I know I haven’t written an evening post in a while and I apologize. I decided I wanted to take time off for Thanksgiving and be with my family, rest, etc. But I hadn’t fully planned on it, which is why I didn’t mention it sooner. Alas, it is what it is.
I did write up a lot of new posts coming in the next few weeks which talk about my plans for 2012. I picked my word and my projects for next year. Of course, they might still change but I am pretty attached to most of them. I am continuing some of my favorites from this year and adding a few new ones. Some challenges. Some to honor my word. I haven’t done a full-year-lookback yet but I feel like I’ve done a lot of service to my word this year. I don’t know if I will actually follow through but, for now I am planning on doing the OLW album with Ali next year. I think it’s a good way to pay even more attention to my word. And the one for next year (as with the one for this year) is near and dear to my heart and will need a lot of “keeping it in the forefront.” Much more on my word coming tomorrow.
Besides planning for next year, I spent a lot of my four-day weekend reading (two book club books: Winesburg, Ohio and Angle of Repose), sketching, art journaling, thinking, and being with family, of course. I also started my drawing class this week. It’s called I Heart Drawing and it’s by the wonderful Jane Davenport. It’s excellent so far. And I signed up for two more classes (yes, I can’t stop!). One is Christy’s 12 Ornaments class and then the other is for next year. It’s Body Restoration by Melody and Kathy. I loved both of the Soul Restoration classes and have no doubt I will love this one, too. Melody’s way of thinking and teaching resonates with me. I think that’s the trick with taking classes: finding a teacher that just does it in a way that speaks to you. (and knowing what that is, of course!)
I also signed up for a local class for next year. I think I need to get out more and this class is on Monday nights at a local collage so I will have to leave the house each Monday night. It’s on Willpower and by the author of this book. I expect it to be both useful and interesting. It should hopefully give me some stuff to write about here, too.
I haven’t written my December newsletter yet and cannot decide if I will continue them or not. If you’re subscribed to it, let me know your thoughts. This is not a quest to get compliments, I would love to know the truth since they are time-consuming. Feel free to email me if you don’t want to leave negative comments on the blog.
I am also not ready for December yet. I feel like I haven’t spent enough time planning my calendar of activities. I am not even excited about December Daily yet. Just feeling behind, I think. It’s ok, I keep telling myself. Everything will fall into place. It always does.
My class starts in two days. If you’re on the fence, I recommend you take it. I don’t think I will teach it again. Chances are very low. I am excited for it. This is one of my all-time favorite classes because it applies to every single person, not just crafters. And if you do the work, I have absolutely no doubt it will change your life.
And there you go, that’s a completely random update from me. Much more coming this week, I promise.
Excited for your class and I can’t believe it’s nearly December as well… time is going by to fast- help!
I loved reading this and am excited to follow your journey into next year. All the classes you have planned sound great and I can’t wait to see what your OLW will be for 2012. Can you share the link for the drawing class your taking, want to check that out for next year maybe.
I’ve decided not to do a DD this year instead it will me a December art journal which I’ve started doing the backgrounds of some pages and LOVE IT!! This holiday we will be taking it much slower and enjoying out time together doing family things. Except for your class and my weekly posts I’m going to stay off the computer more, so if you don’t see to many comments from me that is why. Going to start reflecting on my 2011 and what I want for 2012 during this quiet time. I can’t wait to see more of your plans.
About that inspiring newsletter of yours!! I for one look forward to them and they always show/teach/feel like just what I need that month. You are a great writer and your ideas really speak to me. I totally understand if you don’t keep them going though. I appreciate all the hard work and time you put into them. It is more important that you do what makes YOU HAPPY though, so enjoy the time off from them. No worries dear friend, you do plenty for us already.
Take care and have a good day,
dawn
I just signed up for your class. I feel such kinship with you that I hope to learn and grow a lot with you. I am so enamored of your week-long art journal pages. Did you take a class to learn to do that – I don’t remember.
I enjoy the newsletter, but understand the need to make wise use of your time. I do read your blog and follow your art, so whatever you decide is fine.
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!! See you in class!
I’m more inclined to read your newsletter than the Brave Girls daily truths – so much of what you say resonates with me! But you’ve been sharing so much of your heart on your blog lately, that I don’t think I would miss your newsletter if you stopped it.
I actually tried logging into the class last thursday, I’m impatiently waiting to start!
thank you for your kind words. still haven’t decided if I will have them 🙂
hi Karen,
I love your monthly newsletter – it is inspiring and teaching me great, great concepts, that I can readily apply because you are proof, that they are easily applicable and that they have been tested – unlike a ton of self-help books, where you never know what you are going to get.
I treasure your newsletters immensely and believe it or not refer back to them often. They have become like a ritual, helping to transition from one month to next, introducing a new idea or concept that I then practice throughout that month and beyond. For some reason I find them more intimate than a blogpost, and I really enjoy the length and depth that is available to develop that one thought/concept that you promote.
To be candid, I would be very, very sad to see these go….
your words touched my soul. thank you so so much!! I will do my best to continue them 🙂