Friday, October 24, 2008

Awards and How many times have we said, "I'm sorry it's been so long...?"

My dear friend Pam Carriker, of the Bag Lady's Art, gave me a couple of awards eons ago and I am now passing them on. First, the eternally soul-beautiful Jan Thomasson, of the Polka Dot Barn, whose sweet emails always lift my spirits. Second, the eternally amazing Suzan Buckner, of The Thrifty Collage Artist, who provides so much inspiration for me on a daily basis. And third, the eternally generous Donna Cook, of Bonnie Blue Denim, who so generously shares herself not only with us but also with her world at large. Please visit these fabulous women, you'll be glad you did. (note: especially the Polka Dot Barn, Jan's mom is in the hospital right now and I know she would love your thoughts and prayers)



Have you seen this?


I've seen it on a few fellow bloggers' sidebars, but didn't know what it was and didn't investigate. Well, I finally followed the link. For those of you who are as behind in the information race as I am, here is the meaning of the sign:

It's from a post titled "Blogging without obligation" from Tartx. She starts the entry with "After coming across what seemed to be the 4000th or so post on somebody's blog starting with "I'm sorry I haven't posted in awhile." I decided it is time to rethink what makes a good blog..." She going on to make some good points and I thought I'd share them here with you:


Blogging without obligation:
  • Because you shouldn't have to look at your blog like it is a treadmill.

  • Because its okay to just say what you have to say. If that makes for a long post, fine. Short post, fine. Frequent post, fine. Infrequent post, fine.

  • Because its okay to not always be enthralled with the sound of your own typing.

  • Because sometimes less is more.

  • Because only blogging when you feel truly inspired keeps up the integrity of your blog.

  • Because they are probably not going to inscribe your stat, link and comment numbers on your tombstone.

  • Because for most of us blogging is just a hobby. A way to express yourself and connect with others. You should not have to apologize for lapses in posts. Just take a step back and enjoy life, not everything you do has to be "bloggable".

  • Because if you blog without obligation you will naturally keep your blog around longer, because it won't be a chore. Plus, just think you will be doing your part to eradicate post pollution. One post at a time. . .

It really hit home with me because I seem to be writing that apology on just about every post! I truly love my blog - perhaps more than is clinically advisable - but sometimes life is just a little too full, you know? Sometimes I just want to fool around on a computer game instead of blogging - AKA "vegging out" for a little while. I may steal her tagline, "Blogging whenever I fu*#%ng feel like it since 2006." (I also love swearing more than is clinically advised. Can't do it with the little ears around these days. :-D )

Well, I'm brimming with ideas right now and I've got the dining room all cleaned up because we had company Monday, we're having company Saturday, and Rexy's teacher is coming for a home visit next week. Sigh... I'm terrified I'll make such a mess that it will overwhelm my limited powers of tidiness and then Rexy's teacher will see what a terrible slob I really am. I don't think I can hold out for a week and a half though. Already things have slipped since Monday's company. What I wouldn't give for a studio with a door that closes! There's an article in the newest Cloth, Paper, Scissors Studios Magazine in which the writer describes her ideal studio and it's as if she's reading my mind.

Ahhhhhh, the dream...

~~~ an airy, light-filled room with open shelves at one end so that I can see all my supplies (out of sight, out of mind); a counter that runs the whole length of the building (did I mention it was a building?) with 2 big sinks; a long, comfy couch for naps and friends; Several work tables for different media and one big, table-topped, rolling cart for taking work outside when it's nice out - ooh, and one of those super cool, gigantic easels that you see in the art supply catalogs with so many bells and whistles that it practically makes your coffee in the morning; windows, windows, windows - but still plenty of wall space for art and inspiration boards; double french doors that lead out to the open porch/deck/patio (I can't decide) or a really cool, windowed, sliding barn door...or maybe both! ~~~


What's your dream studio?

4 comments:

prairieknitter01 said...

I just wanted to add a note about Blogging without Obligation. Most of us use a blog reader anyway, so every morning when we sit down with our coffee, our faithful blog reader goes out and finds who has posted and who hasn't, then presents us with a list of updated blogs since our last visit. I think everyone should blog without obligation, since few people troll through blog after blog manually any more! Just a note.
Andrea

Unknown said...

Well I just went from a dining room table with stuff scattered all over to my own little space that was (when we moved in) the dining area.. then my sister Mary and I decided to put the table in front of the fireplace and double doors leading to the deck so that room because a reading room...one I didn't use. Now it's full of all my art supplies (in the corner cabinets that once housed dishes) the walls are covered with my art, and below them is a freshly painted (white) buffet I found at a yard sale for 5 bucks...lovely and the old round table is perfect as are all the other little cubbies...will have to post a photo of it...Perfect for me!!!

bonniebluedenim said...

sometimes I only wish for a clear countertop or other clear flat surface. I gotta dream bigger. Thanks for the award! You are so sweet. And don't fret the teacher visit. She'll know your home is filled with love, and bottom line, that's all that matters! and just how do you do that blog trolling thing. so much to learn, so little time.

glimmering prize said...

who-ho! my prize came in the mail today!!! I am so stoked- i'm going to hang it in my new workroom! I love it laurie!
thanks
lorraine