"Red Enso" collage by Donna Watson
Announcement of 2 March workshops:
March 5-6: WABI SABI AND THE SPIRIT OF COLLAGE: Portland OR at the
Sheraton Airport Hotel. For more information on workshop, location, supply list,
cost, and registration go to www.artandsoulretreat.com
March 19-20: ZEN MEMORY BOOK (will make a folded accordion book on any theme
such as memories, family, garden, pets, travel etc). Matzke Fine Art Gallery, Camano
Island, WA. Cost will include lunch. For more information on location, cost, workshop,
and registration contact Karla Matzke, 360-387-2759, matzke@camano.net, website:
Folded book on Zen Gardens by Donna Watson
A NEW YEAR... Time to take stock of the past year and move forward... begin a new chapter...
be open to new possibilities... start over... learn from the past year and move on...
self portrait, journal page, by Donna Watson
Every January, I write down my goals for the new year. I look at my list from last year and see what goals I met, and what goals I need to extend or continue to work on. I am always a little disappointed in myself when I see what I accomplished and what I did not finish... and the list of what I did not finish always seems to be the longer list.
photo image by Donna Watson
And every year I go through the same goal setting list... making a new list... often with the same goals written down that were on last year's list. And every year I am disappointed in myself. So, this year,
I decided NOT to write another list of goals.
hand made scrolls by Donna Watson
Instead, I decided to make a different sort of list. Not of goals to be met... or not met. But to go inside myself more... more introspective and not set myself up for another year of disappointment when I do not meet all my goals....
photo image by Donna Watson
So here is my first one: TO BECOME MORE MINDFUL. To appreciate the small things around me, and to be more aware of moments -- live in the present moments.
photo image by Donna Watson
Here is another one: GRACE... to respond with more grace when I am disappointed or when a situation or person confronts me with a challenge.
And to be more POSITIVE... I am often accused of seeing "the glass half empty".
Want the change. Be inspired by the flame
Where everything shines as it disappears.
The artist, when sketching, loves nothing so much
as the curve of the body as it turns away.
What locks itself in sameness has congealed,
Is it safer to be gray and numb?
What turns hard becomes rigid
and it easily shattered.
Pour yourself like a fountain.
Flow into the knowledge that what you are seeking
finishes often at the start, and with ending, begins.
..... Rainer Maria Rilke, Sonnets to Orpheus, Part Two, XII
photo image of rabbit temple in Kyoto Japan, by Donna Watson
14 comments:
LOVELY work!
un joli début de l'année...une invitation sympathique..bon travail
...et bonne année
Hello Donna, seems to be many moons since I've left a comment here - am so remiss of late about visiting blog friends. But definitely wanted to stop this time to say something about that "glass half empty" ... for I too, in days past, have been accused in the same way. Those days, so many moons ago, are no more. In fact, quite to the contrary. For all its triteness, viewpoint is a matter of DECIDING on the vista. So I encourage - just decide! Claim it. Is yours / mine / all of ours for the taking.
A lovely, reaffirming post. All my best to you for 2016.
Christi
these sounds like wonderful things to focus on and to learn with this year.
loved seeing your photos and art.
lovely 2016 to you Donna.
Hi D - sometimes the best lists are those about being rather than achievements. Maybe in the being the achievements come; or is it just about finding a balance between being and achieving? Go well in 2016 in whatever way brings peace and happiness. B
It's interesting that you chose mindfulness as one of your goals, as I just did a post on that subject recently. Such a simple thing, yet so difficult; it's a worthy goal. Being more positive is another of my goals, which I find equally as difficult. Your collage and accordion book are wonderful. Perhaps we can support each other on the mindfulness and positivity goals; good luck!
I never make new year lists, I don't really celebrate new year at all if I can avoid it being a half glass empty type of person and an introvert. I like your sentiments.
I love the idea of making a resolution not to make the typical resolutions. Your three introspective goals are just perfect.
Hi Donna. It sounds to me like you are off to a very good year. Beautiful work and images.
The workshops sound wonderful. So generous.
Thank you for posting the Rilke poem. I love it! Wishing you a year filled with abundance and positivity!
Dear Donna, It is lovely to visit your blog today and read about your wishes for this new year. I wish you joy in your search for grace. I love your work in Storytelling with Collage, and the story that you wrote that goes along side of it. Thank you so much for gracing my life.
- roxanne
Beautiful post and images. THANK YOU for your helpful insights earlier this month!!
I appreciate your decision about goal list. Your new way much more interesting!
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