Tuesday, January 1, 2019

word of the year... Explore!


revolving, evolving worlds, color and sparkle 
how did you do with last year's word of the year?
(the above image was taken at the Denver Museum of Art)

My word was change last year...

What a year it was, and I learned that choosing a word means you learn about all sides of it, the good and the bad.

I think in the back of my mind I hope to learn the good from a word, but I often get kicked around by them.
This year I learned change isn't always good or for the better. Changes can be too numerous and overwhelming. Many changes are not for the better, they just are life.  I learned I like changes when I choose to experience them but when they are forced on me like a bad cocktail guest, not good.

I learned it takes strength to face change, acceptance to cope with it, and mental effort to process it.

there is a lot out there to explore
This year I considered a phrase of the year, being very specific as the universe needs to know just what I want, lol. What about  "experience good things". Just for balance you understand... I've done the other side of that, now I'd like to know what it's like to fall butter side up.


Somehow our luck needs to change for the better this year.
We do everything we know to do, to prepare, to foresee issues, to handle life, but somehow we are always picking up life's pieces, with some having rolled under a sofa. 

The main word, the focus for this year,
will be "EXPLORE"

explore ideas for art, make more, see more in museums and work done by other artists. I'd like to explore new groups here, since there are groups of painters, beaders, doll makers, writers, ancestry, etc. I'll visit the groups and see if the atmosphere feels good or restrictive.

Explore publishing. I'd like to work on my novel this year. It has a mystery element, and I realized I must come up with the mystery and solve it!
Explore music again. I grew up playing piano, and have a keyboard I've not opened. I have a ukelele I want to  play again too, so maybe find a teacher this time.

Explore making art with my supplies, use them freely without concern for waste. Each time I make something I learn about the principles of design. It releases my spirit. I forget time and pain.

Explore the area... see the West... visit towns, go and do.

Explore will define itself as the year progresses. Explore will teach me, and give unexpected experiences.

At the end of 2018, I joined a small new art quilt group with people I like, who want to grow in their art. I have learned to be alone this year, but also know I thrive by being with people who are smart and funny, engaged in life, accepting of others, and that like who I am.I've learned to walk away from people who are the opposite. Age has it's merits.

My list of goals for this year... along with breathe deeply and keep going...


Take Ukelele lessons
Set up the keyboard and play piano again
Paint weekly/ draw/write on the novel
Pursue publishing
Read or look through quilting books
Organize the studio totally
     Go through patterns
     List books
     Sort fabric drawers
      UFO’s sort and decide
Journal quilts
Drink more water, eat better, try to sleep well
Dance again
See the area…get in the car and go to new towns.
Open each box in basement
Contact friends, set up dates, meet for game nights
Meet like minded people who are accepting and smart, funny and creative, and kind
Join some groups like beaders, writers, ancestry, doll makers, painters
Use my supplies with abandon even on work that won’t be shown or competitive
Learn to use my digital 'slr' camera and edit photo software
Write more studio interviews and post on blog which means visit studios

Explore


Uh Oh, me too, short arms...Oh they meant meteors... never mind!

12 comments:

Quiltdivajulie said...

All best wishes for your year of exploration -- just opening each of those boxes could count as one chapter!

Lisa said...

I've tried a few times to comment, but have been unsuccessful. Hopefully, this one will take!
I like Explore for your word for the year. I think Explore and Change could go hand-in-hand too. I have discovered that change (good and bad) is what allows us to grow. Without it, it's very easy to sit and be content in our comfort zone. I agree sometimes Change can be very challenging, which is when faith steps in to help navigate life. Looking at your Explore list, if you do half of what's there, you'll have a very busy 2019! I wish for you and yours a joyous new year and all the best life has to offer.
https://peripheralperceptions.wordpress.com/2019/01/01/my-one-word-for-2019-is/

Val's Quilting Studio said...

I love your word and goals for it!!! I think it's going to be a fun year for you!! ENJOY!

Sara said...

You have a really good plan to begin the new year in the right way.

Sandee said...

That's a great word for this year. Mine is kindness.

Have a fabulous happy and healthy New Year. Scritches to Milo. ♥

Joanne said...

Happy New year!
Explore! Great word for 2019!

QUILTING IS BLISSFUL, DI said...

Yes--I like your word--explore--there is so much right around each of us that can be explored--yet we dont for whatever reason!! and here is a thought/idea--you do the Thurs post of what you like that week--so what about a weekly post of what you actually "explored" that week!!!!! Now if I could just decide on my word--
love, diane

Jean said...

What a fantastic word for the year! Wonderful goals as well, very fitting with your word. Hope you discover all kinds of wonderful new things in 2019!

SandyPA said...

My word is similar to yours - Venture. I love your thought of exploring the west. I am hoping to venture out to check out more of the south where I moved almost two years ago. Good luck on achieving your goals! Sandy at sewhigh.blogspot.com

Helen L said...

I love your word for the year: it is so perfect since you moved to a new place this last year. I'm still deciding if I need a word for the year. Something about it makes me feel a bit obstinate, kind of how I feel about New Year's resolutions!! :-) But if I picked a word, it would be "de-clutter"!!! I've been living in the same house nearly 31 years now, and boy, have I got clutter down!!! Have a great new year!! Hugs, H

Tails Around the Ranch said...

Here's to loads of happy exploring.

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

Love the shadowy street shot!