Making a COLLAGE

In my Artist's Way class, we made collages the other day. How fun to look through old magazines and cut or tear out images or words that resonated with us to make a VISION BOARD where we will list our GOALS. You learn so much about yourself from this exercise-just taking the time to examine what it is that you like or aspire to. Then pasting it all together and examining it to explain to the class is a real MIND OPENER. I've done it many times in the past and each time I learn more about me.

Our sweet instructor Mary who does such a great job teaching us.

Here we are looking through old magazines.

Sharon's finding lots of stuff she likes.

Here's my finished poster, click to see it bigger. I love the southwest beauty and genealogy. My goals in the center are: explore digital photography, work on my self image, develop a business plan for marketing my books, plant some flowers, and eat healthier. It's already working-I went and got a perm and haircut yesterday.

Bonnie is a gifted artist who shares freely of her talents with others.

Working with Others

I'm involved in several creative projects right now and finding it most difficult to work with some individuals who have a different take on what we're trying to do. As I've thought about it, I realize that COOPERATION is not easy in any relationship: be it marriage, artistic endeavors or even friendships. There has to be some give and take, valuing others and their ideas, not blindly going forward with your own ideas to the detriment of others. It's called working TOGETHER and respecting others ideas, but then jointly making decisions about projects or maybe just even "agreeing to disagree." It all comes down to COMMUNICATION, and some of us are better at this than others. Delegating responsibilities does help, but someone ultimately has to be in charge.

I can see why DICTATORSHIPS are so successful as one leader pushes forward with his ideas despite the wishes of those he leads or works with, but DEMOCRACY or valuing all opinions and ideas is important though more difficult to do. It does come to the point, however, when decisions have to be made in GOOD FAITH, so any project can go forward. UNITY is important but not always possible. I'm at the point of withdrawing from several creative projects because it's become IMPOSSIBLE to work with certain individuals despite my best efforts, and frankly it's not worth my continued time and efforts.

MARCH forward to SPRING

As I write this post, we are in the middle of a rainstorm which promises to turn to snow tomorrow. We all eagerly wait another year for SPRING and the return of leaves and other green things to our lives, but we have to expect DETOURS. March is one of the most UNPREDICTABLE months with squalls and storms coming and going with just a FEW pleasant days thrown in to get us excited about PROMISES of warmer temperatures, blossoms and growing. Spring will come WHEN it comes...welcome to March.