The month of November is over,  and I thought I’d discuss my thoughts over the evnts of this month…

At the beginning of this month I’d decided to have a bit of an internet fast, and embark on an art project.

The internet “fast” consisted of me staying away from facebook,( I was spending way too much time there) reading blogs, and the assorted other wasterful surfing which invariably happens whenever I go to a computer.

I decided I would be checking email, and responding.  I was also posting pretty regularly on my blog, and reading those comments, and responding back to those folks who commented.  I even did go online for a few art-related things like ordering some supplies, and looking at a few art-sites, and reviews about art and craft books.

At first, staying away from it was pretty difficult.  Especially from facebook, as it was a main source of connection to New York, since our move.  It was also difficult cause I’d find myself checking my email all day long, and since the computer is already logged in, what’s the harm in checking my blog again for comments.

I discovered that I need to turn off the computer in order to really stay away from it.  That’s what I intend to do after this mornings daily check-in of sites.

After several days, probably about 2 weeks worth, I started not missing it as much, and I started to find a little more time in my schedule.  That was, after all, the inteded purpose.  I wanted to make more art instead of surf more.

The project was 30 places.  The goal was to draw/paint one place per day.  I did not meet my goal. some might call it a failure, but I don’t.  I think I averaged about one drawing/painting every other day.  I call that a success compared to many other months with no art.  I also have come up with some things that work best for me to do all the time, like sketching and journaling with art.  Those can happen just about every day without much effort.

So what’s next…

Well, december is busy enough, so I don’t have a project overaching.  I have several craft-related projects I hope to attack, like knitting, sewing an re-upholstering a chair I got for free.  I also hope to keep myself weaned from too much internet time.

I hope to continue to have more time with God, and more time building new relationships in my new surroundings.

Oh, and I almost forgot, I am going to be working on the new sermon series design for Graffiti, as well as a project moly-x-portrait 3, where several artists from around the world exchange their moleskine journals and collaborate in drawing each other’s portrait as well as their own.  This is a long-term project, nd I have to do 2 portraits a month.

Here’s my first self-portrait.  You can follow more of the artists’ works here.

Anybody embarking on any interesting projects?

What can you give up to do more of what you love?

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