I’m signing off for the weekend as it’s 3pm here and I’m eager to get moving on my weekend plans! I hope that you have fun reading the articles that I’ve posted for your enjoyment and inspiration today. Please have a happy weekend and enjoy – there is no sense in having time off unless you do a few good things for yourself. Take a bath, spritz on some perfume and slide on those heels and go for cocktails with your friends, draw something that you’ve been visualizing in your mind all week, collect leaves and other treasures left behind by nature, play with your children, hit the museum… there is so much to do that will leave you refreshed and energized.
I’d love to share something with you that I experienced recently. I was taking a walk with someone and noticed 3 shops, empty, with the most beautiful architectural details. But they looked lonely and unloved though they’re in a lovely neighborhood. As I looked at them, I told my companion that I would love to see these empty spaces become something special — an art gallery, cafe, cupcake shop, something creative and inspirational. My companion commented that there was much work to be done on the interior, it needed a good paint job, and that parking in the area was quite bad. But we’re in the city, I thought, who cares about parking. But I respectfully listened to my companions concerns.
Upon returning home that evening, I thought about the concerns and issues shared that evening. And I thought some more. Then I realized that if only we put our time and efforts more into defending WHY WE CAN do something versus WHY WE CANNOT, the world would be such a better place. So many more magical things could be created, replenished, made to shine. So I guess I will part with this message today. When you find yourself listing reasons as to why you cannot do something, switch the button and start defending it with the same amount of passion – start finding ways in which you CAN do it. That is the difference between living your dreams yourself or constantly watching others live your dreams.
One last thing before I head out as you may be wondering about this playful numbers print shown above and if so, well here’s your answer. It’s a collaborative work between Sandra Juto, Mija Carlsson & Malena Forsare and is now available in Sandra’s online shop in case you’d like one for your home. Sandra is so talented and deserves every good thing that comes to her. I am continuously inspired by her work and life.
What will you do this weekend? I’m going to bake for my brother-in-law, go to the train station to check a few schedules since we plan to vacation soon, and work on a little something I have up my sleeve that I’ll be sharing on decor8 later this month.
So… Have a fantastic weekend. I’ll see you again on Monday!
(images: sandra juto)
November 6th, 2009 at 9:31 am
so true!
i’ll prepare a package for sandra and fight against a cold. so, a lot of tea i think :) and in between, some stamp carving and paper printing … christmas is coming …
have a nice weekend!
basti&RIKE
bastisRIKE´s last blog ..+
November 6th, 2009 at 9:34 am
spot on- what we focus on, we create. happy weekend pretty girl oxo t
trish´s last blog ..My Friend Mary
November 6th, 2009 at 9:40 am
“That is the difference between living your dreams yourself or constantly watching others live your dreams.” Wow, that is so true! I am definitely guilty of focusing on the reasons why I CAN’T do something. I’m going to post this message on my wall so I can work on thinking more positively. Have a great weekend, Holly!
Flavia´s last blog ..Decorating with Green
November 6th, 2009 at 9:49 am
I agree with you — so many people are dwelling on the negative rather than the positive. What a waste. Thanks for the reminder to think about the happy possibilities!
I wrote about positive thinking recently here: http://bethstakeonlife.blogspot.com/2009/10/positivity.html
Beth´s last blog ..Photo pairs
November 6th, 2009 at 9:50 am
Dear Holly,
I read and reread this post. The reason is because I felt something when I read it that I wanted to share.
In essence what you share here is a core philosophical difference on how to view a specific thing. There is no wrong or right. Often, in Germany, there is skepticism, some of it healthy, some of it not. In America, often there is enthusiasm, some of it healthy, some of it not. The American positive “can do” attitude is something precious which I worked hard to hold on to, even when many (creative) people around me in Hamburg were giving me reasons not to make pots (I did not have the “certification” to make them), not to have an exhibition (think about the rejection, you will be viewed as a hobby-housefrau, they told me), not to keep moving and smile and do exactly as I saw fit. I fought hard to keep my self confidence high around these “creative” people. Their skepticism, in the end, forced me to grow and believe in myself.
Let me temper this by saying I also know positive, wonderful, keep moving forward Germans :) — I am even married to one. And there are many Americans who put up too many hurdles.
But German society can be a cautious society, and one where people are hesitant to make a wrong move, see the hurdles to success, and sometimes opt for not moving at all. Fighting against over cautious inertia was a part of life for me in Germany. It made me stronger and more determined.
We Americans are often a bit more “begeisterungsfaehig; we have the ability to be thrilled at possibilities. Sometimes a little German caution is a good thing :) but not too much!!
As much as we admire the solid crafting behind a BMW or a Mercedes, Germans often admire our ability to start a project (like the idea you had about those store fronts) and just GO FOR IT.
I love the fact that you wrote this post, a post I deeply identify with, and yes, there are so MANY things that we can do if we switch our attitude and keep moving and following our inner creative child, regardless of what culture we find ourselves in.
Buon Weekend!
diana strinati baur´s last blog ..Gratitude Friday: The (Unforgiving) Salvation of the Pottery Wheel
November 6th, 2009 at 10:00 am
“Then I realized that if only we put our time and efforts more into defending WHY WE CAN do something versus WHY WE CANNOT, the world would be such a better place.”
Wow.
I think that is one of those really obvious things that one never notices.
Thanks for the reminder.
I guess we really need more people with your attitude here in Germany (or maybe everywhere)
Nora´s last blog ..Herbarium für Faule…
November 6th, 2009 at 10:01 am
OK, this hit a cord with me too.
“ When you find yourself listing reasons as to why you cannot do something, switch the button and start defending it with the same amount of passion – start finding ways in which you CAN do it. That is the difference between living your dreams yourself or constantly watching others live your dreams.”
I’m in the midst of an existential crisis and this is exactly my problem.
I believe this is the best message/post I’ve read in a while.
It might of just been the push I needed from someone completely random (because I don’t know you!) that will make me do what I know is right inside but never dare doing.
Well put, food for thought for my weekend.
Thanks.
November 6th, 2009 at 10:11 am
Thank you for leaving us with a lovely message for the weekend :) My mom is visiting and tomorrow we are attending a book release party for 101 One Yard Wonders and I can’t wait! Plus we are making time to be creative and crafty! Hooray for the weekend!
City Chic – Jamie´s last blog ..Tick Tock
November 6th, 2009 at 10:37 am
what a lovely sentiment. it’s so true, very simple to come up with a multitude of reasons ‘why not’, when shouldn’t we focus on the positive? thanks for this food for thought, i’ll be contemplating it over + over…
lesley´s last blog ..cataloguing 04 :: micro calendars
November 6th, 2009 at 10:38 am
I am looking forward to sunday when I am going to visit this awsome jewelry fair in Amsterdam (http://www.sieraadartfair.com/main/engels.html) an international fair for modern handmade jewelry! Previous years I was a participant of the fair but this time I am only a visitor…
Marion Pannekoek´s last blog ..Recent Work…
November 6th, 2009 at 10:56 am
Oh, what a great post. I was thinking the very same thing today about switching my thinking to why or how I can do something. Staying positive is such an easy switch to make.
Laura´s last blog ..My Unfinished Decorating
November 6th, 2009 at 11:05 am
Thanks for the reminder that a lot of times, we are our own biggest roadblocks in getting things accomplished. This will be my thought of the weekend!
tiffany´s last blog ..since you’ve been gone
November 6th, 2009 at 11:22 am
ooh….for just a second I thought you were going to say ” and now, I plan to open my shop, cafe and cupcake venture in those empty stores!: :) Then I really would have to consider moving so, I could be there every day! ;) I love your message hun and what a awesome reminder. Too true….too true. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and can’t wait to hear what is up your sleeve. I plan to just hang out with family and maybe get a pedicure….taking it easy(ooh, and inaugurating our fireplace for the season) :)
xo
Melis
Melissa de la Fuente´s last blog ..Melissa loves: Little Black Fences
November 6th, 2009 at 11:23 am
ps I forgot to say how much I ADORE the styling of the first image….gorgeous!
xo
Melis
Melissa de la Fuente´s last blog ..Melissa loves: Little Black Fences
November 6th, 2009 at 11:41 am
Thank you very much for this post. I’ve been in kind of a rut recently, hopefully this will help me pull myself out of it!
Elissa´s last blog ..The Revolutionary Costume
November 6th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Such inspiring thoughts!! Thank you!
thedoodlegirl´s last blog ..Inspire Me Thursday: Dark
November 6th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Your post is so timely, in that I recently read an article about local – empty – storefronts in NYC hosting art exihibits in an effort to bring life back into the area. Its such a great idea!
I second, that maybe you should open up in one of those storefronts :)
Here’s a link to the article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/13/nyregion/13galleries.html
November 6th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Hi there- While I agree with the can-do sentiment- I have seen a lot of people go into business and lose everything because they didn’t listen to the “can’t do’s”. It is a balance and unfortunately you have to be realistic sometimes. Running a profitable business and “living a dream” are not always compatable. The world would be such an ‘awesomer’ place if they were, but still dreaming can be better that watching your dream fail. Cheers!
November 6th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Yes we can! love that spirit.
have a wonderful weekend,
cristin
cristin @ simplified bee´s last blog ..Friday Find: Silhouette Pillows by Aunt Bucky
November 6th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Holly ~ Thank you for encouraging the “Why We Can” way of thinking. I love it! Matter of fact, it’s exactly what I need to get some things done. Just one more reason NOT to procrastinate!
I’m going to a few craft fairs this weekend and a selvage shop that I just die for! Can’t wait! Oh, and I get my hair cut! Yeah. Might even plant some bulbs for spring flowers!
Genelle
http://www.scrapbookcompleted.etsy.com
http://www.scrapbookcompleted.blogspot.com
Genelle´s last blog ..Anniversary Special, Save, Save, Save
November 6th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
holly, so great to see my poster here :) so glad to see you like it! i wish you a happy positive weekend! i’m going to listen to a new record at home and relax for the first time in a long time.
sandra´s last blog ..One week ago, part II
November 6th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
I liked your inspirational message today. Even though I am an energetic, silly, person, I also tend to look at things from a negative viewpopint. That’s just my personalitiy, something that I am aware of, and constantly fight against. But I still like to dream and aspire to be more “passionately positive.” Your post helped me look at things a little differently today. Thanks.
Vanessa´s last blog ..Inspiration: Vintage Thread
November 6th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
…yes, holly you so right…be what you want to be (was inspired with this the last days by the russian artist irina troitskaya on our blog…;)…follow your heart and then you can move mountains…you must to try it…;)…so thanks for your lovley post and have a magical weekend with everything you do…the best for you…;)…
frauheuberg´s last blog ..little christmas crafting by the small object
November 6th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
Hey Holly! Very inspirational post :)
I am the proud owner of a fab Sandra Juto’s print, a dear reader of my blog sent it to me for my birthday, it was a really sweet surprise!! I sent you a request for a link exchange, I hope you accept it, it would make my day!
Have an amazing weekend,
Dana
Dana´s last blog ..The Love this Site Awards
November 6th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
Sweden calling…
So glad I stumbled on your lovely lovely blog today, it’s always nice to find other blogger out and about on the net! Sooooo nice post!
Peace & Love
Agneta
agneta´s last blog ..mr. blue sky
November 6th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Such a great poster! :) Have a good weekend!
Caitlin´s last blog ..Trench coat + metallics
November 7th, 2009 at 12:28 am
Very inspiring… I’ve spent the last few years building up our own design studio & workshop in North Perth, Australia. We work sooooo hard and sometimes you think to yourself – what are we doing! My husband and I gave up very sensible jobs to start our company but both feel very passionate about what we do. We’re 100% happy even though we don’t have the income we used to!
November 7th, 2009 at 1:54 am
There is a program here in Australia too – that helps match up artists, community groups and others with disused commercial space. http://renewnewcastle.org/ You are so right, we just have to switch our thinking.
LindaS´s last blog ..Second Birthday
November 7th, 2009 at 8:24 am
Love reading your posts, very personal and inspirational… how true it is that thinking positive can change the way we are doing things! I am a very positive person (I think), but I can still improve when it comes to business…. very hard to sell myself to others!!!
This weekend I have already brought my daughter to the beautiful zoo of Singapore (today), and tomorrow will be dedicated to a nice Filipino exhibition and/or a local flea market… keeping busy!
Have a lovely weekend :)
Etincelle´s last blog ..Babushka Comfort Doll – Zaza
November 7th, 2009 at 11:47 am
Hello…you have a lovely blog! I love that little “office” in the picture
Have a great weekend
Jasmine´s last blog ..Beautiful Clothing
November 7th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Dear Holly, happy weekend to you! thank you for such inspiring, beautiful toughts…. and so true though. Very true. xo!
Nuit´s last blog ..Totally note-worthy…. La Danse
November 7th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
I so agree. Focusing on what we can do is always a better option than what we can’t. You have a beautiful weekend, Holly.
Shell´s last blog ..Wild Nights, Wild Nights
November 7th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Beautiful message! Thank you :)
November 7th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Another powerful and thought-provoking post! Focusing on CAN instead of dwelling on CANNOT is so simple, yet sometimes so difficult. I found this so inspiring and well put. Thanks for sharing. I, too, needed to hear this right now because I’m feeling stuck. Your words are very encouraging, Holly. I also enjoyed the comments from the other readers.
November 7th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Wow ! One of the best posts about positive thinking.
indian yarn´s last blog ..abhinaya: an indian art form
November 7th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
I agree – I wouldn’t be where I am right now if I focussed on the can’ts. In fact, I did focus on them at first, that’s why it took me 7 years to get the guts to shift my life, but now I’ve done it and it’s been the ultimate life lesson! There are many reasons why we shouldn’t do things, but much much more for why we should!!
November 7th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
What a cute little desk area! I love the print on the wall; decor8’s artwork is so playful and elegant.
Kelley´s last blog ..Awesome Etsy Item
November 8th, 2009 at 1:46 am
wow…I’ve been at a turning point in my life…for far too long. I ended a situation and haven’t found the oomph to begin again. Simply because I was busy pondering all of the obstacles. I love when blog land sends you a message…but more than that I love when bloggers take the time to share random encouragement. Hope you’re having a lovely weekend…and I think mine is about to get busier
Elizabeth´s last blog ..The newness of it all….
November 8th, 2009 at 2:05 am
I am reminded of something I heard recently – “What will happen if I try and it doesn’t work out? What will happen if I don’t try at all?”
November 8th, 2009 at 4:31 am
Thank you for throwing an ice cold bucket of water over my head!!!!!
November 8th, 2009 at 8:32 am
What a great post! I plan on finishing that pillow cover that I have been putting off for months. And I plan to do crafts with the kids. My husband is sick this week so I also will be trying to help him when he needs it too. I want to make everyday of my life count for something. I have been thinking about this all week. Thanks for reminding me to be creative and productive in my life.
November 8th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
i love that desk on the first picture
November 8th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Sandras poster is great :)!
November 8th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Or you could take a lease on a shop and do something wonderful with it… I’m just saying… :)
Passementerie´s last blog ..Chartreuse, Aubergine
November 8th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
This was a great reminder for me! I feel like I am your friend…always looking for reasons we cannot do things…to make it easier on myself. But then I always feel unaccomplished and not fulfilled. I will try to come up with at least 2 reasons to do something for every reason I cannot…
November 8th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
Holly, This is why I love your blog. It gets me thinking & moving and wanting to do so much more with my life than I ever did. Just this month I quit my advertising career to do what I want to do full time. I cannot tell you what a feeling of liberation it gives me. And all of this is because of this one thing you mentioned in this post. I’m thinking of all that I ‘CAN’ do instead of all the things I cannot. You are an inspiration to me and will continue to be. Thank you for being who you are and thank you for living and blogging the way you do.
Vineeta´s last blog ..Announcing ‘ART ESCAPE GOA’!!!
November 9th, 2009 at 5:18 am
Passementerie – Yes I know! :) But I must learn German first or else I won’t be a very good shop owner. :) So this is what I’m doing now. Learning the language — and it’s hard — but I’m determined because I want to have a shop someday for sure.
November 15th, 2009 at 5:52 am
there’ s that beautiful american spirit, holly! as an australian spending 7 yrs in your country, i was always blown away by the ‘can-do’ spirit of my u.s friends….there is a deep seated belief that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it; i found that in nyc especially and it was so refreshing and allowed my partner and i to dream big and then start living those very dreams. we’ve returned home now, but now carry that ‘can-do’ energy with us. loved this post. thank-you. x
shelley t´s last blog ..My Place and Your’s – Theme Queen Decides!
November 19th, 2009 at 9:32 am
Great post Holly, we need people with this kind of attitude everywhere, Germany, America, here in Brazil…I’m waiting to see what are you up to soon. You go, girl!!