Should I adopt another new year?

I might just need a summer new year. As I journaled and mediated and worshiped and prayed this weekend I realize that I currently celebrate three new starts during the year.

 

There’s January when the calendar year changes. There’s Easter when I celebrate the renewal of life with the resurrection, and there is September, which I’ve written about before—the back to school new year (something about those school supplies gives me a call to set goals, organize and start projects).

 

Chart from David Allen's GTD web site

For my spring new year I have been studying and practicing the methods David Allen promotes in his book, “Getting Things Done.” One of the most appealing aspects of his system is to release the lists that are spinning in your head and get more done by trusting your list.

 

I’m a big fan of emptying my head. That is one of the reasons I am devoted to journaling and journaling in the 80% written format. It empties my head. Now I’ve found a method that promotes me emptying my head. Is this the answer to my unquiet mind?

One of my recent journal pages- I write
more than I create designs. Artful lettering
and written work with ink/paint background.

So far, it’s working when I work it. My lists feel too long and jumbled. I want to go back and review how he explains making choices based on my priorities. He uses the analogy of a plane on the runway and increasing miles above the ground to explain this theory.

I have not been playing in my studio nearly as much as I desire. It’s a state of chaos in there which may be my biggest deterrent and not this new system.

 

Today I am home unexpectedly. I am going to empty my wandering brain and clear my inbox. Wishing you a joyful and abundant Spring.

 

Mixing it UP a bit

Sir Henry and I have taken on a new saying here at the Taj Mahal in the trailer park. "2014 is the year of....." We've filled in the blank with everything from paying off my medical bills to modest portions, to releasing clutter and remodeling the living room.

We don't think of these as resolutions as much as we consider them goals. We love it.

My small art-big impact wish for you today :)
Original artwork ATC copyright nachattin 2014

I've started some personal "2014 is the year of...." and wanted to share them here (some you have already seen, but now they are all in one place).

2014 is my year of.... (in no particular order since they all matter)

• whole life living
• value driven lifestyle (faith, family, calling)
• back to living debt free
• back to a more comfortable and healthy clothing size
• self-defense mission rolled into my calling
• spending no more than $20.00 per month on immediately consumable art supplies (like glue, ink refills, etc.) with the exception of crop fees
• smoothie making
• small art with big impact (ATCs, tiny canvas, small altered items, even tiny cards)
• my first experience with Project Life style scrapbooking ( I haven't scrapped traditional style since 2008)
• increased internet presence and (subtle yet consistent) affiliation marketing
• reminding myself that "It's that Easy" (including consistency :)
• renewed commitment to the release and receive standard
• keeping it simple and focused

Based on these goals, I commit myself to using this blog for art as well as whole life living topics. After all, I am by my own definition:

"The Artful Tourist---Norma Anne Chattin, one who moves in delightful observation living like she is on vacation in a world of colors, textures, scents, and tastes. I am not afraid to ask directions and willing to talk to strangers. I share, I create, and I make friends easily with fellow travelers."

Expect more posts and greater variety of posts which are inclusive of my goals. I look forward to your comments and subscriptions (which I've never really promoted before but I have decided to increase my internet presence).



One little $10 personal alarm can
provide a HUGE amount of noise.
Order from my web site
http://www.mydamselpro.net/LIVESAFELIVEWELL/
 

Launched Renewed Web Site today------- www.NAChattin.com

This is so exciting for me--I've redesigned my web site to reflect my current focus and priorities. Check it out at http://www.nachattin.com

The journals, the artful spirit, and the recycled projects are now prominently featured on the home page and the site.

Now that the basics are published I will go back in and flush out more of the topics and links. I've been working on this for almost a month and I just couldn't keep it under wraps any longer.

Release and Receive
In my personal life and career, I have been practicing this affirmation for almost two years now. I simplified my studio and my goals. The whole process is cathartic and so nourishing. Last month I realized that my efforts to apply this to my whole life means I must also fine tune and scale down the web site. Before I started this process I'm not even sure I realized how the old site was weighing me down. Ah, the glory of simplicity.

Consulting & Teaching
After three years of "amateur status" I am available again as a professional artist, instructor, and consultant. Check out the HIRE ME page on the site as well as the Artful Spirit section for new programs and ideas that are more aligned with my current life goals. You will see even more information in the weeks to come. Thank you so much for your support and interest over the last ten years with my web site--I'm looking forward to bringing you wonderful new ideas and projects.

Dreams, potential nightmares, and video

Here it is for all the world to see...a video of the current condition of my art studio. I made the video on 2.18.09 and posted it to You Tube. I've also made a web page for reference here...http://www.nachattin.com/artiststudioupdate.html

This video is rated SS for "strong stomach" and is not for the faint of heart or the well organized. I am not a video journalist and I certainly don't have any editing skills--you have to tilt your head to the right to see the video in the upright position. My apologies to all those with neck issues...

Progress report:

**I have located some inspiring articles on organization and journaled some ideas and plans. My favorite web site so far is called Simplify 101 and here's the article I started with: http://www.simplify101.com/create-a-space-you-love.php

**I didn't get much done while my parents were here (they just left Wednesday) but it has been on mind and I collected some shoe boxes to decorate and use for storage from my shopping trip with Mom.

**Yesterday, I began emptying the drawers of my "tiny stuff" cabinet so that I can have things most useful closest to me and move my beading supplies to a central location.

**My brave friend Jill, who is very organized and has a beautiful studio of her own, has volunteered to assist me. We hope to set a date for that very soon.