More ABC's of Life

Thanks to everyone who asked to see more of my ABC's of Life books. These books have been so much fun to make that I am now doing a series with quotes. These books have also allowed me to use different bits of things that I have saved- birthday cards, parts from the calendar I made a couple of years ago, junk mail, etc. Enjoy!

More on the ABC's of Life

When was the last time you were really excited and engaged in something? For me it has been quite a while so it has felt so good to be playing and creating the ABC's of Life accordion books. Thanks Marie for making this one of our trades! I have actually completed two! The first one helped me learn and figure it all out. The second opened me up to more possibilities. Can't wait to see what the third one brings.

It has been great doing something that I want to do instead of something that I should be doing. I think my long period of navel-gazing is over. I continue to clear the crap that has cluttered my life. There are still plenty of things that I could clean out and I will.  I know that this is a lifetime endeavor. Dealing with so much loss in the last year and a half, my bereavement forced me to be still, giving me time to reflect and reconsider every part of my life. I still feel fragile. I do feel lighter and firmly believe that art heals.

I have decided to create some other smaller books filled with quotes that I love. A continuation on the theme but not tied to letters of the alphabet. It feels good to be in a creative zone again!

The ABC's of Life- A, B, C, D

I am not planning and that is definitely causing some challenges. Obviously, I must like challenges.

It is fun! It should be interesting to see how the second book evolves. From experience, I know that practice usually creates improvement, but it doesn't always create enjoyment.

The young man (early twenties) in my sculpture class dropped out. It was his first art class and he seemed to enjoy it. We only heard positive comments from him during class. Jon, the instructor, spent more time with him than anyone in class and yet the young man didn't feel it was enough. I have seen this happen when I teach. Some adults seem to think that they should be able to have perfection right out of the box. That learning something new shouldn't involve being uncomfortable and failure is out of the question. I try to embrace putting stretch marks on my comfort zone. I have learned that even when I fail, I can always make something new. It is liberating. It is even better when the recipient of your efforts is kind and appreciates your efforts even when they fall short.

What have you done lately to put stretch marks on your comfort zone?

The ABCs of Life

I love when inspiration strikes! The next trade with Linda Edkins Wyatt and Marie Z. Johansen is to create something based on "The ABC's of Life." Each letter starts a message about life. I decided to create a simple accordion book. Each page is 3" x 5." The rules I have made for myself is to one- keep it simple. Two- just do it! No planning. If situations are created that don't work at first, just keep playing. Three- no shopping! I have to use what I have on hand. I have to say, I am excited. I haven't felt this excited in a while. The plan is to create three different books. I have until August to finish so I plan to do one book at a time and a little each day. Hope you enjoy my adventure!