Creating Something New

As a photographer, I feel confident in my ability to capture what I see in a way that is artistic. Lately I have been working on using a photograph as a starting point to create something new. T-shirts and calendars I sell here http://www.redbubble.com/people/lisaknechtel. It is harder than you might think! Seeing what could be there instead of what is there is a whole new discipline - and it is taking so much TIME. Why, oh why is time finite?

Speaking of time, a colleague of mine asked me how I do it? - How am I able to devote so much time to my contributions to TELUS, my family, my volunteerism, and my art? I am willing to share my secrets with all of you!

1. Have a spouse who supports you. Now I don't mean financially, though that would certainly free up some time! My sweet husband, Paul, works really hard to provide a clean house for our family, cooking the meals, driving us everywhere, making sure our sweet girl stays on top of her school work. His contributions allow me to spend those 200+ hours I have volunteered this year, pursue my photography passion and put the effort into being successful at work. The olden days with one working parent were idyllic. Paul and I have always managed things with one salary. We aren't wealthy by any means, but we are happy.

2. Be organized. Yes, Mother, I realize that those words coming from my lips are steeped in IRONY. I also remember telling you I was not a "list" person. Ok, so my natural state is one of spontaneous chaos rather than disciplined organization. That makes what I am sharing even more profound! If I can learn to organize my life and time anyone can. Again, kudos to Paul for teaching me this skill. I see him teaching our daughter how to be organized too and know she will get more accomplished as a result. I get organized by using a family calendar and marking all my commitments. Then I can see if I am prioritizing the right things and balancing all the important parts of my life.

3. Carve out time. As I mentioned earlier, time is finite. I am keenly aware that this is all I have to work with so I better make the most of it. I get up every morning between 5:30 and 6:00am and rush to the computer where I start messing around with my art. This hour before I get ready for work allows me to make sure that I have time for my passion. I fit it in at the end of the day too which means I don't spend a lot of time watching TV. Really, at the end of the day I am going to be so much happier improving my skills than knowing what happened to someone on Survivor.

There! Easy peasy. Three tips for you on how you can SQUEEEEEEEZE the most out of every moment. Have a great day and go do something you love!