View from my window this morning... and I'm supposed to fly to California tomorrow!
At Alyson Stanfield’s suggestion, I’ve taken some time to review my accomplishments of this past year. Alyson referred to activities related to one’s art career but I’ve thrown in a few others too, just ‘cuz it makes me feel good to recognize them. Try this for yourself. If you’ve had a year of struggle, it might help you to shift your focus and realize the many ways you’ve come through.
In no particular order, here are some things I’m happy to have done in 2008:
- I started this blog!
- I wrote an article about the silk thangka tradition and posted it on Squidoo.
- I made prints available on demand at Fine Art America and finally sold a few last month.
- I joined various online arts communities.
- I participated in local Milan activities with the Professional Women’s Association, Democrats Abroad, a reading group at Libreria Melting Pot, and the Comunita’ Dzogchen.
- I showed a thangka and sold postcards at HH the Dalai Lama‘s teachings in Nottingham, England.
- The Centro Mindfulness Project hosted a solo exhibition of my artwork!
- Barbara Cornell wrote a review of my exhibition and film, and Reuters published it!
- I took Christine Kane‘s e-seminar and signed up for her Unstoppable Power of Intention retreat!
- I was invited to give a talk at the University of Bologna next spring.
- I learned machine quilting and got a sewing machine!
- I experimented with dyeing my silk… lots more work to do…
- I took a mixed media e-course at Joggles, taught by Alma Stoller, and made this.
- Then I started offering my own e-Lessons on making silk thangkas!
- I took a workshop with Cherilyn Martin at Creative Days Ticino in Cadro.
- I inquired about PhD programs and may begin an MA in the History of Asian Art next fall.
- I took the GRE and did about as well at 48 as I did at 24.
- I participated in group exhibitions in Italy and the US (Acqui Terme (end of 2007), Rocca Brivio, PatchMed, New Fibers).
- Three Mongolians was juried into the New Fibers exhibition of the Fiber Arts Network in Michigan.
- I taught English at the British Institutes in Milan and enjoyed it!
- We elected Barack Obama as president!
- I started learning to play golf.
- I did two lake swims — one 1.5 kilometers and the other 1.2!
- I got counseling.
- I got Rolfed!
- (Except for the last two months when things got a bit too crazy) I meditated and worked out regularly.
- I recognized when circumstances were beyond my control.
- I opened my heart to family and friends,
- and I got happy again!
- I finished two new-style artworks (Nomad Girls, which I still have to post, and Chenrezig) as well as a traditional thangka (Green Tara).
- The documentary film, Creating Buddhas: the Making and Meaning of Fabric Thangkas by Isadora Gabrielle Leidenfrost was released in Wisconsin!
- With help from Cecilia Mari and Roberto Ciscato, I subtitled the film in Italian and showed it in Milan!
Whew! All in all, it seems there’s quite a lot to celebrate. Let me know what you’re celebrating.
And here’s to creating a great 2009!
Hi Leslie,
These are great accomplishments, specially the smaller, simpler ones.
buying a sewing machine, learning something new. realizing or coming to a new realization about your life and goals. Small steps that leave a huge foot print.
Oh and getting rolfed…I’ve heard so much about this…something I would like to try.
Have a great 2009.
Alma
That’s a lot of accomplishments in one year! Looking forward to see your new tsangkas this year.