Katie Orse

 

My visual journal book is coming along nicely. I've worked on several pages this weekend and found some beautiful quotes to add. I also included tab titles and figured out what I wanted to write about. There is a section that I'm including as an inspiration page, but one that is mobile. I have an inspiration board in my studio already, but having one in my journal is also a great idea.

I think the biggest sections that I find myself using are the Goals and Gratitude. I have goals I want to accomplish, and things in my life that I am grateful for. I'll share more pictures of what's inside my book soon!!

 

Monday Mantra

 

Gratitude journal

Yeah! The weekend is here. This morning I started off working in my gratitude journal. I really needed the quiet time to reflect.

By the end of the week, I feel like my batteries are running low, and for me, working in my journal helps me recharge my batteries.

What about you? How do you recharge yourself?

Monday Mantra

What a perfect quote to start off the week.

When I first read this, I thought to myself, "This is so true!" 

This little motivational gem is not only worth repeating in your mind,

but definitely applying it into your life--whatever our weakness may be.

What a wonderful reminder! I'm ready to begin. 

 What about you?

 

The Great Gatsby

Ah yes, The Great Gatsby!! Are you planning to go see this movie?  I can't wait to see it. I'm excited just by watching the trailer and viewing the image gallery. The updated version of this F. Scott Fitzgerald classic is intriguing. I don't know if you are like me, but I notice details. I like seeing the smokey eyes and red lips on the actresses, especially at the party scenes. The 1920's inspired costumes are also very captivating, and the Tiffany jewels featured in the film are beautiful. Of course, I pay close attention to the male actors too, like ahem...Leonardo Dicaprio.

And then I have a girl crush on Isla Fisher. She's the same height as me, but you know...it still isn't fair. That woman wears clothes so well.

And last, Star Trek Into Darkness. As an admitted geek, I am going to see this one too. Especially since I'm a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes aka British hunk Benedict Cumberbatch. 

I mean, just look at him...

yeah, now I really can't think of any more words to write for this post...

Staying positive

I'm always inspired by Gandhi. This particular quote is perfect! 

 

Monday Mantra

source: 

Vision Journal for Positive Affirmations

This week has been full of ups and downs in my life. Since I have been actively querying literary agents, I wanted to find some way to stay positive and busy at the same time. So, I decided to create a vision journal.

First, I decided that my book was going to be a blank 9x11 art journal. I get mine at AC Moore, a local craft store. Keep an eye out for their clearance sale or use their coupon. You can also find any of these blank journals at Michael's, Barnes and Noble, or Books-a-Million bookstores too.

Second, I painted gesso right onto the black binding cover, let dry, and then painted with acrylic paints. I used about two coats of gesso. Painting directly onto the journal cover was easy once you have the gesso dried. You can add stamping, sponging, or just simple brush techniques to get the right texture effect.

Here I finished the front cover. Something I really wanted to get done first. I used up a lot of scrapbooking stash that was collecting dust on my shelves, and I don't feel guilty about about them anymore. I love that it is being put to good use!!

I also used some of my Basic Grey products for the cover embellishments. There were items I found at Joann's craft store on clearance! My idea was to use my favorite colors, choosing three that I wanted to work with. Blues, greens, and yellows.

The ribbons and flower sash I added was a final touch. Those items were from my fabric bins. As for the inside of the  book, I've already begun adding a few magazine clippings, positive affirmations, quotes, and inspirational stories that I found and printed up. These are going to fill the book and as I carry it around, help inspire me to stay positive and motivated. I also added some tabs to pages, and will add more details to them later.

I can't wait to share more with you! Stay tuned!! Let me know what you think or if you have any questions. Happy journaling!!

Wednesday Wisdom

Monday Mantra

Behind the scene

I've been a bad blogger and there's a good reason why. I've been taking some time off to reflect on a few business changes. Sometimes it's good to step away from everything regarding your work, re-evaluate, and then move forward. Most of this time has also been a blessing too. I'll explain a little more.

Some of you may or may not know that I have been writing a young adult book. I started writing the 1st draft in October 2012. In November, I took the entire month to start editing. I wanted to do this right away because, well, when I start a project, I get excited and just want to finish it. I also have a driven personality, which can help or hurt sometimes. Then, I took December off and spent time with loved ones. That was wonderful because I came back really inspired and motivated. 

January was spent fine tuning and polishing up my final draft and February I researched possible literary agents to submit to. Finally, I put together my query letter, and got the nerve to submit everything on my birthday...March 19.

I submitted to an agent who requested an exclusive during the query process. Which means, I can't submit to any other agent until I hear back from them. 

So, in the meantime, I have been praying and chanting positive words to myself. It's not easy waiting. It's not easy being patient. But I think it will be worth it. I am trying to keep myself positive, as well as keeping myself busy while I wait. Here's just a list:

-daily work out ( I have been hitting the gym in the morning. LOVE IT!!! and so will my heart.)

-update my website

-journal

-work on some tote bags (still not happy with fabric choices)

-write Book #2

 That's it for now. In the meantime,  this is in my inspiration journal. It's keeping me sane and inspired :) I love it!!

 

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