Exploring Presence

Since deciding on a word for this year I've tried to daily incorporate presence into my life. I've worked at enjoying the presence of my family, friends, my mother and other people I know. I've concentrated on the presence of God while in church. I've been present as much as I can with doing things for other people who need me. I've also tried to keep a regular presence in the online communities where I'm a member.

Mostly, I've been finding time to be in the presence of creativity. I've left my art journals open on a desk in the study. Any time I pass by I splash a bit of paint around, paste something in, colour with a watercolour crayon or pencil, drip or mist water or even rubbing alcohol, trickle inks, doodle and draw with all kinds of media. I'm having a great time.

For me the key to actually getting any of this done is to leave the play things where I will play with them. Just seeing them out on the desk, with all the supplies on hand, is a lure to my senses. While showering my little boy I can sit for a total of three or four minutes. It's surprising just how much you can get done in those few moments.

An added bonus is that my little boy is only too happy to join me whenever I pull out my art supplies and journal at the park or in a café. Although I love playing alone, he is a very pleasant companion and we share supplies often. Here's the page I began with him last Saturday and finished over the last couple of days at home. I started this page using only my little boy's colour pencils and crayons.



Click on the links for some close ups.
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Word for 2011

Yeah, I'm probably a bit slow when it comes to beginning things others do all the time. But perhaps I haven't been ready for choosing a word for my year until this year. I've been reading Christine Kane's blog. Whilst reading the list provided in Resolution Revolution the word presence leapt out at me. I finished reading the list, in case another word did the same, but, no, presence let me know I needed to chose that word for this year.

I downloaded the Word-of-the-Year Discovery Tool and plan on having a journal session about the word presence, hopefully this afternoon. But right off the top of my head I feel perhaps the word is appropriate for me because I haven't exactly been present in recent years. There's been a lot happening and one of my coping mechanisms is to withdraw and retreat. While this isn't a bad thing, I feel perhaps it's time I came back out and allowed my presence to do what I know is in my heart.

By nature I am an encourager. I love nothing more than to help people discover things I have also found to inspire and help my own artistic endeavours; be that writing, art, jewellery design, or whatever it is I'm currently creating. I know that I need to bring my presence back to where it will be felt. Look for more on this in the next couple of days.

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A Sample of My Art Journal Pages

Well, life likes to throw stuff at you just when you aren't expecting it, at all. A couple of weeks ago I took my husband into emergency at our hospital. His back pain had become completely out of hand. He was dragging his foot through the pressure and pain in his back. Enough was enough and we went and sat and waited for him to be seen. It's times like this I'm glad we have some kind of a health system at all. Anyway, they decided on surgery, but now he'll be in hospital, yeah, I different one to where I took him originally, but in hospital for anything up to six months.

So, that's the short version of a rather long tale. For now, I will simply say I'm really glad for the extreme journal course I've been doing. It has given me something to focus on instead of thinking about how bad things seem right now. I've been sketching, painting, drawing, and immersing myself in visual mixed media. It's been rewarding and just plain fun. Most importantly it has given me a wonderful distraction and a place to put all my angst.

Juliana Coles has a great way of getting me to loosen up and just create art. I love it, because I often get caught up and frozen from anticipating that this must be great, somehow. Creating visual journal pages is very theraputic, which is clearly what I need at the moment.

Anyway, I've decided to share just a few of the pages I've created because of the course.

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How Excitement

Well, I'm fully into this art journalling since starting the course I won with Juliana Coles. It's like a switch flipped and now I just want to draw and make art, again. There's something that excites the little kid in me when it comes to art. I can always remember the sheer joy of splashing paint around and seeing the way it stained the page. It's something I always treasure, yet forget to go back to until I'm prompted. Like winning the course. I was given a massive shove back towards art. It's like coming home.

So, whenever I come across something good I like to share. In my recent art journal adventures I've met Willowing, who is a lovely and generous artist living in the UK. I've been hanging out on her ning website, watching her youtube videos and enjoyiing her whimsy. She also sells art journal workshops, which look very cool, and DVDs. But right now you can join Willowing, otherwise known as Tam, as she gives a free online art journal course called The Heart of Art.

The course runs for four weeks, has videos to download and lots more fun to enjoy with other people from all over the world, but the best thing is, it's free. Of course, you may donate money to her for offering this course, but if you can't pay anything, please share with others about the free course. I've signed up. The course officially begins on October 18th, but there is a full description of the course and a supply list available to download once you join the group.

I'm sure it will be loads of fun. I hope to see some of my regular readers joining in and creating art, too.

Heather

Art Journal Fun

Since winning a lovely little prize from Creativity Classes on Extreme Journaling with Juliana Coles I've been getting into my art supplies, old and new. It was time to pull out the stuff I haven't used in ages and to build up my supplies with some fun new things. I added paint pens to my stash, those are fun. I also purchased some lovely washi masking tape from a place on etsy called washimatta. I only just ordered those, so I'll give you an update once they arrive.

While reading iHanna's blog today I noticed she had an entry on washi tape, too. It always pays to read the comments on blog entries. So I was pleased to find a link left by another crafty blogger, Julie K, on how to make your own faux washi tape, which I will be giving a go at some point, too.

Anyway, I've been filling pages in my art journal with gesso, getting them ready for the art I have yet to create. Also, I'm collecting things to stick in my journal, like menus from Fast Eddy's and whatever else appeals to me at the moment. I'll keep you updated on more about my adventures into art journals soon.

I had been waiting on approval to use some photos from other people, but this is my own photo taken just a little while ago, of my washi stash. I just can't wait to play.

Heather
Photo my own
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Hey, I Won!

How lucky can I get? I won the prize for yesterday's draw on Creativity Classes. I'm really rapt, too. The prize is a class with Juliana Coles called Field Notes: A Book of Reminders! It looks to be an exciting change of pace for me, as I've gotten out of touch with all my visual journalling habits. I'm sure this will be one way to excite those skills again. You can check out some of Juliana's artwork on her etsy store Me & Pete's Land of Enchantment Outpost.

Heather - photo used with permission from stock.xchng
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Cool Journal Course to Win

I've been entering the draw each day just lately to win cool creativity classes from the new website Creativity Classes. You should check out the classes on offer, but don't forget to enter in the draw for prizes, too. Looks like loads of fun.

Heather - Photo used with permission from stock.xchng
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Computer Problems

One of the reaasons I haven't been getting to my blogs is simply because I have a problem with my computer. It won't turn on, more specifically. While this is frustrating, it's been kind of nice in a way. I've been using my notepad type of computer to access the internet. I get to sit all cosy in here with hubby with the heater on. I don't have all my usual tools on this computer, so I haven't been getting to the things I normally do.

I have been writing in my journal a lot, though. Possibly since not having my computer active I've actually been writing even more in my journal. I just finished a nice big fat one from Smiggle. It was purple and had creamy blank pages. But I picked up a fun looking one with colourful stripes and flowers on it from a sale at Angus & Robertson recently. I started in that one today.

Hopefully, I can get my computer working soon and will then get back to regular blogging.

Heather
Photo used with permission from Stock.xchng

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Finding Quiet Time

One thing I find really difficult with my husband home all the time, is the ability to get a bit of quiet time in my own home. I often go to one of my favourite cafes to write in my journal, but what I really want is some place quiet I can do that here, at home, with no one else around. It seems to be asking the impossible.

For one thing, he likes noise going, even when he's studying. I prefer silence. He is pretty much always here, so just doing something without him there is not going to happen. I know I could insist on being alone, but I feel the need to explain myself. That just seems like a lot of trouble.

I have to make do with writing in public, but it's just annoying. I suppose all I'm doing is having a complain about it. I don't know how to explain it, but I feel a bit of solace in your own home is necessary.

Do any of my other readers cope with a similar problem? Please write about it in the comments section if you do. Perhaps you have some good tips for me.

Heather
Photo used with permission from Stock.xchng

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The Artist's Way, Again

Just recently I became tired of not having much direction as far as my writing goes. I'd been getting little signals that I should go back and do The Artist's Way again, but had every excuse happening. The more excuses I made the more I realised I needed to do it. So, last week, Monday morning I rose early and got stuck into those boring old morning pages. The weirdest thing was it felt like coming home.

There's something about doing the morning pages that brings a low hum of energy to my days. I hadn't realised how much I'd missed it. I've been doing the book, the 12 week course, but I'm feeling like some of the exercises are redundant. This will be the third time I've done this book. I'm trying to work out if all I needed was the morning pages or to slog through with the course again.

I'll keep you updated on what I end up doing, but please share your thoughts on doing the book or any other book to inspire your creativity.

Heather
Cover of The Artist's Way, photo no my own
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On the Hunt for Prompts

I know many journal writers are constantly on the look out for prompts to use in their journals and in their creative writing. After a recent catch up with another writing friend I discovered she has over 600 writing prompts on her website. So, be sure to go check them out at Writing to Inspire.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

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Taking My Own Advice

I know I haven't been here very often. I've been quite ill, so that's my main excuse. Time gets away from me most days. I have yet to settle down to a regular routine now my little boy is in full-time school. But, one of the major things I have to share is that I've been using the keeping a food journal idea with much success.

Since reading stories claiming this makes all the difference with trying to lose weight I've intended to carry through and keep a journal. Most of the time I just didn't go more than a day or two. Since the end of January I've managed to carry through this idea and it is making all the difference. I have lost weight. The exact amount is beyond me, as I don't have scales, but I do now fit several sizes less than I did at the beginning of the year.

I suppose it helps that I feel somewhat accountable to my daughter, who is also keeping a food journal. She's having real success with the food journal idea, too. I hope this encourages you to give it a try yourself.

Photo used with permission from stock.xchng
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Fun Contest

There's a fun contest right now that will encourage your creativity and give you a chance to use your journal writing skills. Check out Chris Dunmire's Amazing Creativity Tool Writing Contest. This is an instructional humour writing contest and giveaway, but it sounds like something fun and a good reason to go and reread some of your old journals just to find what your unique knowledge to share with the world.

"Submit your unpublished family-friendly (and tasteful — please no bathroom humor) How-to Instructional Humor Essay, Lesson Plan, Project, etc. (min. 250 words/max. 500 words) on any topic related to creativity..." See, it's really easy. I hope you join the fun and enter, too.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng
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Keep on Journal Writing

I haven't been around much, I know and I'm sorry. I have been writing a lot in my journal, though. I hope you are writing in your journal, too. Whle blogging is good, I do think writing in your journal is about the best thing you can do for yourself as well as your family or those you share your lives with. I find myself telling people this advice when I hear they're going through something particularly stressful.

The best way to relieve stress and feel you're actually sharing your story with an impartial friend is to write in your journal. You can always write from your side of the story and then later from whatever other sides are involved in the situation. Even from the side of sickness or debt. Give it a voice and let it speak in your journal. You might learn something you didn't expect.

I think keeping a journal is a constant journey of discovery. Just when I think I might be getting a bit bored with what I'm writing I stumble on some aspect of my thoughts or life that surprises me. I hope you continue to write in your journals, too.

Heather
Photo thanks to stockx.chng
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My Necklace Revealed

This is for all those who were keen to see the entire piece I created for the Use the Muse 3 contest, as recently revealed on Scarlet Lanson's blog The Beader's Muse. So, here's a close up of the part you couldn't see before with the muse revealed. I hope you enjoy:



Heather
Photo is my own
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What is it about a Challenge?

I'm not sure if you're a creative type, other than using your journal, but I have always been into some kind of creative expression. Be it painting, drawing, making stuff or jewellery. Over the last few years creating jewellery has been the most satisfying expression of my creativity yet.

I have found, though, that I respond really well to a challenge. I'm not sure what it is. Something about a deadline, a theme, or limited choice of materials, just gets my brain churning over and my fingers working. I love it. There's always a new skill to acquire, a way of looking at something from a fresh point of view, or just the joy of creating something I will wear, no matter how it might place in any contest.

Recently I entered the Use the Muse 3 contest sponsored by Artbeads.com and TierraCast. Scarlet Lanson created the idea on her Beader's Muse blog, and it's been a hit with beaders and creative types the world over. I've only managed to participate in the last contest, but check out her blog for the other two.

Right now we're waiting for the Big Reveal, where we finally get to see what the 'muse' was and all the entries in the competition.

In reply to the question on Scarlet's blog today: "What is your favorite part about the USE THE MUSE Contest experience?" I would have to say, the challenge, reasons given above. There's just something about a challenge that brings out the best in even the very new beader. Challenges push you out of the excuses, the doldrums and the can't dos. You create because you must. Someone is waiting to see your piece. You've spent money and time thinking and working this piece. You can't back out.

Challenges always inspire me. I enter them, but win very few. And that really doesn't bother me. I am always a winner because I have a beautiful piece of jewellery to wear, sell or give away. What else could I want?

How do you feel about challenges? Do you join in to further your own creativity, skills or simply to take part? Do you set journal writing challenges for yourself? We could discuss such a challenge in the comments section if you're interested. Leave a comment and let me know.

Anyway, to inspire you, I hope, here's a sneak peak of my entry into the Use the Muse 3 contest:



Heather
Photo is my own

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Don't Forget the Christmas Download Countdown

Don't forget about the fab free Christmas downloads you can print off from Ten Two Studios. All you need to do is link to your blog or website so you can download the art journal goodies for free. Of course, you can use them for almost anything. Spread the word.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng
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SARK Getting into the Holiday Spirit

If you're a fan of SARK you may already know about her fun holiday offer, but just in case you don't go check it out here:



Sounds like a fun way to greet your friends over the holiday period. Make sure you check out the other cool things SARK has on offer, which are bound to make great gifts for your journal loving friends, or just for yourself. I hope you enjoy learning more about this wonderfully creative woman.

Heather
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Christmas Printables Countdown Starts Soon

If you're looking for cool Christmas images to download and print for free, you simply must take a look at this link at Ten Two Studios. As usual, they will be hosting some cool printables for you to use in your journals and art, but you must link to the countdown page, once it goes live. Sounds fair enough to me. I hope you enjoy the printables and share on your blogs and websites the cool news.

Heather
Image used with permission from stockx.chng

Win a Writing Book

So, I had to share this little contest to win a book called Will Write for Shoes by Cathy Yardley. You can win just by leaving a comment on the ewritelife blog entry. Couldn't be any easier. Good luck.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng