The Crafty Scribe Favourite Quotes - 26 and Project of the Day

Dear Scribblers

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler." Henry David Thoreau

Isn't that a fantastic quote? I don't think it needs any further explanation.

Project of the Day - Start Creating The Life You Want To Live Now
Make a list, journal or scrap the life of your dreams. Create it and visualise it. What can you do today to take a small step to reach your ultimate goals? Even if it's opening an interest account with £5 to begin saving to buy your dream car. Or getting an armful of brochures to choose your perfect holiday itinerary. Congratulate and award yourself for each target you reach which advances you in the direction of your dreams. Write or scrap about each step, and collate it all together to show how much you are achieving. By doing this you are already changing your life and beginning to live it the way you want it to be.

Happy Scribing!

The Crafty Scribe's Favourite Quotes - 25 and Project of the Day

Dear Scribblers

I read and listen to a lot of the wisdom from Dr Wayne W Dyer, and if you are looking for positive, inspirational quotes, he is the man! Here's one of my favourites:

"The true definition of self-awareness is discovering your higher self and living joyously with that higher self in command"

This basically means: enjoy who you are, accept who you are, listen to your own inner voice and live in the moment.

Project of the Day - Take a moment to relax and breathe. Listen to the inner voice.

Now, stop all the negative statements, or the part of you who commands you to get on with that to-do list. Go beyond those voices, and reach the higher part of your mind. The part where kindness and compassion and loving esteem lives. Listen to what that voice is telling you. It might be saying... Be proud for what you have accomplished... Go easy on yourself... It's okay to cry... You are loved and wanted.

Now, spend the rest of the day attempting to live in the moment, and look for the positive. Take photos if you want to. Then you can either journal or scrap your 'Higher Self Day'.

Enjoy your weekend.

Happy Scribing!

The Crafty Scribe Communiqué - Sport, Sport... and More Sport! Project of the Day

Communiqué - News Flash

Dear Scribblers

Desire it or dread it, sport is everywhere you look at the moment. Even more so today! So, what are you going to do?

Project of the Day -
If You Adore Sport - 
Watch your favourite sport today. Is it football? Is it tennis? Or something else? Are you watching or playing?

Create a page illustrating your love of all things active. You might even want to take photos of your family in front of the television, or playing their beloved sport. Add the final score to the page. Get some quotes from those around you, or if the sporting star says something funny, emotional or just plain clichéd, include that too. If you are scrapbooking, don't forget to add memorabilia.

If You Abhor Sport - 
You can either complete a page like the one above, if your family are into the competitions. Photograph the pain and pleasure on their faces as they intently watch. Just don't get in the way of the television! Or you could complete a page on why you dislike a particular sport. Have fun with it! Give it a cheeky title such as: 'Sport Spoils', 'Sick as a Parrot!', 'Nets? Get Knotted!' or 'Bored with Balls!'

OR
Run away from the World Cup or Wimbledon totally. Shut yourself away with your creative goodies, and craft, write, design and create. Bliss!

Happy Scribing!

Communiqué Ends - Communiqué Ends

The Crafty Scribe's Favourite Quotes - 24 and Project of the Day

Dear Scribblers

Are you having a bad day? Remember:

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."  Eleanor Roosevelt

Have you let a comment from another make you feel low? Do you view photos of yourself and think, "I can't scrap that, I look awful!" Think again! By next month, you will have forgotten all about the comment, and why the person said it. In 5 years time, when you look back on your scrap albums or mini-books, you'll be pleased that you included pictures of yourself, and will only see the good times and memories that came with the photo.

Project of the Day - Choose one photo of yourself, and scrap it, or stick it into your journalling notebook. Take as much care creating your page as you would photos of your family and friends. After you've finished, give yourself a reward: tea and cake? A bar of chocolate? New scrapping stash? A new notebook? A new pair of shoes? A trip to the cinema? Whatever will make you feel good.
Go on! Look after yourself, You Are Wonderful!

Happy Scribing!

Inspiration for a Poem, The Love of Books and Project of the Day

Dear Scribblers

A couple of days ago, I wrote a poem for My Year As a Poet by The Crafty Scribe entitled The Book Tower about the list of books that I want to read, but I always seem to go back to my favourites.

I think I have read The Belgariad and Malloreon series plus prequels by David Eddings about 8 times, or maybe more. That's 13 books in total!


© David & Leigh Eddings (and publishers)

Do you have favourite books? Do you have a to-read book list? Have you thought about scrapping or writing about this?

Project of the Day - Take photos of your favourite books to create a scrap page, mini book or journal page. Remember to write about why you like these books, when you first read them, where you were, how it made you feel, and how many times you've read them. Then make a page for your reading list - list why you are interested in reading them. Did someone recommend them? Was it a review you read? Or is it a book you feel you must read? You could also do a recommendation page - showing all those books you have read and give a review and rating.

Happy Scribing!... and Reading!

The Crafty Scribe's Favourite Quote - 23 and Project of the Day

Dear Scribblers

Here's today's favourite quote:

"Develop interest in life as you see it; in people, things, literature, music - the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself." Henry Miller

As a creative crafter, it is imperative that you look outside yourself. It is very easy to become absorbed on your own photos and life, that all the inspiration of the world around you is lost or forgotten.

Project of the Day - Take yourself off to a museum, art gallery, concert, library or even a cafe. Take time to look around you. Think with new eyes. Take a notebook with you to jot down inspiration and ideas. Become enthusiastic about the world around you, and don't forget to people watch too. It may give your scrapbooking or journalling a  new lease of life.

Happy Scribing!

The Crafty Scribe's Favourite Quotes - 22 and Project of the Day

Dear Scribblers

I would like to share with you one of my favourite all-time quotes from the great W. Clement Stone:

"What the mind can conceive and believe in, the mind can achieve."

Don't you think that is so encouraging? Whatever you can imagine, and focus and believe in, you can accomplish that goal. It's a mix of concentration, determination, enthusiasm, inspiration and action.

This quote can be remembered if you turn it around a little:
A - The mind can Achieve
B - what the mind can Believe in
C - and Conceive.

Project of the Day - Let your mind play! Think about where you would like to be in 5 years. This could be your whole life; or one particular aspect, such as work, home or even a number of crafting projects or hobbies you would like to complete.

Now create a page using your favourite craft (art, journalling, scrapbooking) and write down and embellish your idea or list. Use this as your guide to reinforce your belief, and think about the little intermediate goals you can set as steps to achieving your ultimate goal. Add these to your page if you would like to.

Happy Scribing!

The Crafty Scribe Communiqué - Do A Good Thing

Communiqué - News Flash - Communiqué

Dear Scribblers

Today's quick communiqué has nothing to do with crafting, and everything to do with doing a good turn for someone else.

I wrote a poem for My Year as A Poet by The Crafty Scribe, and it made me think about all those people we know who live alone.

Your Project of the Day - Please contact a relative, neighbour or friend who you know might be all alone this day. Just say hi, or even offer help if they need shopping, or invite them around for a cup of tea. You never know you might make someone's day. You could even introduce them to the wonderful world of crafting!

Take care.

Happy Scribing!

Communiqué Ends... Communiqué Ends...

The Crafty Scribe's Favourite Quotes - 21 and Project of the Day

Dear Scribbers

Back on Favourite Quotes 11 I discussed affirmations. Here's another quote 'affirming' my thoughts:

"Affirmations are like prescriptions for certain aspects of yourself you want to change." Jerry Frankhauser.

Don't you think that a positive thought backed up by a statement is a stronger medicine than reaching for a pill bottle? Obviously, if you have been prescribed by your doctor, there is a reason for taking tablets, and this is NOT medical advice.

This is a symbolic quote, meaning: it's better to be positive to help heal yourself through your own thinking, than look for outward solutions, blame your situation and expect other people to fix you.

Project of the Day - Create a crafting project with the title - 'My Prescription for A Better Me' include upbeat positive life-affirming photos/drawings/writings to show all the aspects of your life you want to change. Underneath each item of change, write a positive affirmation, written in the present, to assist you on your way.

Have fun with this one. Now, take two affirmations and call me in the morning!
Happy Scribing!

Broadcasting with the Best - Writing the Right Way.

Dear Scribblers

The other day, I was fortunate to attend a writers event with the BBC. I left the venue feeling energised, and more inspired than I have been for a while. I thought I would share with you a number of the comments made which I feel would be useful to you, whatever style of writing you prefer.

• The only difference between an established writer and a new writer, is that an established writer spends time writing, and getting their work in front of the right people. There is no point sitting on a finished piece, get it out there. Show it to people who can give you constructive and support feedback.
• Use all your senses when you write to create a complete sensory experience.
• Every writer worries about the next idea.
• A great idea is your currency - always be on the look out.
• Always consider what is at stake in your piece.
• Enjoy what you write.
• Write with integrity.
• Keep Writing!

Happy Scribing!

The Crafty Scribe's Favourite Quotes - 20 and Project of the Day

Dear Scribblers

I recently read the quote by Jonathan Swift, and it made me think:

"May You Live All The Days of Your Life."

There are days taken up by so many tasks and a daily routine that it's easy to forget to live. What you are really doing is 'going through the motions' and existing.

It is important to make sure that, within each day, a moment is taken to look around and be within your life. Feel yourself living. What are you doing? Is it your creativity? Is it a walk outdoors? Is it potholing? Is it meditation? Whatever it is, make sure you honour it. Each day is important, value your life. Make it a daily habit.

Project of the Day - What can you do today to feel alive? Be aware of who you are.
Using your preferred medium of creativity, journal/draw/scrap/create a project detailing what makes you feel alive. If you want to, as a reminder, create a sign to hang up with the quote and decorate it.

Live it, don't just exist it.

Happy Scribing!

The Crafty Scribe's Own Moment of Inspiration and Project of the Day

Dear Scribblers

Yesterday, I wrote a poem for my blog My Year As A Poet by The Crafty Scribe  entitled 'Arrow' (Entry 158)

The poem, in a haiku style, talks about the Arrow staying straight and true to hit the target.

  This reminded me of a necklace I bought a number of years ago.

  It is silver with a little dragon wrapped around an arrow.

  (I bought it from http://www.newmoon.uk.com/ I don't think they have the charm anymore, but they have some funky stuff! Lots of celtic, dragons, witches, angels and much more. Worth a look if you've never seen their site and are into all this mystical and fantasy. P.S. Just a note, I am in no way connected to the New Moon website, I just like them!)

I bought it at a time when I was feeling uninspired, without any direction or definitive goals, and needed some motivation. When I saw the charm I knew that it was for me. A bullseye right into my soul! 

It reminds me to create goals and wishes for myself to focus on, and to stay on the path to achieve them.

Do you have an object that inspires you?

Project of the Day - Journal or create a page describing your positive or good luck charm. If you don't have one, think about all those images and symbols that inspire you, and craft about that. You might even want a shopping trip to find your secret dream object. It might be a piece of jewellery like mine, or a toy, or a statue, or a book. What able something from nature, like a stone or a feather.

What is your symbol of hope, desire and good fortune? I'd love to hear your ideas, please add your thoughts to the comments below.

Happy Scribing!

The Crafty Scribe's Favourite Quotes - 19 and Project of the Day

Dear Scribbler

I think Henry Kaiser offers sound advice:

"Know yourself and decide what you want most out of life. Then write down your goals and a plan to reach them."

Not only does it apply to life goals, it can also but used in your creativity. Do you set yourself crafting goals? Do you have a list of projects that you need to accomplish?

Project of the Day - Write down your list of creative goals.
Prioritise them - put the ones that you need to do and want to do the most at the top.
Can these goals be broken down any smaller? Separate each project into smaller manageable chunks.
Put a 'guesstimate' of time next to each piece. E.G: Sort photos - 1 hour. Write journalling block - 5 minutes.
When you have a spare moment, take out your list, and choose a goal which relates to the amount of time you have, and complete that task.
Add it to the parts of your project you've already completed, ready for you to collate and finish.
You'll find you get a lot more done, by following your own goal list. It's surprising how much you can get done, in the floating 5 minutes, or that half an hour before you go to bed. You'll probably find that you are creating more too.

Happy Scribing!

The Crafty Scribe's Favourite Quotes - 18 and Project of the Day

Dear Scribblers

"Do not fear mistakes - there are none."  Miles Davis.

Fear stops most people from trying something new, as they don't want to make mistakes and fail. There are no mistakes, just results along the way. So today I want you to take this quote to heart, and try something new!

Project of the Day - Try something new today.

• Have you always wanted to try a different craft technique? Go get your supplies right now, and play! You don't need to show anyone.
• Have you always wanted to write a theatrical or radio play? Get your notebook, and jot down your ideas. Open up the computer, and get typing. (BBC website has a free formatting programme which drops into Microsoft Word to help you. Or download a script-formatting software programme - there are many to buy plus some free ones on the web including Celtx)
• Have you always wanted to bake a cake? Buy the ingredients, find a receipe and have a go!
• Have you wanted to try photography? Pick up the camera, and go snap happy. Learn from your mistakes.
• Do you want to learn a new language? Find a class and sign up. You'll all be beginners and on the same level, learning in a group is fun!

Of course, whatever you do, be sensible, be safe and use your common sense!

Trying something new assists you with your creativity too! It adds to your vat of ideas for your journalling and pages.

Happy Scribing!

The Crafty Scribe's Favourite Quotes - 17 and Project of the Day

Dear Scribblers

The beginning of a new month. I hope life is treating you well, wherever you are.

Have you ever wondered why you like to craft or journal? What pushes you towards a certain career, or hobby? I like the following quote from Rumi:

"Everyone has been made for some particular work, and the desire for that work has been put in every heart."

I like to think that we are all moving towards our own right path and goal.

Project of the Day - Listen to that inner voice who tells you the truth, and makes your heart pound a little bit faster with the excitement when you know you are following your dreams.

Are you listening to your inner voice? Journal, draw, scrap, create a piece on what inspires you, and your dream job.

Happy Scribing!