Sunday, February 22, 2009

"Beginnings"

As you may have noticed, I am participating in a creative prompt project with Jaye leading the way! (see Clara the cow on your right) The idea is to commit to once a week, entering something in your personal creative journal. A creative journal can be anything you want it to be. A word is posted once a week and you draw, write, or create whatever you want to in your journal. It can be quilt related or not. You can even write about the word using more words. You can make a collage. You can just doodle. You don't even have to address the actual word that is given for that week!

The whole idea is to get you to do something, anything, once per week to see how this project develops and how it affects you to use your personal journal to express things.

I did my response to "Beginnings" last night. I have just found out that work is going to promote me to one of the management positions. This means going full time and managing other employees. It is quite appropriate that "Beginnings" is the first word for my creative art journal, as this is a whole new beginning phase of my life!
This drawing depicts many of the emotions of the moment. I am scared that I won't be "good enough" at this new position at work. There is a lot of new things to learn and a lot of pressure to perform 'right' in the job. I also have a lot of things to fix that have not been addressed in months. I know I can do it, I just hope I can do it good enough for my own personal standards of achievement.

On the other hand, I am sad. I am making a change in my life that I have never wanted to make. I am mourning the loss of my free time and of my 'old job' of being a full time homemaker and quilter. At age 54 I am having to work at a full time job in order to make ends meet. I have a lot of personal 'mind-work' to do in order to make this all work without going bonkers in the process. I was so spoiled in my "past" life!!!

Having the journal to draw a picture of the thoughts, rather than to write the words of those thoughts, has been liberating in a way. I can't explain it. I just feel it.

QUILTING UPDATES:
I am continuing to work on the hexagon quilt. I have 11 more flowers done. I need a total of 173 flowers and 14 half-flowers. I have 98 flowers and one half-flower done. I have 13 half-flowers and 75 full flowers to make before I have enough to finish the quilt top.

Progress is flying along on the Pickle Summer Mystery quilt. I am now joining larger pieces into larger blocks. This is the point I like best in quilting as it feels like I might actually get this thing done someday soon! lol
Here are just a few of the blocks up on the design wall:

And here is a closeup of the ones on the left:

I have today off before beginning the new job tomorrow. I hope to sew more on the pickle quilt, practice music for an upcoming performance this summer, and relax later tonight watching TV while hand sewing on the hexy quilt.

I hope everyone has a smurfy Sunday!!!

6 comments:

Jaye said...

Dear Sherri,
Thanks so much for posting your doodle/sketch. Every journey starts with one step!

RE: management and starting this new job. Your work must see something in you that led them to offer you the job. I doubt it was being the only sucker willing to take it on.

My method of management (I have 2 employees) is to empower them to do their work. I don't micromanage unless they don't take positive action with the reins I have given them. I am also direct when they did something in a different way than I wanted (if I care) and I tell them right away in a nice way so the feelings don't fester. I also promote teamwork; I make sure they know that them doing their job means the success of the library. I also tell them all the time when they have done a good job.

Perhaps having a staff meeting right away or as soon as possible to set the tone would be good. HTH

Anonymous said...

Ah, my friend, you will be great in your new position! I have faith in you and I'm so very proud of you! ! ! ! Hugs, Bluee

Linda said...

AHEM....you will make a great manager there Missy. Your talents have been acknowledged. Okay....I know it's scary, but here is some food for thought. You don't have to be a "boss" so to say. you are a motivator, and inspiration to the employees.....guiding them to be the best they can be....working in harmony, a place they WANT to come to everyday. You can do it. I KNOW you can.....you've been there motivating me in the past. I understand grieving the old, being the free time. BUT, who knows where this open door will lead. Buckle your seat belt and enjoy the ride.
(((hugs)))
Linda

Sherri D said...

Thank you all for your kind comments. I didn't expect such a response! Today is the first day at the new position. I have Saturday off and will write an update then. :)
hugs all!!!
Sherri

Alikat said...

Hey There Congratulations on the promotion, I know you ar going to do a fantastic job and won't hear otherwise.

Sorry I've not been around much lately, having a few health issues that the doctors can't figure out or just don't seem too bothered about. If their not worried than I should try and not be but not getting any better here and all that blah blah blah

Anywayyyyyyyyyyy its no all abot me its about you and I am so proud of you for taking on this new challenge.

Way to go Dingy

(((((HUGS))))))

Ali
x

peggy said...

Thank you so much for visiting my blog and commenting on my blocks. I just HAD to come over to your blog and peek at yours :) They are just gorgeous!!! I will continue to check in and see how you are doing. I have a log way to go as I too am doing mine king size.

I can "feel your pain sister" about going back to work to make ends meet. I too am 54 and 6 years ago I had to put the sneakers and jeans away and put on big girl clothes and go out to the real world to work. I resented having to do it but there are times I am happy I did. Good luck with the job and juggling your love and the job.
Peggy