Why we do it...

You ever think about it, why we scrap book, why we blog, why we collect stash like no tomorrow. Well I came across this paragraph browsing Ali Edwards site. Its a great article - so worth the read.

"Eventually I discovered for myself the utterly simple prescription for creativity: be intensely yourself. Don't try to be outstanding; don't try to be a success; don't try to do pictures for others to look at - just please yourself."- Ralph Steiner

Being seen as selfish or extravagant for indulging yourself in scrapbooking. There was a great quote from Elizabeth Gilbert (author of Eat, Pray, Love) when she was on Oprah recently. A woman had asked her about being seen as selfish for creating a list of things in life she wanted to do and actually doing them; in essence, focusing on things she loved. "In Mandarin Chinese, they have two words for selfish," Liz says. "One means doing that which is beneficial to you. The other means hoarding, greedy and cruel." She talked about how we as a culture have meshed the two meanings together and made the word into something very negative. She suggests you simply ask yourself, "is this beneficial?" Is it beneficial to tell the stories of your family? Is it beneficial to participate in a hobby that combines your love for your family and your love for photography or words or creativity? (Note: even beneficial things can become negative when driven to the extreme. Striving for balance in all things is usually a good path forward.)

My friend Bee is running a RAK, go post your favourite quotes.

This in one of mine
Above all else, it is about leaving a mark that I existed: I was here. I was hungry. I was defeated. I was happy. I was sad. I was in love. I was afraid. I was hopeful. I had an idea and I had a good purpose and that's why I made works of art.
Felix Gonzalez-Torres

And my friend Tertia posted me this award

Ok I am supposed to name 5 things that I would like to do. Only 5? You have got to be kidding me, there is so much I want to do. how do I limit it to 5?

1. ) Be the best mom that I can be. Single momhood leaves you with so many shortcomings, its hard to keep up with it all and not beat yourself up too much. So where I can, I want to know I am giving it my best.

2.) Be more spiritual. Finding ways to bring me closer to my faith. Sometimes this is challenging when life gets so busy.

3.) Be a better friend. Find ways to seek out good things in my friends and make them feel good about themselves and find ways to let them know I care lots.

4.) Take more photo's and maybe one day find away to make some extra money so I can buy a new lens. But also to bring joy to people and capture something special.

5.) And of course the selfish thing, I would really like to go back to Paris.

Now I am going to change the rules, instead of sending this off to 5 bloggers, if you are reading all this, then the award is passed onto you.

Have a blessed week
V