Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Anticipation - Focus on the Positive

The way I see it, when you're waiting for something, in anticipation, you're in one of two mindsets...
 ...you're excited because something positive or good or fun or wonderful is most likely to happen
or
 ...you're worried or afraid that something bad or negative or scary or yucky will probably happen.


For the April Art Bead Scene Carnival post, it's my task to write on "anticipation."  Well, I want to delve into how important it is to look forward to something...and creating something for yourself to look forward to in a positive and exciting way, in particular.   I think we all tend towards viewing life in one way or the other...an intrinsic or extrinsic motivation.  What the h*ll am I talking about?  Well, I think you can either feel like you have some control over your own destiny, and see things as positive opportunities; or you can attribute things that happen to you to someone else--"they" or "them"--and see the negative consequences.  What I'm trying to say is that you can create opportunities for yourself to look forward to--that pleasurable feeling of anticipation--in small and big ways through art and creating and even growing a business.  (I'd say that family and career and relationship are all in here, too, but I've got to have some focus, right?  haaaaaaaaaa)


Now, I am not Miss Positive Energy all the time, believe me.  But, when it comes to my craftiness, that's where I really like to focus on the positive...here are few examples...


First, trying new things.  I wanted to try making glass beads.  What's the worst that could happen?  I could burn Juli's workshop down?  haaaaaaaa  A week or so ago, I shared a post about meeting Julianna Cannon and getting my first try at the torch.  I was sooo freaking excited to try it that I really didn't even think about the whole "what if I can't do this?" or "what if I hurt myself?" because even if I can't do it the first time, I know I can try again and even if I hurt myself it will be a funny story!  Not only did I have the anticipation and excitement about working with fire, but then, once I was done, I had to wait to see how my beads came out!  Juli annealed them and cleaned them for me, I had no idea how any of my random color efforts would come out.  Well, TA DA!!  They are some jacked up wonky beads but I love them!!!!!



Second, ordering new things.  Another one of the best parts about creating is buying tools, supplies, or other people's art on-line!  If you haven't experienced the sweet anticipation of packages on the way from your fave Etsy shops or on-line bead suppliers or tool shops, then you don't know what you're missing!  You can wear pajamas, drink coffee, talk to the cats and have snacks all at the same time (if you're a weird cat person who likes to wear pajamas a lot like me).  So, in the spirit of giving yourself something to look forward to, I picked a couple of Etsy shops out of my list of favorites to share...
Purple Tie-Dye Polymer Beads by ArtyBecca
Art Museum Letters for Mixed Media Applications from KathyOrf
Blood Orange Ceramic Beads from MAKU Studio
Third, meeting new people.  I enjoy being a part of this blogging community and getting to know the work of so many wonderful folks.  Looking at the latest posts, seeing the latest magazine issues, and sharing in the experiences of so many people who have the same passion that I have is something I look forward every day!  That's the definition of anticipation right there!  And, even more exciting to me is April's BeadFest Wire in Philly.  I get to meet other creative people and vendors from all over the place--some of you are going to be there, right?  One of the things I'm most looking forward to is taking a class from Kerry Bogert in person!  Her latest book has really lit a fire on my coiling so I can't wait!  Here's a peek at some of the "Totally Twisted" inspiration that has me going lately...
These are my version of bangles with TONS of great glass artbeads...SueBeads, HMB Studios, Lisa New, and even some by Kerry!

So, I hope that was enough positive energy sharing so you can go anticipate something great for yourself.  I actually get to go think about my car being in the shop with some sort of crack in the engine (I don't think that's good); on of my kitty boys, Brando, who had to stay overnight at the vet because he got a cut in his eye and they have to take it out tomorrow (yes, the whole eyeball); and the ever-inspiring physical fitness test that I have to take in the morning.  Awesome...I think I'll go make something!  haaaaaaaaaaaaa

 



13 comments:

  1. What a great write up about anticipation! I too am easily excitable! Can't wait to get my new something, that is when I have something coming...and I'm stoked about BeadFest Wire (maybe we could meet). And when I'm working on a project...the anticipation of seeing the finished project drives me crazy.

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  2. ahh, anticipation is something I live with every time I fire a kiln. It's what keeps me going, those surprises, good and bad. Your photos are fabulous. So bright and cheery!

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  3. Hey, thanks for showing my beads!
    If those beads in the top photo are really your first glass beads, then you're pretty good! My first attempts at glass were not even remotely round.
    I agree with the fun of anticipation. But I notice that the older I get, the faster time flies. I have a vacation planned for September and I know it will be here before I know it!

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  4. A Bright and Bead-tiful blog !!!
    I look forward with much Anticipation
    to reading more of your posts!
    :) m.e.

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  5. Jen, So sorry to hear about Brando. A friend has a sweet rescue kitty baby that is completely blind, and she's a playful purrbucket just the same. He'll be fine. :)

    So I expect you to come back and tell us the dealership is taking care of the cracked engine block considering they didn't repair it right in the first place. Fingers Crossed on that one.

    @your first beads? They really are some of the best I've seen from a total newbie.

    Hope you kicked PT Booty this morning and can enjoy the rest of your day.
    :D

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  6. Hey Jen! I like your wonky beads! They make a statement and fit your personality! How much better does it get?

    Great post my dear! Anticipation keeps life moving forward and helps us all become who we are supposed to be!

    Chat with you soon!
    Dawn

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  7. Thanks Jen, I am new to the ABS-CB's. I have an idea what to write in mine, but your post is a great inspiration and example to me. Thank you for sharing.

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  8. Thanks so much for featuring my raku beads! Your beads that you made are gorgeous! Love all your picks too!

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  9. Seriously, those beads are pretty darn good for first efforts at the torch! Hell, I don't think my first ones were even *round*.

    And I really, totally dig that pink/orange bracelet on the left. Beautiful work, awesome color combination!

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  10. I think anticipation is like a drug, it can go both ways though. Loved your post and hoping that everything goes well with your kitty, heart and thoughts are with you!

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  11. Wow I think you have done an amazing job with your first beads. They would look gorgeous just the way they are as a bracelet.

    Karyn

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  12. Great post, Jen! You've covered lots of sides of "anticipation" that I share too (except when I'm waiting for a package it's more like "impatience"). I think your first attempts at lampwork beads are great! So round and colorful - you did well.

    I'm so glad your kitteh is better.

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  13. Playing with fire--you are so brave! I think your beads turned out wonderfully!

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Bedford, PA, United States
I'm a retiree/artist/student who makes things. It's a nice kind of lifestyle!

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