This week's prompts asks, of course, the opposite question of last week...What would you like everyone to know about you, and why?
I look at this question the same way that I looked at last week's question. Part of that depends on who "everyone" is, and then, I don't have secrets and so anyone who would like to get to know me has that ability.
What would I like everyone to know about me?
That I have a strong core of values that is unshakable. That is not something I developed when I was young and yet is something I encourage everyone to think about for their lives.
That I am open minded, open hearted, generous and caring. I work hard and I enjoy being in the company of fun intelligent people.
Like my daddy, I would give what ever it took to make another's life complete. If you are lacking, I am likely to open my doors for you. And I have done this several times.
I think that I would like people to know that more than anything in the world, I desire strong community, friendship, social outlets and creative undertakings to complete my life.
It matters not what you do for a living, I want to know what you ache for
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Monday, January 21, 2013
Memories
... are funny things. How at such a moment, this clear memory of your childhood enters your head, unexpected and unwarranted, and yet there it is.
I think best of course I remember watching the movies of my sister and I, dressed up in old lace petticoats, dancing to who knows what, on the patio of the house in Fort Collins.
That really is the first house that I actually remember. Although there were movies that showed some of the earlier houses, I actually can feel myself in that house. I can remember the feel of the sun as I played on the swing set. I more or less remember my father putting up the fence, and when we poured the cement for the patio. I do remember the shelving in the lower level, that my sister and I used for our Barbie houses, and the feel of each of the rooms in that house.
I think that is my favorite house that we lived in as a family, and when I Google mapped it, I was quite surprised at the changes in how the house looks now compared to when we left it in the late '60's.
Time does that to us tho. Somehow the last thing that we saw is how we expect things to be, and they are not at all like that now. The Silver Maple has grown into a huge tree, the neighborhood has aged, and expanded. Changes not only in how we perceive things, but how they were. Young eyes are rarely as accurate as we think they are.
Which brings me someone to the present. Perception, as it is, not perhaps as accurate as we think it would be. We look from the inside out, not seeing the whole picture. It is always much easier to see the flaws in the world around us than it is to see the flaws in the world inside us.
I think best of course I remember watching the movies of my sister and I, dressed up in old lace petticoats, dancing to who knows what, on the patio of the house in Fort Collins.
That really is the first house that I actually remember. Although there were movies that showed some of the earlier houses, I actually can feel myself in that house. I can remember the feel of the sun as I played on the swing set. I more or less remember my father putting up the fence, and when we poured the cement for the patio. I do remember the shelving in the lower level, that my sister and I used for our Barbie houses, and the feel of each of the rooms in that house.
I think that is my favorite house that we lived in as a family, and when I Google mapped it, I was quite surprised at the changes in how the house looks now compared to when we left it in the late '60's.
Time does that to us tho. Somehow the last thing that we saw is how we expect things to be, and they are not at all like that now. The Silver Maple has grown into a huge tree, the neighborhood has aged, and expanded. Changes not only in how we perceive things, but how they were. Young eyes are rarely as accurate as we think they are.
Which brings me someone to the present. Perception, as it is, not perhaps as accurate as we think it would be. We look from the inside out, not seeing the whole picture. It is always much easier to see the flaws in the world around us than it is to see the flaws in the world inside us.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
What Would You Prefer That No One Know About You...
.... and why.
I'm only on week three and I'm already tired of the "introduction" writing exercises. I'm not sure that there is anything so secret that I'd prefer that no one know it about me. I tend to be a pretty open person, and if you hang around me long enough, you are sure to find out most of my secrets. Any thing you don't know about me, you can learn by watching me.
I'm really not sure that there is anything I'd like to hide. I find no reason to hide anything. There are no failures that I am ashamed of, I've gotten back up every time I've fallen and I plan on that being true in the future.
I am a care giver, and feel best when I am both wanted and needed. I've learned that over the years, and knowing that, my art has to take a second place. I am learning to be my own caregiver, which for me is harder than it should be, but it is what is in my life right now. There is no one in need of the services that I do have to offer, and so my art and sewing skills see me through as much as possible.
No deep secrets. A few longings. Even a couple of dreams left.
I'm only on week three and I'm already tired of the "introduction" writing exercises. I'm not sure that there is anything so secret that I'd prefer that no one know it about me. I tend to be a pretty open person, and if you hang around me long enough, you are sure to find out most of my secrets. Any thing you don't know about me, you can learn by watching me.
I'm really not sure that there is anything I'd like to hide. I find no reason to hide anything. There are no failures that I am ashamed of, I've gotten back up every time I've fallen and I plan on that being true in the future.
I am a care giver, and feel best when I am both wanted and needed. I've learned that over the years, and knowing that, my art has to take a second place. I am learning to be my own caregiver, which for me is harder than it should be, but it is what is in my life right now. There is no one in need of the services that I do have to offer, and so my art and sewing skills see me through as much as possible.
No deep secrets. A few longings. Even a couple of dreams left.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
This week we are talking about the differences between introducing ourselves to an informal group and introducing ourselves to a business group. It has been so long since I had the occasion to introduce myself to any one, that I am not sure how I would do that, or how it would be different or have changed
The prompt continues, asking me if I make myself a little better than I actually am, and that one is easy to answer. Yes, I do. I keep reaching, and if i settle for just where I am, instead of where I would like to be. I think by moving my "business" up a notch, it gives me something to reach for and therefore a reason to grow into my shoes, so to speak.
This type of goal setting has been good for me. I have 5 orders on my board and new student starting. I have inquiries almost daily right now and am working very hard at marketing more often, moving my ads up on craiglist as often as I can
I've secured a small loan that may allow me some significant changes, coupled with the gifts Heidi sent I know that this is going to be my year of change. Life is on the move and I intend to keep it that way.
I have plans of finding a SCORE mentor and getting my business moving in the right direction finally, learning how to use the resources that are available to me and getting myself independant of needing anyone.
How do I introduce myself? As a woman in motion, going only forward. No more stepping back to watch the parade.
The prompt continues, asking me if I make myself a little better than I actually am, and that one is easy to answer. Yes, I do. I keep reaching, and if i settle for just where I am, instead of where I would like to be. I think by moving my "business" up a notch, it gives me something to reach for and therefore a reason to grow into my shoes, so to speak.
This type of goal setting has been good for me. I have 5 orders on my board and new student starting. I have inquiries almost daily right now and am working very hard at marketing more often, moving my ads up on craiglist as often as I can
I've secured a small loan that may allow me some significant changes, coupled with the gifts Heidi sent I know that this is going to be my year of change. Life is on the move and I intend to keep it that way.
I have plans of finding a SCORE mentor and getting my business moving in the right direction finally, learning how to use the resources that are available to me and getting myself independant of needing anyone.
How do I introduce myself? As a woman in motion, going only forward. No more stepping back to watch the parade.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Journal Prompt
The first journal prompt in my book has to do with how you introduce yourself to someone. What verbs do you use... "I am" or "I work"... and yes, I do that. I've played around with some other identifying factors, but I seem to always come back to something that I want people to hear.
Much of how I introduce myself does depend on who my "audience" is, and whether or not they are interested in me or just going through the motions of polite conversation. There are so many sub-worlds in our lives that our opening conversations must change to fit each of them.
One program that I was working with encouraged us to perfect our "elevator pitch" and I have yet to do that. You have only three minutes to sell yourself to the other person, and I've noticed that I am too willing to meld myself to meet another's needs if I can, instead of the other way around.
This leaves me thinking about the directions that I would like to go in the coming year. The changes in the past few years have been very difficult, and yet change is what I was searching for just a few years ago. Learning the hard lesson of be careful what you ask for, I have learned to phrase my needs much more clearly and to the point. Choosing a word of the year has been an enlightening experience for me, and I have learned a lot about my self. You don't always get what you want right away, or in the way you think you want it, but you do get the lessons you need to learn. I have achieved the focus that I wanted years ago, and now I need to narrow that focus just a bit more, concentrate on "finishing" as I had hoped I would learn (was that the word from 4 or 5 years ago?). I have learned to be "efficient", and then "effective and efficient", as busy work is just that.... busy work. Unless it is getting you somewhere, it is useless.
I'm not sure what other words I picked in the past, and this post has deviated so far from the prompt, but it all goes back to the "who" of who am I.
I am a fiber artist, engaging in exploration of needle arts and fine garment construction. I am a friend, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin. I am a city girl in search of culture, fine arts and wonderful food experiences.
Now how is that for an introduction? It just might hold up for the year. I guess we'll see
Much of how I introduce myself does depend on who my "audience" is, and whether or not they are interested in me or just going through the motions of polite conversation. There are so many sub-worlds in our lives that our opening conversations must change to fit each of them.
One program that I was working with encouraged us to perfect our "elevator pitch" and I have yet to do that. You have only three minutes to sell yourself to the other person, and I've noticed that I am too willing to meld myself to meet another's needs if I can, instead of the other way around.
This leaves me thinking about the directions that I would like to go in the coming year. The changes in the past few years have been very difficult, and yet change is what I was searching for just a few years ago. Learning the hard lesson of be careful what you ask for, I have learned to phrase my needs much more clearly and to the point. Choosing a word of the year has been an enlightening experience for me, and I have learned a lot about my self. You don't always get what you want right away, or in the way you think you want it, but you do get the lessons you need to learn. I have achieved the focus that I wanted years ago, and now I need to narrow that focus just a bit more, concentrate on "finishing" as I had hoped I would learn (was that the word from 4 or 5 years ago?). I have learned to be "efficient", and then "effective and efficient", as busy work is just that.... busy work. Unless it is getting you somewhere, it is useless.
I'm not sure what other words I picked in the past, and this post has deviated so far from the prompt, but it all goes back to the "who" of who am I.
I am a fiber artist, engaging in exploration of needle arts and fine garment construction. I am a friend, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin. I am a city girl in search of culture, fine arts and wonderful food experiences.
Now how is that for an introduction? It just might hold up for the year. I guess we'll see
Monday, November 26, 2012
I wanna leave my footprints on the sands of time
Know there was something that, and something that I left behind
When I leave this world, I'll leave no regrets
Leave something to remember, so they won't forget
I was here
I lived, I loved
I was here
I did, I've done, everything that I wanted
And it was more than I thought it would be
I will leave my mark so everyone will know
I was here
I want to say I lived each day, until I die
And know that I meant something in, somebody's life
The hearts I have touched, will be the proof that I leave
That I made a difference, and this world will see
I was here
I lived, I loved
I was here
I did, I've done, everything that I wanted
And it was more than I thought it would be
I will leave my mark so everyone will know
I was here
I lived, I loved
I was here
I did, I've done, everything that I wanted
And it was more than I thought it would be
I will leave my mark so everyone will know
I was here
I just want them to know
That I gave my all, did my best
Brought someone to hapiness
Left this world a little better just because
I was here
I was here
I lived, I loved
I was here
I did, I've done, everything that I wanted
And it was more than I thought it would be
I will leave my mark so everyone will know
I was here x2
Know there was something that, and something that I left behind
When I leave this world, I'll leave no regrets
Leave something to remember, so they won't forget
I was here
I lived, I loved
I was here
I did, I've done, everything that I wanted
And it was more than I thought it would be
I will leave my mark so everyone will know
I was here
I want to say I lived each day, until I die
And know that I meant something in, somebody's life
The hearts I have touched, will be the proof that I leave
That I made a difference, and this world will see
I was here
I lived, I loved
I was here
I did, I've done, everything that I wanted
And it was more than I thought it would be
I will leave my mark so everyone will know
I was here
I lived, I loved
I was here
I did, I've done, everything that I wanted
And it was more than I thought it would be
I will leave my mark so everyone will know
I was here
I just want them to know
That I gave my all, did my best
Brought someone to hapiness
Left this world a little better just because
I was here
I was here
I lived, I loved
I was here
I did, I've done, everything that I wanted
And it was more than I thought it would be
I will leave my mark so everyone will know
I was here x2
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Just Day by Day
I haven't written since I got home from my sister's house in October. I guess there has been not a lot remarkable going on. Just a few highlights and mostly day to day stuff. I am back to the cycle of cleaning, decluttering, rearranging, throwing out, listing on free cycle, sewing, knitting, reading.... it is all just as it was, just as it should be
I really enjoy my house as it is. Things are looking okay. There is always much work to be done and in a house of this age and size, there always will be. I am looking forward to moving, but I know the heartache of leaving here is going to be deep and unrecoverable. There have just been so many things, people and items, that I have lost over the last few years that I feel like I can't risk any more.
But I do have to move on. I need the financial freedom, such as it is, that selling this house will give me. I need to find a place that is only mine and find out who that person is that is trying to come out of the person that I am now.
And so for now, I clean, declutter, move furniture.... bringing the file cabinet to the office was an amazing choice that I didn't count on. I really just wanted to expand my filing system and instead I actually created an office. Moving that horrible beast up the stairs and then arguing with the drawers for over an hour, but poof, there it is. A room that was questionable is now fully an office and with three empty drawers to play with, I can file notes on anything and everything that I want to, all in one place.
In doing this and moving some things in the sitting room, I was able to get rid of a lamp and a small table. Actually two tables went out this week, and boxes ready for good will, things that were never claimed and have no future home here.
It feels really good, every time I complete a task of organization. I know that someday I will finally be done, but for now, this is what gets me up in the morning and keeps me moving through the days. The beast of clutter will be conquered!
I really enjoy my house as it is. Things are looking okay. There is always much work to be done and in a house of this age and size, there always will be. I am looking forward to moving, but I know the heartache of leaving here is going to be deep and unrecoverable. There have just been so many things, people and items, that I have lost over the last few years that I feel like I can't risk any more.
But I do have to move on. I need the financial freedom, such as it is, that selling this house will give me. I need to find a place that is only mine and find out who that person is that is trying to come out of the person that I am now.
And so for now, I clean, declutter, move furniture.... bringing the file cabinet to the office was an amazing choice that I didn't count on. I really just wanted to expand my filing system and instead I actually created an office. Moving that horrible beast up the stairs and then arguing with the drawers for over an hour, but poof, there it is. A room that was questionable is now fully an office and with three empty drawers to play with, I can file notes on anything and everything that I want to, all in one place.
In doing this and moving some things in the sitting room, I was able to get rid of a lamp and a small table. Actually two tables went out this week, and boxes ready for good will, things that were never claimed and have no future home here.
It feels really good, every time I complete a task of organization. I know that someday I will finally be done, but for now, this is what gets me up in the morning and keeps me moving through the days. The beast of clutter will be conquered!
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