Early Morning

I've found that I can get up earlier in the morning to work on projects. As long as I can get in bed by 10 on the pm. It's really nice early in the morning before goofy neighbors and even the birds wake up . Get some coffee going and get started. One morning last week, I worked on a new doll head design. The pieces were already cut out and I was procrastinating (trying to regain my Princess of Procrastination status). So I finally sewed the pieces together and stuffed it. It was a failure. I wanted a round head and what I got was a watermelon with a nose. I got frustrated and pouted but my inner voice told me to stop it, look at the head to see where I went wrong. So I did. The forehead was too short which meant the back also needed to be lengthened. I liked the gusset at the back of the head and kept that in the new pattern.

A new pattern, I then cut out more pieces, and laid them a different way on the fabric. I had found that the stretch was going the wrong way. Back to the sewing machine. I looked at the thing and it looked like it would work. I stuffed it, packing it pretty hard. The stretch was going in the right direction this time.

The nose was the right size for the face. The head was round like I wanted, nice cheeks and forehead. Just right to work with. And it took less than an hour. I felt pretty good on my way to the job, knowing that when I get home, I can redraw the pattern on cardboard (to be ready for cutting out the next head) and get started on a body.

Oh no! A body.

6 Months

Okay, the beginning part of the year has gone quite well. There are areas for improvement (I'm blessed to be able to acknowledge that) and I will work on those areas. I have the time to work on all projects and still have time to baby myself. There is a constant battle with the 'Fear Demons'/ I with they would just go away but I guess they're part of the push to keep me going.

The push to keep producing work. Completing work; manuscripts, screenplays, figurative art, paintings and applique. Okay, that's a lot and some things are more important than others. The things that aren't that important are needed to keep me balanced. They also help with creative blocks.

I've rewritten my list of projects and goals. I know that everything doesn't have to be finished at the same time but having a date when they should be finished is a good thing. I still have to prioritize what's first to be completed and that's okay because I have....

a plan. Plans are great. Even thought sometimes they don't work out. You'll never know unless you try. So far my plans for this year are working out and most haven't been changed. I believe that shows growth on my part. Preparing the plan, getting all supplies if needed, initiating and implementing the plan, then seeing it through. It feels good when a plan works out and a project is completed, a goal realized. Yay me and a pat on the back.

The next six months are a continuation of some plans and new plans will be implemented. Deadlines will be made. This is still my year.

Rewards for Hardwork

Taking time out for myself a few weeks ago has been a wonderful experience. After working very hard on numerous projects, it was time to relax and celebrate. I can't remember the last time I did that. Or even took time out for me. But I did it and I learned that it's okay. I deserve being nice to me. Celebrating my achievements. Recharging the batteries of my creative soul to get ready for the next group of projects.

I can think clearer now. I can say that I know how to not think about anything on a vacation but enjoying myself. I am well rested. My phone was on but I didn't really notice it ring. Didn't even use it. How many people can say that they actually know how to relax and not be tied to anything technical while on vacation? To be able to enjoy where they are and the company they're with.

I will not be a part of that crowd. A vacation or holiday is to be enjoyed, not to continue to be tethered to everyday. I will also make my reward list for when I'm ready to relax and take care of me, once again.

Emerald Isle

After dinner in Beaufort, Maya and I headed to Emerald Isle to look for a spot to see the sunset on my birthday. This was the entrance to the beach. The sand was very fine and still warm.
The sky was beautiful as the day was ending.
The sun begins to set on what was a very exciting day.
I just love the surf. The sound of it, how peaceful it is. I also stuck my feet in again. Couldn't be there without that happening. We watched the tide come in. How wonderful and amazing an event.
The sun finally says goodbye. I enjoyed my trip to the coast. I'm hoping the first of many more.

Cape Lookout

This is looking towards the back of the ferry boat. Oh the spray of the sea on my face was great. It was a fun ride even though when we hit a wave wrong, I almost flew off my seat.
Cape Lookout was magnificent to see. I love lighthouses. I think in a past life I was a lighthouse keeper. I know I was a seafarer. This is my first North Carolina lighthouse.
The black diamonds I believe tell the north/south direction and the white diamonds go east/west.

Some wild flowers. Another painting.
And some dunes. I really like the coast of North Carolina. What a cool state. I can't wait to find the other lighthouses.

Fort Macon, North Carolina

Here are pics of Fort Macon in the Inner Banks of North Carolina. I like forts because of the history within the walls. Not all of it good but it's a part of what has made this country.
The edges of the top of the fort were rounded to prevent grappling hooks from taking hold.
I have a thing for canons and fire power.

One of the inner chambers of the fort used for storage or sleeping quarters.

Canon balls.

Atlantic Beach on My Birthday

One of the better pictures I've ever taken. I don't do well on the lens side of the camera. But I was happy that day. I finally made it to the coast of North Carolina. I think the happiness shows.
I got my feet wet!