Monday 14 April 2008

a change from what I haven't been doing

For some time now I seem to have been beset by inertia - part physical (my body really doesn't like the dark months of the year) and part mental (the vicious circle of not meeting challenges I've signed up for, feelings of failure and of the fear of failure if I try something new and so on. I am about to retire from paid employment and I have plans for all sorts of things I want to do, but I reckoned that if I wasn't careful I'd spend my life sinking deeper and deeper into the sofa if I didn't take myself in hand.

SO

I came up with an idea that seems to solve that particular problem. I have given myself a further challenge: to make a fabric postcard every day. This is the first thing I do each day after breakfast or after returning home from work. There's very little investment in terms of time and materials. I'm finding that for once I don't mind if something doesn't go as well as I'd expected: I can always do another one tomorrow! Ideas are churning and I'm working on other things too, including catching up on challenges, notably the Take It Further challenge. I'm also exploring new ideas and ways of doing things. Most important for me is that life is suddenly becoming more enjoyable.

I will admit I played safe with the first batch, which I started a week ago (week 2 is riskier because I have challenged myself more) - all use fused applique and free-motion stitching which are techniques I am familiar with, and are based on plant forms (mainly dead plant I still have to weed out of my garden - I hadn't thought of this as being symbolic till now but maybe it could be). Anyway - here are the first five, Thursday to Saturday in order:



12 comments:

hippopip said...

I think a challenge is a great idea in these dark dismal months,I also find meeting up with likeminded friends( ex C&G)helps to inspire me and we set challenges.The postcards are lovely and small enough to try outnew ideas, I shall have to have a go, all the best Pippa

mzjohansen said...

Sandra: These are truly wonderful ! Good going ! Better, sunnier weather is close to hand and that does help I know ! No change is easy - but all are worthwhile in the end. Your creativity will make your "unpaid" time so rewarding. You go girl! I know what you mean about not meeting deadlines - and the guilt and anxiety that goes hand in hand. I am making a concerted effort to try to keep my mouth shut and my hand unraised !

Karen said...

nice cards - what a good challenge you gave yourself - I need to do that to myself as well!
Regards
Karen

Anonymous said...

what a great idea - a postcard every day, i like your comment about not worrying about them becuase you can make another tomorrow (one of my stumbling blocks). I think I am sliding into the inertia you write about. they all look great BTW

Doreen G said...

Wonderful postcards Sandra and to think you have bound all the edges as well--true works of art.

Purple Missus said...

I can relate to that feeling Sandra, I often need a good kick up the bum to get going :)
A brilliant idea to keep you motivated and what a great start you have made, they all look really good.

neki desu said...

Sandra,
These are amazing.

neki desu

Unknown said...

The very best of luck with this challenge - I did just the same a year or so ago as I was sinking in a similar situation!! I got through it - so you can to!!!! AND these postcards are wonderful !!

Anonymous said...

What a good way to move yourself forward though it can't have been an obvious solution to your previous inertia. I'm at the point of having to decide when or whether to retire and am finding that the decision making process is filling my mind!

I wish you luck with your postcards and your forthcoming retirement.

Linda

MargB said...

I just discovered your blog and what lovely postcards and a great way to overcome the 'Half empty cup' days- I think we all have them and wonder what can make them 'half full"

MixPix said...

OOOOoooo, AND retirement looming. You've given yourself such a gift of a challenge - you GO girl! Although with your creativity, no worries - one thing me old mum never told me was that the older you get the faster the time goes. Great postcards.

Anonymous said...

thank you thank you