New Year's Fireworks

I am a Pisces, water sign. If I had to characterize 2009 in terms of my wateriness, I would use the word 'frozen'. I accomplished some things, but no real flow in the areas that I consider priorities--especially in areas of career and health. I lived in my head a lot, dreaming up elaborate strategies for the time when things would be more settled and I could get down to business.

So, 2010. A new decade. Trying not to put too much pressure on myself didn't work last year. I work best under a little pressure. I need to add a little fire to the pot in the form of action. Hopefully it will get the water flowing again. Year of the Tiger coming up on February 14. It seems a good year to explore passions, spirit, moving energies.

Last night, in spite of frozen rain, we went out as a family to celebrate the New Year. On the way home, shortly after midnight, the rain seemed to be subsiding and a big firework explosion lit the night sky. Just one. But sometimes, one spark is all it takes. Happy 2010! May the new year ignite possibilities and change them into realities.

Recipe for the day: Rachael Ray's Buffalo Chicken Meatballs perfect for college football party

Time again for ten new posts

I can't believe I haven't posted yet this year! My goal was to design a new website in January. Perhaps I was waiting. I think I have the homepage designed. But I am working on a template. It is hard. I have forgotten all that I know about designing a website. Why must I reinvent the wheel each time. Any web designers want to volunteer to come up with a real stripped down site? I just want something simple where my artwork will provide the visual focus. I need to get this done so then my artwork may once again be my focus. It isn't any fun writing about NOT MAKING ART!

New Year

I really like the celebration of New Year's Day. One of the reasons I never party hard the night before is that I really do some soul-searching on the first day of the year. Typically, I journal, go for walks, take a long bath, and for the last two years, I have been making large New Year's collages with my daughter by my side. It's fun. We surround ourselves with magazines and cut out all the things we want for the coming year. The results are a fun visual of your hopes and dreams. Active visioning. This year's collage is very similar to last year's, but I am amazed at the color differences. Last year had a lot of blue and red in the mix. This year has yellow, pink, lime green, and lavender. I find them both to be interesting, because I wouldn't say that either representation is typical of me. Lots of active pictures in both. Women dancing, playing drums, knitting, taking pictures, painting, writing, running, doing yoga, and drawing. Lots of design. Imagery of nature, doors, windows, flowers, candles. Tuscan landscapes.
This year is the first year I am not hyper focused on achievement of some sort whether it be selling my book or quitting my job or publication. I am just me, enjoying the process and seeing what life has to offer. It is a place of great emancipation, and I think my collage reflects this.