How to Conquer Your To-Do List While Wishing You Were at the Beach
Every year when summer finally rolls around, I find myself struggling to establish some sort of balance between soaking up some sun, and getting things done. After a long, dark winter, I feelit’s only fair to allow ourselves to get out to enjoy a sunny day! Nonetheless, letting all the work pile up because you played hooky to catch some rays is not necessarily the smartest choice either. So what is one to do?
Although I am in no way an expert on time management, and yes, I am guilty of sneaking off to the beach on a work day, I have found a few strategies to help maintain focus during the summer months.
Here are a few ideas that have helped me, and may hopefully be of help to you too!
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A Peek Behind the Scenes
Over the past month I have been working really hard to complete a few new designs in time for the Craft Nova Scotia Designer Craft Show, at which I will be participating as a vendor this year. (Click here for details).
I love designing new pieces of jewellery. The process that leads to a finished product is always full of new discoveries, surprises, and challenges. I’m happy to say I managed to resolve a few new designs, which I will debut at the show, and thought it might be interesting to share a bit of my design journey with you.
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Suspending Creative Inhibition
Last week, I packed my bag, and went with my dog to spend a few days with my grandparents in Fall River, Nova Scotia. My grandmother had just returned home from the hospital after having underwent brain surgery, so I decided to spend some time with her during the early days of her recovery.
My grandmother is from Newfoundland; she married, and raised a family there. After her three children (one of whom is my mother) ended up settling in Nova Scotia, her and my grandfather eventually decided to relocate to NS so they could be closer to their children and grandchildren.
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Defining "The Dream"
I have a friend who refers to the pursuit of one’s utmost passions as following “the dream”. “How’s the dream going?” she’ll ask. I love the way she phrases this question. It’s presented in such an ordinary way- the same way someone may casually ask, “How’s work? How’s your new dog? How’s your family?” It’s a friendly check-in.
“How’s the dream going?” It’s a question that makes me feel like I’m being held accountable to following through, and staying in line with my heart. It’s as if “The Dream” is something concrete, being lived currently, in the present. It’s not something totally out of the realm based in fantasy or something related to chance, like winning the lottery. The Dream is something you work for, and something you choose to do or pursue because you’re passionate about it.
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Jewellery as a Token of Memory
Growing up, I never wore much jewellery; I was a shy, quiet child, and any jewellery I wore was a reflection of that. Now, as a maker of jewellery, it is interesting to reflect upon my intentions and values regarding jewellery in general, and what I make. Jewellery has different meanings and values to different people; some people like to wear it, and some don’t. Most of the time, the type of jewellery I prefer to wear has little to do with fashion, and almost always had a connection to, or an association with, something important in my life.
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Spring Market Time!
After a long winter, it’s so nice to see the city slowly come back to life. It’s a refreshing feeling to reconnect with ourselves and our community as the sun fills the sky with light longer into the evening each day, and we eagerly climb out of hibernation.
I always enjoy selling my work at craft shows, but I am especially looking forward to participating as a vendor in one show in particular in Halifax: The Halifax Crafter’s Society Spring Market!
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From Sky to Water: Uncovering the Roots of Creative Fuel
Aside from designing and making jewellery, running is a big part of my life. I begin almost everyday by lacing up my sneakers, and heading out for an early morning run. There are many reasons why I have made running part of my daily routine, but the most prominent is to find clarity. Through running, I have learned how to quiet my mind and gain focus, and to achieve a sort of inner calm from being present with each stride. Over time, I came to realize how powerful an influence the surroundings of my running routes play in my creative process.
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A Winding Road
When I began my fine arts education at NSCAD University in 2007, I set out to be a painter. I had long dreamed of it. For years I had romanticized the painting studios I would catch an elusive glimpse of every so often when my parents would drive down Hollis St. past the University. It was a strange feeling to eventually find myself set up at an easel in that studio I had once peered in so longingly. But my dream didn’t quite unfold the way I had imagined.
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Welcome!
Welcome to my new website!
The past year has been a busy one, filled with new adventures and challenges. In September of 2016 I relocated to Halifax with my partner Matt who is pursuing his Masters degree at Dalhousie University. As I am originally from Halifax, this move was both a returning “home”, and the beginning of a new and exciting chapter of my life.
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