Sure enough as I wrote down my accomplishments of 2012, I became more clear about what area’s of my life I’d like to impact this year. I’d mentioned my goals for 2013 in yesterday’s post:

My list for 2013

1. Begin writing my book called “My Revelation Project” ( this way even if I get a few words on the page I have success!)
2. Choosing two “adventures” I can have with my family this year that are outside my normal comfort zone ( ie; camping!)
3. Continuing to “explore” new experiences – adding a yoga class or two, signing myself up for a class at All That Matters, or committing to a road trip with a friend or whatever.
4. Creating a workday or office “system” for the Project that will allow for easier collaboration with my partners.
5. Simplifying my home life in a way that will allow for more creative “flow” that will positively impact my desire to be creative with projects, cooking, cleaning, parenting, romance, cash-flow.

Based on the fact that I spend so much time on the computer in a given day/week it’s important for me to create a space that’s  somewhat orderly to tap into the above mentioned #5- I really notice that I feel more creative and effective when my space is organized. When I finished writing my list I felt energized by it, and got up to start working on my office space idea.

I wanted to create a space that felt warm, colorful and clean.  Austin and I have been discussing how to best use our office space because we share the same 99 square ft. room off of the kitchen.  One of my amazing Christmas gifts from him this year was my new desk and the size of it is perfect for what I wanted to create in the space.

I got rid of all the clutter and odds and ends that seem to find their way over to the surface of my desk. I also cleared out all the books and items that might distract me- and believe me anything bright and shiny does!   I chose the pictures I wanted to hang above my desk which are both hold meaning and significance.

• A Van Gogh Print of a field that reminds me of when I was a kid.  I used to spend a lot of time in Windsor Ontario with my cousins and we would play in the fields next to their house endlessly. Those were some of my most creative and magical memories. 

• A Photograph taken by my best friend Ken Hart who passed away of a Brain Tumor over six years ago. Ken gave me the photograph and told me that life occurs depending on how you choose to see things.  In this particular photo he had taken an image of a wall along Bellevue Avenue in Newport RI neatly manicured with grass and tree’s.  Then he flipped it on it’s side and told me that every wall is really a road when you perceive it differently.  Each time I look at this photo I am inspired. Ken so inspired me in everything he did.  He was the most “On purpose” person I have ever met in my life.

Once I hung the pictures I found the perfect lamp, a plant, and a few other beloved objects that I just like to have near me.

Usually I feel like I’ve opened pandora’s box when I start a big project, but with Austin’s help I was able to stay focused and he even helped me switch over to my Macbook Air that I’ve been avoiding for the past six months.  Changing technology is incredibly intimidating to me and my Macbook Pro was getting pretty sluggish (did I mention I hoard digitally as well?)

At heart I am an artist with a penchant for collecting interesting things, a dash of impulse, and a whole lot of creative idea’s bursting at the seams.  I love found objects, bohemian style, mysterious looking boxes, old photographs, and handmade things.  I love and appreciate craftsmanship and quality and being surrounded by an environment that makes me feel inspired (follow me on pinterest here).

Austin too, is part artist at heart as well with an eye toward design, minimalism, and function.  He is also a technology whiz and has so much to teach me (anyone) about how best to use technology to create systems that keep you organized and on task.  He’s incredibly interesting and I find his perception of things to be fascinating!  I think we are both a good balance for each other- mostly though- if I am honest.. he’s the one that keeps me grounded!

One of my biggest challenges is staying focused (medication has helped a lot since the ADD was diagnosed) and so having Austin there to support me as I went through my office papers and piles made me feel less overwhelmed.  I’m loving the result!

Here is a photo tour of our newly organized space.  At least it’s a new beginning!

Mine is the one on the right ;)

Side View

Our book shelves even got organized!

These are a few of my favorite objects… portrait of Austin from long ago, an “I love you” stone, my angel offering, my painted heart made by Miquette and My ticket stub from Ray Lamontagne

When is a Wall Not a Wall?

When it’s a road…..