In 2009, I launched an inspirational series of interviews with ordinary folks who do extraordinary things. They breathe life into their dreams, resolutions and daily goals, one small step at a time, one day at a time over the long haul. Though they may statistically be in the minority of resolution-makers (the ones who succeed), I wanted to highlight 'what works', and give them credit for their accomplishments. 'Angela Reinhart was the fifth Resolutionista' inducted into the I Resolve To . . . Hall Of Fame and the inspirational series continues in 2010!
ANGELA REINHART REFLECTS
My creative energies overflow to my family life, sometimes to a fault. One of my greatest challenges the past several years has been BALANCE. Family, home and work all seem to run a close first every
day. It settles on me that I am trying to do too much. If I focus my efforts in more specific areas I may find more prosperous avenues.
With a bit of apprehension, 2009 saw the opening of my Etsy Shop. There was a renewed interest in my art, new and custom pieces. Etsy is a great community, bringing the artist to the client through their own online shops and the client to the artist through Alchemy. Over those first several months the activity showed wonderful promise.
Combining home life and my art is the highlight of my transition. My shop moved from busy, to slow, to a complete halt - in an effort to balance things at home. Entrepreneuring takes on a whole new definition when I begin weighing in all my priorities. Over 2009 I remained determined toward my goals. A decent income through my art and writing honestly seemed to be just around the corner, just being in the right place at the right time. Right? Time will tell.
My allegiance to my professional memberships: Society of Decorative Painters, American Gourd Society, Indiana Gourd Society, and Ohio Gourd Society, has been vital to my personal and professional growth. The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators will again be on my list for 2010. The various memberships seem to test the budget at times. I believe they are vital to connecting both professionally and personally.
The completion of my writing course through the Institute Of Children's Literature has been a rewarding experience. As I move into 2010, my writing assignments will be seen in a whole new light. I resolve to hone these pieces and begin professionally submitting them with confidence. I am proud to say I am a writer.
My first magazine craft tutorial came in just under the wire for 2009 with the publication of 'Icy Globes' in the winter issue of The Gourd Magazine by The American Gourd Society. At the close of 2009, I am happy to say I have made progress in achieving my goals. On a fitness note, I am bringing 2009 to a grand finale with a commitment to my health: A '50 Day Holiday Challenge' brought to my attention by "Burn The Fat, Feed The Muscle" author, Tom Venuto. So far I am down by six pounds and four pounds away from my 'Christmas Gift' goal. Another amazing 2009 event was the birth of my first granddaughter, one-year-old this month. A real blessing.
New Year Resolutions are as close as my handy pocket notebook and my calendars. They await the gold stars to help me maintain my momentum. Every step, big and small, needs to be recognized. Every step takes me closer to my passions. Resolutions for 2010 include:
- Article submissions - (2) monthly
- Short story submissions - (1) bi-monthly
- Book endeavors - (3) for 2010
- Wall hanging exhibition piece - by Spring
- Barn Quilt - (1) Summer and (1) Autumn
- Art for Etsy Shop & Retail Connections - bi-monthly
- Art competitions - (3) for 2010
- Society of Decorative Painters' National Conference - Kansas, May 2010 (attend in person, or by art)
- Heartland Of Ohio Tole Convention - August 2010, attend and take a class (submit a project to teach for 2011
- MSN Group/Fencepost Promises, Yahoo Groups/AFReinhartART Studio - three shared projects over the year; progress of current art and writings; post information on available work
- Possibly complete Degree Program: Bachelor of Science in Education or Associate Degree in Commercial Art
- Continue portfolio location online: www.artwanted.com/artisme
- SDP Blog - monthly
- Writers Groups - weekly
- Family Traditions - weekly
- Recreation - something special monthly
- Playtime - fun weekly!
- Reading, Good Eating Habits, Fitness, And Remember To Pamper Myself!
- Happy 2010! -
Remember: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year. It's your choice. Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps: Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good! Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey! Let's Go For It!
Need More Inspiration? Wear Your Resolution By Visiting The I Resolve To . . . Shop At CafePress: I Resolve To . . . Resolutionista Gear And By Joining The Official I Resolve To . . . Group At Gather.Com. Get going on your 2010 New Year Resolutions with the new I Resolve To . . . Worksheet & Promise: I Resolve To . . . Worksheet & Promise.
Kim M. Simpson - December 25, 2009
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