Not the Usual New Year's Resolutions

1. Quit smoking

2. Learn a foreign language

3. Practice the piano daily

4. Learn to knit

5. Pass the LSATs

Ha! Ok. You guessed correctly.

This is not my list.

Not that I have any real "Resolution List" to submit just because the calendar is gonna turn over to 2010. But, I do set goal lists. Things I'd really like to work towards. With that in mind- I found this suggested list for artists that I'll use as my jumping off platform.

1. Write daily: blog is good, correspondence is better.

2. Sketch daily: digital or sketch book.

3. Collect images through camera, magazines, etc.

4. Study other artists.

5. Keep files organized and portfolio current.

Don't get me wrong.

This isn't my total focus in every day activities.

I still have to clean the house, pay the bills, Bible study, do the shopping, care for the kitties, etc. This list is just part of defining the elements of what I think will make me a more productive artist/writer.

By making time for writing and some form of artistic expression: artJournal, collage, digital editing or bookmaking- while not necessarily "scheduled" but rather planned for will amount to more likely being achieved.

To become a well rounded individual, self-discipline is required. Outlining structural components are a necessity to progressing towards that effort. If I even meet some of these goals just once a week- it's a step forward.

One other idea is from Katie the Scrapbook Lady who encourages keeping a monthly "Round-Up" list. Her suggested list includes:

1. What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
2. What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?
3. What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?
4. What gifts did I give and/or receive?
5. What special or unusual purchases did I make?
6. What illnesses or health concerns did I have?
7. What were my accomplishments this month?
8. What were my disappointments this month?
9. Anything else noteworthy to include?

So... these are my resolutions. I'll quit smoking next year! But, that's only if I begin to smoke!

Oh? Like the image? It's a vintage DIXON Pencil advertisement! I love collecting those.. and plan to start collecting the actual old pencils and boxes. Cool, eh? yeah. Geeky, I know. Did you know you can actually buy used pencil nubs on eBay? Just a little weirdness to the madness. That's not to be considered with this Canadian publication. And, while I was researching this paragraph I stumbled across this link from pencils.com of famous pencil pushers.

Oh! This reminds I DO have a REAL resolution for the year! Quit chasing rabbit trails (or opening more tabs on my browser window to follow random trains of links!)

Cheers! and Happy New Year to you and yours!