and telling me it’s ok to worry a small amount less. Maybe. I figure it can’t hurt to try, right?
8. You’re not that special. Just like I am done with sarcasm, I am totally over the attitude of “i won’t do it cause everyone else is doing it.” People who don’t go to a place, listen to a music, read a book, etc. cause others are doing it drive me insane. What makes you so special. Are you above and beyond all normal people? Here’s a quote I found on Amy’s friend’s site that I love:
Andre Dubus III, author of House of Sand and Fog, another OBC selection responded to Franzen with, “It is so elitist it offends me deeply. The assumption that high art is not for the masses, that they won’t understand it and they don’t deserve it – I find that reprehensible. Is that a judgment on the audience? Or on the books in whose company he would be?”
This was in response to Franzen’s snubbing Oprah for picking his book. But I love this quote. What’s wrong with masses? Why are you so superior? I just don’t get this. Truly. I like the music I like and the books I like. Some of them are popular and others aren’t. This doesn’t make me less or more special. It just makes me, me. I feel that as long as you’re authentic to you, you’re special. And if you stay clear of everything “the masses” like, you can easily miss out on some wonderful things. Seems plain silly to me.
There you go. A bit of a brain dump for you. I have one more thing to write about but that’s for later. This one’s too long already and I am sure you’ve had enough of my thoughts for today.
And here are the drawings for this week.
no idea what i was thinking with that hair.
this one down on the left is my favorite.
I am still working on them. But I think I need to change course a bit again. Will ponder on it for a while.
Six Portraits a Week is a weekly project for 2011. You can read more about it here.
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projects for twenty twenty-six
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
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