My Year 2013: A Rewind

As I did last year, I wanted to do a bit of review of my year in 2013, to celebrate, share and consider what I've learned and accomplished, with the hope of making a meaningful mark in my world.

What I share in this post reflects my life as a journal keeper, an artist, host of #JournalChat Live, as writer, as a grandma, as a refreshment specialist, as a researcher, as an author, and as a newsletter creator.

As you can see, my life is very layered, multi-dimensional and rich! For that I am grateful.

So, without further ado, (drum roll, please! ;)) my life in 2013!

I shall begin with my life as a journal keeper:
I continue to enjoy engaging with my written journal, usually recording entries in the a.m. and p.m. and others when the situation calls for it. But starting in November, I began to take more breaks in my day and record in my journal three or four times per day, which has given me an even deeper clarity and insight into what I'm experiencing, thinking about, and determining needs to be done, especially with creating positive change--always vitally important! My journal gives me space to pay close attention to my intuition, my inner wisdom and to the divine spark given to me by the Creator.

I continue to use my dominant and non-dominant hand approach to my entries, activating both sides of the brain for a more holistic, logical and creative result. My journaling exercise, using Xs for negatives and * for positives, continues to give me visual clues for where I need more balance (key word here!). I also add a summary word that tells my day succinctly; that really gets me thinking in the big picture. Just a few months ago, I started using colored markers to write my entries, and I've written so much, that I need a new set already! Also, I even did a little of backwards writing as the suggestion of a friend (Thanks, Suzanna!) on #JournalChat. It takes a lot of concentration so I don't do that every day. It has also been fun to incorporate some other ideas I've gleaned from my reading and chatting on #JournalChat this year; that's always fun!

Now to my Authentic Refreshment with Art Journaling:
In January, it will be three years that I've kept an art journal; I am truly hooked!! I love using watercolors, oil pastels, crayon, tissue paper (for texture), colored paper (for collage), and rubber stamps to create messages as well as letters cut from magazines. In the latter half of this year, I've been experimenting with image transfers, getting the hang of working with gel mediums and creating layers on the page. Some of it has been a challenge, but I'm getting better and loving the process.

I always have so much fun going through magazines to pull images, text and color to work into my collages, my paintings and my pages. I love designing and combining different techniques to create fun works of art from the heart.

Also as a fine artist in watercolor, I did my first replicating rendering, using the stipple method, of a mocking bird, my adored bird you will find on my website, who delights my heart with his song and dance. It was such a delight to paint "In Your Element" considering my love for watercolor and for the mocking bird itself. I also continue to do intuitive paintings from my imagination and heart.

As an artist, I am absolutely delighted to have my Dawn Herring Collection Art Gallery available on my website, a long held dream of mine. It contains a page of my fine art paintings as well as my mixed media and watercolor bookmarks and message cards which are available for order! I love designing empowering message cards with favorite colors as reminders of who we really are and how we can make our meaningful mark in the world!

My whole website, Refresh with Dawn Herring, has been fully refreshed this year, featuring my empowering products and services, information about #JournalChat Live and Links Edition along with journaling prompts and resources for all things journaling that I've compiled from my reading and posting as host of #JournalChat Live on Twitter. There's a place to sign up for my now monthly Refresh Journal, which contains #JournalChat information, refreshing tips, music, and so much more, and to purchase my book, The Birthday Wall: Create a Collage to Celebrate Your Child, which had its one year anniversary of publication in March. My daughter, Sarah, shared her point of view on The Birthday Wall this year.

As Host of #JournalChat Live, I reached my two year anniversary in June with the structure of a weekly chat with new topic based on the journaling resource I choose for #JournalChat Pick of the Week. I even wrote a blog post covering all the resources and topics we covered for 2013 as a big THANK YOU for those who authored them and to those who participated. One big change that occurred back on October was the switch from Thursday afternoons to Sunday afternoons to hold the live chat on Twitter. And this month, another big change is being implemented in 2014, with #JournalChat Live being held the first Sunday of each month. Plus I've changed what was Pick of the Day to Dawn's #JournalChat Favorite and what was once Pick of the Week to Dawn's #JournalChat Choice to reflect those changes to once per month. I'm excited about these changes which I explain from the heart.

#JournalChat Live continues to be a source of fun, inspiration and ideas for journal keeping enthusiasts and we've had a lot of insightful conversation and support for our journaling community. Come join us the first Sunday of each month at 4 EST/1 PST on Twitter using the #JournalChat Hashtag in your tweet!

One of my good friends, Nathan Ohren of Write4Life, who has been a special guest on #JournalChat Live as well as an active contributor to our chats, interviewed me on his #JournalTalk podcast which was fun, interesting and fun! (When you listen, bear in mind that the time and day of #JournalChat Live is now on first Sunday of each month.) One of my favorite things about Nathan's approach to his podcast and his work in the world is his sense of humor (plus his heart). He has been a true supporter of my work with the live chat as well as my life as artist and refreshment enthusiast. It was a pleasure to work with him and to chat with him on #JournalChat Live. His podcasts with journaling experts are well worth listening to; I was glad to be a part of his series.

As a Refreshment Specialist, I've engaged in some refreshment research and have started a new blog called Your Authentic Refreshment, showcasing interviews with folks who engage in authentic refreshment which is something to help you appreciate yourself for who you are, validate your emotions and feelings and nurture your soul. Also new are my Refresh Sessions which I provide to work with people privately to help them discover what will refresh them and help them gain a fresh perspective in all of life's dimensions, thus loving themselves from the inside out and living empowered lives as a result!

As a writer, I have published several guests posts this year focused on journaling and refreshment on the websites/blogs of Kathleen Pooler, Karen Horneffer-Ginter, and in Outlet Magazine. I also continue to post on my Refresh with Dawn Herring blog (that you're reading now!) about once per month in addition to the content for Refresh Journal. I also have several longer works in progress, with one I hope to share in 2014.

As a grandma, I am deighted to say that my grandboy turned two! He is such a delight, always making Grandma smile and laugh with his chatter, his personality, and his love, always looking for hugs which I gladly give. We have so much fun together building with blocks, talking to his stuffed animals, doing sock puppets, and talking on the "phone." I just love to teach him all kinds of things, tell him stories, and just be plain silly to make him laugh. And Boy Does He Laugh! :D

When I look back on all of this good stuff, it really makes me want to do a happy dance; won't you dance with me?

My 2013 has been full, rich, insightful, and creative in many aspects and I look forward to what 2014 will hold.

My desire is to encourage folks to refresh themselves daily, keep a journal to record their special story for all posterity, and to love themselves heartily from the inside out.

I hope you will join me in this wild, wonderful journey; lets keep in touch in 2014!

© 2013 by Dawn Herring

It's About Time

You know how some folks pick a meaningful word at the start of a new year to create a specific focus?
Well, for 2013 my focus word was TIME.

Yes, time in all of its dimensions, meanings, uses, approaches and struggles.

I used time as a meaningful visual and textual dimension in my art journaling pages and journaled about time and its facets and how I wanted to make meaningful changes concerning time and its effects in my life.

When I think about time, often the issue that arises is not having enough time to do the things I love.
So I was determined to make more space for my artistic pursuits.

I moved my art studio from a bedroom with a door to the center of the house off the kitchen area. I knew this move would initiate more time at the creative table since it was more convenient and available to me. I could paint, create texture, stamp messages, collage, and paint some more in between making dinner in the kitchen, doing business on the computer and doing chores/housework.

I have spent more time pursuing my love of art journaling, mixed media and watercolor fine art. The samples of my work on my art gallery are evidence of the time I have set aside for it. Really, I have incorporated art into the fabric of my life which makes it more seamless, like it's simply what I do. It's priority--for my heart, my soul, my mind.

I also considered the time I spent on writing projects. I actually cut out several of them in late January since I felt I had written myself into a box and felt there was too much of it every day. So I stopped. I still kept my journals but I let go of those projects not concerning myself over if and when I'd get back to them. Sometimes it's just necessary to take a breather and regroup.

This time pause with writing projects lasted about two months. I was very much aware of what I was not doing in order to do less in my day, giving myself space. And I knew when it was time to get back to it. And it felt right, like I wanted to continue on with what I started. And I enjoyed the break I gave myself.

I also determined to change my approach and structure so it was more in the flow of who I am. It's amazing how we will create a structure that becomes binding when we don't have to or need to. Sometimes a small change can make all the difference in our energy and enthusiasm for what is important to us.

Another issue I addressed with time was thinking that very little time had passed when I started something new or was referencing an event or decision I made previously; it amazed me when I discovered that those time spans were much longer than I thought they were. (That's what makes journaling life experiences so wonderful for those of us who don't remember how long it's been!)

Something I chose to do three years ago only felt like 18 months to me.

When you realize the longer time span, you have to regroup and gain a fresh understanding of how that decision you made affected you with that longer distance separating you from that time long ago. It truly gave me pause, and I excused myself, in a sense, of not remembering. Although I do find it frustrating at times, like I'm totally out of the loop on when I started doing something, I realize it's okay not to remember.

Another issue of time I addressed was in relation to what I wanted to accomplish; there are some things that take longer to build or create; and it takes consistent action and persistence not to give up when things don't go in the timely way you desire.

For instance, it would take me several months to get a painting done instead of several days or weeks. Or I intended to post on my blog every few weeks and, instead, five or six would go by, and I wouldn't realize it. (I am now more mindful of this with my focus on Time.)

Then there's the issue of time passing and everyone getting older. Whether it's my parents in their 70s, my spouse in his 50s, my grandboy turning two (and not being so lap-interested like he once was) or having two grown daughters. My own age also comes to mind with keeping myself strong and healthy with a special focus on my spiritual, emotional and physical well being. (This I also address in my art and written journals.)

I want to be a good steward of my time, talents, gifts and roles I fill in my life; and knowing I won't be here forever keeps me motivated to stay true to who I am, to pursue what makes my heart grow, and to love fully.

This year, 2013, has been full of challenges, choices, decisions, determinations, boundaries, expansiveness and growth as I look at how my new perspectives and meaning of time has affected my roles as a wife, mother, grandma, journal keeper, artist, writer and host of #JournalChat Live. As a result, I now have an even stronger sense of purpose to help me make the most meaningful mark in the world that I can.

Ultimately, it really is about time.

&#169 2013 by Dawn Herring

Competition or Complement?

Are you one to write a "to do" list each day to keep yourself on track with your goals and tasks?

If so, do you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed by its sheer volume, as if you'll never catch up?

Do you find it difficult to decide what tasks or responsibilities should take priority over the others? Do they all seem priority and you don't know which one to do first?

Ah, yes. Those tasks can often seem to take on a persona of their own, as if they were people vying for your attention, competing with the other tasks, hoping to be noticed for how important they are. You might even hear them saying, "Don't you care about me? Why do you keep ignoring me? I'm IMPORTANT, aren't I???!!" Right?

When we take on this perspective with our tasks, we may find ourselves feeling defeated before we even start. You know the guilt, the criticism, the beating ourselves up when we think we're not doing enough.

This doesn't have to be a competition. 

No, it doesn't.

Perhaps taking a new view on each task will help you know what direction and process to take, one that is authentic, intuitive, and even rewarding for you.

Here's the key: What if you saw each task or responsibility as a complement to each other? You know, how they work together to enhance the function of each, kind of like how our body parts work together to help us breathe, digest, and assimilate what we take in and experience in our daily lives?

I have several dimensions of my life that I work with mostly on a daily basis; all of them to me are VERY important, not to just one area of my life, but holistically.

It would be easy for me to see each of these dimensions separately and feel a bit nonplussed on how to get it all done without feeling like I'm leaving something out.  

There's my study/writing time; there's the work I do online; there's my artistic pursuits; and my time for home and family. (Of course, my office work is always priority since there are immediate deadlines with much of it; our electrical contracting business, Bill's Quality Electric, LLC, is service oriented.)

Yes, it can seem overwhelming sometimes when it doesn't all get done in a way I'd like it to. Sometimes something will fall to the wayside, and I'll feel the effects of what hasn't gotten done. The effects can sometimes create fatigue or lack of energy or stamina. I find this is especially true if I don't make enough time for my artistic pursuits.

But when I see all these ingredients of my day as compliments to each other, it helps me to have a different view of these activities. Instead of them vying for my attention, I can see each one as helpful to the other.

When I write, then my artistic side is enhanced. If I study, then I feel grounded and centered for my writing. Life experience feeds life experience. So when I see each task as something that can enhance my well-being, I don't feel as apt to get discouraged when something falls to the wayside. It's more of an awareness than a criticism.

When I see my life holistically in this way, I feel better overall about what I do and when I do it and how much I do it.

Just a few minutes of creating a stippled rendering in colored ink can lift my spirits. Doing a bit of cleaning can help to clear out negative energy for a more healthful flow at home.

Listening to my intuition on what comes next helps me to see things naturally and organically, rather than competitively.

Yes, I sometimes write a "to do" list when I have things to do that I don't want to forget. But I don't write one every day. Most days, after an a.m. journal entry, I know the flow I'm looking for and aim to do what I know is best for the moment.

And I need to be satisfied with that. No Guilt. No Overwhelm. No Criticism. No Bullying.

Just a peaceful contentedness that all is as good as it needs to be with my world--in all of its dimensions.

© 2012 by Dawn Herring

Waterlogged

It looks perfectly harmless.

The largest section of the water park is filled with all kinds of fun attractions, like water slides of varying heights, hands on toys, jungle gym, and fountains in a backdrop that specializes in a wet, refreshing experience, featuring flowing water-filled walkways and fountains and waterfalls to assist in helping you stay cool and comfortable in the summer heat.

Not exactly the kind of atmosphere you would expect a challenge. ;)

So I don't think to cautiously approach the area that looks like it was created for the younger set, even as small as toddler, with low rise slides and shorter spouts.

Once I climb a few steps up into the second level, I'm not prepared for what awaits me. Red cones inconspicuously placed is several spots on this expansive water wonder fill up with water within 15 seconds or less and then unceremoniously dump on the nearest passerby, of course, from overhead, and sometimes with a little help from another bather. Totally unsuspecting--the first time.

After that experience, I walk more cautiously, my head and shoulders hunched with my hands near my face to protect myself from getting sprayed in the eye from nearby fountains.

Water falls and shoots from other areas periodically cover me and other bathers. Plus a huge bucket featuring a Hawaiian Face, which takes approximately 2 minutes to fill up, completely unloads its water haul on everyone below, some unsuspecting and completely surprised.

All are completely drenched before having the chance to take a whirl and a swirl on the lower, middle, or upper slides that are taken all the way down.

After taking a complete round several times with my daughter Hannah in tow, I choose to take a break and hang out with hubby who is relaxed and periodically dowses himself with a local waterfall to keep cool.

I go back with Hannah a bit later after I catch my breath from all the multi-level climbing and swishing through slides.

Next we take a stroll on the wet waterways and the dry sidewalks to check out other areas with steep water slides, a ride with two-holed tubes that take you up a wave and back, and one where you are literally a torpedo, being dropped vertical to make a huge splash at the bottom.

We eventually go back to that most happening dumping section. (Yes, I don't really learn my lesson the first time now, do I?) I return with Hannah several more times; but I find myself being sprayed in the face so much, I can't see. I quickly spot the first red cone that typically fills with water which is now on its side, with the spout of water which normally fills it up, spraying against the side full force and into our faces. I decide to turn around and head back down, my eyes burning from the chlorine, until Hannah hollers for me, and I make my way around to where she is and follow her down the water slide.

At this point, I find myself with a mild headache, having been dumped on the head with water so many times, I feel water logged. You would think I had gone under a heavy 5 foot wave from the ocean or something. I knew it was time to take a break and rest for the remainder of the day.

Do you have days when you feel weighted down, hunched over, by troublesome, unresolved issues that you didn't notice until they began to take their toll? Or are you dealing with hostility of the in-your-face variety, of which you've tried to blow off that still festers? Or maybe life has just gotten too complicated, and you feel like there are too many things coming at you, and you need to block them all out before they overwhelm you.

We can only tolerate situations that are uncomfortable or unpleasant for so long. At some point, we all need a place and time to take a breather.

To sit and relax, pull back, and give ourselves space to refresh and recoup.

Sometimes just talking with a friend or loved one, dumping in your journal, praying/meditating, or taking an old-fashioned nap can be just the jump start you need to gain a clearer perspective, to resolve conflict, or to just persevere in a tough situation.

Only you truly know your limits. Honor your instincts and listen to your gut when it says to STOP, take it easy, refresh yourself before you lose it or have nothing left to give.

Don't push yourself to the breaking point. Listen to your bodies signals and take care of yourself.

You're the only one you've got. Treat yourself with Tender Loving Care.

Then you'll be ready for whatever comes your way. From any direction.
Even if it looks perfectly harmless.

© 2010 by Dawn Herring

The Graduate

She's 18 with lots of potential and a heart full of dreams. Yet she feels the challenge of responsibility with starting a new life outside of school walls.

I watch the continuous alphabetized slide show of the 2010 Princeton High school graduates that includes my daughter, Sarah Grace Herring. My youngest daughter, Hannah, and I watch with anticipation as the H's go by, and then we hoot, holler, and clap our hearts out when Sarah's off-the-shoulder style graduate picture shows up accompanied by several photos from different times in her childhood, giving just a glimpse of the Sarah Grace I know.

I take a snapshot of the slide when it comes up the next time (we see it four times in a row during the hour we sit to wait for the processional to begin), while my daughter takes video, where we can later hear ourselves hooting and howling our support of Sarah as our graduate.

As the waiting hour progresses, I notice other folks in the audience audibly sharing their support for their own graduates from various places in the room.

The building excitement is palpable.

The ceremony is set to start at 7 p.m. We notice that most of the seats are filled a little past 6:30, a clear picture of why we were encouraged to arrive an hour before the start time so we would at least get a seat. So many were reserved for family and friends when we arrived, I was quite surprised by our rear seat being we got there so early. But later when I saw guests lining up against the walls, I was grateful for my seat!

I look over the multi-paged slick-cover white program guide which lists the highlights of the evening as well as an alphabetical list of the graduates. I plan to hold on to mine as a keepsake of this most momentous occasion.

Seven p.m. rolls around as more guests arrive, some seated in reserved spots while others are in standing-room-only areas. We continue to hoot and holler for Sarah when her pic shows up again for the fourth time.

Then finally, the slideshow stops, leaving a blank, blue screen to admire. Then the screen opens up again to reveal administrative folks making their way onto the platform. Excitement crackles in the air as we prepare to see the evening's itinerary begin.

Mr. Lovelady, principal of Princeton High School, opens the evening as he works his way through his introduction amongst shouts and applause from the audience as he speaks of the success of the 2010 graduates and the much awaited events about to take place.

Then the processional begins. Oh, boy, this is the part I'm waiting for! At the rear of the room enters in alphabetical order (of course) each graduate ready to receive their diploma as they make their way up the aisle created between the two main seating areas on either side of the room. I stand in front of my chair, ready with my camera, my knees a bit shaky with excitement, my daughter Hannah on the other side of my husband who stands next to me on my right. Then I make my way outside the chairs and stand ready to take a snap shot when I see Sarah begin to walk up the aisle.

My pride bursts with my heart's rapidity increasing, my hands shaking, tears springing, as the flash goes off to capture the smile on Sarah's face as she tries to cover her nerves.

There are hoots and hollers and applause throughout the processional as each graduate makes their way to their chairs in the front area of the room reserved just for them.

After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American and Texas flags and the singing of the National Anthem, which I join in to sing, is complete, the itinerary moves forward. The honor roll students are announced and are told to stand in their places when their name is called, as the applause and hoots continue.

We then listen to two speeches, one from a student who plans to major in English and who uses the essay as a metaphor for life in high school. Another uses a strong sense of humor to get his point across, highlighting his experiences of being a student from kindergarten til graduation.

Then it is time for the big moment: the name announced and diploma given in a leather-style book with the graduate then walking through a flower-covered bough where they stop, turn their tassel and have their photo taken to commemorate the significant cross over the high school finish line.

When they get to the G's, Hannah and I make our way up to the front, attempting to get a better view when Sarah's name is called. I manage to squeeze my way in to the front just in time to snap a photo of her under the bough. Hannah takes video from another spot, capturing her walking across the stage.

Then we both head back to our seats as the remaining graduates receive their diplomas and listen for the accompanying hoots and applause from friends and family.

Later the school song is performed by the choir. Then we are dismissed.

We wait expectantly for the crowd to disperse and for Sarah to make her way to us in the seating area where she left her belongings in our care. We heartily embrace as I call her my graduate. She is so excited to finally have made it, to have moved from where she was to where she is now.

And where to go from here? The sky is the limit! There is no telling what wonderful experiences and opportunities will come her way as she moves on to the next step in her journey.

That's what makes a graduation such a spendid occasion. It's the perfect time to dream, to open up the creative portals of the mind and reach for the stars!

And give a hearty congratulations to the deserving graduate for a job well done.

To our daughter, Sarah Grace Herring: may you reach for the stars with your feet on the ground, with dreams and goals afresh in your heart. There is a big world out there just waiting for you to step out and make your dreams come true. Don't be afraid to make your authentic mark, the way only you can do!

© by Dawn Herring