Saturday, February 28, 2009

Funny Little Fact About Me

I stick my tongue out when I'm working hard on something. Knew my twin did it, but didn't think I did until someone at work pointed it out to me. I was embarrassed, to say the least.

Saw this today and felt better!

WHY DO PEOPLE SOMETIMES STICK OUT THEIR TONGUES WHEN THEY’RE CONCENTRATING ON A HARD JOB?
Experts say: When concentrating on something, like a math problem, you’re using the part of the brain that’s also used for motor skills. Biting your lip or sticking out your tongue is an indicator that you’re suspending motor activity and limiting interference, i.e., concentrating.

I've also been thinking about getting a coloring book with designs like the one below to take to work to give my mind a break. I think it would help me concentrate a little more on some of the mundane, rote and boring things I do at work.


Today's quote comes from Buddah: Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Weather's Got Me - Again!

I'm getting tired of snow. Waiting for spring for the second year in a row. This gets hard on the psyche.

I'm also struggling with my lack of creativity. I've worked here and there on pieces, but nothing steady and haven't finished anything lately. I have a number of projects in the works, but nothing I really want to work on right now. I find it difficult to come home to be creative after working all day. Just don't have the drive I wish I had. Perhaps it's the result of working on the website - it's just sucking my creative energy.

The Milwaukee Bead Show is tomorrow - have a few items I'd like to buy (making myself determine what is a need and what is a want lately) for a community project to donate for an auction to raise breast cancer research money. This is what is on my list: fabric for bead embroidery and pink beads. Should be interesting to see what else I buy.

The Oscars are tomorrow - I like to watch the red carpet reports although I find most of the interviewers boring. So, in honor of the Oscars, here's another Eggman morphing video of the men of film (some of the morphs are creepy).



Today's quote comes from Ursula K. LeGuin: It is good to have an end to journey towards, but it is the journey that matters in the end.

A friend recently said that she enjoyed working on pieces more than focusing on the completion. Having been a card-carrying member of the procrastinators club forever, this is a habit I'm trying to break. Wish me luck.

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Handmade Nation - the Movie


Went to the premier of Handmade Nation right here in Milwaukee at one of my favorite theaters - the Oriental.

Filmmaker and crew from good ol Milwaukee. Nice to see so many inspiring crafters out there. The film was pretty good. There were a couple of spots I (the filmmaker in me) would have handled a little differently, but I have to ask myself - is that because you're older now and you would have thought that those techniques were really cool when you were younger?

The opening sequence (below) was one of the best parts of the film. If you get a chance to see it, I do recommend it.






When I went home, I was ready to pull out my beads and work. It's been tough at work and I haven't felt that inspired to come home and do beading. Last weekend, however, I did manage to finish my beaded chain for Romantica. Now I'm working on the dangles. I have a goal to finish that before the next bead society meeting.



I'm off to bead for a bit!


Today's quote comes from unknown: Creative minds are rarely tidy.