Random Thoughts Tuesday: 2014 plans for Online Classes

2013 has been a very busy year from an online art class perspective.  I have been meaning to write down a list of all of them so I can keep up. Some how I have not done that yet, but I know for sure it is a lot.  Hence the decision to limit the number of online classes for 2014.

While it is a lot of fun to participate in these classes, it is not always wise.  At least this is true for me.  I find that I get so busy that I forget to just try and paint or draw something on my own just to see if I can do it.  In fact I am kind of hesitant to try, but I feel this call to branch out on my own no matter the result.

The picture above was a lesson from Life book 2013.  I drew and colored it while I was on the train, as a result, I had to vary from the lesson just a bit and it was great.  I felt empowered.  I also participated in ICAD from Daisy Yellow,  it was a free project where you drew or painted on index cards using a prompt or a suggestion of a theme.  This was a hoot to do because I was left to my own imagination as to what I would create and I must admit that some of the cards were really cool.

So, this is my plan for 2014.  I am going to sign up for two (maybe 3 if one just calls to me) on-line classes; participate in the inspiration card swaps sponsored by Jessica Brogan (I love this); Hope ICAD is held so I can participate; designate at least 2 days a week for my own thing.

It will be so interesting to see if I follow through on my plan.  Only time will tell.  In the mean time I will enjoy the rest of this year learning and growing. 

blog-a-long day 30/30 - Just the Begininning

Aren't these plates beautiful?  I bought them as a splurge while in Orvieto Italy last year.   They are not large dinner plates.  Rather they are a beautifully painted salad plate.  Salad plates are what I use for dinner since I am trying to eat in a more healthy manner and watch my portions.  Do you see the little bowl in the head of the picture, it holds 1 1/2 cups, just enough for soup or other treats without over eating, plus they are just so cute.

Why did I choose this picture today?  The plates are hand made and have a great artistic value to me. Someday with lots of practice I will be able to draw and paint flowers like this. 

Today is the last day of the 30 day Blog-a-long with Effy Wild.  I have had so much fun blogging everyday.  Some posts have been serious, some have allowed me to stand on my bully pulpit and others have been whimsical, but they all reflect various elements of my personality.  I have really been trying to blog more this year, to use the talents God has given me.  Because of that I do not see this as the last day of a blog-a-long; rather it is just the beginning of new adventures in writing and posting.

For instance I need to learn how to increase the followers on my blog.  I am always excited and appreciative when someone follows me.  It is like getting a Christmas present.

I want to figure out my intention for this blog and for myself actually.  Where do I want to go?  What direction to I want my life to take?  What lessons are there for me to learn?  I still have so much life to live.  It would be so cool to live to be 88 like my great grandmother Fannie Jane Cole, so very exciting.

But for today, dear reader, I am so glad for this opportunity and the friendships I have cultivated from this blog-a-long.  Please stop by when you can, love to you all, especially Effy.