Elli is on Sabbatical*
Want to know what's been going on in Elli-Land? Here's the skinny in 3 easy bullet points:
- I've been really busy. It got old.
- So I decided to set some goals: cut back on my commitments, get organized and focus on fun stuff!
- I've given myself six months (April 1 - September 30) to see what I can accomplish.
This is a ball of aqua mohair as big as my head. But with nothing for scale.
Um, really? A sabbatical?
Ok fine, I'm not REALLY on sabbatical...I'm just calling it that, because all the other names I've been using in my head (the Six Month Project, the Brain Break, etc.) all sound a little lame. Sabbatical has a nice distinguished academic ring to it, don'tcha think?
If it were a real sabbatical I would have found someone to pay me so I could take a leave of absence from work. Unfortunately I'm still looking for a patron willing to do that (interested parties please apply. see e-mail addy in sidebar).
What exactly does this entail?
Step 1: The Organizey Part
I've been working on this step since April 1, and am beginning to suspect that this may take me the entire month. Everything is getting the once-over. And when I say everything, I mean EVERYTHING. I work best when I don't have things hanging over my head, so I'm getting a handle on all this stuff first.
Step 2: The Part Where I Say "No" More
This six months is for me. Not you. Sorry!
Step 3: Avoidance of The Bad
No more things that make me stressed/unproductive/uninspired! Within reason, of course.
Step 4: Cranking up The Good
- Learning new techniques!
- Reading knitting reference books!
- Designing!
- Brainstorming!
- To-do lists!
- Connecting with crafty people!
- Taking yarny trips!
- Blogging!!!
Step 5: The Part where I Claim My Workspace
-Turn the living room into a studio. Because seriously...we do not entertain that much.
-Inspiration board, here I come!
-New laptop! Or move the PC out of Thunk's study.
Step 6: See what happens!
Maybe this isn't the right recipe for Elli creativity...I may just find myself lounging on a beach somewhere with a schlocky novel. But a the very least this should churn things up a bit. I'm just hoping something good floats to the surface!
Mutant Baby Carrot Alert!!!
That's the scoop! Now that I've gotten this bear of an entry out of the way, maybe I can start posting about some of the things I've been working on. Also, tomorrow? The Fiber Event! Be still my heart.
*I've started this post over a few times now...it's been surprisingly hard to write without sounding like I'm beginning a new career as a lifestyle coach. Which I am not, thank goodness.
Comments
i have decided to do something similar... i am saving up money to quit my job and take a full year off to do what i want and refuel my creativity. i've started planning and have given myself until january 1, 2010 to get everything in order.
good luck on your sabbatical! i hope you achieve all your goals.
Posted by: D R E W | April 10, 2009 2:00 PM
Have a good break!! I write about organizing and being overcommitted. I love to organize! Maybe I'll see you over there.
Posted by: Jena | April 10, 2009 2:11 PM
I think renewal is in the air right now. I'm in the midst of taking over our "Den" as a craft/art space for myself. I can't wait.
Good luck with your new leaf! I can't wait to see what you produce!
Posted by: Eliza | April 10, 2009 3:49 PM
Best of luck! Sounds like a marvelous idea. Keep us updated on how it goes. :-)
Posted by: Jodi | April 10, 2009 4:02 PM
Good luck with your goals. I especially like the one about to-do lists since I've been setting up a system for myself the past few weeks. Google Calendar has been helpful for keeping track of appointments if you like do such things digitally.
P.S. I think "Brain Break" sounds pretty fun.
Posted by: April | April 10, 2009 5:44 PM
I think we could all benefit from taking your steps! And probably not just in the craft arena! I wish you luck and will be glad to see you around blogland more often!
Posted by: Rachel | April 10, 2009 6:32 PM
Sounds like a wonderful idea! I hope to have the opportunity to do the same sometime soon. I look forward to reading about it!
Posted by: Emma | April 10, 2009 9:41 PM
Sounds great to me and good for you on doing it.
Posted by: Debbie | April 11, 2009 8:10 AM
I've been so overwhelmed with projects for others, it begins to weigh me down. I get sad whenever I see my project cast aside to start something for someone else. I admire your ability. I should try that sometime. Unfortunately, it can't be anytime soon. Good luck!
Posted by: Brooke | April 11, 2009 12:51 PM
It's high time I do these same things. I'm so stagnant it's ridiculous. I need to start my Organizey Part with some lists and then get rid of a lot of STUFF in my house. It's been in my head to get started since way before April 1 but like I said, stagnant.
Good luck to you, and good luck to me!
Posted by: Maggie | April 11, 2009 1:56 PM
Good Luck with the sabbatical! I cracked a smile reading your post because I've been doing a few of the same things. It feels great to hunker down.
Posted by: Lisa | April 13, 2009 12:31 AM
good for you! best wishes for your sabbatical :-)
Posted by: Diana | April 13, 2009 10:07 AM
Have a great sabbatical! Looking forward to reading you more often and admiring beautiful pictures :-)
Posted by: Maryse | April 13, 2009 9:09 PM
Wow- this sounds like an excellent plan. Good for you!
Posted by: Nonnahs | April 14, 2009 5:40 PM
Just wanted you to know that the beach here in FL is always warm...and you are always welcome at our place :)
Miss ya'll
Posted by: Christina | April 17, 2009 12:16 AM
Hello from Russia)
Posted by: Polprav | October 14, 2009 8:29 PM