Thrive Thursdays: Finding Your Sixty Seconds

I will be honest with you about two things. One, I didn't think I would be writing a post today for a number of reasons, but one being I wasn't feeling very thrive worthy. Two, I am an extremely negative person; more often than not I find the glass half empty. However, we shall thank Pinterest for a quote and numerous other people for their curiosity. It was the motivation I needed for a short (hahaha who are we kidding, I nearly never write short blogs) blog post.

“For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

 

I waste so much time and energy when it comes to anger; not only anger with other people, but a vast amount of anger with myself. I realize and fully stand behind the notion that as a believer, life is not necessarily written to be happy go lucky for me. There will be trials and many tribulations, but somewhere here I believe there is happiness. I want to be happy, but I let the dregs of the day or hour continue to drag me down. How many more seconds of happiness could I have each and everyday if I decided to forget my anger? I don't have a special remedy for you forgetting your anger. I'm not even sure how I will go about this, hopefully, new attitude, but I encourage you give up the anger. Happiness fuels so many things, creativity especially! Look up Lamentations 3:22-23 and feel free to "throw it in my face" every now and then. I can use reminders too.




 Many times, over the course my 6 year blogging career*, I have mentioned the 365 project. Yet I still have people in the everyday world asking, "What is a 365 project? What is it all about?" There is truly nothing complicated about a 365 Project...well except for motivation and inspiration. I have days when I'd rather throw my camera at a wall for kicks and giggles than think up something new, fresh, and exciting. Most definitely work is involved, but it can be fun to see what will come of the days inspirations.

 

A 365 Project is a photo-a-day challenge. Many photographers upload self-portraits each day, in some form or another. I have done such a 365 before; when I was an extreme novice photographer (though I still categorize myself as such) and with a much cheaper camera. At one time I even attempted a 365 Project of different hands everyday. I didn't have many enthusiastic takers for that project and it was soon abandoned. Another 365, which had nothing to do with photography, I attempted to write a letter to someone different each day. Wow was that too much to take on!

 

My current 365 Project is "simply" a photograph each day with my thoughts. I love writing and this gives me an opportunity each day to "pour a little of my heart out" with a photograph as my inspiration. Some days are pictures of me and other days are photographs of random still-life or at times other people I come into contact with that day.

 

I realize there is a huge stigmatism with "selfies", but I've discussed this before on other sites. There is a fine line between the narcissistic everyday "selfie" and the learning to realize you are beautiful self-portrait project. My first 365 project helped me learn to like pictures of myself. I still have my days, but for the most part I've learned to take what I got and make it great. I credit much of this to the 365 Project.

 

The 365 Project is not for everyone, but I would challenge you to try it and see it where it takes you. You may discover things about yourself and about your creative skills you didn't know before.

 

 

 

 

Thriving Moments: Flickr (again) and learning to kill my anger with happiness!

 

 

Tweet with me. | Snap some shots. | Listen to the music. | Get to pinning | Up, Up, and Plus

  

 

Did anyone take notes? (Footnotes):

• *Oh my Atlanta! I can't believe it has been 6 years since I started With a Flower! ?!?
• The computer shutdown twice and I took a break for a painting party in the midst of writing this...busy frustrated lady.
• If you are on Flickr leave me a line and I will follow you!

Thrive Thursdays: We've got you surrounded

Hello! Long time without words...too long. I'm writing to tell you life has settled down.


WRONG.


Life has fallen into a steady and pleasant buzz of busyness. Some days are overwhelming and some days are a fountain of frenzy youth giving greatness. My main agenda is to keep busy, and honestly there are days where I want anything but the covers pulled back and to have to greet the day. All I can say is by God's grace, I am taking each day one at a time.

I always miss writing. I can't quite understand the mechanics of my own mind, that for durations of time I give it up and miss it desperately simultaneously. My mind has found a way to punish me without much work is all I can come with as an excuse. The words still churn and find other ways of escaping, namely my photography.

In quick succession...UPDATES

-While I opted out of a New Year's Resolution List this year it doesn't mean I don't have goals of a sort. I am trying my hand again at the fantastic (and sometimes stressful) Project 365. There have been days of discouragement, but there have been utterly awesome days. I can't help thinking over and over again how blessed I am to live an era of the Camera and Flickr. I love you Flickr...

www.flickr.com MadMadelyne's A Hundred Pockets - 365 (2014) photoset

-I am selling on Etsy! RapaciousCurls is up and running. I also have a Facebook page.

-Hopefully I will be able to blog more regularly because I have been waiting all day to have the time to write today's post. No more waiting...


On to the my Thriving moments (and advice)...

I believe I have talked before about the necessities for a creative environment. (I couldn't find the post, I know it is here somewhere.) Foremost on my list lately has been the importance of creative "bedfellows". The people you talk to everyday or run to for advice. The dear people you are blessed beyond measure to call your friends, your family, your sisters (or brothers) from another mister.

Cuwe Minnehaha* (Jen)

 

I hope Jen doesn't mind me bragging on her. (insert wink) I have known Jen off and on for 10 years. All those years we were what I like to refer to as "surface friends/acquaintances", meaning we waved, we said hello, but didn't know each other. In August last year I was extremely stumped on a knitting project. Mum encouraged me, "Call Jen, the lady who spins her yarn and is a knitting expert." Every knitter needs a 'Knitting Guru' and Jen is mine. Once we started talking, I knew God sent me this woman for more than just knitting advice. We laugh, we cry, and we love through the ugliness this world brings out at times.

 

Yesterday she surprised me with a gift and beautiful proof of her 'Knitting Guru' ways. The beautiful cowl above is a Herringbone Cowl and it is all MINE.

 

 

Deven...Pyrography Master

 

I was trying to determine when Deven and I "met". I know where! I owe Google+ a big hug and a kiss for this magical friendship. Initially I admired Deven's artwork and purchased a piece from her through Google+. We continued to "plus" and comment on each other's posts. She eventually asked to be my friend on Facebook (late 2012) and from there it is history. No! It isn't history...it is a grand continuous adventure. Deven's talented nature extends further than her awesome pyrography (wood burning) skills and creating artist maniac. She is a listener, advice giver, bookstore business advice enthusiast, and so, so, so much more! Deven continues to be one of my foremost supporters for continuing down this path of being independently employed and the creative creature that beckons to me. I nag her for advice frequently and sometimes she knows me better than I know myself...scary I know. I don't think "thank you" comes close enough to what I wish to say to her.

Above is my most recently acquired piece from her, Mabon. Isn't she beautiful? You should be jealous...so jealous you go look at more of her work! Here. And Here. Oh yes and here!

 

 

She who gave you life

 

 

25 years, 9 months, and 9 days ago a woman brought me into this world. My mum is a woman of immeasurable strength and grace of character. She is my number one fan, president of my fanclub, and oftentimes coconspirator with Deven. I swear they have a secret club, but I've yet to figure out when or where they meet. (I will pay for information 'wink'.) She is a light in my dark times and I frequently wonder out loud "how can you love me," but she does. I think know she gets more excited about my projects than I do at times. She is a fountain of ideas. I know I have tried her patience over the years with my flighty, stubborn, and unconventional nature. Never let her fool you that she doesn't like change, because my Mum has endured SO MUCH CHANGE. If I've ever met a Proverbs 31 woman...it is her!

 

The artwork above is by Mum. I admire this on a daily basis and I have tried to convince her to finish it. She is extremely artistic. Where else did her brilliant (insert wink) children get it from!?!

 

 

Thriving is having the thrive givers...the enablers. The weekly, daily, and even hourly people who remind you why you are doing what you're doing and to toughen that upper lip...keep going! It is important to me to recognize the blessing I am surrounded by. I have many more and I WILL be bragging most definitely.

 

Remember these people are important and don't take them for granted! Surrounding yourself with encouragers and fellow creators is such a blessing.

 

 

Just as I am encouraged, I want to encourage others in this world. A few weeks ago I was blessed and surprised by the kindness of a young blogger/photography. Kennedi recently started her own blog and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank her for listing my blog as one of her featured blogs. Thank you Kennedi and don't give up on your writing!

 

 

Thriving Moments: Flickr, Etsy, and the treasures that are my friends and family.

 

 

Tweet with me. | Snap some shots. | Listen to the music. | Get to pinning | Up, Up and Plus

 

 

 

Footnotes:

• * Laughing Sister - actual Lakota translation Laughing Water Sister - Jen was featured on one of my days for Project 365

Mundane Mondays: I can look up

The last few months of 2012 were not my best. They were crazy, chicken with my head cutoff busy and not memories I want to tuck away for a rainy day. When things get tough I tend to withdrawal and into my hermit hole I disappeared. I owe you, my blog followers/readers, an apology. I stopped writing and each week (Mondays and Tuesdays especially) the days would come and go with no words written. I’m not going to claim or expect you to have missed me, but I missed you. I missed writing. Although it is difficult and an overwhelming endeavor, I’m going to try to get my act together . . . learn some balance.

As it is Mundane Monday and now 2013, I wanted to quick recap a few 2012 happenings.

Christmas was the year of felt for me. If I had, had more time and energy my house would have become the ultimate felt factory. Thanks to a new favorite blog I follow, Design Mom, I’m getting new ideas all the time. The idea below for monogrammed ornaments came from her blog.

I took my love of Google+ and my new found friendships and applied felt. (insert smile)

My Christmas book loot (down from last year*) included:

My Photo 'Peeking Pages'

Time for the Goals!

Last year I played it safe with 7 somewhat reasonable goals. Unfortunately, due to a long list of excuses I won't go into right now, I only accomplished 2 goals in 2012. See goals here. I bought my Canon Rebel T3i camera, Calvin . . . love at first sight. I also, by God's grace, was able to continue to save for my someday Africa trip/mission. I have no idea how much I have saved, but it brings such joy to my "little" heart to hear the clink, clink of more coins in my bank.

Even though I didn't accomplish everything on my list I'm bring out the big guns for 2013. I want this year to be the year of motivational "get 'her dones". I want to show 2013 whose boss (knowing that God has the ultimate controls for my life, but not wanting to or allowing life's bleck to stand in my way).

Books, Books, Books . . . Did I mention books?

• Finish my 25 by 25 reading list: I am old. I'm turning 25 in May, ugh. I made this list some time ago and realized I'm WAY behind, having only read 2 of the books, and it is time to get going.
• Read The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: I'm not a fan or at least I don't think I am of him, but I want to read the book before the movie comes out.
• Read Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy: Time to read a Russian great! That and I want to read it before I see the movie . . . which didn't come to any theaters near me!?!
• Read 100 books and less eBooks: That's my goal and confession from last year.
• Buy less: Realizing that my "To be read" list on Librarything continues to grow and get out of hand; I want to focus on what I own that hasn't been read yet. Honestly, please someone send me some tips for withdrawal. I would like (like meaning this is my intention, but I don't know how likely or possible it is) to tuck away the money to buy a book each time I stop myself from buying it. (cough: yearight) Then at the end of the year (ok, ok, month?) reward myself with a book shopping spree.

Click, Pic, Flick!

• Flickr Famous: I would like to be featured; even just one of my pictures would be beyond awesome.
• Take LOTS of pictures: More hopefully equals honing my skills and technique. Plus I love taking pictures!
• Photoshop: Learn how to use it so that I don't smash my computer through the wall. Did I mention I have anger and patience issues?

Take Time

• Memorize a poem and/or piece of scripture
• Teleport to Portland: My new dear friend Deven lives in Portland and I want so badly to meet her face to face! I know I might scare her, but hopefully we can move past the initial screaming and running in terror (insert big grin). Deven is an amazing artist, not that she needs a shout out from me, but definitely checkout her Etsy shop!
• Bigger in Texas: I have family that lives in Austin. I visited the city about 5 years ago and miss it. It is time to see it again!
• Sew More
• Knit More
• Bake More
• Write more on my blog: I owe you guys, right?!?
• Write a Children's book: The ideas are floating around, waiting and ready.
• Magazine Mayhem: I would like to dedicate a day to catch up on reading all of the magazines I subscribe to. The pile at the end of my bed continues to grow and sadly remains untouched.

The Life of Maddie

• Continue to save for Africa . . . go to Africa?: I don't know what this year holds in store, but I'm game if God is game!
• Pay off Debts: Debt free is the way to be . . . here's to hoping it can be done.
• Learn to take a compliment . . . graciously
• Here we come a . . . Vlogging?: I have a few "dear" (wink) friends whose initials are Mum, Deven and Ron that are pestering me to make videos about books. We'll see, we shall see.
• Stop comparing
• Continue exercising (Don't you like how I am being vague with some of these goals: Knit More, Continue exercising??) 
• Punch a hole in it!: (insert grin) I need some new piercings and these are the ones I'm fancying to get: My tragus, my conch and my nose.
• Tattoo: Yep I want one and I think I'm ready!

I also have a few personal private goals that I hope by focusing and striving to achieve the above goals it will open the door for them too. I realize this list is leaps and bounds bigger than last year, but this year is about focus, balance and adventure! How can they go together? Oh they can, just wait and see!!!!

Quote of the Day

“Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.” 

~Louisa May Alcott

*That’s ok though, I’m finding I have enough books to last me for awhile and I need to focus more on reading what I have. I know we have heard this tune sung many times from me.

A dash, a pinch, a sprinkling of sprinkles

There is something about sprinkles that evokes in me a longing for my childhood. In fact when I see sprinkles I suddenly feel transported to that innocent time where running down a shopping aisle screaming at the top of your lungs was considered cute to the strangers looking on. While you're Mum look liked she might make use of the prison like bars of the cart if you didn't stop causing such a commotion . . . over sprinkles nonetheless.

Even now when I find myself dessert whoring (yes you heard me correctly), I can't help thinking "Let's add SPRINKLES!" When I'm in line at Cold Stone Creamery, spending an exorbitant amount of money on ice cream*, I have to debate am I in a coffee mood, Coffee Lovers Only, or a sprinkle mood, Birthday Cake Remix? Once I've decided sprinkle mood, it is all I can do not to shout at the adolescent creating my dessert masterpiece, "ADD MORE SPRINKLES! NOW!" I don't want to frighten the poor dear into dropping MY precious frozen delight on the floor and then wait while they start again. My patience is far too tasked, as it is people!

Sprinkles are an odd topic for a blog post, I realize, but I have an explanation. By now, though, I would think you know this is what you get with me. Strange. (insert grin)

Last week my camera arrived! I have named him . . . Calvin. I had already been brainstorming about the various photo projects I would try before he arrived. On Wednesday I started my first challenge, 'Let's FACE it'. As the description on my Flickr set reads,

"Calvin has arrived and has already begun working his creative power on my eyes and senses. Who is Calvin? My new camera (yes I name electronics), a Canon Rebel T3i to be precise. 'Let's FACE it' is a 30 day photo project I began brainstorming about even before Calvin arrived. All the pictures feature my face and/or a focus of namely my eyes. No I'm not vain, just find face photography intriguing and invigorating . . . a challenge. This camera is a BIG step for me and I'm learning. I guess I'm saying go easy on me and if you want to . . . offer some advice. Enjoy!"

Yesterday was day three and I'm sitting here typing this post, biding my time until Mum arrives. I need her advice. I have too many pictures of last night's photo session to decide which one is Flickr Photo worthy. However, I also wanted to post here some of the less unfortunate photos and the aftermath of what sprinkles do . . . to your face.


Sprinkles in your nose . . . not pleasant.

Sprinkles in your ears . . . colorful compared to earwax.

Sprinkles in your eyes . . . horrid, as the pictures will attest to.

Sprinkles in your mouth . . . not bad at all.

Cleaning up sprinkles . . . not fun. I think I need to hire a maid for these photo sessions.

Skin reaction to sprinkles and the 'gluing' agent used . . . I looked like I sat in a tanning bed too long. Instead of coming out a bronze goddess, I came out a blotchy red mess.


The Aftermath:

My makeup slave extraordinaire!:

Mum hiding . . . not too hard to do in my hair.

Sprinkles in my eyes:

Runner-up:

Winner:

You have to go to Flickr to see! (insert grin)

All photos in this post belong to me, ©MadMadelyne. Please respect my creative design(s) by not stealing and I will keep sharing! Thank you!


*Thank goodness there is not one near me. Otherwise, I would need to do much more rationalizing in my life than I already do.

Tattoo Tuesdays: Meet Melissa

Uh-oh?!? Are you thinking I've finally reached my limit and inked my skin with some art? Well hopefully you didn't get the idea from the picture above, because that is a very crude doodling done by yours truly. My sister and I have this in common, when ink pens are around we can't help, but to take them to our flesh and begin doodling. I even write poetry on my palms (while driving, bad habit). I don't know about her, but I even have a particular pen I like to use. Which explains why the Tattoo Tuesdays picture is not very good. I left my pen in the car*.

Maybe it is a secret or maybe not, but tattoos hold a certain fascination for me. I'm always tempted to ask people for a closer look or to ask where did you get it done. You know with every tattoo there is a story, a motivation, and I wouldn't mind knowing that too. Of course I want one, but there are some moral issues to sort through first, until then I'll keep ogling other people's tattoos.

This first part, of another new series, will be long because it is an intro, but I hope for these to be short in the future. My only intent is for a blurb and picture of favorite tattoos I come across. However, to start, I want to tell you about a tattoo artist I really admire, Melissa Metz (screen name on Flickr: ImeanHoneyBee).

I was internet “introduced” to her by my friend Nicole a few years ago. Back then Nicole was bragging on her photography and I can still see why. She is who inspired me to start my first 365 Photo project and to delve into photography more. I'm still an extreme amateur with my pictures, but I hope I can someday capture the world with a lens the way Melissa does. So I've never truly met her or talked to her, I "stalk" her on Flickr. She doesn't know, I assume. It was there that I discovered her tattoos and her other awesome ability . . . she is a tattoo artist!

The older I get the more I feel I want to surround myself with these artistically awesome people. Perhaps become guilty by association? I feel the same about my sister, when I look at her room, I feel dull in comparison. So when I grow up I want to be a mix of Melissa and my sister with my only little twist. :)

From what I can tell from Melissa's pictures on Flickr she designs her own tattoos. She has one full sleeve, I think. (If I get the tattoos wrong, it is because I'm a poor researcher or not a good stalker :) As well as a gorgeous tree spanning her entire back. I have the picture of this, which she posted on Flickr, on my iPod**. FYI Flickr folk, I do this with my favorite pictures. It is my modern version of being a "grandmother" and taking my wallet out and showing people your amazing talents. I'm advertising your skills! I'm always saying "If you like this, check out their other stuff on Flickr. Go! Now!"

Melissa recently shaved part of her head and got a tattoo in its place of buttons. Sweet! When I shared the link on my Facebook everyone assumed I wanted the same. :) I like my hair too much.

She lives in New Zealand now and still tattoos. Previously she was inking in California.

Okay, so here is where I get a little ridiculous (if I haven't already). I want to fly to New Zealand to get my first tattoo done by her. I would do it too, if I didn't think she might look at me like I'm mad. You never know, though, perhaps she is used to crazy folk . . . like me. I know what I want for my tattoo and I'm very tempted to message her. I would be like, "I think you’re awesome! Because the chances of me making it to New Zealand in this life are slim, I was wondering would you at least be willing to design my tattoo?" Should I brave it?

So check out her pictures and her tattoos! Maybe tell her, Maddie sent you.

Do you want a tattoo? Do you have a favorite you've seen?

*I could go get it, but it has been pouring down rain all day and I'm relatively warm in the shop. Where is snow at people?!?

**That is not the picture I have. I promise the photo (not good quality pic of my iPod below showing it) existed at some point, but I couldn't find it on her Flickr. The link above is another picture of the tattoo that I found while trying to link to the other one for you. :)