Sunday, October 30, 2016

Sunday Sketches (from England)

It's been fun experimenting and playing around with my paints and planner these past few days. In my last post, I mentioned starting a new routine of planning out my days to better stay on track of my illustration goals, as well as my life in general with being a wife and mother. This week, I'd like to share a little more about it with you.

On April 18th, 2014, my life was flipped upside-down after being hit by a car while sitting at a stop light. When reflecting back to that moment, it all rolls through my mind as if it happened just yesterday. All-in-slow-motion. I lost everything, except my life. The 10 months that followed were the most excruciating days of pain I had ever experienced. After arriving home, the couch became my bed for almost a year, while my husband and step-sons helped care for me. It was hard for me to face reality for awhile that life - well, it changed.

With that change came a lot of emotion and a (rising) determination to find a way through this unexpected heartache once again. I had already gone through and overcame some pretty crazy stuff growing up. This? This should then be a piece of cake! It was a far too familiar territory emotionally and was something I needed to do again. For myself and for my family.

The past two years or more have been spent carving out a new career for myself. Although I still deal with a lot of physical pain in my neck and shoulder, and am often limited to how long I can work due to intense head pain, I've managed to create a magical, creative world of work for myself. It wasn't what I had initially planned to do with my life but after putting in a lot of hard work (and still doing so!) I've been able to build up my small illustration business into a place where I can honestly say I'm truly happy with what I do. The best part?  The opportunity to bless others with my work along the way.

Planning A Better Life (Part I)
I've had to learn some new things along this creative journey of mine and one of them is planning better. I found myself over-committing, barely making deadlines, and running myself thin because I was too afraid to say "no" at times. Today, I'm OK with it and have learned to limit myself, carrying a better workload that's more suitable for me and my home life. Having a solid, planning process is important and recently learned about a specific one while taking an online children's book conference. Let me tell you just how much I love it! I combine practical planning with a few doodles, bringing joy and (more) pleasure to the daily tasks that can seem daunting at times.

Above is a peek at what I'm now doing. In my next post, I'll dive deeper into the brilliant planning book itself, my thoughts behind actually reviewing my planner every day and some tips on how you can make your daily planning just as fun and pleasurable! Until then, happy Sunday Sketches! I'm looking forward to popping in to each of your bloggie homes to see what you've been up to this past week.


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16 comments

  1. thanks so much for sharing this today,, you have had such a battle,, such an inspiration you are. I love to see into peoples journals, I always find its more of intimate look at their thoughts and life.
    thanks again for hosting Sunday Sketches.

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  2. As Laurie said, you are an inspiration!!! Thank you for sharing all that has happened, and what you are doing! You keep me going girl!! I love your drawings in your book. I have never had a "journal" or sketch book and I think I should! Big Hugs!

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  3. God is good. I remember well, but it's hard to believe it's going to be 3 years since your accident. Anyway, I've seen artsy bullet planners, and would love to keep one some day. Blessings!

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  4. Love these sketches. I am always on the lookout for a good planner, can't wait to find out more about this one.

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  5. Wow, doesn`t seem like it has been two years since your accident. So much to remember back to those two years but so much growing on your part and you are so much stronger from it. I love what you have accomplished and the good news.... He isn`t finished with you yet!! You have so much ahead of you left to discover and accomplish..... Love to you this week, love the journal too...

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  6. WOW...it's been 2½ years since your accident?! The time has gone by so fast! I'm glad you have recovered well enough where you are able to continue with your beautiful illustration work. Love your planner page! I use a bullet journal which I absolutely love!

    Have a beautiful week ~ :)

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  7. Wonderful planning journal, great idea!

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  8. I can't even imagine what you and your family went through, though I have no doubt of it's difficulty. You inspire others with your strength and clearly you are determined to make the most of your life. You probably have a greater perspective than most having lived through so much tragedy ... and yet, you make me and everyone smile with your art and your thoughtful words. I feel blessed that my friend steered me to you and look forward to watching you grow over time. Thank you for reminding me that there is so much good in this world and still much to look forward to.

    Andrea @ From The Sol

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  9. You are amazing! I had no idea about your past or your bad car accident. I read your other post and the website and I already 'know' you as an illustrator, but now I honestly admire you, your strength, your determination and your kindness. I am glad I can have a glimpse of your life through what you are sharing here with us.
    P.s. I should probably be using that planner, too :)

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  10. Your story is inspirational. You not only share your beautiful art with the world but your strength and courage. You are a blessing.

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  11. What a lovely autumn palette and planner. I am so glad you are feeling so much better and have made so many of your dreams a reality.

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  12. you have overcome so much, and thank you for sharing your story and journey of recovery :)

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  13. Your life reflects what a strong, courageous, and giving person you are, Alexandra. You are a true inspiration to so many, including me. So proud to call you a friend from afar.

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  14. Your strength,courage, and love for life is reflected in your work and friendship. You are a true inspiration to so many. Proud to call you my friend from afar.

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  15. Well I did not know any of that . . . but I have to say that when I discovered your illustrations and your blog, I have never for a moment thought that you might have done anything but this in your life. . . which is strange considering the long list of things I did BEFORE finding my place in the creative life of what i do now.

    I suppose with you, from the outside, It just seems so suited and natural to who you seem to be.

    I admire your resilience and will to keep moving forward in life and to reinvent yourself as was needed. I look forward to seeing the posts to come and learning how you organize and work your planning into life and vice versa. :)

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