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!