October sweeps in
I know, I know - it’s been a while. I really didn’t intend to wait an entire month between posts. I’ll try to do better this time (again). But, don’t think for a second that I haven’t been doing anything…
A program for my niece’s baptism (click photo to enlarge). I shot the photo, created the graphics in Illustrator, then the layout in InDesign. I’m happy with the way it turned out - that was a lot of information to fit on a half a sheet of paper, plus the photo. A lot of design is about organization of information. (Wish my house were so well organized!)
I wanted to make something special for my niece, so I made this necklace. Actually, Hana strung the beads on there for me (I was really short on time, so she helped), and I made the initials “CTR” (Choose The Right). It’s a little reminder of her baptism promises. I probably made about 6 of them poorly before I got a decent one. She likes it, and that’s what matters most. Copper wire with glass beads on plastic-coated jewelry wire.
I have also started a new encaustic painting which has been taking up a lot of my time. But, you’ll have to wait for photos on that - I am hoping to have the painting done by the end of next week, and then post soon after that.
Creativity Question: Do you allow yourself to say “no” sometimes so you can have time to fulfill your own creative dreams/goals?
This is a tough one, isn’t it? We all want to be helpful to those in need and do what needs to be done. We don’t want to feel like we’re being selfish. But is it sometimes too much? Should we really stretch ourselves that thin? The words that keep going through my head are “you can’t draw water from an empty well”. It is true of wells, and it is true of our souls. We need to take the time to re-fill them, replenish them and nurture their desires for creativity, or else how can we truly help others?
October 4th, 2008 at 4:52 am
Amy, that necklace is awesome. You are so creative.
In response to your question, I have a really hard time saying “no”. If anyone asks me to do anything, I will pretty much do it, even if I’m overbooked and totally stressed already. I have serious guilt if I say “no”, because we are taught to serve others. But I think that sometimes “no” is healthy.
I loved President Uchtdorf’s talk about finding “God’s happiness”. Two ways we can do that are to Create and to be Compassionate. “The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul.” I loved that. I loved that it was about being compassionate and giving service, but it was also about creating. He said that “no matter our talents, education, background, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before…What you create doesn’t have to be perfect. Don’t let fear of failure discourage you. Don’t let the voice of critics paralyze you - whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside.”
I sometimes feel guilty when I give myself time to do something creative and fun. But President Uchtodorf’s talk let me know that it is an important thing to do. Take time to create, and you will experience part of God’s happiness.
Sorry I went on so long, but his talk really spoke to me and your post reminded me of that.