GOOD GRIEF

Can grief be good?  I know it is a processing and experiencing of feelings.  And I guess you can do that in a positive way by going through the stages by embracing it, and recognising it for what it is.  Or you can deny yourself this because it is too painful, uncomfortable, or because for whatever reason, you just can't.

This week someone I know died before her life had really begun.  I worked with her for nearly 3 years and although I lived in the knowledge that her life could end and tried to prepare myself for this, nothing can take away the shock.  And I am trying to work with this in a positive way.  Work is not the place to be while I process what has happened, and and it is important that I recognise my own needs otherwise my work with other people may be affected.  And so I am at home, doing what I know helps.  Being creative, because this is what touches me most.  Not scrapbooking or album making.  But art journalling and writing.  Get in touch with my thought processes and feelings, and allowing them to be expressed in a healthy way.  And I also know that isolating myself is not helpful, so I have had contact with friends and other people who can help me with this.  And sometimes, more often than not infact, it is mutual support.  A sharing of memories, ideas of how to put things into perspective and to move forward.  I am going to the funeral and I will also be involved in a celebration of her life with other people who knew and worked with her.  Ceremonies and rituals are important.  Our ancestors knew this much better than we do.

In 10 things on 10th I said I would start an art journal.  And this seemed the perfect time to do so.  I don't know why I didn't do this years ago actually.  I love expressing myself through art, or working with others to do this.  A journal is the perfect place to keep pages together.  Up until now I have always worked bigger, A1 or A2, but there is no reason why I can't keep doing this too when the mood or need takes.  And now I recognise that the beauty of an art journal is that you can take it with you.  Use it in the moment or when opportunity strikes.

So here are the first pages.  Some speak for themselves, others are work in progress.

I have also started to make some backgrounds.  This one is a favourite photo of mine that I altered using  impressionist style at befunky.   If you have not checked out this site already it is worth a look.  I like to alter my photos sometimes for creative work, and think I will be doing this more regularly with an art journal to fill.

And this one was hand printed using the base of a bunch of celery.  They look like flowers, I love the effect:

 

And finally, for those who have visited from Julia's, here is a picture of my desktop.  Not my usual style, but now you know why.

You will also know why I have not visited so many blogs or left comments this week.  I will be back in action soon. 

For the moment I just need time to be quiet and to gather my thoughts. 

COME JOIN THE BLOG HOP!!

Today I am celebrating one year of blogging, or as Ruth called it - my BLOGIVERSARY! 
I was initially very unsure about setting up a blog, but I'm so glad that I did.  I've made lots of new friends, some who I occasionally meet face to face as well as in blogland.  And some are joining me in my first Blog Hop..... I feel so honoured and privileged.  THANK YOU - you know who you are!!

And here are some of the firsts I celebrated a long the way.  For this has all been a learning curve and I now see that my blog has become another way to create and develop.  I am linking back to posts in case you want the option of dipping in, so let's start:


1.  It felt like a risk when I organised a Poll and a Giveaway.  But it turned out really special when  winner, Natasha, used one of the tags I made in her artwork and posted it on her blog.  I had the biggest smile on my face when I saw it!

2.  I did an on line course and was encouraged to join the blogging world in order to share my creative work and to meet other people.  This is my first post.

3.  My first residential was an amazing experience and we created from dawn to midnight.  I'm going again in October.  I can't wait!  

4.  I made my first scrapbook page.  Handmade books and mini albums are my first love, but I  like scrapbook techniques and I LOVE some of the pages I have made during the year in taught classes at my monthly Eclectic Keepsake group. 

5.  I had a first meeting with Moira.  We met through 'Taking Flight' the online course that introduced me to blogging.  As as well as becoming a friend Moira also runs the residential workshop that I attend. 

6.  I posted my first video.   If you ever doubt yourself or your capability, just watch this. 

7. I took part in my first Blog Hop & won a giveaway!! I couldn't believe my luck and had such fun visiting new blogs.

8.  My first online swap, where I exchanged a handmade gift as part of Louise Gale's Creative Colour Challenge. 

9.   I took part in my first interview.  This was part of an online course where we were encouraged to think about different styles of writing and to interview our self!

10.  And finally, this is the first Blog Hop I have organised... so let's not waste any more time and let the fun begin!

HOW TO PLAY:

Listed below are names of those taking part.   

Visit each blog in turn, and you will be directed to the next person on the list.  If you 'get lost' don't worry - just come back here and pick up the thread.   

As you visit each blog, look out for a letter. 

There are 12 to collect.  When you have them all, rearrange them to make one word.  Then come back here and leave the word in a comment. 

I am offering a GIVEAWAY as a thank you for taking part, and will randomly pick a name from the correct answers on Thursday 23rd. 

Of course you are welcome to leave a comment without collecting the letters.  I LOVE receiving comments, as these always brighten my day!  

This is the start, so have fun & I hope to see you back here at the end.  And don't forget, this is where you pick up the thread if you get lost or have joined part way.

Let's start hopping!!  

  Your first letter is : C  

1.   Sandie (you are here!) 

2.   Ann

3.   Louise

4.   Angela

5.   Laurie

6.   Karen

7.   Moira

8.   Deb

9.   Alexa

10. Den

11. Lynn

12. Ruth