Today, I spent hours answering questions and working to define what I like and who I am. I picked up Carrie and Danielle's book Style Statement at the local library and was intrigued by the questions, words and beautiful people featured in the pages. It felt like the right thing to work through at this stage in my life. So many days, I wake up and wonder: who am I? Am I doing what matters most to me? Do I need to change something in my life? Why don't these clothes seem to work for me? What fills me and resonates deep within my being?
Here are a few of the questions from the book with my answers:
A few objects in my living space that I cherish or take great pleasure in: my blanket: I’ve had I since I was born. It’s the ultimate texture of comfort for me. Circle chair: its shape makes me happy….It’s a pretty contemporary piece, but the fact that it’s a circle I can sit inside is comforting. The canning jars on the coffee table: they’re from the late 1800s and I’ve filled them with “freshly sharpened pencils,” black sand from Maui, and rose petals. To me, the echo things I’ve experienced and loved and things that make me happy.
I collect or have a lot of: books. Old and new. Children’s and young adult. My grandfather’s bibles. Thrift store finds. New knowledge. Stories to get lost in. beautiful pictures. Other worlds.
The ultimate party or celebration that I’d like to throw would be: An art creating party….in a big warehouse with paper lanterns and white Christmas lights strung up with long swaths of cloth hanging down the walls and drapes across the ceiling. Open doors and windows with a fall night and a warm cracking fire outside with wine and cheese and chocolate. Happy, mellow music in the background and 20 or so people creating art that expresses their joy at being alive…..art that will be auctioned off and proceeds given to underprivileged children to purchase art supplies.
When I am inspired my mind feels: free, soaring, flying
My favorite form of play is: bits and pieces of paper, glue, scissors, and a favorite phrase or two – turning it into a small collage.
And at the end, I sorted through words - big, beautiful, powerful words. Looking up synonyms and definitions and listening for the echo in my own soul. This is true. This is good. This is you.
At my core, the foundation of my being I feel that I am Genuine. Meaning: Authentic and real, genuine wants to be fully itself and deeply appreciate people and experiences that are free of hypocrisy or dishonesty. Sincerity is sweet music to their soul. They gravitate to those who are down to earth and unpretentious.
But there is 20% of my being that expresses itself in Creativity. Meaning: Creative is a life-affirming explorer. Gifted with fantastic imaginations, Creative will seek out originality – unique people and experiences, abstract thinking, and fantastical, whimsical notions. Small mindedness and regulation deeply pains Creative. Resourceful, determined, and passionate, they can find a way through any circumstance.
And here I am. At the end of a fun inquisitive day. It's just me.
Starting new projects is easy for me. Finishing them is another story!
A few weeks ago, I started creating prayer flags for my yard. I painted the colors and then they sat for a week. This time, with this project, I challenged myself to finish. The imagery came easily: waves, bird, fire, tree, sun and moon. No words. I wanted broad meanings, very humble icons.
