April 07, 2008

i’m ready

For what’s next! You see I took this picture back in late January with the idea that I would use it on the blog to announce that my organizing efforts that began in January of this year, were complete. It’s now, what month are we in? April, and I’m thrilled, and relieved to report that I’m DONE.
I’ve always considered myself an organized sort of person, but never have I been organized to this extent. I have to say the feeling of freedom that surrounds this kind of organization is so very worth the hours spent to get here. I felt like I could never focus entirely or even commit myself to certain projects, even just more, spontaneous, fun times, without feeling a bit of weight on my shoulders about the "things" that need to get done. It seemed that there was always something more important that needed my attention first, totally understandable of course when you’re trying to get a business off the ground. The plan was always that I’d get to those other things later. Well later became years and then I was facing a rather lengthy process to sort out the years.

Here’s one example of what I’m referring to that I’m sure many of you in this digital age can relate to. Digital files including photos, music, computer files. Mine were all out of sorts. And the time I "didn’t have" to sort those files, was spent instead trying to maneuver around the disorganization every day. You know, this habit gets old fast, especially when digital files make up 85% of my life, my business and my day. The truth is the time that you think you’re saving by putting this often tedious process aside is really just an illusion. The freedom that I presently feel is space. Space for ideas to come in, space to maneuver in, space to breathe easier and feel that sense of peace and ease more often.
What does all this mean for you? Well, really this post is probably mostly for me. A symbolic gesture honoring the progress I’ve made and announcing an opening for what’s next, while celebrating the additional feeling of freedom. Maybe as is often the case, sharing here on the blog, might inspire you. I know this isn’t really groundbreaking information. But when you’ve resisted a concept for a while and it finally assimilates, you realize that maybe what all those "people" have been saying all this time actually works ~ you can’t help but want to share! What this does mean is that I now have the space to share more with you here on the blog. And since I’m having so much fun with this blog these days, I’m looking forward to it! I also now have the time to officially start working on a special project that I think you will really enjoy. Now I also just have to keep up with the day to day organizing so it doesn’t expand again, but again so much easier now that the rest has been put to bed. Ok then ~ that’s that! I’ll be back shortly with a daily painting.

(and by the way, I bought that gorgeous wallet pictured above from Elizabeth over at Twig. It’s an Orla Kiely design, and I waited so long to share it with you that it is now sold out, but the good news is Twig has new designs in the same style ~ and I have to say here that not only are Orla’s colors and designs so pretty and elegant, but the wallet design is super functional ~ LOVE it! Also Twig is celebrating their 1 year anniversary by having a special 20% off sale now through April 18. Just enter the code HAPPY_BDAY at checkout. And have I already mentioned how Elizabeth is one of the nicest people to do business with? Yup, I probably have and it’s worth mentioning again. She’s the BEST. Congratulations Elizabeth on your 1 year!!)

Comments (8)

Congratulations! I am on the verge of screaming because my studio is a complete mess. I never really liked the space and my dog recently ruined my rug with my oil paints. So I talked my husband into helping me move my studio to a different room in the house! I can't wait to get organized. As I was reading your post I actually felt the sense of relief you must be feeling. Great post and great podcast! I love reading and hearing about how other artist/designers make it through their days. Thanks.
Oh good for you!

I've been visiting your blog for a couple of weeks, but I've been so inspired by it... I've been working on jewelry pieces off and on for the past three years, meaning to 'someday' set up a studio space after 'finally' getting settled in from moving twice.

After visiting your blog, I finally had to ask myself, "What on earth are you waiting for?"

Last weekend I started organizing a space that I've been using as dead storage... this weekend I made even further inroads. I'm hoping within another two weekends to have the space cleared out, painted, shelves put in, and a workspace set up.

Thanks for the kick in the inspiration!
Oooh, organization gets me all weak in the knees. Congrats to you! :)
Yes, hearty congrats on your organizational success!! This has been one of my New Year's resolutions and I'm not there yet, but you sharing your huge sense of accomplishment gives me the little kick I need to keep going. Thanks!
Congratulations on your organizational skills. I totally can relate to what you just wrote and how you feel. I am at that point in my life too. I need to take the time to just organize my crafts, workplace, home, etc. I know once I do that I feel like the world has been lifted off my shoulders. I just have to discipline myself to block out time to do that. I know it will take me days, but the end will feel so good. Thanks so much for sharing and for the inspirations.
Hugs,
karen
I have the same wallet -- we are twinsies now!!
Oh to be organised... My husband is very good at organising things - so he's been very 'encouraging' with me to get sorted. You are so right with the idea of just putting the 'stuff' in the right place - and not letting it accumalate. Although my desk is a bit of a mess at the mo I know that within 10 minutes I can (and will) get it sorted. It really is libertaing to have it all organised - but hard work getting there. Thanks for sharing...
I am beginning to drown in digital files...so curious how you organized. I'd love some suggestions.
Also, and more importantly, I'm loving your blog and really find your daily paintings inspirational. Because I work with oils (and by using the present tense of work, don't let me fool you that I've painted at all recently) my studio space has been relegated to the detached garage to keep the fumes away. Now that the weather's warming up, I'm hoping to get back to work!!! Of course, I'm also considering scrapping the oils and switching to acrylics. I feel so environmentally unfriendly! Thanks for all the time you spend on the blog. As an artist and a new business owner, I'm loving it!