Behind the Art with Jen Matott

Moving FORWARD or onward. I like the thought of moving forward even when I'm wishing time would slow down.  It doesn't make sense to me to stand still where it's comfortable.  What has always been is comfortable.  Change is hard and scary! 

  I had taking this photograph in the driveway of my parent's house. It is symbolic of a couple things: 1) Autumn leaves signify change to me.  The season's change and the trees change.  You can't prevent the leaves from changing color and falling any more than you can stop time.
2) I'm always coming home to my childhood residence because my parents are still there.  They have been a constant in my life but even so, it is different being an adult and realizing that life must not have been easy for them, as parents.  I know it's not easy for me at times!  I appreciate them so much and am thankful that they encouraged me to grow up and move forward even if that was really hard for them to let go.

 

 These kraft triangles are adorable and I layered some bits of papers behind them.  The gorgeous glimmery spray was perfect to add a touch of sparkle to the papers.

 Arrows were symbolic in this page for moving forward even though I can look behind me and remember where I came from.

 Now that I'm 40 years old and a parent, I think it's especially important to look forward and plan for change.  I love my kids and my family!  It's amazing to notice how big my kids have gotten and how much they have changed.  It makes me sad some days and I want to slow time down so I can keep them little for a little longer.  Ultimately, I know I can't do that.... so I have to remind myself to just keep up... Keep moving

 It also means that I keep moving forward in my goals!  This past year, I started on a fitness and nutrition goals and I want to keep momentum on the progress I've made! 

What do you want to move forward with this year?

Behind the Art with Melissa

Hi everyone!

I am here today sharing more about the last page I created using the January kit FORWARD. I thought it fitting to record a page focused on my word for the year. I love choosing a word as my focus. It usually takes me awhile to come up with something. After pondering all that happened the previous year, sometimes it's a word that would come naturally. Such is the case with my word for 2015... SOAR.

2014 was filled with transition and some ups and downs. I chose the word DREAM for that year because I didn't want to give up vision. Instead of allowing my soul to wallow, I wanted to push myself to DREAM of the impossible... and, heck, even the possible!

The latter half of 2014 has been amazing and I feel like I'm launching into 2015. It's a pretty sweet feeling! So much goodness right now. I kept having a picture of an eagle soaring in the sky. Unafraid. Looking for it's next perch. Enjoying the freedom of open wing and flying into the unknown. SOAR. It's a powerful word, in my opinion. It doesn't just mean I'm flying... or floating... it means I have my arms outstretched, trusting in the one who is guiding me... I'm relaxed... I'm free... but able to choose the destination I want to go. Power.

The reason I chose to record my word using the theme of FORWARD is because that is the direction I'm choosing to travel. Sure, looking back can be a positive experience. I don't want to forget. I definitely want to treasure the memories and lessons. But one cannot gain ground or MOVE... if they don't move forward with their life. So, while I'm soaring, I'm not looking back or flying backwards. I have my face forward... moving forward... excited for the next adventure.

Have you chosen a word for the year? I encourage you to create a page about it! Record your thoughts and goals and then, hang it on your wall somewhere. Let it be a reminder for you through out the year!