{images of Kimberly's work via}
I don't think I'm alone in admitting (though I hear Julia Child was not a fan) that Julie & Julia was a great story. I think what I liked about it (besides all the cooking) was the idea that a young woman was forcing herself to undertake something challenging everyday for a year.
I think the idea of forcing ourselves to try something, do something or create something everyday is how we grow. It is so easy to live in the status quo. But, when we force ourselves to do something regularly--every day--we have a chance to really grow.
In many ways, this blog (though I can't say I've written every day--but I've written nearly every day) is that for me. Creating Mainelyhome was my way to channel my creativity and my writing. I'll be honest, some days, I have no idea what to say (is it obvious?). But, I sit down in front of my computer and before long, it comes. And, once I start thinking, creating, writing--well, I find myself lost in a new burst of energy and focus. Honestly. I think I've grown a lot...and, well, I'm not done, so stay tuned.
So, I've become a fan of people who embark on these -- what I'm calling 365 day projects. For example, do you know about Project 365? This project challenges folks (yourself included) to take a photo and upload it everyday. Why? Well, for one, it will make you a better photographer. But, in addition, it will give you this amazing documentation of your life. Wouldn't it be cool to look back and see what every day of your life was like for a year? Might you be surprised to see what inspired you each day.
Well, a friend of mine who know longer lives around the corner, has embarked on a similar project -- and, I love it. Kimberly Becker, artist, paints a small oil painting every day. You can follow her (and even purchase her art) on her blog or become a fan. I have thoroughly enjoyed "watching" Kimberly via her blog--it gives me a glimpse into her life. And, the art is awesome. From Brownstones to Hydrangea and everything in between. Log on and be inspired by Kimberly.
Are you embarking on any 365 day projects?
Thank you! You are awesome. I love the way you write- something I cannot do! I literally got up from reading Julie and Julia to see why my iphone bleeped, and it was you telling me about your blog post! Thank you Michelle- I am honored that you mentioned my daily painting blog on your blog!
ReplyDeleteMichelle, you've done it! You've given me an achievable goal! I'm going to do it, I'm on the Project 365 site right now and I'm going to start the 365 blog with a photo a day. Now my challenge will be not over-thinking what the picture will be. Hmm...wonder if I'm breaking the rules if I take a couple a day. And just a p.s....on the Project 365 site it talks about traumatic events triggering a "photo flash" of your life and I can speak from personal experience on this. In my 20's I got mugged late at night and was actually carried a ways by the mugger and during our "journey" I literally watched a slide show of my life...saw my siblings, my parents. It was uncanny, and in a weird way comforting as it was almost as if my subconscious was reminding me of all the good things in my life as something terrible was happening. (the end of the story is that some women saw me getting mugged from their apartment and phoned the police, so I was rescued). Just felt like sharing that that is not a rumor spread by psychologists about your life flashing before your eyes.
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