Yeah, I may be a month or two late for this. I wrote it a month ago in my notebook, a month flew by and I haven’t done anything on my list. What good is my list if all it does is sit in my notebook? I didn’t want to write “resolutions” per say. Resolutions get broken (or never started in my case). I wanted to come up with a list of things that I’ve actually been wanting to do but have been putting off because of time, laziness, resources. Things to awaken the creative beast within me. She’s in there, I know it. If ANYBODY sees something on this list they’d like to either do with me or keep me accountable for, I am all for that. It doesn’t even have to be done locally together. You want to learn the ukulele?? Tell me about your progress and I’ll tell you mine. :)
SO, my list. Is it strange?
Take a creative writing class. English class was always my favorite in school. Writing essays were never really my thing, but I always loved creative writing. When you no longer have school to force you to do these things, you kind of miss them. Like, I for real miss my choir class. That was my jam. Maybe next year I’ll put joining a community choir or play on my list. But that’s next year. This year, writing. Hoping that it will help my blogging, and start these creative juices up.
Learn the ukulele. I have childhood memories of my grandmother and my great aunts singing and playing the ukulele while my sisters and I dance around the living room. They all had voices like angels, and we always had the best time. I take such pride that I come from a family that loves the arts! I want to keep it alive, and the ukulele is so cute and perfect. Have you heard of Uni and her Ukulele? Yeah, she’s awesome.
Photograph creatively – for fun! So much, we photographers get bogged down in weddings, editing and shooting the same old way. Taking time to be creative and photograph and let my mind be free is super important. DOING IT!
Watercolor. Sooo pretty, right?? Maybe I’ll break out that watercolor kit my mom got me for Christmas a few years ago. I’d love to personalize my client packaging with something pretty.
Doodle. May sound weird. I get it. But did you ever hear that doodling helps with your creativity and focus? AND I realize that sometimes I edit something and I think it looks great, and I edit all the pictures in that sequence to look the same. Then I go back a few minutes later and think WHAT THE HECK WAS I THINKING? So lately I’ve been doing small little doodles to take my eyes off of the computer, and when I look back, I can get a better grasp on how to better edit that image.
Learn more knitting techniques. I’m a newbie knitter. I always laugh when I’m sitting on the sofa, knitting away and a commercial comes on with an old granny in the corner, knitting, with her glasses and a bun on her head. Then I mentally look at myself and I look EXACTLY THE SAME! But, I really love it. I’m the type of person that can’t sit and just watch tv. I have to multi-task. Knitting gives me something to do with my hands and I get something really pretty out of it! So far I’ve done great with the basic stitches and I think it’s time to start on something a little more complicated. No sweaters anytime soon for this girl!
Practice brush lettering. I started doing modern calligraphy for a little bit last year. It’s a lot harder than I expected. I’m so used to writing fast as possible. In calligraphy, you totally have to take your time and think about where you want your pen to go. I haven’t practiced with a brush yet, but definitely would love to see how I do with that. For my clients sake, at least, my penmanship needs saving!!
Go on more dates with my husband. Specifically, NON-DINNER dates. It’s so easy to fall into that rut. We have that rut down pat. Of course, we have our Friday nights designated as “date night” but what it really means is “let’s eat out” night. There’s so much to do out on the town! I’m making it a point that we get creative and do something fun.
Have our pictures taken. It’s been waaaay too long since the last time. As much as I love them, neither of us look like that anymore. I hate to be the person who uses skinny photos from years and years ago to make people believe it’s current. This is a must, even though I despise being in pictures. My comfort zone is much preferred behind the camera. It’s gotta be done though! I’ll regret it if we wait another 5 years!
Plant plants and keep them alive! I’m the worrrst!! I’ve even been known to kill succulents! If anybody has any advice, I am all ears. I honestly don’t even know where to start. Start me off with easy! I love those big beautiful gardens, but with the crazy FL weather, I can’t keep up with it.
Get involved with charity. So as you may know, Bryan has had not one but two kidney transplants in the past few years. Both times, we’ve been blessed to have people we know donate for him. One of them even being a bride of mine who never even met him prior to testing. Our heroes have inspired me so much to give back. It’s overwhelming when to think how exactly to do that. Yeah, I do what I can now, but I really want to do something big and continue to give my time and gifts to those in need.
Blog everything. Hence, why I’m telling you all about my list here. I want you to get to know me, not just the photos I produce, and the weddings I photograph. I don’t really lead an interesting life, so I’m going to do my best to blog as much as I can!
CELEBRATE! In general. Just celebrate. Life is short and there is so much in our lives to be thankful for. While there is so much to get us down, we have to remember to take time to smile, laugh, and live life. Dance like no one is watching, sing like no one is listening, and just be happy.
I’m down for doodling with you :)