Good Grief....Where has the time gone!

I knew I'd been busy and hadn't had a chance to post recently, but when I checked the date of my last post....June 9th, I knew I had really messed up!
So I got to thinking about this blog and what I am writing it for? Why do I take the time to post my words and pictures here to share? And most importantly, why do you take the time to read and respond?
Well, I don't have any definite reasons but part of it is to share my life as an artist.....we work mostly in isolation, people sometimes come to my studio for workshops or meetings and my assistant comes in one morning a week. But most of the days, I'm by myself and it can get a bit lonely...
So I write on the blog and share to hear from others, invite feedback and generally invite you into my studio. (I've been thinking of a virtual studio tour on Youtube, but honestly, its a bit of a mess right now)
A couple days ago, I posted this image on Facebook:

and got a couple comments about how I use my time and accomplish a lot in my day. And I began thinking that others might be interested as well. It's not complicated....I mess up with my planning....I'm not perfect, but I keep trying!

First, I set goals, not too many all at once-maybe 3-4, and I work on them every day! So the image is a show I want to enter and the due date for the image. I also put the amount of time I need to spend on it every day til its finished.
Also, I have a spreadsheet of the show I want to enter, which quilts and deadlines. I keep updating it as time goes by.

Second, I keep a planner beside me. I use it for almost everything in my life. I wish I could go digital but I like the feeling of paper and pencil. Right now, with five adults in the house and a 3 1/2 year old, we also have a calendar on the fridge with all our schedules on it - all five of us work at different times of the day (and night). As for the planner, I'm fussy about what I use, I've tried just about every kind, right now it's The Passionate Planner and its good, just a little bulky for the size I use.

Third, I've signed up for some online workshops and info sessions of time keeping and planning, not all the information is relevant to my life but I can "cherry pick" the good stuff and make it work for me.
Finally, I've learned to loosen up a bit, this summer is very special, with lots of family coming and going. I'm not sure how often it'll happen in the future so I'm taking full advantage of it, with lots of walk, picnics and planting seeds of every kind with a special little girl.
One more thing (though I'm a bit lax this summer) is to do a once-a-week "brain dump" into my planner and notebook. I put down all the things I want to work on, tasks and priorities....everything!
And get it out of my head and onto the paper. But I don't do this on a Monday, when we tend to be in planning mode for the week, mid-week works best for me.
So what are your ideas and how do you plan for and reach your goals?

Pomodoro Technique!

Yes, Pomodoro really does refer to tomatoes, are you surprised that I'm writing about tomatoes? Actually, I grow some pretty amazing tomatoes in my garden each year, but this blog post isn't about that either!

I first encountered the Pomodoro Technique in a Robert Genn newsletter  http://clicks.robertgenn.com/pomodoro.php and thought it would be good to try it out. If you know me, you may know that I have a touch of ADD and am so easily distracted!

The premise of the PT is to block your work into 25 minute segments with a short break in between. Some research has shown that repeated breaks during work actually increase productivity. Plus, those of us hunched down over computers and sewing machines should be giving our neck and shoulders a regular break to stretch and relax.

So, I've been giving this technique a trial and really find it helpful, I'm less stressed and can focus a bit more knowing that I have a break coming up that is planned and deserved!

Oh, and the word Pomodoro refers to the red tomato kitchen timers that could be used to schedule your breaks. Me? I use the clock on my IPad, you could also use your computer (I found a timer at http://timer.onlineclock.net/alarm.html) or cell phone.

 

 

What do you think? Would you try this?

A Gift of Time

For the past four months I've been working, almost exclusively, to prepare to film a DVD on soy wax resists. I've sent many, many hours experimenting with different techniques and applications, rinsed and wash endless yards of fabric and had so much fun, angst and downright joy exploring all the different ways to use soy wax and colour on fabric.
I was all set to begin filming tomorrow. My producer was waiting for an important piece of equipment to arrive from Europe, and waiting and waiting....
So we decided after a few phone conversations yesterday to delay the filming for a month. We've re-booked flights and hotels and made new plans.

What has this meant to me? Well, its given me an unexpected gift of time to use. I had cleared the week of any commitments so we could devote it to the filming. Now I have a few days that I can use for other things....
What shall I do? Well, already I've said I'll baby sit my grandson for a morning and afternoon, cuddles and playtime is fun and we can go outside for walks together. My studio is clean, in preparation for filming, I had cleaned the carpets upstairs in anticipation and I even had a manicure, since you have to have "pretty hands" for the close-ups!

Now I can work on some projects that had been put aside, some paperwork that needs serious attention, a few blog posts to catch up on, I've promised to get some curtains hemmed and maybe prepare for a couple new quilts I'd like to work on......
But I don't want to overfill this unexpected gift with all work so I'm going to enjoy the sunshine (when it shows up) get outside, maybe into the garden, go for a couple of walks and be thankful for all I have, even the unexpected!