There is a thing I like to say about time – 'Nothing doesn’t happen in five minutes’.
In five minutes the sun sets, a kettle boils, a baby is born. Something is always happening, even during short stints of time. The more we observe single moments in those shorter periods, the more we realize they are responsible for the milestones we celebrate. Each moment is a cell of a product made, or accomplishment reached. It’s simple, and really all we have.
2018’s bestnine – Studio time was clearly about connecting with nature’s colours.
I’m more drawn to the New Year than any other festivity. The rollover in the calendar, like a collective birthday, reminds us that we’ve participated together in living another year. How beautiful and amazing! 365 days hold several moments, each one of them vital to the things we note as we reflect back and plan ahead.
We are not one instantaneous thing. As intricate people who develop over time, it’s important to not only reflect on the large outwardly accomplishments, but also to credit the smaller things that lead us anywhere; our ideas, wishes or dreams, our relationships, withdrawals from relationships, our decisions, our hesitations, our ‘almosts’, periods of growth, times of rest, our routines, our hobbies, our practices. They make a year and a lifetime whole.
Last Year’s Notes
No matter the job or place in life, I have always observed and reported back. It might be my lifelong praxis.
A friend of mine once summed it up greatly after I petitioned her assumption that I was ‘So smart.’
It wasn’t that I was so smart, but that I just ‘saw stuff’ and then told her about it.
Exercising this practice with more clients this year has been such a gift! It’s a dream to storytell with teams I admire, and to connect with others over my more personal work.
Here is a list of highlights from projects and living last year, big and small, in no particular order :)
Launched a new website and portfolio
Wrote an article and interview series for a branded online journal with a household name
Exercised a youthful voice for a Canadian travel magazine
Made paint from plants and minerals
Painted with paint from plants and minerals
Played with beach finds
Designed a line of t-shirts for a Canadian apparel company
Was scared of submitting personal writing to writing competitions
Submitted a piece of personal writing to a well-known national writing competition (!)
Noted over 3500km of British Columbia by RV
Received an artwork inquiry from a swoon-worthy local Interior Design firm
Walked countless quiet, enjoyable steps
Read and connected with many synchronistic books
Bathed in salt water
Rested
Got ideas in the shower
Nurtured our apartment into a home
Took care of my body
Got better at talking about my work
Reached out to collaborate with an organization I care about
Sold a piece of coveted artwork to some dear friends
Enthusiastically championed the projects of others
Supported and worked with my hilarious and talented husband
Helped coordinate an exceptional holiday art show
Became connected with a creative community in a new city
Remembered an enjoyment for bringing people together
Sat with herons
Spotted eagles
Loved a sand flea
Met friends
Wanted, and still want, a dog
Thanks for being part of my journey. Enjoy another year of moments!
Ginni