One Thing at a Time

What a week it's been! I've been somewhat busy, but mostly I've been busy in my mind. Do you know the feeling? A million and one ideas buzzing about, ready to be started, continued or finished. And all of them want my attention at once.

Sometimes I can't believe that I have to do one thing at a time. Of course I can paint and listen to an audio book at the same time, but I have to work on one painting at a time.

Knit on one piece at a time. Cook one meal at a time. Do everything one at a time.

And sometimes that irritates me because it takes time. And I get the feeling that I won't have enough time for the other things. Until I remind myself that I won't get anything done if I don't just do what's in front of me.

No matter how excited I am about the countless ideas that are coming to me right now.

So, I've been making a list for every day. To help me stay focused. And so I won't forget my many ideas.  It seems to work. I've been able to start paintings, finish paintings, start a knitting project and finish it, make meals, write e-mails, work on our taxes, and do all the other things that need to get done.

Being a woman of a certain age, I am pretty sure that hormone fluctuations play a role in how focused or scattered I feel on any given day and that's ok. It's all part of the journey and so far I'm doing well.

Last weekend, we drove to Charleston to see the Toruk performance of Cirque du Soleil. It was a spectacular display of color and movement. I kept taking photos - not because I wanted to remember the show, but because I wanted color references for my paintings.

All that color was projected on the set they had built. It was amazing! It seemed magical how it changed from desert rocks to growing plants to flowing rivers to hot lava to ocean flooding and twinkling stars.

The story was based on the movie "Avatar," which I loved and now have to watch again.

A few days ago, I walked Winslow into a dark and blustery sky that was suddenly illuminated by the sun behind us. I had to snap a quick photo.  As well as of Peabody climbing our tree. Can you see him? He's pretty well camouflaged.

Besides making lists, the other thing that helps me organize my thoughts is knitting. Especially repeat patterns. So, I knit another dishcloth for our kitchen. It was a simple and soothing pattern. I think I might start another one...

I am linking to the always inspiring Paint Party Friday. Head on over for more amazing art and photos!!

In the meantime, I hope you will have a beautiful weekend and a wonderful week ahead.

With love, joy and many lists,

❧ Silke