Life doesn’t happen to you, it happens for you.
~ Tony Robbins
Over the last week I’ve been hearing comments and jokes about how glad everyone is that 2021 is over. Some of the jokes are funny (I love wordplay and puns) but I’m going to push back against the general sentiment. Last year might not have been what I would have planned, but it still ended up being a great year. I was able to spend time with family and friends, work at something I think adds value to the world, and pursue creative interests. There were negatives in among the positives – of course, life always has both ups and downs. I’ve heard it said that the worst thing is never the last thing.
- This week’s artist is – Jess Karp – I overheard Kristen talking about Jess’s sketchbook start and had to look her up. Especially this week, I’m appreciating her mantra of “positivity through creativity.” Her work runs across quite a gamut, so I definitely recommend that you check out her website, youtube or instagram!
- The full quote from Tony Robbins is: Some people believe that life is happening to them, and because of this, they get weighed down when something bad happens. Other people believe that life is happening for them, and that each incident — good or bad — is shaping them into the person they’re meant to become. Which one would you rather be? If it’s the latter, it’s time to change your mindset.
- With 24 hours in a day, and 365 days in a year, we have 8760 hours in a year. Today’s the 5th, so we’ve used 96 hours – 8664 hours left in this year! How are you going to use them?
- Haven’t planned for the remaining 8664 hours? Here’s a guide for an annual review.
- Want to start fresh? There’s something invigorating about a new sketchbook. Here’s a way to get one started.
- The ScrapBook Nook has a class or workshop scheduled almost every day of the week.
- Join The Hive and In The Weeds in supporting local families with financial assistance through the winter! In partnership with Lola’s Cafe and The Soup Pallete, they will have a local guest chef cook up fresh soup to sell for a $10 minimum donation per quart. Come warm your hearts with delicious soup at 725 E 2nd Ave on Thursday from 5-6:30.
- Waiting for something before you get started? Next week, a new year, or something else? This article is one that I re-read every few years and it always helps get me motivated.
- It’s easy to watch someone create (like this calligraphy), but we have to remember to compare ourselves with our past selves rather than others. Are we making better work than ourselves a year ago? Excellent, we’re making forward progress!
- Still feeling phooey? This article about our family tree (forward and backward) says that within the last 300 years, it took 8,190 people in 4,095 relationships, across 12 generations, to create YOU. If any one of those people were missing, or different – you wouldn’t be here!
- I’ve always enjoyed this video of Louis CK – everything is amazing and no one is happy. (We’re sitting in a chair, in the sky!)
- I’m sure it’s not much of a surprise, but I’m a bit of a art/office supply nerd. I’ve been having a blast over the last couple of weeks, getting my planner put together for this year. Over the New Year’s Eve dinner with friends, we discussed which pens to use for different types of projects – complete with everyone pulling out their current favorites! If you also enjoy a new sketchbook, notebook, journal, blank planner – we have a few options on-hand – complete with various writing implements, just for fun!
We’re creative. We can imagine things that don’t exist, and bring them into being. It’s certainly within our power to influence the world around us to be more positive. We can take the raw materials of our lives and create something great. We’re each unique, and have a singular view into the world around us and what it can become. Now, more than ever, the world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew