Janet of All Trades

The Oscars are upon us. Happening tonight. I usually watch the Red Carpet to see what everyone is wearing, but it often makes me think about at one time I wanted to be a costume designer.  I have always liked making things and thought it would be easy. I have made several Halloween costumes over the years. Pretty simple and very classy. I could design costumes for movies, right.. This classic would surely win me many Oscars. I am sure I would get many votes for this interpretation of a Court Jester. Of course these are from about 25 years ago, when life was much simpler.. Now I don' think I would be able to complete with other designers.. Oh well I better find something else that I am better at.. Enjoy, Janet

Do you ever find yourself in this situation? It might not even be because you don't have anything to do. Just bored with what you have to do.  Being bored it okay, it really is good for your brain and the creative process. It allows your brain to rest and recharge. It needs that time to discover new ideas and other ways of thinking. It also allows you to use another part of your brain. I find myself bored every once in awhile (Especially in the Winter and getting cabin fever) and remember that it its okay and to step back. Let it happen, since it usually results in some creative idea or a giant list of things I want to do.. So it's okay to be bored, it will pass and if not, you will have a nice list of things to work on ! Enjoy, Janet

I sometimes feel like Dug. Distracted by so many things that I can't focus.  It is getting worse as I get older since the number of things that need my attention (or so I think) is growing. I think technology is making it even more difficult to focus. I find myself on my phone or laptop while watching TV or eating. I sometimes think about the days before smart phones and how it may have made it easier to focus. Less to read, view or check up on and more to read, talk and explore the outdoors. Maybe I just need to go outdoors, see the sun, new job or just a change of scenery.. What wait, I just lost focus in what I was writing about. See how easy it is. While writing this post I have been watching TV, doing laundry, eating and posting on my facebook page... I then think about something I want to buy or search for and I end up lost one the web. Sorry, I am back now.. just had to look for a dress idea that popped into my head and then the dryer went of and had to check...

What is the meaning of Valentine's Day. If you look at Wikipedia, it states that it was an account of Saint Valentine of Rome who was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers, which was forbidden. Then made popular in the 14th century by Geoffrey Chaucer and the giving of gifts to lovers. To me the day has many meanings for me. The first meaning my love of celebrating holidays. It comes from my Mother that decorated for every holiday and ensured that each one was special.  When Valentine's day arrived we would each receive a Valentine and a box of candy on our dinner plate. Simple and sweet with a heart felt lovely message inside the card. The second meaning is that it is about a month away from St Patrick's Day. The day I met my Husband (it was actually March 16th) at a St Patrick's Day parade, 21 years ago. The love of my life and my biggest fan. I guess St Patrick's day is my Valentine's day!💚 Enjoy Janet

Zen I often thought Zen was the act of doing the same thing over and over.  Until I actually looked up the meaning. Having a  Zen attitude  means finding mindful awareness of the present moment. This will help you release yourself from stress, anxiety, frustration and anger. Instead, focus on positive thoughts and actions that will help you relax and respond in a more balanced way to your everyday life. I think I need to start working apply Zen to my life. Now that it is February and a time to re-set goals from January. I set so many goals for myself in January, one that I did not follow thru on was being more positive. For most of January, I sulked..  The Holiday's were over along with my 2 week Vacation and I was back at my unfulfilling job. It took so long to get out of that sulking mode. It started to wear off in the last few days of January and not sure how or why. Now I am going to start doing some mediation to keep it from returning. It was qui...

It silently sneaked up. Ground Hog Day Made popular from the movie. Where the same day is repeated over and over again. At the time of year, it starts to feel like the same day over and over. Same weather, same routine and the recomitment to those New Year's Resolutions that you made a few weeks ago. I can say that I am struggling with mine and all the things I want to achieve this month. It is good time to step back and not be so critical. Have you a achieved part of what you had on your list? I can say yes, there are a few things, but not all. I guess it is a good time to celebrate those small steps. So I award you (and me) for keeping some of those resolutions. And if you need to restart, then make Ground Hog day your new beginning. It's a short month so there is hope for all of us! Enjoy Janet

This is a creative challenge and is just the challenge I need. This event originated in Philadelphia and is celebrating it's14th Anniversary this January. (http://www.artclash.com ) It's a challenge to create something everyday in January. But here in Buffalo, the same events is being held but it will runs thru February, since it is the down month for festivals, until March begins and festival season begins. I am rising to this challenge and will either make something each day or make one thing and work on it everyday in February.  It might be something made from books or book pages, or with my bead stash, Our my yarn stash... I think I see a trend on what I might be focusing on. Be sure to check back for updates. February is just over a little week away! Enjoy, Janet

Are you a Dinosaur? Are you extinct? Or are you a Cookie Jar? Recently I have felt more and more like a Dinosaur. And it's not only about getting old. It's about having and attitude like a Dinosaur. Not sure if it is bad or good. Dinosaurs probably are misunderstood? Right? Dinosaurs can be fun and scary at the same time. Cute and useful. They like coffee and can be fashionable. Fun at Valetine's Day. And can have their own Restaurants.. I am partial to the T-rex and not because I have short arms, but I think she might be misunderstood.  So if you see a T-rex or someone who acts like one, remember that they are passion about who they are and what they do. They just show it with T-Rex attitude. Enjoy Janet

Inspiration It comes in many forms for me. This is my old schools Pinterest board that decorates my studio cork board. Things I would like to make, buy or recreate. It usually involves Christmas decorations or sewing projects cut from magazines or catalogs. I see these images and think... I can make that for less than the cost. So far, all of these have not been made, but there is always this year.  The above images is from the Candle Light Processional at Was Disney World this past this past December.It was a reading of the Christmas story by Neil Patrick Harris accompanied by some of the countries most talented singers and musicians. A lovey presentation of music and singing with audience participation in the singing of Silent Night. Although I am not a religious person, this was an inspiring event that gave me goosebumps and brought me to tears. Even now writing about, weeks later it, it still has the same effect. I can barely talk about without getting teared up. ...

Hello 2018, it's nice to see your Shiny New Face. My hope is for a New Year of Adventure and Exploration. Look for me here at least once a week, blogging on my adventures. Happy New Year! Enjoy Janet                           

It's that time again to start planning and making resolutions for the new year. To help keep me on track and organize all of my ideas, I have purchased a planner... There are many planners available at this time of year, but I selected the Commit30 goal setting notebook since it fits with how I want to achieve a few goals. Now I am not being paid to write this about the Commit30 ( http://commit30.com ) and I have just started to use it (see above).I do already feel like I might just be able to keep on track for 30 days. This is the Boss Blue color, size 7" x 10". It arrived with the handy bookmark and a sheet of stickers.Now the fun can begin... I pulled out all my old stickers,paper,pens and glue dots from my scrapbook days and started to decorate the pages of the planner. There are hundreds of stickers styles available at most craft stores for all types off activities. I bought a few at 60% off in the organizing and quote categories. I have several p...