What have you done with your 2015?
I started off my year with one thing in mind. I sought out a way to improve my handwriting. I have never really been impressed with the lack of consistency with my writing. Sounds so basic, and simplistic to try something like this. But You see, writing is my mind. I function better with the thoughts on the page than they are all jumbled up in my head.
This process started me on a path into finding the joy of writing with a fountain pen. Those who don't know about fountain pens, or have a general love for the instrument of the written word might not quite be able to grasp what it can mean to someone like me. But there are some folks who get it. And through the magic of the internet I have found a few of "My People." We write the songs of our hearts and thoughts. (*USE ALL THE PRETTY THINGS - this is an issue I struggle with. I will use the things I like least before I use the nice stuff. But this year I have learned I need to enjoy what life has - each and every day)
I am not quite sure if I accomplished my goal of improving my hand writing. But that's alright, I have 2016 to continue to work through that process. The next thing that I have done during 2015 was introduce more creativity into my life. What else can you do with fountain pens? There is journal writing, and letter writing to my grandma. But another expression would also be doing some drawing. Now that is going beyond my comfort zone. Showing my written attempts were scary enough to post on Instagram, but then to move into publicly sharing artwork done by me, just about had me abandon the account. I had my Instagram for 4 plus years and really never used it. So it was a very good chance that this account was going to be made dormant again.
With the encouragement of a good friend (You know who you are my zen tangler ;) ) I started giving it a try, and just so happened to be an art challenge called Index card a day. (#icad) For 60 days - I did 30 - its a drawing on an index card each day. Some times I did sayings, some were art related. A few surprising good ones, quite a few not suitable for saving. But I posted them anyway. I stepped out of my box that was protected by fear and put forth my creative attempts.
Through my journey that began simply enough has given me experiences that I grateful for. I have gotten to know folks that are into pens just like me. That they have been generous with her time to answer questions. To maybe even hold my hand a bit when I was sinking backwards into fear mode. A few were also the swift kicks in the tush to go forth and try. To accept my efforts as my own, and work on my style. I laugh at that comment, because I am not a creature of style, more like one of comfort. But there are times you have to step out of that comfort zone.
Even stepping out of my box, I have done some periscopes. I added a few more entries to my blog this year. Not as many as I should or would of liked. But maybe I will do more for next year. Though what more can I say about the pen stuff I am into that hasn't been done by someone else that knows more of what they are talking about. Then again I remind myself that I was once new, and I should share the 'new' things I have encountered.
So, I am thinking that I am quite looking forward to the next year. I have my tools surrounding me now, in my space that will allow me to create. I believe I will continue to venture forth. Use what I have in me to be more creative in 2016. My one hope is that by sharing my attempts someone else out there, that is afraid of their "abilities," to go ahead and give it a try. Might find that seed grow into something of Joy. That was true for me this last year. Had no clue that googling "How to improve my handwriting?" would have brought me to the place that I'm today.
So, for those who have crossed my path this year. I welcome you into the next year. And I wish you a year of expanding your creative side, and seeking out your joy.
-Mishelle