Resolutions Made (But Can I Keep Them?)

Yes, I make Resolutions. I try to keep them . . . really, I do try. But most tend to fall by the wayside, some sooner than others. I believe I've figured out why. My resolutions tend to be too general. For instance, every year I resolve to lose weight, but I never include specifics; it's always just "lose weight." This year, I'm getting more specific.

My major focus will be my art. I've spent more time on art, and art-related activities this past year than I have in a long time. I intend to spend even more this coming year. Of course, it will help that my husband also intends to spend more time on his own art as well! LOL! So, while he's in his studio recording his music, I can be in mine, working on projects.

So, what are my art-related resolutions for this year?

1. Update this blog at least once weekly. As you can see, it's been some time since I've posted. One of the reasons I started this blog was to enable me to write more, which is something I love to do. I feel that writing here will motivate me to write more, and then I can finally finish at least one of the many novels I've started over the years.

2. Watch no more than 2 hours of television a day. My time at home is very limited. I really only have Saturday and part of Sunday to work on my art. But, I have a very bad habit of zoning out in front of the television, watching movies I've seen a hundred times, or some inane sitcom just because there's nothing else on. Before I know it, the day is gone, and I've gotten nothing done! And, if it's a show I really like, it's hard to concentrate on handwork because I really do want to watch the show. I do have a couple of favorite shows (Project Runway, The Fashion Show, Launch My Line, Legend of the Seeker, V, True Blood, Uncommon Threads, Craft Lab . . .). Okay, well, maybe more than a couple! LOL! But, because of my work and commute hours, I have them set to record on the DVR. When I do get time to watch them, I can fast-forward through commercials. I can actually watch 3 shows in about 2 hours. Isn't technology great? But back to the point. I have to stop spending a day in front of the television getting nothing done. Two hours of television a day is enough to watch the shows I really like.

3. Go to the gym at least three times a week. I'm through with the "lose weight" resolution. My eating habits are mainly healthy. My diet is primarily low-carb, low-fat, with very little sugar. I occasionally need my burger/pizza/ice cream fix, but as long as it's not more than once a month, I feel that's fine. I believe the main reason I'm not losing weight is that I'm sedentary. With my long commute to and from work, sitting in front of a computer all day, sitting in a classroom two to four times a week, and the fact that my favorite activities are sitting at a sewing machine or at my craft table painting or glueing, I get almost no exercise. I do try to get out and walk around at lunch, but it's not enough for the amount of sitting I do. So, off to the gym I must go. Adding the exercise will result in weight loss. Now, I can hear you asking, "How is this art-related?" It is; the more weight I lose, the more energy I will have to work on my art instead of vegetating in front of the television!

4. Pick one UFO and work on it every week until it's finished. I have so many unfinished projects. As of this writing, I have 81 UFO's that I know about! I'm sure there are more in some of the boxes in the garage that haven't seen the light of day in decades! About 20 of those were started this year. I have so many interests and ideas, that I find it hard to stay focused on one project for a long period of time. I'll start one, then put it aside to start something new. Sometimes it will be a long time before I get back to it (obviously). Or, I'll start something with the intention of entering it into a challenge or entry call, but will miss the deadline, and the project gets put aside. I can't say that I'll finish one every week. Some of them are barely started, and require more hours than I have in one week to finish. That's not to say I won't start on new projects; that would be asking a little much! But, I will work on one every week to its completion.

5. Show! What good is my art, if I keep it bottled up inside my head, trapped inside a sketchbook, or loitering in my studio? Art is meant to be shared, viewed, experienced, and not just by the artist. I need to let go of my apprehensions and let people see what I have to say. The other day, I came across a wonderful quote by Dr. Seuss:

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.”

I read it and almost cried. It resonated within my soul. I can handle criticism of my work, and I've always known that other's opinions shouldn't rule my existence. I knew it, but that day, I felt it! I wanted to soar! So, with that in mind, I will show my work. I will make every effort possible to answer Entry Calls. I will show in local guild shows. I will post photos here, and in my Flikr page (which I've just created). I will share my art with anyone who wishes to see it.

So, those are my resolutions for 2010, as they relate to my art and my artistic journey. These are resolutions I plan to keep. There will be some hurdles to overcome. Old habits, especially long existing ones, can be very hard to break. And there may be weekends where, due to family issues, work and school, I may be just to exhausted to do anything other than vegetate. I'll deal with that when it comes along. 2010 will be a good year, I can feel it!

I hope you all have a fun and safe New Year's Eve. May the next year bring you everything you dream of, hope for, and desire.

Until next week, take care!