Studio Snapshot
Snowstorm
Quietly Moving Into 2022
A Year in Review
January 7, 2022
Friday
9:08 p.m.
The Paper Chase
There's a saying that comes to mind when I feel overwhelmed. It goes something like this-
‘You can't change a flat tire while you're driving the car.’
Simply put, my flat tire needs changing! This past year's goals fell short. Motivation and energy was lost in the shuffle of life- some good habits took a hit, (like exercise) where did the time go, what did I do in the month of February, where’s my blue sketchbook, I can’t get supplies until when? Not all a loss, though. I did spend some wonderful time with family and friends, I taught children’s art classes at the local museum, and managed a few summer outings. But, now it was time to take a breath, re-group, take a look back at this past year, see where I've been with art and life, and where my focus should be in the New Year.
Where to begin…
… really, I had no plan. It was more like a trial and error approach.
I keep a yearly planner, and a journal, and make lots and lots of notes and lists throughout the year (I’m old school when it comes to paper). So, I’m thinking I might find some useful bits scribbled on pieces of paper in my pile of many. This takes several sessions. I sit down for about an hour each time, scanning over a year’s worth of notes.
The sessions go something like this:
set aside quiet time (a must).
allow time to get focused (this took multiple attempts).
get into a comfortable space (I started out on the front porch swing on a sunny day and ended up sitting at the kitchen table on a rainy night).
have enough table space to spread out papers and food.
use favorite pens.
have computer handy.
music is a good thing.
hot coffee or tea (as much as needed).
blueberry muffins or other comfort food (no limit).
When all is said and done:
1. Either complete or retire old projects.
2. Find studio organization that works.
3. Strategic daily planning.
4. List long term goals.
5. Mesh work life with life outside the studio, better (my tendency is to always separate things and situations).
6. Enjoy the challenges (not always easy).
7. Keep boundaries with studio time (also not easy).
8. Get to know my real camera better.
9. Carve out more drawing time.
10. Socialize more (in person).
11. Travel to visit long and short distance family.
12. Phone friends.
13. Set aside more reading time.
14. Get proper sleep (good luck with that one).
Yes, this last year has been hectic and unconventional for us all. We continue to learn how to navigate and adapt to our ever changing surroundings. It's a bit of a whirlwind, really, and taking some time to reflect, I hope, will have a grounding effect.
"With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts."
– Eleanor RooseveltYour Turn- What went well? What went wrong? What's next? Feel free to share in the comments.
Happy 2022- Lenore
