Love the last photo of you smaller pieces side-by-side. Maybe we all should do a post on the Distinctive Directions blog with an installation photo. It make the work look completely different that the typical isolated web shot.

#83 is wonderful. I love the color scheme. When life gets busy and I start to lose touch with my core, morning journaling alwas helps me find my way back to what’s important. I’m not sure what it is about morning but I find I’m more receptive and less critical.

I, too, have been working on leaving my quiet time quiet (no NPR or books on tape!). Congratulations on all your successes.

Kim - yes - find time for you.

Laure - I will do another post about holding my intent soon (something I’m still working on but it gets easier each day).

Kim and Laure - we all work on not using lame excuses when a simple No should be enough.

Thanks Melody. I went to the library tonight to pick up some items on hold and thought I’d also get a video to watch later this week. I ended up with a yoga video. Hm…

Interesting idea Olga. I’ve been struggling to figure out who I am for a long time - I’m curious if once I get it all figured out I will no longer want to make my Structures series, as it is very much about hiding myself. The other day an idea popped into my head on where I want to take it next - and I think it is definitely related to the path I’m on right now.

Denise - cool - glad to reconnect you with a practice that has served you well.

“I never took the time to think about how I wanted the evening to go so it goes no where, which is fine every once in a while but every day results in 0 hours of studio time for the week.”

I used to journal for a half hour every morning, wherein I proclaimed how my day was going to go. It was a fabulous habit. I usually started by writing, “Today is going to be a very productive day!” Then I would lay out my plan.

Thanks for reminding me how to get back to planning and for teaching me the new word: intent!

Please do write about holding your intent, Lisa, as it seems you are speaking directly to me and some of my current issues (even though I know you’re not)! In so many ways, you have given voice to the issues, concerns, and hopes that many of us are also “struggling” with.

I too shared the “I’m so tired” thinking syndrome and it became a nasty habit that started to have very negative effects on, well, just about everything! I have also had recent battles with calming the cluttered chaos in my life as well as trying to restructure my world in a more positive, gentle way. Thank you for your honesty, your openess and your ability to share, it is much appreciated and your words touch lives in ways you’ve not imagined! Thank you! ~ Laure

I also use the tired excuse too often. I tend to use it when I’m doing the least. When I do my most creative work, I rarely feel tired. I want to see what will happen when I do not utter the phase “I’m tired”.

And yes, put those prices on. People do want to know, and people do want to buy. What a great connection when someone contacts you to buy a piece.

You’re so right about the mind set on the way home from the day job leading to work habits afterwards. (And in your writings –”My thoughts create my world.”) More often than not I fall prey to my whiny self, especially with the cold weather and then just wanting to bundle up!

I’ve also been trying to set up meditation/yoga time in the a.m., though not 30 minutes. With my varied schedule (sometimes I have to leave the house before 6:00), I find it so hard to be consistent. Way to go hitting 21! (Is that the magic number before something becomes a habit?)

Would love to hear your thoughts on maintaining that intent through the day. Thanks for the wonderful writing!

BTW, the 9 pieces are so interesting each and of themselves, but together they have such impact!