2011 TA DA List

Michelle Ward at Green Pepper Press encouraged us to create a TA DA list - things we accomplished in 2011 - by looking back over the year. It's funny because I actually started this in January 2011!! I created a Milestones Passport with Visa Application - an idea which I borrowed from The Creative Awakenings book, by Sheri Gaynor. I wanted to be more creative, so I made a commitment to a year of creativity and recorded all my creative endeavors each month.



It turns out that at the end of each month I realized I was doing more than I realized to keep the creative juices going. So when you look back and see what you have accomplished, it's pleasantly surprising. You feel a real sense of accomplishment.

Here I share a few pages -- you'll see I completed a spread at the end of each month.

TA DA!






I encourage you to try it yourself! Read about the challenge at Michelle's site.

Inspired by Degas and a walk in the woods

As I mentioned earlier, I visited a Degas exhibit at the Boston MFA. I was intrigued by his use of oil pastels - the blending and combination of colors. As a took a New Year's Day walk in the woods, I came inside to warm up and play in my journal. I never draw, because I don't consider myself an artist who draws, but took the time to sit and try out some water-soluble oil pastels. I love the creamy texture! I drew a tree from downstairs looking out over the pond and then the view out the kitchen glass doors. I feel very brave sharing something that I've drawn - but here goes!! A new year means you have to embrace change and face your fears, right? And I just read that whatever you create is uniquely yours, no right or wrong. What new challenge do you need to try out?