Image: sxc.hu

 Are they adequate, enough to do the job and keep you ”resting on your laurels?”  Or are you striving for excellence in your results?

Laura Spencer has written a thought provoking post on this topic at her blog, Writing Thoughts.  In Are You an Adequate Writer or an Excellent Writer, Laura talks about writing.  However, I realized, as I read the post, Laura’s points could be applied to a craft, a business, a sport…most anything you attempt in life.

Are you putting your best into what you do or are you simply doing enough for adequate results.  Not bad results, but not your best if you gave it “your all.”  Even if you’re working at your art or craft as a hobby, are you striving to learn more and become better at what you do?  Will you stand out in the crowd?

What do you think?  How do you rate yourself?

Post from: Blisstree

Is Your Craft Just Adequate or Excellent?

The 5 x 7-inch scrapbook album was ideal for my photos. I used scrapbooking stickers, papers, and stamps to decorate the pages. These were arranged around the words of the poem throughout the book.

I also scanned several of the pages to show writers they (or a printer) could reproduce this album as a book they might give as gifts or sell.

I started doing this about winter time as a theme but haven’t finished it. You can use many topics and any size album. Then combine the scrapbooking techniques with your writing.

What ideas do you have for something like this?

Post from: Blisstree

Fall Themed Scrap Poetry Book

Image:sxc.hu

As a writer, I’ve always carried something with me to jot down notes and ideas. 

It might be as simple as a folded over sheet of paper in my fanny pack where I can make lists and write down ideas for blogging and stories. 

When in the hospital emergency room last year with my daughter, I found I didn’t have anything  to write on.  Her going to the hospital happened so suddenly that I didn’t have time even to grab my purse nor a book. 

As we waited, she having tests and wanting to rest, I wondered how I could use the time to write.  I spied a paper towel holder, pulled some out, asked the receptionist for a pen, and jotted down notes for my weekly column and a couple of blogs throughout the afternoon until her husband arrived.

This calmed me and allowed my daughter to rest (without me chatting) until diagnosis and they moved her to a room.  Very seldom do I find myself without something to write on.  If I do, I try to be creative in using my time productively.

• You can find small notebooks that slip into a purse or fanny pack…or a large tote bag. 
• I’ve also folded sheets of paper and placed in a book I carry with me. 
• Often I take postcards along with me, so I can keep up on correspondence.
• There also are small stationery pads that fit easily into whatever you’re carrying.
• Men can find small notebooks to fit into a shirt pocket for lists, reminders, addresses, and ideas.

What do you use for idea gathering and list making when you’re on the go?

Post from: Blisstree

Carry a Notebook with You

I took several painting courses and explored various medium.  I’m amazed at all the different types available today…those I see my daughter use for her fabric art and even pencils and inks youngsters bring to school where I substitute teach.

Image: sxc.hu

Do you have an urge to draw and paint?

• Keep a sketchbook with you, even a small one, so you can jot down sights and textures you come across.
• Check out the various types of pencils, paints, and inks available for artwork nowadays.
• Take an art class, perhaps at an adult education facility or one at the local parks and recreation.  Join your children in a class and have fun together.
• Design and sketch greeting cards and post cards.  Nowadays, you simply make one master, then scan it into the computer for printing out.
• Try painting on larger canvas or  board.

After painting for your own enjoyment, you may even have someone ask to purchase your work, as I did.

Post from: Blisstree

Rediscovering Painting

My name is Karen Weideman and I live in the beautiful state of North Carolina.  I have been a wife to Gfor 14 years.  We have two beautiful children.  Alligator (our girl) is nearly 5 and Cuddlebug (our boy) is almost 3.  I have a degree in Elementary Education and have taught grades preschool through eighth.  Quite a large span, I know, but when you move you sometimes have to take whatever position is available. 

I quit full-time teaching 5 years ago when I had Alligator.  Since that time I have been a part-time preschool teacher, stay-at-home mom, and a work-at-home blogger.  I’ve found that these are too many hats to wear at one time, so right now I am concentrating on blogging and my children.

I began blogging at Thrifty Mommy in September 2006.  What a journey it has been as I have renewed my love for writing!  You can find me at these sites:

• I LOVE to save money and Thrifty Mommy has been a great fit for me.  I’m constantly writing about ways to cut back expenses, save money on your grocery bill, and get the most for your money.
• Little Fun; Little Learning is a resource for children’s activities.  Little Fun is helpful for parents, teachers, homeschoolers, Sunday School teachers, or anyone that needs activities for young children.
• A Healthy Balance has ways to save money, tips for organization, information on living a healthy life, and just about anything that happens in day to day life.  Each week I have Freebie Friday, where I list links for free products, samples, and coupons.
• This is my first week at One Book Two Book.  I plan to share book reviews, children’s activities to accompany books, ways to encourage reading, and anything else related to a positive reading experience.

Becoming a mother has caused me to rethink my career path.  I’m not sure if I’ll go back to full-time teaching; that remains unknown at this point.  I do have a few thoughts of things I could do or would like to do.  I would like to become a published author.  This could be by means of writing childrens’ books or by writing a monthly column on saving money.  I have also thought about teaching classes on saving money and cutting expenses.  In times such as these, more people are seeking ways to cut back.

Mary Emma and I are looking forward to meeting our readers.  We would love for you to drop by and join in the conversation.  Your comments help us to know what we’re doing right and other ways that we could meet our readers’ needs.

Post from: Blisstree

A Bit About Me