Tag: health and wellness

Keeping Creativity Flowing

Life since November

Happy March, and Happy 2024! I have been so lax in my posts it’s ridiculous.

In my last post I talked about not getting very far with NaNoWriMo, and I don’t think I wrote any more words after that. It became a very busy month, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Disclaimer: Links within this post are either to my own products, or products I endorse. I may receive a small commission should you make a purchase through an affiliate link, at no extra cost to you. My blog is supported through commissions and sales of my products. Plus, if you like what you read you can show your support by pinning this post, sharing on social media, or buy me a coffee.  Thank you for your continued support.

I spent several days helping my daughter as her pregnancy was taking its toll on her. I got to spend time with her and my granddaughter while I did the household chores that needed to be done. That’s what grandmas are for, right?

In early December grandbaby #2 arrived; a healthy, happy boy. After a bit of adjusting to a new routine their little family is thriving. As much as I’d like them to be closer, less than an hour away still isn’t all that far.

Christmas came and went even though we didn’t have any snow, which was nice for anyone travelling. We still don’t have a lot of snow which is depressing when you think about it. I hope the spring rains come or that we get some moisture-laden snow later this month or in April. If we don’t the crops, hay fields, and pastures will not do well.

My creative process

The end of 2023 and beginning of 2024 have also been spent creating patterns, working on my Creative Crafters Circle community on Skool, and working on my new paid community, The Craft of Writing.

I love the creative process no matter what I’m doing. It helps me get from idea to product, whether it’s physical or digital. I added a few new crochet patterns to my Etsy shop, crocheted my grandson a blanket (before I knew his gender), recently finished my granddaughter’s C2C blanket (her birthday present), and a few other small projects. I still want to make a blanket for my granddaughter’s “baby” (her doll) that will match hers. She’ll be so excited!

My creative process generally starts out the same whether I’m designing a pattern or writing a book. It involves a pen, some paper, and often a LOT of swearing (especially with patterns when they don’t work out like I envisioned and stitches are ripped out). I’m not sugarcoating it at all…my mouth tends to spit out some very bad things. But for me it works because when all is said and done I have a marketable product.

There were days when I honestly didn’t want to do/create anything. The weather was dreary and my energy levels were non-existent. I learned a little bit about myself as a result.

  1. I’m not immune to feelings of dread, despair, and insecurity. Those are feelings we all have at some point or another. The key is to work through them.
  2. I don’t have to create something new every single day. It’s okay to have days that are spent relaxing. Forcing creativity results in a sub-par product and the potty mouth flows.
  3. I’m not a crier. As much as there were feelings of blah-ness when the sun wasn’t out, I stifled the tears that threatened to escape. I have always considered tears a sign of weakness, but after reading the first 100 pages of “Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom 5th Edition by Christiane Northrup, M.D.” I’m beginning to realize I should change my attitude.
  4. I get the best ideas when it’s time for bed. This is simply annoying because I’m too tired to follow through on my ideas. I try to write them down but that always doesn’t happen.
  5. I’m in control of my body, mind, and spirit. That’s a tough thing to remember when the majority of one’s life has been spent living with/meeting the needs of others. And that is why I don’t plan on living with anyone else. Having a male companion to do things/go places with is wonderful, but having my own space to come home to is better. The nice thing about him is he feels the same; he has his own space to go to. (And the fact we’re only a few miles apart is nice because we can see each other more often.)
Keep active to encourage creativity

I have found that if I sit and do nothing it’s hard to feel creative. If I start doing something else, whether it be unloading the dishwasher, laundry, going for a walk, etc., I soon think of something I’d like to be making/writing. Sometimes it’s difficult to stick with the task at hand (especially when it’s housework) instead of heading to my craft area or computer (depending on what I decide I want to make).

I think it’s important to stay active no matter ones age and I do try. I would like nothing more than to go for a nice long walk but the roads are icy and I don’t want to risk a fall. I found a YouTube channel that has some wonderful walking workouts, and I’m going to attempt a 30-day seated exercise challenge I have devised. I have incorporated exercises I’ve seen in different blog posts/exercise videos, so will see if it’s a good combination. Today is Day 1, and so far so good.

Feeling blocked?

Some people say creativity should be forced. I do not agree with that statement. I am a believer you have to feel good in order to create. Your health matters, and the better you feel the easier it is to share your passions with the world.

Something I have also found when I feel blocked is to take a course in something you are interested in but don’t know quite how to get started. Or even take one to hone the skills you already possess. Seeing how others approach a subject could be just what you need to change your perspective.

I haven’t created any printables for my second Etsy shop for several months which has been bad for business. As a result I registered for a course (Creative Cards Design Camp) on making cards (not greeting cards) which starts on Monday March 4. I’m excited to learn the process, and I already have a list of cards I would like to make. I have taken courses from D’vorah before and she has a wonderful way of teaching.

Plus, by watching how others teach classes gives me some ideas on how to present my materials when I take the plunge and add video to my courses. I have the tools, equipment, and know-how; just not the self-confidence to be in front of the video camera.

Wrapping it up.

I tend to get a little long-winded when I haven’t posted in forever, and I apologize for that. I’ll wrap it up for today, and I will try much harder to get back to weekly posts. Just remember: give in to your creative desires no matter what the masses say. And if you’re stuck, go for a walk or start another task. More often than not that’s all it’ll take to kickstart your creativity.

When you have a creative block what do you do? Let me know in the comments below.

Too Many Eggs, and Way Too Many Baskets

The older I get the more I want to simplify my life. Yet here I am, with 501 things going on. I swear I’ve been busier this spring and summer than I was when I worked almost full time.

Disclaimer: Links within this post are either to my own products, or products I endorse. I may receive a small commission should you make a purchase through an affiliate link, at no extra cost to you. My blog is supported through commissions and sales of my products. Plus, if you like what you read you can show your support by pinning this post, sharing on social media, or buy me a coffee.  Thank you for your continued support.

Where I’ve Been

My new home has taken a lot of my time. I have had trees cut down and have been trying to cut up the huge logs into fireplace-sized ones. With the help of my boyfriend, we’ve gotten through some of the pile.

There has also been the building of trellises, raised beds, purchase of a greenhouse, rototilling a part of the lawn for fruit trees, and the mowing of the lawn itself (which seems to need doing every few days).

But in all honesty, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love the space I’m creating. By the end of next summer, I should have everything the way I want it.

But that’s not what this post is about.

It’s about spreading oneself too thin, and not prioritizing the important things. Well, in a sense that’s not true because my family comes first. When I am asked by my daughter to look after her dogs or my granddaughter, I am there.

I have, however, been quite lax as far as my writing goes. Sometimes there just don’t seem to be enough hours in the day. Do you ever feel that way?

Reflection

As I reflect on the first 6 months of this year (wait, make that 7), I have realized I have too many things going on in terms of websites, shops, and unfinished novels. Today I invested in myself to change that.

Instead of having my digital products scattered between Etsy, Gumroad, Ravelry, etc, I will be moving the majority of them to my products page on this site. I have often said all our eggs shouldn’t be in one basket, but sometimes we have too many (baskets that is). I’m ditching some of my baskets.

Where I Need to Be

Writing and product creation are where I want to spend my work time, not trying to update products on a dozen different platforms.

I didn’t realize just how many things I have on the go until I started a blog planner last week. As I made my notes of what I had to do I came to the conclusion my baskets are everywhere. Having 2 – 4 is okay; anything more than that and it’s chaos.

I used to have a planner with everything written down so I knew exactly what I had going on. After Ross passed away that kind of went to the wayside. I am definitely more productive and organized when I have my planner set up and open.

If you’re more of a long-term planning type of person, check out my Quarterly Planner. The Zip file includes Q3 and Q4 of 2023, and Q1-Q4 of 2024, in plain and a lavender print backgound. Plus, the PDF files can be used in GoodNotes for those of you who prefer digital planning.

More planners and planner pages will be added as I put more eggs in this basket, and they’ll be easily accessible.

Wrapping It Up

I know I rambled a bit (or maybe a lot), but my point is this: don’t be afraid to take a step back and re-evaluate what you have going on. If you feel as if you’re stretched too thin, then you probably are. Look deep within and see where changes need to be made, and use a habit tracker to gradually make those changes.

Do what works for you because you have to be happy, no matter what you do.

Growth Never Stops, No Matter How Old You Are.

Hi! I know, I know…it’s been weeks since I’ve written anything. I haven’t forgotten about you wonderful readers; I just didn’t know where I was going so wanted to figure that out first.

And when I say going, I don’t mean moving. I’m quite content with my house and now that spring is here, I see I have a mountain of yardwork to do. And all of our snow hasn’t melted yet.

Don’t feel bad though, because all of my blogs and websites suffered the same fate. I was equally slacking on all fronts when it came to posting.

Sometimes we just need that away time to get our head out of our ass and really figure out what to do with life. I guess we never do get it figured out completely because there’s always a little hiccup here and there. It’s those hiccups that make us think though; at least for me it is.

Winter tends to take its toll on me some years, and this one has been no different. I always have big plans of having walking trails, going outside more, and not letting the dreary days get to me. And then the wind blows, the snow drifts cover my trails, and I decide staying inside is so much better. And yes, I have become quite accustomed to staying inside when it’s minus 40 out.

My boyfriend and I did get away for a couple of days in early March. We stayed at West Edmonton Mall, and took in some shopping, some waterpark time, and a round of mini golf. There is so much to see and do there, a couple of days just isn’t quite enough time.

It was that trip that sparked a whole new hobby for me; one that I’m going to be gradually turning into a side hustle. We were walking by a framing shop when a painting caught my eye, and well, let’s just say I was hooked. That painting almost came home with me; but I just couldn’t justify the price tag on it. I recently spent less than that on a 6 piece sectional for my living room.

I can only dream of being as good as the artist that did the painting I want, but it gives me a goal to work toward. And who knows: that painting may work its way into my home yet.

I have purchased books, paints, canvases, easels, brushes, and palettes; watched YouTube videos; and painted some smaller scenic pictures. The 4″ X 4″ canvas was painted black only because I had some black paint left from another painting. It stayed that way for over a week, then one day I decided to add a few grey and white brushstrokes to it. I had considered adding some colourful blossoms, but decided against it. What I’m left with is, if I do say so myself, strikingly simple.

That little painting has become part of my logo for my DLZArtworkandMore Etsy Shop (formerly TOLA50Printables). So yes, I have changed the name of my shop; but that was better than starting another. The printable and digital products will still be available, but I will now also be shipping physical products. I have the resources and equipment to create physical products, so I have decided to branch out a little.

New logo for my revamped Etsy Shop.

My other Etsy Shop, NotJustalpacaDesigns, will be closed on April 30, 2023. If you’re interested in getting any of my crochet patterns, books, or my writing course, now is the time to do it. The entire shop is 60% off until April 30. It has been a wonderful shop, and has given me a good run; but now it’s time to shut it down.

The winter has also had me out on a snowmobile, with our St. Patrick’s Day trip getting cut short not long after it started. My inexperience resulted in a textbook launch over a grader ridge, and apparently a perfect landing. All was good until impact and my face hit the handlebars, resulting in losing my helmet. It was a freak thing, because the helmet nicely positioned itself on the dash as soon as it left my head, and the glasses I was wearing under the goggles cut into my forehead. That in turn resulted in a trip to the ER to get my forehead taped back together.

We are thankful for a helpful neighbour, who drove me back to my boyfriend’s place then took him to retrieve the other snowmobile. It’s amazing how deep the nose piece on a pair of glasses can really cut, even though a person doesn’t really have much for tissue on the forehead. Needless to say, I decided then and there I was done with snowmobiling for the season.

All is well, and the cut has now become a scar that makes me look like I have a permanent scowl (not just when I am scowling…lol). I’m none the worse for wear, didn’t suffer a concussion, and learned that anticipated impact is always harder than one thinks.

On March 25th we celebrated my granddaughter’s first birthday. My daughter made her a smash cake, and that little girl had icing and cake everywhere. It was so much fun to watch her taste the icing for the first time, then eventually pick up the cake. When it came apart she had a piece in each hand, and wasn’t sure which to take a bite of first. It’s the moments like that we need to make time for, because we’ll never get them back.

I know I have rambled a little more than I had planned, but I tend to do that on occasion. Plus you’re now aware of the few little changes that will be taking place over the next while. This blog will stay, and my yoga journey (which went wayside) will resume; but will be a part of this site as soon as I can figure out how to move it all over.

And as much as I wanted to publishing venture to work, I realized my heart just isn’t in it. It might be more of a behind-the-scenes thing when I publish my own books, but the website will be deleted. I found I was spreading myself too thin, and something has to go.

I’ll be modifying past blog posts, adjusting some of the links in the sidebar (or removing them entirely), and creating new products of my Etsy Shop. These little things will take some time to get done, but working toward a simpler system has given me peace of mind. It has also relieved some of the stress I was feeling because I was trying to do it all.

Thanks for sticking with me, and I look forward to getting back on track here. Have a wonderful week, and may your spring bring joy, fresh air, and beautiful gardens.