The Bullet Journal

So, little did I know that I have actually met and had cocktails, a couple of times, with the creator of the Bullet Journal System: www.bulletjournal.com- Ryder Carroll

So, thank you Ryder, if you ever read this: I am an ex-wife of one of your classmates.  Thank you for reminding me that I can remain analog in a digital world.  I have been reminded of how journaling helps the mind, both find focus and release.

I am an organizer, I know... SURPRISE!  I was just always placed in charge, something about being responsible and friendly.  To the detriment of my friendships and personal time, I somehow end up in charge... sorry.  Anyway, my main system for organizing thoughts have been post it notes.  I found that while living by myself in Louisville, KY in my 20's that I needed gentle reminders: Keys, lunch, brush teeth, etc.  So post-it notes became my system.  Brightly colored paper all over the walls, my desks, the fridge, and mirrors.  Helpful, but a few things.... Post it notes don't travel well from place to place.  So while I remember the tasks before me, the ones that are out of sight, were out of mind.  So while feeling unfocused, and encouraged from a check in session- I decided to start journaling.  Find a way to reflect and organize thoughts...

I spent a couple of weeks writing things down in a journal, a new one from the store with a layout and fun colors.  I ran out of space... everyday.... That's when I ran across the Bullet Journal System , so I started practicing in a journal, just something old I had shoved in a studio drawer, it had both grid lines and blank sections per page.  I found that I was drawn to the gridline, and the ability to easily sketch out a page.  I could embellish with color, though several friends warned that color can become overwhelming, which is true.  I do find that color help me categorize, for those who have seen my calendars, you know what I mean.  They were absolutely right about being overwhelmed at points.

I found that daily pages where great, but I am a planner and like to see planned tasks days ahead.  So I played with some weekly layouts, they seemed to be helpful.  I kept having the feeling of... Holding off/ Not Really Getting Started.  It felt that with all of the thought I was putting forth, the research into different layouts and ways to plan the day that I would find calm.  So, I started...

Today.... Is May 1st!  I am officially using my journal and find it enjoyable, though I'm still obsessing a little.  It is fun!  The goal is to have everything set up for the month, I've been very lucky and been able to schedule a few days off... and boy do I feel better.  I have started organizing my mind, tracking the things that I want to learn more about and enjoy.  Trying to find a positive intention to the days when I feel I have a brain cloud, maybe there's a reason.  So here I go: I hope you like the images.  Maybe I'll start sharing my layouts and progress here.  Probably a better place than all over Instagram/Facebook.  Though I'm sure I'll have some things to share there.  It's nice to be able to draw again, incorporate some daily practices and self care.  Artistic expression is important, now I can incorporate it into my daily life, not just when I have "time".  Felt like sharing my layouts so far! Enjoy!

Searching for Daily Practices...
Happy Journaling!

Busy Buttons

All of the things that can happen...

NEW BUTTON MAKER!!!

A week ago my button maker cracked, the casing just gave out, exactly 3 months after purchase.  I am very lucky that I was still able to return the old machine for a full refund.  I didn't really know what to do, I have just started making buttons, I hated to stop.  SO!  I bought an #UPGRADE!

Meet button maker 2.0!

It has a much better action and far less miss-pins/failures.  I was able to spend the morning making brand new buttons!  Good thing too, last week I added in a raffle box, full of button sets and depleted some inventory.

It's weird to think how a new medium can be so fulfilling.  I find I have less and less time to make art.  Never time to paint.... I'm currently designing a new production, Max has started Baseball, work is in full swing.  Working weekends, with holidays mixed in.  I am very lucky that I have been able to find time for myself.  I just wish I had another 18 hours a day, that no one else can have... then maybe I could catch up.

I've started yoga again, it helps.  My body was feeling old, and filled with aches and pains.  Finding time for myself has been hard, but I'm a work in progress.  So, here's to making art and spending time doing what we need and want, and making those things equal.

More coming soon!

International Women's Day

The understanding:

"International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity."

This is the quote at the top of the homepage for: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/About

In the news:

The Fearless Girl

https://www.facebook.com/janiegirl.flowers/posts/10212124580407273

My achievements:

Today I was on "strike". I did not go to work.  I did not check email. Instead, I made art. All different kinds of art. Buttons, burp cloths, pussy hats, and paintings. I supported a small woman run business. I processed orders, made new things, and prepped for the days to come. If I can get this done in an 8 hour day, imagine what I could do in 40 hours a week. Today I lived a dream, it was sweet.

Thank you to the women who suffered and lead the way for me today. I am lucky to have my work, both inside and outside the home. Here's to finding new hope in the days to come.

#resist

Hello.... again....

Let's do this again....

I'm a few years older, wiser.... Well, a hell of a lot busier.  I've gone back to the real world.  I work 40 hours a week outside of the studio.  My son is now 6-1/2.  I found that over the last few years I stopped making art.  I just made what was asked, the shop closed.  Time is hard to find when you are always playing catch up.

Well, I am working to have time.  Not just spinning wheels trying to stay put.  Times are different now.  I am trying to find time for myself, find out what I need, not just what others need from me.

I find that the news is making me angry, so to fight the anger I am practicing Art Therapy...... I make Buttons and Pussy Hats...

So.  Hello..... I'm Janie..... I make art...

Here is where I will share it with you....

New Art, New Items in the store.... maybe even a new look....

Check back, things are happening.....

Make Art Every Day!