It might not be pretty

 

I did start with getting my planner up to date.   I got a good start.

The thumbnail or tiny wallet sized prints on my computer work well to give the reminder and a feeling of what was happening.  I have too many per page but we were making memories and that couldn't be helped.  But I figure three shots per week in the future.  They fill and add something nice. Adding photos, bits and bobs, etc.  to the penciled activities jotted down as the week progresses makes this an effective diary.  When I forget to pencil I just add more art!  Works for me.

The little school/blog planner isn't terribly detailed but is great for cleaning stamps, brushes, and trying new things!

Obviously it wasn't too hard because my mind began to wander.  I got to thinking about my blog and the changes I'd like to make as I head into the future.  A future I see as a time of transition. (says she as she tries to make sense of photos in realty ads)   I want seasonal blog headers.  I have always intended to do that but...

If I do them all at once they will be ready at the click of a finger depending on my memory of how to make the changes.  lol
 
In the middle of the repetition of print and glue I let my mind wander.  ;^)   And before I knew it I was experimenting.

Here's a hint but it didn't feel right.  Darn, I don't have a bare wall even after simplifying!  This was my third seasonal try and I guess you try with what ya got until the AHA! moment comes. 

So I shoved some more furniture around.  Then I started all over again to gather accessories.  Loads of fun but gosh, what a mess.  Then I double, tripled and I am on my way to quadrupling the mess.  

But revealing that bright idea will have to wait for another day because I gotta get back to TNTF

Back again to KISS

So easy to get side tracked!  So easy to forget where I was and what I was doing!

artists with differences

the youngest usually surprises

the keenest is fearless and messy

the oldest careful and precise

Keep it simple students.  KISS.  
I was reminded of this simple principle as we had Art 101.  I gave the grand kiddies a little demo on mixing watercolours and then turned them loose on the colour wheel. I let go the outcome and and the time clock.  I let go and I think we can call the day successful! 

I will continue to let them have an half hour for their planners first as it settles them in. I will try to remember that these are 'their' planners and their 'art'!  Keep it simply stressless!

And speaking of planners...

The unplanner did not work for me so I have dispersed it to the grand kiddies.  There is tons of tutorials and suggestions on the site.  The focus is on prep and I am no front runner.  I am more likely the tag end trying valiantly to cross the finish line.  They have lots of examples and suggestions.  I mostly play catch up.  Although they are helpful and have tons of ideas this particular way is just not practical for my life and style.  The emphasis on the unplanner is art so there are lots of modifications, improvisations and general messing around before one actually plans.  I am not organized enough to do the before stuff in advance of the due date.  lol   I tend to jot down events.  Some before but a lot after.  Then I fill in the blanks with all the ephemera that I collect to help me remember.  lol   

Therefore the Happy Planner has turned out to be the one for me.  I put in important reminders but it functions mostly as a diary.   I also had gotten the smaller size with a Michael's coupon thinking I could adapt it for something like a note book.  But it has the printed calendars for 20016/17 just like my big one.  :/  It makes economic sense to use it for a project planner for my blog and the kids art/literature day.  phew!  I jot down general checks of where I need to be in the year's class plans. I write down blog theme ideas. They both let me pencil in stuff and then fancy it up at a more opportune time.  

 Still- so easy to get side tracked!

The Next Thing First is to get them up to date.   Because I have quite a few to do I will have to do that but with a KISS in mind.

50 to 100%

 Next up on my The Next Thing First list is my wardrobe.  I have been buying art supplies rather than clothes and I am practically nek ked, not to mention out of style.  :O

So I looked for my notes from Marie Kondo's book.  I have no idea where they might be so I turned on you tube.   Ha, I won't have that much!  But when you put E v e r y t h i n g on the pile it is shocking!

My goal was 50%.  Because I rate shopping for clothes very low on my must do list I tend to have less rather than more. I knew some would be quite worn and some may even be too old to be labeled 'classic!   It went real quick.

Not sure if I actually made 50% but it was close.  I put the plastic shelving unit in where a shoe rack was.  I pulled it ahead for the photo.  I put  my small stuff and jammies I had in the dresser way on the other side of the room which was inconvenient.   That dresser now has some seasonal stuff and my sheets.  The shoes are up where the sheets were.  Quilts and pillows are above.  Much handier as I can dress quickly and all in one spot!

I  don't need lots more.  I have been wearing old worn stuff and ''saving' the good.  :(  I am short on dresses and was shocked by all the sweaters and sweatshirt jackets.  Obviously I like tees!  I did need unmentionables, a pair of closed toes shoes for summer/fall, a winter coat and a few good tops.  Skirts I had to buy last year.  I do have my new garment sewing book and I will be making things.  So..

I had hoped to have a lovely photo of new clothes but I blew the budget on the unmentionables.  sheesh.  It has been a while since I have been to the mall and it has really changed.  I took a break and decided I had spent enough.  But I will be back!

My first stop was not for clothes though.  I have long been looking for a typewriter and good ol' Michael's now carries one.  I have been waiting for a 50% coupon and there was a 50% coupon as a one day special.  :)  Unfortunately the fine print said NOT including the typewriter.  But it and some paper stuff for it was on sale and really, I have been looking for a few years.  I have fond memories of banging away on my Dad's old one while I played office and then graduated to school papers!   I am doubly thrilled it came in something besides pink and it makes me smile just looking at it.  This is definitely an 100 percenter!!! 

Moving the old plastic shelving to the bedroom closet was a brilliant idea.  Unfortunately when I was emptying the drawers  I saw I'd created a problem because the new tower I got for my fibre art threads turned out to be narrower. Only 50% of the stuff fit. :{    That means that the needle felting supplies need a new place.  What to do????

I shuffled things around in the sewing room closet and I got another 50% of storage space.  Gee, whiz!  I may have to go back shopping!  :/

Oh!!!  I can type up the next shopping list!  Feeling 100% better already!  lol

Spring rush

The rain seems to have quit but the frost sure hasn't.  I'm still dragging the transplants in and out.

But in spite of lawn mower breakdowns and repairs we are up to date on the grass cutting.  Last year's trees are all looking good.  Now to keep my lawn mower away from them.  I do like to cut as close as I can!  eek!

The kitchen sink is back within the top 3 items of the list.  I saw a question on face book asking if anyone hand washed dishes anymore.  Yes, and now I am back to the old basin set up.  lol  Can't wait to hand wash in my new porcelain sink! 

I'm just itching to play on a big canvas but the next thing to do is a handmade book for a young graduate.  This a young man who is into hunting, fishing, golfing so that will be a bit different from my usual.  I shall enjoy the challenge.

The Next Thing First has some changeable aspects this week.  ;^) I also hope the magpie nest in the upper right has its building permit revoked and the pair change locations.  They are not nice birds.  Fast nest builders but not nice tenants!  The robin in the potting shed is hoping I don't arrive too soon as well.  ;^)