Comfort Zones - How to Get Out of Them

A blog I follow  'Art Making in The North' by Cindy Shake an awesome Metal Artist and Quilt Designer here in Anchorage has a post of a wonderful challenge by a fellow artist that she follows.

Being curious as I am – it was a quick click and racing off to check out the challenge. 

SketchBook Challenge

Although I really can’t draw; the challenge is one I feel that it will inspire me.  As one of my goals was to become more creative this will be a something I can add to becoming more aware of my style of things I like and don’t like.

I must add Jill's blog http://jillberrydesign.com/blog/ is amazing and filled with wonders of many types and kinds!  I am happy to add I am now a follower of this blog.

So my dear readers I challenge you to also step out of your comfort zones for 2011 and explore more creative outlets for your passions, start a journal, follow the monthly sketchbook challenge and enjoy a bit more out of life!

Standing Still While the World Spins

The world spins round and round; folks spin out of control.  

Fishlips thinks it must be the holiday’s that make so many folks turn into crazies. 

Fishlips has been told she is a tad too laid back about the matters of the world’s craziness.   There are moments when I feel I’m standing still and the world is spinning out of control.

I’m totally aware that any second a crazy can jump out of nowhere and destroy the planet in two seconds.  Just reading newspapers, comments on any social network, the evening news on TV can set one’s heart all a jitter.   

I refuse to play into the hype.  One cannot live life with a constant fear in their gut.  It’s just is not healthy.  I'm aware and alert that is all that is needed.

Fishlips also believes folks have vast differences in views of the world.  I can respect yours but remember to give respect back.

I also will not allow anyone to offend/attack me verbally...in my world that type of baloney is not necessary.  I love to discuss the latest issues of the day – I am open to learning new things about the world’s issues; but I refuse to be taunted into a verbal fight.  When that happens: the person who gets so aggressive is either a total nut case or someone who has anger management problems so I step quietly away from them as far as possible.

Fishlips is glad that she can put blinders on when necessary, step away from the problems surrounding so many, and enjoy the sunshine that I see each morning as it appears.  I’m so thankful for the small things in my life: a roof over her head, a warm bed, food each day, and good health. 

 

More importantly I am pleased that in small ways I can help others. 

American Cancer Society of Anchorage received a donation of 4 pieces of my art today for their annual fund raiser that will be held on February 5, 2011.

 

I’m happy to give to several non-profits whenever they ask for a donation. We support a handful.

We help the homeless all year long.  

We give to abused women shelters.  

We give to Toys for Tots.

We are retire folks living on a small fixed income but we have enough for ourselves and thus also affording us to give when we can.

Tiny things that brightens Fishlips small world.  Plus holds the craziness of the planet at bay.

Anchorage had it first major snow over Thanksgiving Holiday.  My world is complete once more!