Wednesday, September 23, 2015

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday: Working in the Early Morning Light

Taken at my favorite time of the day…when the early morning light begins streaming in the windows filling the dark craft room as I work.  I am an early riser; 3:30 is the norm.  On weekends like this I make a pot of coffee then walk upstairs to my waiting craft room.  I flick on the OttLites, the computer, sip my coffee and begin painting or art journaling.  I will work until Good Morning America comes on at 8 o’clock or I feel I’ve worked as much as I can. 

On my desk you can see the newly arrived Dylusions paints.  They scare me a little as they are in pots which means open paint for kitties to put paws into or the clumsy artist to spill.  I plan to paint with them Saturday so I’ll let you know.  Sitting on the left is a new pad of scrapbook paper.  I would have preferred an 8.5 x 11 pad but this is how it came so I make do.  I mainly use it in the altered book you see spread out on my desk.  The 2 plastic boxes are filled with paper, old books, postcards, ribbon and an odd assortment of ephemera to use in this book.  The book pages are from Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s book Gift from the Sea (free from the library giveaway cart).


Waking up to my mind racing has once again become the norm.  I try to stop it but it seems as though gravity takes over and the thoughts gain momentum as I awaken more fully.  Weekdays I have to get up and finish the lesson plans I was too exhausted to complete the night before.  I would prefer to art journal every morning, even if only for 15 minutes.  That is my goal, to get ahead and be able to have time for myself the first part of the workday so I can release the runaway train of thoughts that haunt me when I awaken.
 
This book is helping me to find my own style.  As I progress through the pages, I am finding what suits me as an artist.  Here, I’ve given up typing out my thoughts on the computer, printing them, then gluing them in.  Too time consuming!  My impatience to put the page together in one sitting has forced me to slowly learn to accept my handwriting. 

Today is the first day of fall.  I'm sad as the summer seemed to speed on past without my being able to enjoy much of it.  This weekend I will have to get my fall art journaling supplies out.  Funny, as most of you deskers are thinking Christmas by the looks of what's on your desks.   

Joining up with What’s onYour Workdesk? Wednesday where desk snooping is not only allowed but all part of the fun!

9 comments:

  1. I've just visited Robyn O and she's an early riser like you, but not quite THAT early! I bet you get loads done in those wee small hours though. I'm not sure I could do that actually, I like my bed too much!
    Hugs, LLJ 12 xx

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  2. Hi Diana, yes I too keep weird sleeping hours, I probably wake between 3:30 and 4:30 but it's still dark here till 6 so I tell myself to stay put...about 5 I might turn on the light to read and then the mind wanders and I'd rather be in the garden or at my desk. I certainly enjoy the quiet and find I'm more focused in the mornings. I have awful handwriting but have to agree with you - get of it, capture the ideas quick and get on with what you enjoy. Have a fab week cheers RobynO#29

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  3. Gee, Diana, that is an early start! I often wake up at around that time in the morning but I try to make myself go back to sleep. Not always successfully. I'm trying to achieve work-life balance myself - part-time work would be the answer, but I haven't found it yet. It's not easy. I struggle with my handwriting too! I Good to know others go through the same experiences! Wishing you a peaceful and creative week! zsuzsa @ InkyDinkyDoodle #37

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  4. Forgot to say, that paper pack of Maps, Text and Ledgers looks intriguing. I'll have to look that up!

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  5. Oh my gosh - that is quite early. I have trouble getting up for 7! Now that I am retired I seem to need more sleep. But then, I do stay up late. Loved "Gift From the Sea"- so much wisdom. Love your journal spread.

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  6. I really love your post today--there are so many things I can relate to. Waking up early, coffee, craft room, GMA, Saturday crafting plans, a wonderful altered book project, worrying about where kitty paws will go...this is all me. Thanks so much for sharing. Happy WOYWW! Sandy Leigh #40

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  7. Your book looks really good, how I would love to see it for real.
    You've got me hooked as well with the Maps, Text and Ledgers
    Lynn 24 (i think)

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  8. Love that sun streaming in, means a bright day coming up. The secret to opening those pots is to lay them flat on the table then turn the lids or else disaster if you hold the pots in your hand and open.
    Bridget #1

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  9. Gosh, that is mighty early! Ahem, that is 'middle of the night' for me! I would have only just gone to bed then....(I's nearly 2 am now)
    I love your maps, text and ledgers pad. Your altered book is looking great!
    Have a good week,
    Lisca#20

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