Honestly 2014

Friends, let me be among the first to wish you a very Happy New Year!  As always, with a new year comes a time to set new goals, to refocus, and to take a good look at what we want for ourselves in the coming 365 days.  In the past five years or so, a lot of folks have embraced the idea of choosing a “word of the year,” something that reflects what they want to be or to focus on.

Two years ago, my word was courage.  Since then, I’ve flown in a helicopter, parasailed, braved the NYC subway system, and am about to take my first flight across the country.  I’ve spoken at a blog conference and entered a national contest I never thought I could win.  Check.  

parasail11

Last year, my word was refocus.  Since January 1, 2013, I shut down the LLC for my Ballroom dance instruction to focus my energy on my family and my blog. I found the perfect school for LC, where he is absolutely thriving, and where I’m able to volunteer.  I’ve figured out a halfway decent balance between family time, work time, and other commitments.  I’ve honed in on the real mission of One Artsy Mama, moved to WordPress, and have a much better idea of where I want this blog to go in the next year.  Check.

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This year, my word is reflective of the heart and soul of what I want One Artsy Mama to be.  When you hear it, I want you to immediately think of me and of this community.  Can you guess it?

Honestly.

You may have read my original “Honestly” post about eight months ago {if not, that’s a great place to start!}.  Basically, I was hearing through the grapevine that there were readers out there who were feeling discouraged and intimidated by what they were finding on craft blogs because they felt as though they personally {as women, wives, moms} didn’t measure up to the standards of Pinterest.  It broke my heart because that’s the total and complete opposite of what I wanted this blog to do.  I wanted to inspire!  But for that to happen, I realized that I needed to tear down the shiny curtain created by the computer screen…you know, the one where I only show you what I want you to see.  The beautiful finished product, staged in perfect lighting, and not the horrendous mess behind me and the kid picking his nose and wiping it on the wall while I try and take the picture.  You know what I mean.  So, I wrote about it.  And you responded.  It changed this community.

This fall, at BloggyCon, I met a mentor who has really helped me to take a look at One Artsy Mama; what it was and what I wanted it to be.  I wish I had a cute little selfie picture of us together, but I don’t.  Because, at the time when we met, I had no idea what a role she was going to play in my life.

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Her name is Sarah and she’s ten kinds of fabulous for more reasons than I have time to list.  But, as she would say, I’m “honored to share this spot on the timeline of history with her.”  A month or so after the conference, we were talking on the phone and she challenged me to drill down past the crafts and the outfits and the projects themselves and come up with what One Artsy Mama was really going to be.  What defines it?  What was at the very heart of everything?

It took me less than five seconds.  Honestly.  That’s what it’s about.  It’s about being a place where you {yes, YOU!} can find honest inspiration for everyday life.  Real women finding things they can actually do, make, wear…and the sense that we’re all in the same boat.  What does Honestly look like here at One Artsy Mama?

Honest Inspiration: You’ll notice that the menu tabs above my blog header divide my projects into a few categories.
Honestly Doable, which are crafts projects that anyone with a glue gun and a few bucks can make.
Honestly Teachable, which are activities, crafts, and other things you can do with your children that are fun for both of you.
Honestly Wearable, which are outfits, style tips, beauty tips that really work for everyday life…you know, something stylish you can wear to carpool.
Honestly Edible: recipes so easy even I can make them.  And they taste good.  Probably some part of the recipe is from a box.

Honest Reviews: When I accept an opportunity to review a product for you, the sponsors always know that I’m going to tell you what I really and truly think of it.  So, if I tell you it has the One Artsy Mama stamp of approval, it’s actually something I believe in.  Something I use.  If not, I’m going to say so.  Pinky Promise.

Honest Glimpses of Real Life: If I have a craft fail, I’ll show you a picture.  Sometimes I’ll give you a behind the scenes look at the mess I made.  Sometimes I’ll record a conversation that happened in our house.  And we frequently play the #honestly game over on the Facebook page, which is a chance for you to share your own real life situations, fails, joys, or whatever it is.  It reminds us we’re in the same boat.  I’m probably still in my pajamas too.  True story.

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Now, I can’t lie {I mean, come on, the post is titled “Honestly”}, so I admit that sometimes it’s tempting to pull that shiny curtain back over and make everything seem plastic-ally wonderful and like I have everything together.  But the blog and this community are so much better when I let the truth shine through.  LIFE is so much better when truth is the foundation.  So, I made myself a little reminder of this ever-important word that I can wear this year.  If you want more step by step instructions on how you could make one with your word, check out my Basic Metal Stamping Tutorial and Basic Beading Techniques posts; that will show you everything you need to know.

Honestly Necklace

I used crystals representing my birthstone and the stones for hubby and Little Crafter’s birth months to remind me that family needs to be close to my heart, and I added a tiny cross charm to remind me of the other most important thing in my life.

Honestly Necklace

To me, the tree design {which, along with the alphabet stamps and the blank were given to me by ImpressArt} represents growth, personally, spiritually, and professionally…all of which, I think, come with the territory if I can keep myself focused on being honest and authentic in all areas of life.

I’m really interested in your thoughts on this.  Is this something you’ve come to associate with One Artsy Mama?  Do you feel as though this is a place where you can find things that honestly relate to your life?  Do you feel like it’s a community of friends who are all in the same boat?  And I’d love to know what your word or goal is for 2014!

Honestly Necklace

In the meantime, let me leave you with a few tidbits on this New Year’s Day.

Honestly?

Little Crafter has only worn “real clothes” one time in the last six days.  Otherwise, he’s been living in pajamas.  And I’m okay with that.

I spend entirely too much money on Starbucks.  But right now I have over $60 in gift money on my card.  Score.

This morning, I hit LC in the face by accident while we were playing Wii bowling.  He snuck behind me while I was pulling my arm back, and I whacked him good.   

There’s a part of me that really wants to post about winning the P&G Beauty contest in my high school alumni facebook group so all the people who used to tease me and call me fat and ugly would see it.

I definitely sneak some of the things LC makes in school into the trash can when he’s not looking.  Shh.

Your turn.

Hugs & Glitter,

siggy

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19 Comments

  1. It’s only been a couple of months since I stumbled upon your blog and I am so glad I did. I’ve enjoyed every single post and I “honestly” believed your word was already “honestly”. Thank you for sharing the real you with us.

  2. Happy 2014, Amy 🙂 Honestly… I wish you all the best for this New Year!!
    P.s. Honestly… I dread that with the new year, showings of my house resume…. I so dislike being rushed to make the home spotless and all the prep that I do for potential buyers. Looking forward to what God has in.store for me 🙂

    1. Thanks, Dawn! Happy New Year to you too! We are in the same house we bought 12 years ago, so I have never had to worry about showing it…pretty sure I’d totally freak out!

  3. I throw out some of the kids’ “art” too… I take a picture and put the artwork away for a while and then when they forget about it, I throw it out. No choice with three kids! 😉 Your blog is truly inspiring, I love that you keep it honest and true to life! Happy New Year!

  4. I LOVE this post. It sounds like you have figured out exactly where your blog needs to be, and what your community wants (and needs!) from you.

    And your necklace. I think I need one of them. Off to look at your tutorial 🙂

  5. Amy, this was a great post. Thanks for not being afraid to be who you are. I am hoping that this year Deb and I will really be able to get our blog going. Thanks for the inspiration. Blessings on your Artsy family.

  6. ha, the last line is me ;o) In fact just this morning I made my son sort all his “stuff” into three categories… one of those was the trash ;o) I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you this last year and appreciate all your blogging help! Emily

  7. This post is pretty amazing. In a time when folks are trying to one up each other to get the next opportunity, you are stepping back and giving a hand to help the rest of us. Really very awesome. <3

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