SOCIAL MEDIA

Art Journaling : Getting Back To It

8.24.2010
Art Journal Page

It's amazing how creative energy is such a driving force in my life. It's what fuels me forward and it's what swings me back...it is something very much alive inside of me that needs nurturing and care in order for me to succeed the day to day. It's taken awhile for me to see that, embrace it and to take care to protect it. It's taken awhile for me to see the difference between living a creative life and actually embracing my own personal creativity vs. going through the actions of what seems to be creativity on the surface. I've been wanting to sit down and work on my art journal now for several months. Upon coming home from my job (working at my local scrapbook store) I was too burned out to tap into my own creativity...to actually sit down and work on something for me. Because of this, I felt as though there was a battle going on inside of me and it leaked out into my life with my family, with Zoey, and with friends I am sure. I need to be okay with knowing that one of my needs is creative time and space. Time for me to dabble and create. When I allow this for myself I am a better person to all those around me, including to myself.

That said, after a little over two years of working at my local scrapbook store as a member of their staff I've gone ahead and given notice that I will no longer be working there as one of their employees. It took much thought to come to this conclusion and it was very hard but I felt that it no longer was where I needed to be or where my creative energy needed to be spent. I have graciously accepted the offer to stay on and teach classes on occasion and am very thankful for that continued opportunity as it was the most gratifying part of my job there...that and getting to interact and help the customers (who became fast friends).

I am embarking upon another journey now, one that has me excited and a bit nervous (which my dad always has said is a good thing). It's going to allow me to be creative in a different way, hopefully leaving some creative juices left over for me when I'm at home and want to create, and it's going to be rewarding personally on a much different level. I also will have the same work schedule as my family which means the world to me as I see how fast time is going by and I want to savor every minute of this life with what is most important. My family. It will mean more time spent with this little girl...which has her very, very happy these days.

Zoesie

It seems like just when something seems impossible something happens that shows that that just isn't so.

You can see that I was able to work on an art journal page (pictured above) recently. I have to say that it felt good to finally get it out of my head and on to the page.

Here's to what lies ahead!

post signature

Unknown said...

<3 you Jen, and best of luck on your new adventure! Hopefully I will see you soon :)

Pamela said...

Oh wow! I LOVE that page!!!! Makes me want to sit down and get messy! :) Good luck on the new adventures that lie ahead of you!

BabyBokChoy said...

Best of luck as you change directions and embark on something different!

Unknown said...

Beautiful art journal page! Good luck with your newly found creative time. :)

DebW said...

Good luck Jen! I know you will make the most of everything. I'm looking forward to seeing your creations, as always!

Deanna Dark said...

Life always seems to work out when we are aware of what we need to do to be a better person, thus becoming better to those that mean the most! I feel very priviledged to have been able to see your "surface" creativity and can't wait to see what you will come up with now! You inspire me!! :)

Vicky said...

How exciting is life! Hoping you find peace and joy in your life's new direction. Jennifer, you have been a blessing and inspiration in helping me along with my creativeness...thank you! Your blog is on my favorite list so I will be following along to see what's new with you, it's always a treat :) See you soon.......

Patty said...

You are going to be such a fantastic teacher! How nice to be able to do something that you WANT to do :) Can't wait until we can get together again, hopefully more often now! Good luck in your new adventure Jen!!

Sarah said...

Can't wait to see what lies ahead for you. Hope it is fun and fosters your creative spirit!