8.16.25
What I Can’t Let Go Of:
(just like the NPR Politics podcast on Fridays- minus the “Politics or otherwise” disclaimer
This blog is publicly, a politics-free zone, so all musings will be “Otherwise“.)
I’m back to me!
I don’t know if you’ve ever noticed the tagline
on every page of SouthHouseDesigns.com:
“I think; therefore I am”
— Descartes, 1637
“I think creatively; therefore I am joyful”
— Diane (me), Today
Many years ago, through a lot of introspection and study,
I came to appreciate what Descartes was getting at.
However, I thought he missed the target a bit . . .
okay, quite a bit!
I’m not content to just be.
I strive to be joyful, not just exist.
And for the most part, I am! Joyful, that is.
Through deep self-examination, I’ve realized I’m
always happiest when I’m doing something creative
or conquering a challenge in a creative way.
But honestly, the last several weeks have been rough.
I was stuck – Big Time!
I had plenty of projects in the planning stages,
creative work on the backend that needed finishing, and ideas I wanted to try out.
But I was in a funk – motivation shot, enthusiasm gone.
And it’s rare for me to feel this way.
Then two things happened:
1) the monthly Handcrafted Society Challenge was due
2) I was asked to help reimagine the Admin Building on the
campus of a philanthropic organization I greatly admire
So I had no choice. I pulled out my markers
(my equivalent of “pulling up my big girl panties”)
and started imagining.
And you know what?
All that creative thinking and creative doing
brought the joy back into my whole being.
I want to be crystal clear: I’m not suggesting that pulling out of a funk is this simple for everyone, especially those dealing with clinical depression or other mental health challenges.
I’m simply sharing what works for me –
that creative thinking and creative doing in service to others
fills my very being with great joy.
So I want to thank you! Yes, YOU!
Part of this service to others is sharing my creative projects
and problem-solving tips and hacks with you.
It makes me joyful, and I hope it brings you joy too.
I also hope this inspires you to embrace creative doing as one tool for navigating the sticky spots in life.
We all have different things that help us through tough times, and creativity happens to be mine.
But I’d like to know what’s yours?
Hit reply and let me know. Truly I read every one of them.
On the Blog
Handcrafted Society Challenge – Frames!
You won’t believe what I did with a dated, boring frame! And eight of my buddies too!!
PLUS It’s a great beginner power tool project – basic cuts with low time and low monetary investments which all mean LOW RISK.
So if you’ve been circling the power tools wondering, this is your project!
(It can also be done with a drill and a hand saw)
Another Favorite Upcycle
Can you guess what I made this darling hanging shelf from?
This is a great project for learning to use a jigsaw!
The links in this post may include affiliate links, which means if you purchase anything using these links, you pay no extra, but I may receive a small commission that helps keep this blog running. I truly appreciate you using affiliate links whenever possible. Please know that I will never recommend a product I do not believe in!
Encore Selection of Downloadable Fall Art
Wow! With the response and requests I received for more, I had to curate a couple more collections.
Printable downloads are such a great way to fill your home with seasonal art
without spending a fortune. Seriously, these range from $2 – $8!
Once you purchase, you will receive the download folder with instructions and the artwork in 20 – 30+ sizes. Most of the artists will help you with a custom size at no charge depending on the aspect ratio.
For smaller pieces, you can print the files at home, for larger pieces you can print them locally, and online there are a wide range of printing options, well beyond paper.
Use these to add a seasonal touch to a gallery wall
Have it printed as a wrapped canvas — small ones look great tucked on a shelf
Print on tissue paper and use for decoupage
Add even use them as art on your smart TV
Great Shares From Around the Web
Perhaps it’s the new Grandma in me, but seeing the little fairy house and garden Jennifer at Cottage on Bunker Hill created, I am smitten!
I hope to create something similar in the park in our community for all the little kiddos who romp and explore there.
Please let me know if you have a fairy garden and what you’ve used for all the charming accents.
Great for Beginning Woodworking!
These tips from Kati at Houseful of Handmade are spot on.
They are not your standard safety tips, but rather tips on cutting wood to end up with the size you really need.
They will save you a boatload of frustration, time and money. It’s always best to have a solid start when learning a new skill, and Kati sets you for that.
May I recommend “Two Porches and a Pour”.
My blogging buddies Lynn (Living Large in a Small House) and Wendy (WM Design House) talk life talk — last week was menopause and this week is grandparenting: From FaceTime to Family Time: The New Age of Grandparenting
They also discuss there difference in paretic trends between the generation. Spot on!
I hope you’ve been enjoying the weekend!!! Thanks for hanging out with me a bit,
Hello Diane. I completely agree with your suggestion to get creative to pull out of a funk. I have been using the same suggestion for coworkers during the past 3 years I’ve worked in the medical office currently employed at. I too, love creating and working on “projects” around my home and in my yard, but gardening is my go-to therapy for EVERYTHING! Anytime I have a not so pleasant moment or day, or any kind of issue I need to work thru, I simply go to my yard. It calms me, speaks to me and gives back the rational thinking I need @that moment to figure things out. Yet many of my coworkers never follow that suggestion and continue their complaints and groaning about troubles the very next day. Playing in the dirt has even been researched as a scientific cure for depression, yet some people must simply be complacent in their predicaments. Haven’t figured out why they don’t want to heal themselves, although I count my blessings to have discovered what works so well for me.
Take care of yourself, be well, be happy…..and be joyful always!
Ronnie