If you are a regular reader, you already know the drill! ;) The entire hop goes live at 8:00 a.m. Pacific (11:00 my time) so if you are early, just check back later to catch everyone!
My one little word for 2011 is "happy". I am focusing this year on what it means to be happy, what makes me happy, how mindful I can be about choosing happiness.
For September, Ali asked us to pick one thing that we were going to focus on during the month, and one thing that we chose to "let go". I took awhile to think about it, but realized it was a really good thing to meditate on... I have so many things competing for my attention all the time and I really needed to focus.
But as usual, I can never follow directions!
To keep track of my focus items I created this chart, totally scraplifted from Melissa:
At the same time, I chose to surrender my involvement in Art Journal Caravan (I haven't done a single art journal page of the digi variety this year), the Goddess Circle, Project 64, and Album of Awesome. These are all things that I signed up for or got involved in but then lost interest in favor of other projects and opportunities. And I need to be okay with saying I tried it, but it just wasn't for me. So freeing to just let them go!
I loved my September Goals chart so much, that I already made one for October!
I also finished the cover of my One Little Word album. Remember what it looked like last month? Well, here it is finished!
Then I drew on the border - which kind of ties in with the look Ali has given us with the pages throughout.
Once the border was there, I decided it needed some inking to soften the edges.
Then the title. I didn't want to use my word "happy" because I intend to continue using this album for whatever word I choose for 2012!
Thanks to everyone for your helpful suggestions on finishing off the cover. I'm loving this album and so so glad I took this class! Ali has already said that it will be offered again in 2012... I highly recommend it!
Your next step on the hop is Nikki's Blog.
And just in case you get lost along the way, here is the entire list:
This month's hop participants:
Margie http://xnomads.typepad.com
Julie Ann http://julieannshahin2.blogspot.com
Cheri http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com <---- You are HERE
Nikki www.inkyart.com.au <--------------------- Next Stop!
Lisa http://backtoallen.com/writers_blog
19 comments:
Great work this month, Cheri! I really like the idea of a monthly chart, especially giving yourself all those gold stars!
Your album cover looks wonderful. I love all the little elements you added. The charm is definitely the perfect finishing touch .
OK seriously--LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the monthly chart. And look at all your stars! I'm in love with the wing charm that you added to your layout and love all the bright, happy colors you use.
Okay, the chart thing? How motivating would that be? I'm famous for record-keeping and charting - I may have to do this. My fear is seeing too many frownie faces and not enough stars! :)
Your album looks beautiful. Thanks for sharing...
Blessings on your happy journey!
Love what you've done,Cheri....and so agree that sometimes you have to say "that wasn't for me" and just let it go.
I love your album cover. It turned out beautiful! And I think your star chart is awesome. You prove that we are never too old for a gold star. Those rows of gold stars are motivating, aren't they! You go! I love that you are being totally honest about so many things and even though you aren't perfect are still motivated to move forward and continue making huge strides. THanks again for your participation!
Ha ha - love the idea of the star chart - may be this is what I need - it works for the kids at school. As I have signed up for the Blogtoberfest I may have to do this to keep on track. Lol x
I love that you kept track of your goals with gold stars! Do you watch Glee? Rachel Berry would totally approve. ;) The cover of your album is beautiful! And I applaud you for letting go.
Wow your album cover is beautiful!! I really love your monthly chart. Who doesn't love getting a gold star?? I might have to do this to motivate me.
LOVE what you have done to your album cover! and I think I may have to scraplift you monthly charts too. I have a daily checklist but seeing all those gold stars and how much you actually HAVE achieved would be so motivating. Love It.
Wowwwweeee!!!! I love your charts! so very inspiring. I might have to make one too. I'm so proud of you, that's a lot of stars!!!!
I'm a little sad to hear someone say that they are letting go of AJC but c'est la vie! I am happy for you that you know what you want and you are living in happiness!!! You go girl! xoxo
Love how you documented the Sept prompt! I didn't do well this month in documenting... new month, new goals! :)
i love your album cover...and the stars...and the journaling is so similar to my own thoughts. You go girl!
I really like your goals chart and very tempted to make one for October.
You did an awesome job!
Wow what an absolutely gorgeous album you have made. Love the butterflies and the metal embelishments.
Ditto for me! Love your album cover and the chart, especially. Who'da thought that gold stars would resonate so with everyone? A totally simple and cool way for us "adults" to acknowledge and celebrate our daily triumphs.
Thanks and cheers~
I'm so glad you enjoyed the goals chart! You did WAY BETTER on your goals than I did on mine (I'm hoping to share the completed chart today or tomorrow!) - once we had the bathroom renovation dust disaster, I just veered off track with my goal to drink only 1 coke & to exercise everyday. I'm starting again this month and was wondering whether to create another goal chart - yours looks great.
I think all those gold stars are a testament to your accomplishments this month. I wouldn't expect to get a gold start EVERY DAY no matter what the goal. Life just has a way of interfering with our best intentions!
Oh my, what a gorgeous cover, and what a fabulous star chart! I love that idea :) And you have indeed picked up a LOT of stars, yay you!
Well done for being able to let go of some projects, too :) It can be so hard to do, yet afterwards it's so clear that it was the right thing to do. Congrats on doing that right thing xx
Love your monthly goals chart - very impressive dedication - I remember how I do just about anything to get gold stars in school - maybe I should give it a try!
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