Fresh start...are you ready?

©Toni Ruppert "Absolute Abandon"

This week has been so amazing!! I made the decision a few weeks ago to take the limits off of where God can take me creatively in 2012. 

So far, I've prayed to God daily for guidance.  I'm listening.  I've also began to draw and journal more. You can see one of my pencil drawings "Absolute Abandon" posted here. 

Around this time of year, many folks are hopeful for a new year full of possibilities.  I cleaned my art desk (at least it was clean) and I organized supplies in anticipation of the ideas that will flow.

Here are some cool books I'm reviewing:

T.D. Jakes' 64 Lessons for a Life Without Limits What I'm learning: It works when I work it. If I pray about making a children's book and never create work, nothing happens. I've learned that God is always with me, guiding me and directing me. He can't work unless I''m working too.

Lisa Sonora Beam's The Creative Entrepreneur  What I'm learning: I can learn business ideas and express what's inside about my business using the visual language I already know.  It has been totally empowering.  I've been busy in my art journal - unearthing more joy than I've had in awhile.

I'm keeping up with the following blogs and people: 

• Pamela Casey -  My accountability partner and fellow artist.  Florida artist, Pamela Casey and I met in 2009 during an online class for artists. We met in person in 2010 and have been fast friends ever since.  I value her calming spirit and way of motivating me.  Her blog is a mix of life observations and photo-how-to.  

• Amos Johnson - Words can not express what he is to God inspired business owners -- Check out his free business resources.  

• Laura Young - When wordsmith and photographer Laura Young speaks, you never know what she'll say.  She is a play-aunt to my oldest daughter and a friend to me.  I am looking forward to hearing more from her this year.

One of my scriptures for this year is in the old testament of the Bible (Isaiah 43:18-19). It says, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.  

 

Fresh start? You bet I'm ready for it. 

 

What are you reading? Who are you keeping up with? How are you starting anew this year?