Artsy Thoughts for 2010

I used to be 'artsy'. I remember as a teenager writing poetry hour after hour, sketching in a journal, and doodling in my magazines. As the new year rolled around last year I had just surrendered myself to the fact that I need to be artsy again. I feel so much better, so much happier, when I am creating or seeing what others have created.

As part of my 2010 resolutions I am determined to do more than surrender to the artistic side, I am going to nurture it. I am listing some of my dreams for the year and leaving them as a challenge to you.

The Easy Stuff:
Download music that stirs me- you know, the stuff you hum during the day and feel cool while you hear it playing....the kind of stuff that makes you feel like you are shopping in Anthropologie or Banana Republic. Or the stuff you sing to, or can't help but get up and dance. Be a kid again with music. Wear out a song.

Buy a magazine you have to have. The kind you carry around and dog ear pages and look up the websites of the people in it. Maybe it's an art magazine or photography or fashion or home...just find something to look at that makes your brain tingle. And then look at it.

The medium stuff:
Copy what you see. Buy a new picture or paint your own. Move your couch or cover a pillow. Go shopping and buy that scarf, those leg warmers, the flower for your hair that you loved but felt too silly to try before, and try it. Look at your nieces, your daughters, the girls who dare dress how they love. Try it.

Take a new photo, or spice up one you already love (like mine above). We take the time to love the beauty around us, let's take the time to make it better. Make a handmade card for friend...and send it. Write a note to your husband, and tuck it in the mirror for him to find. Make or say something lovely.

The hard stuff:
Commit to create and support.
I have joined a swap for Valentine's, and I did it late in the night while craving home in a hotel room. (Info on the sidebar). I am nervous, but after my swap with Becky for our Christmas tags, I have to move ahead and not be afraid to share and swap. If you absolutely don't create, then support someone who does. Go to ETSY and buy a necklace, an apron, a piece of art....just find something that moves you and buy it.

Buy a book. (My sister read The Artist's Way and I was so amazed at the things it inspired her to do). Buy something that will push you and prompt you and inspire you. Then do something, at least one or two things in it. I know life is busy, but these moments of creativity seem vital to me.

I am starting here, excited like a little girl melting crayons between wax paper or finger painting.....ready for the new year and this little commitment to see the world, and take part in, all the arts around us.