BulgingButtons

Not bad for a fat girl


Leave a comment

Feeling Like a Newbie All Over Again

There’s something very empowering about being brand new to something. You have the luxury of not knowing much, and therefore not being expected to be terribly proficient at whatever it is. Books1Now granted, there are times when this is a horrible disadvantage, like say for a brain surgeon. I wouldn’t want to be standing there in an operating room facing my first exposed brain. That seems like a lot of pressure.

In other situations, however, I believe the role of the novice can be quite freeing.

Someone who picks up paints for the first time may not be inhibited by color theory in ways that a more experienced artist might. A first time novelist may not be as concerned with plot structure as a writer with several editions under her belt. A new quilter may not realize that certain fabrics “shouldn’t” go together, and as a result she might create something bold, beautiful, and unique.

Maybe it’s the creative pursuits where newness has the biggest advantage. Even in creative endeavors there are “rules” and ways of doing things that will produce somewhat predictable results, but many times those rules are meant to be broken. Newbies don’t worry so much about the rules, in fact they may be blissfully unaware of them. I think that’s a good thing.

With newness comes exploration and wonder, whether it’s with paints, fabrics, words, or human relationships. Everything is fresh and untried. Each path is new and unexplored. Some of them work out beautifully while others may be unsatisfying or even cause difficulty.

Whether you’re experimenting with clay or a banjo or a human heart, being new brings a level of energy and excitement that is difficult to recapture. Enjoy the experience. Expertise will come, if you want it badly enough, and if it’s meant to be.


5 Comments

Another Monday Do Over

id-like-do-overMonday again.

That means a new week, which in turn means a new start.

I get to start over with my students, and yet again tackle the daunting mountain of paperwork that their education seems to require. I get to laugh with them, lead them, and help them learn.

I get to start again with my colleagues, producing and sharing lessons so that all of our students can learn in ways that are meaningful and helpful to them. I get to explore different ways to share ideas with our students, and I have the opportunity to learn from the experts around me.

I get to start again with my family, sharing my life and my home with them with love and grace. I get to choose how I communicate with them, and what to focus on. I get to set the tone in my home.

I get to start again with my goals and dreams. Will I write this week? Will I sew? Will I make my home more beautiful? Will I lavish attention on my beloved dog? Where will the week take me?

I get to start over with myself. Will I care for myself this week? Will I nurture and love myself? Will I feed myself correctly and push myself to make good decisions, even if they aren’t my preferred choices?

I feel so fortunate that it’s Monday, and that I get a do-over. I hope I use it wisely.


1 Comment

Taxes are Filed

money flyingWell that was fun.

Not really, but at least it’s over.

No refund for me this year.

Ouch.

2014 was an expensive year, with a new home and no kid write-off, but at least I live in a happy and comfortable home, and I earn enough to cover my bills and have a tiny bit left over. A tiny bit that the IRS wants, and will get, but still…

Now I’m going to dig out the gift cards from Christmas and do a little free retail therapy. Take that, IRS!