Thursday, January 19, 2012

Thursday-5:30am

During the night I worked on various correspondence.
All caught up to date--for now, anyways.
For the SOAR group on the Just Be Yourself Ning website I remembered I've had this set of three composition notebooks for many years (that I'll never use for just writing because I didn't realize they were wider lined when I ordered them--LOL!) that I could use for this journaling project.
So I printed off all the various stuff for the group since the beginning of the year...
...and sorted them into a couple big envelopes. Some things are for dates or days of the week and some are unspecified lists and journaling cards and flowers and words.
Since I was almost three weeks behind I just kind of did a whole lot of cutting and pasting...
...a little bit of coloring with colored pens...
...wrote a few notes here and there...
...made a few lists...
...did a little journaling for the past couple days...
...and got caught up. Was definitely a rush job. I've done a little more coloring, but it's pretty simple so far. Not sure if I'll be able to keep this up for the whole year. Time will tell, I guess. It feels more like doodling and playing to me.
I've only had writing journals before...and I just started up with one of those again a year ago. Never thought I'd also have an art journal (since November) and now a SOAR journal for 2012, too. Goodness!
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Well, my paper order came from ClearEnvelopes. The papers were in four cellophane envelopes.
I was excited.
Karma was excited (about the packing paper).
I began to take the papers out.
These are the 12 X 12 inch.
I noticed there were papers where I had two or three of the same paper...
...when I had only ordered one of each?
These are the 8 1/2 X 11 inch. See the duplicates?
Gosh these are all so pretty!!
But I was wondering about the duplicates?
And then I discovered this packet of paper, too!
Must be 20-25 of these very thin purple sheets.
Most of the sheets appeared to be what I ordered, but I got extras. I'm not sure what went on with them because of the handmade paper being discontinued...and when he called me about some sheets being gone already I was so tickled to just get as many kinds as I could of what they had left...I think maybe they just were making up for the fact that more of the paper wasn't there. Because I remember counting on my original order and it was close to 90 sheets...like 87 or 88 maybe? And he said they were out of four of them, right? Well, on my invoice there were 67 listed...and it is the same price he quoted me. But...I got about 100 sheets plus that (dusty) packet of the purple paper!! Whoohoo! I'm assuming they were just housecleaning and I was the lucky beneficiary.
****
Whatever the reason, I am one happy camper. I may not have gotten every one of the papers I had ordered, but I ended up with more than I expected. I am picturing bookcard covers. Collage paper (some are very thin). Card backgrounds. Who knows what else?! Happy dancing up in Fargo! :):)
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I was shocked when I recently discovered I was following 155 blogs. I have been tired with little energy, so I decided I could at least work my way through my blogs and eliminate a lot of them. Long overdue. There were some that no longer existed! Some that hadn't blogged for many months...or even years! I hope I didn't accidentally eliminate somebody I didn't really want to, but I cut my blogs down to around 70! That's still a lot, but it's a lot more manageable. :)
****
Oh, and I signed up for the next free painting class, too. He's doing another one on how to paint waterfalls on three Saturdays in February. It sounds like he's been doing these for a while and I just didn't know it.
****
I've only tried painting with acrylics or oils a couple of times each. Even more foreign to me than watercolors...and the techniques are kind of backwards from watercolors. And I forgot that we moved the boxes with the acrylics and oils into the storage area--duh! So, I might not do the lesson for this week and just wait until he covers watercolors (and pastels) on Saturday...and pray I get in there early enough to watch. At least I have a little bit of experience with watercolors.
****
Maybe I can just play with the watercolors, anyways, instead of the oils he used for the first class, right? If I do the assignment that is probably what I'll do. My knee has still be touchy. I'm tired, my back hurts--(whine-whine)--just can't see going down there with my cart and trying to lift and haul boxes around right now. Geez! I can't believe I forgot that until I went to look in the shelves over the washer and dryer. Memory isn't what it used to be--LOL!
****
Anyways, that's about it from here. It's currently 17 below. I'm about ready to crawl under the warm covers here pretty soon. Morning for most of you all but nighty-night time for me. ;P At least I've been getting some sleep again and, therefore, am feeling a little better and getting a little done. Well, I'm safe and warm with Karma. Life is good. :)
****
Hope you do the happy dance today, too, over something!! ;)
****
"Just to be is a blessing; just to live is holy."
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel

30 comments:

Toriz said...

Have fun with all your paper! :)

I could probably get my blogs I follow list down to about 20 (from 83 or so) if I removed all the ones that haven't posted in ages.

Anonymous said...

Looks like you have a lot of fun in store for yourself! I'm finally done moving and just starting to settle down a bit. Whew relief.

Beth said...

That was a wonderful surprise, getting all of that extra paper and it is so pretty too.

I hope you get caught up on your sleep today!

Trixie said...

It was good to see what u did w Soar, I even didn't understand a few of those so if was good to see

TexWisGirl said...

i like it when you get shipments - just for karma's amusement. :)

the journals look cool.

Rubye Jack said...

17 below!!! That's crazy.
If I had to write on paper I would probably never get anything written. For so many years now, all I have ever used is a computer and before that a typewriter or word processor. My thoughts seem to move too fast for handwriting. Or maybe it has just come down to I can't remember a thought for more than a few seconds. :)
Occasionally I try deleting a few blogs I follow but half the time it doesn't work for some, known only to Blogger, reason.

Serena Lewis said...

Hi Rita,

I'm lovin' your SOAR journal! The mix of doodling and writing looks so pretty. I'm considering signing up but don't know if I'll be able to commit fully is all.

WOW...those papers are gorgeous!! It sounds like they kindly threw in a few extras for you.

I know what you mean about following blogs. It can be quite time-consuming and leaves little time for my own ventures. I think I need to weed some out...mostly ones that haven't posted in months.

I love acrylics but am unfamiliar with oils.

My body has been aches and pains this past week, particularly my feet. I've been feeling fatigued also. I hope you feel better soon.

Yes, it's good you're getting some sleep again. Enjoy your rest.

Love and hugs,
Serena xo

AliceKay said...

I like seeing what you sketch and doodle into your art journal. I can't draw worth beans...never could...but my younger sister can. She has a B.S. in Communication Design/Graphic Design. I'm lucky if I can draw a stick figure. ;)

Lots of neat looking papers in your order. My daughter would love that purple paper. It was nice of them to include papers you hadn't ordered, too.

The wind has picked up here again today. Thought we were being blown away the other night. The whole trailer shook. It was +12 here when I looked at 7:30 this morning, and it's not much warmer out there right now. Snow is on the way, but I hope it doesn't amount to too much tonight. Got another long day tomorrow.

I'm glad to hear you're sleeping better. That's always a good sign. :)

Deanna said...

Paper is so much fun! You definitely made out like a bandit. You've been so busy! It's been hectic around here too. Have a great weekend.

Deanna

Far Side of Fifty said...

What pretty papers..that will keep you busy for a while! Glad to read you got your Love seat..poor Karma..she has had quite a time with the "change"..cats are so funny sometimes:)

Anonymous said...

Wow I dont think I could manage 70 blogs LOL I just love your colorings those are so pretty. Im glad you are doing well Happy weekend to you hugs!!

Rita said...

Tori--I will! :) Yes, I was surprised at how many blogs I had accumulated over the past few years which weren't even active anymore. ;)

Melynda--I find it hard to believe your life ever really settles down--LOL! ;) So glad the worst of the move is over. Missed you! :)

Beth--Getting all the extra papers definitely made up for not getting all the ones I ordered, that's for sure. I hope you are feeling well and sleeping well, too!

Trisha--I don't really understand about how SOAR works, either. I figured I'd just print things off and paste them into the notebook to get started and go from there. I don't think it matters if you use any of the printed items, actually, or when you use them. Up to you. All the cutting and pasting made me feel like I was bad in grade school--hehe! Fun!

Theresa--What was funny was that the floor was cool cool that even the packing paper couldn't tempt Miss Karma to stay down there very long. ;)

Rubye--You are not the only one who isn't used to hand writing anymore. I've heard they have been dropping teaching cursive in schools! And they don't teach typing anymore because they learn on their own from before they're in school! Myself--I've always written...and written...and written. Letters and journals and lists... Even my son and DIL think it's crazy to use paper for lists. They use their cell phones. I'm very old school, I guess. :)

Serena--Most everything so far was printed off and pasted. She even provides doodles--LOL! You could do this journal if you couldn't draw a straight line. I was behind and don't know how heavily I will want to or have time to get into this, so the quick catch up was fine with me. Just looked like fun and maybe incentive to keep up with my writing and art journals.
I sure hope you feel better soon. Hang in there!! *hugs* :):)

AliceKay--Oh, like I was just telling Serena--all of that you see there was printed off and pasted in. I just colored in some of the flowers and things that were provided. You wouldn't have to be able to draw at all from what I've seen so far if you didn't want to. I just added some notes here and there and filled out lists. As simple as it could possibly be. But I like the quotes and words for the week to think about. If the daily thing is too much, I could always do it weekly, too. Pretty loose with the rules from what I can see. That's why I joined. If I have bad days or weeks, that's okay. I can just do whatever when I get back to it. :)
I lived in a trailer for a year in Wisconsin and I remember it was unsettling when the trailer shook in the hard wind. A bit harder to heat in the winter and cool in the summer, but I loved our trailer. :) Stay warm!!

Deanna--LOL! No rest for the wicked, right? hehe! We must have been bad. ROFL!! ;)

Connie--I'll probably be choosing sheets from this haul for projects years from now--so many!! LOL!
I think it is most disconcerting when you mess with the favorite sleeping spot. She's acting better, but still isn't eating much. Cats can be strange. ;)

Lynn--I really can hardly manage 70 blogs, either. I'm sure I miss posts on occasion, but I do try to read them all even if I don't comment every time. I guess this is what can happen when your cat is your social life--ROFL!!! Oh...that made me laugh till I had to wipe my eyes. Have a good one! :)

Desiree said...

As always I am behind on commenting, but I have been reading, was thrilled to see you got the new seating and that Karma loved it, lol, :P

This order looks fabo, love the papers!

I will be checking out the ning site, like I need another one to belong to though! Ugh!
I love the journal you have made for it though, looking good so far! I had hoped to post to my own blog tonight but I did this crazy killer work out I found on pinterest and I just want to well fall out :S BUT I worked out haha I will so be mad tomorrow!

Glad to see you doing well with all that winter weather up there and hopefully I will get caught up son especially since i owe you a letter!!!!!!!!!

Crazy Life of a Writing Mom said...

You are so creative! I love that.

P. S. all of the paper is beautiful! ;)

Dee Ready said...

Dear Rita,
Like "Serena Lewis," I liked your SOAR journal. Is especially liked the quote from Marianne Williamson. These three journals I suspect will show three different aspects of your creativity.

I'm happy to hear that you are sleeping better. It's too bad about those acrylics, but perhaps when you have a visitor you can get them up to your home.

Take care and meow to Karma from Matthew, Maggie, and Ellie--the cats with whom I live.

Peace.

Anonymous said...

Wow, I love your journal. Never heard of SOAR before. It looks really fun. I've done journals before and you know I can't help but doodle around my writing. Love your various papers too. How exciting. I always have this issue with those kinds of paper where I just can't seem to CUT it. It's pretty much the same reason I didn't get into scrapbooking... couldn't cut my pictures. Well I still haven't gotten my prescription yet and I've been in a lot of pain. Mainly I've been staying in bed trying to keep really warm because I hurt less when I'm toasty warm. Last night I turned on some music and just feel asleep. I had to sleep on the couch but that was okay. I do have a little something left over from a surgery so I'm doing okay. That medicine just makes me sleep so I can't do anything. Hopefully I'll get it soon.

Rita said...

Desi--HI! Yes, new loveseat...new handmade paper...slapped together a new SOAR journal to catch up...LOL! I'm hoping you're not too sore and I'd love to see a letter from you in the mailbox!! ;)

Elisa--Thanks so much, lady!! :):)

Dee--I'll probably stick with using mostly her printouts for the SOAR journal, but it's a fun place to keep track of weekly goals. I do my serious journaling in my writing journal and I like to get more colorful and artistic in my art journal. Goodness! They will keep me busy this year--if I can manage to keep up with all of them even part-time--LOL!
I'm sure I can get the other paints moved this coming week by either Caroline or Dagan and Leah. There are times I really miss being more independent.
Hi to Matthew, Maggie, and Ellie from Karma!! :):)

Donna--I know what you mean. I used to be terribly hesitant to use my nice journals or good paper or new set of pencils or whatever. But then it hit me...did I want to die leaving behind all these beautiful pristine untouched supplies--DUH! Go for it, baby!
Oh, and from my understanding (I don't scrapbook) I think some scrappers use color copies for the pictures they put in their scrapbooks (kind of defeating the point, I thought) and file away all their actual photos in these photo boxes.
I sure hope you get your pain patches soon. If I had strong pain pills I could take (and not get sick from them) I'd probably be sleeping all the time, too. ;) Hang in there!!

Gwen said...

Rita, your pages are really interesting and the paper looks lovely..hand made!
Time will tell whether or not you keep up with things...I think you will somehow!
xx

Deb Shucka said...

Beautiful papers! Made me drool.

Friko said...

It's good to hear that you are happy and keeping busy.
Art projects are a good way to stimulate the brain and get the juices flowing.

Harvest Moon by Hand said...

Your art journal is beautiful, Rita! What a gift to yourself to look back on a month from now...at the end of the year...years from now.

The papers you received are gorgeous. What a fun shipment to receive!

laurak/ForestWalkArt :) said...

you're happy...karma's happy...life is good!! ")

LOVE the handmade papers...have wanted to try that myself sometime...just not enough hours in the day at this point!!

17 BELOW>>??!! wow!! xtreme cuddle weather!! :) happy sunday!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your comment yesterday. I still can't believe our society!

carol l mckenna said...

Wonderful journal creation ~ great photos and love the papers that you got from online ~ bet you will have fun! Guess I would rather have snow than the temps you have in Fargo ~ stay warm ~ namaste, Carol ^_^ ~ hugs too!

Barbara B said...

Rita,
Gorgeous papers! It will be so much fun for you to keep up your art journal. It sounds like you've been gifted with a nice surge of creative energy, which I hope is the case and that it keeps on going for you.

Rita said...

Gwen--Between my sabotaging body and my variety of interests--we'll see if I can keep this up for an entire year--LOL!! ;)

Deb--I was drooling while I ordered them--LOL!

Friko--I totally agree! I'd be one sorry case if I was housebound with no creative juices flowing!! :)

Anna--The SOAR journal is fun but going back over my writing journals is more satisfying--not so colorful, though--LOL!

Laura--I've made poured handmade paper before (Arnold Grummer mold) and it is lots of fun! We moved all the paper making supplies over to Dagan and Leah's. I miss being able to play with papermaking whenever I want to. Love to recycle junk mail and scraps. Not much good for writing on, but great for crafting and cardmaking. ;)

Melynda--Oh, you're welcome, sweetie! :)

Carol L--Yes, been really pretty cold up here. I'd gladly take your snow--LOL!

Barbara B--Thanks! My creative surge didn't last long--LOL! But it always returns. ;)

Carolyn Dube said...

Paper happiness! The textures, the colors, pure happiness! You have been busy in such a good way - getting caught up on your SOAR project, blogs housecleaned, and all with such freezing temps. Have a wonderful day!

Rita said...

Carolyn--I think I'm addicted to paper--the textures, the colors--yup! Pure happiness! LOL! Even though I've been feeling punkish, I have been briefly playing with the SOAR journal. I hope you have a great week, lady! :)

Intense Guy said...

No Rita... you ARE addicted to paper - and some very nice paper at that! :)

And now I've got some samples of some very nice paper myself to play with. Thank you!

:)

Rita said...

Iggy--I wonder if they have meetings for us paper addicts--LOL!
I thought you might like to play a little. I love the slick, smooth paper for fountain pens...just lovely!! ;) Have fun!!