Sunday, January 01, 2012

A New Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! I cannot believe it is here already. Where did the holidays go by the way? Come to think of it, my brain is still on summer and here it is winter already. At any rate, I often find I'm in denial when it comes to the seasons as my mind likes to imagine it lives in the warm weather. Actually, in a couple of years, that will probably be a reality for us and it is something I'm very excited about.
I do have some cheerful, beautiful Amaryllis to keep me from falling too deeply into the winter blahs.
Last year I think I was in a really bad place with blogging, I've been doing it for years and I guess I got bored with it, annoyed at times and yes, even put pressure on myself to blog.....that's just not right. I think for a while, I was on the path to shutting my blog down but since then, have changed my mind.
Why can't I after all, just blog the way I want too? What if I just sit down to write and post pictures every 2 or 3 weeks if thats what I feel like? I kind of realized I was self-imposing rules onto my internet existence that just didn't make sense. This is the new me, blog when I want to/can etc, no pressure, just fun.
I've been painting some new pieces over my break, lots of butterflies. These are 3 of the paintings but I have a 4th and final (for now anyway) butterfly triptych I'm going to be finishing up this week. These paintings are so far at least, un-named. I'll have to work on solving that in the upcoming weeks.
This new year's day also brings a brand new website for me....Chris has been working on it for months and finally it is mostly done and ready to go. A brand new, crisp, clean look that focuses strictly on the artwork is what I was looking for in my new site. With a few minor changes/additions in the upcoming weeks, it is for the most part, DONE!!! www.artfulcreations.biz .
I hope everyone had a lovely holiday....I hope to be back in a couple of weeks, no pressure, just for fun.

12 comments:

Frannie said...

Happy New Year. Thank you for commenting on my blog.

I believe blogging should be fun and not forced. What you feel and see. Your art, stories to share, feelings, etc.

My best for a wonderful 2012.
Frannie

Naturegirl said...

Ruth! I am so pleased that you have decided to continue with your blogging! We all find that at times we feel the pressure to post and we hit the "bad times of blogging". I understand as I've been there for months myself. We are our own worst crtics and we place the pressure on ourselves. Blogging should be fun I tell myself and what I have found during my absence is that the blog community understands and appreciates what ever we do post when the time is right.I try to remember that blogging for me is my place of respite.A place to express myself creatively.
So having said all that I send you warm greetings for a Happy creative New Year!
love and light Anna

Catherine Holman said...

I'm so glad you are continuing to blog! I don't know why we put so much pressure on ourselves when there really are no rules. Can't wait to see what you create in 2012 and congrats on your new website!

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Ruth,
Happy New Year Dear Friend. I am so glad you are still blogging and I agree with you completely about the way in which we all manage our blogs. It is ours to do as we please when we can. NO pressures is the way it should be. I also came to this agreement with my self and now that the pressure is off, I seem to find better times and chances to post something. It all can be just too much at times with painting, filling our shoppes and etc. So here's to taking each day as they come. Posts or not.

Love your new creations. Simply stunning as always.
Wishing you a year filled with many blessings and much continued success. Happy Creating!!
Hugs, Celestina Marie
p.s. can't wait to hear about that warm place that might be in your near future!!

Miss Val's Creations said...

Happy new year Ruth! Blogging is no fun if it become pressure! Your new philosophy sounds perfect. I do not like to set strict goals for my jewelry business since I am afraid of it feeling more like work and less like fun!!!

I know what you mean about he miserable cold weather. Jim and I talk regularly about retiring to Florida. After living in New England my entire life, I can't think of any place better!

We have not watched Grimm. I do not watch too many shows since I have a limited amount of tv time each night but I will look into this one! :)

Gail McCormack said...

Happy New Year Dear Ruth!!
It's always a pleasure to come over here to visit you and I will look forward to many more visits in 2012
:))

Miss Val's Creations said...

Hi Ruth, That is exciting about Orlando! Now is a great time to get a bargain down there too! Jim's parents and sister both own homes in Port St. Lucie which is an area with a lot of former northerners! That is where we will likely end up. Have a great week. ~Val

NeereAnDear said...

A new year and everything is falling into place for you ...

Well deserved ... HAPPY NEW YEAR and much success in all your endeavors ....

LOTS OF HUGS !!

JO

Donna said...

Hi Ruth,

Happy New Year! Your butterfly paintings are beautiful. Congrats on the new blog ~ love it!

Wishing you many blessings this year!

Hugs,
Donna

Miss Val's Creations said...

Hi Ruth,
I do draw the line at used underwear! Strangely they sell used bras at the local Salvation Army store. No thank you to that! Have a great week. :)
~Val

Heather said...

Happy new year!! Your new website looks great!

roseroomnz.com said...

Happy you decided to continue! My blogging is very erratic these days but I have stopped pressuring myself about it! Love your new work, fabulous colors! Happy New Year - Rachaelxo