Wednesday, September 29, 2010

40 Things

scribble wildly

Week 24 of the Wednesday lists.
Ten months ago I wrote a list of 39 things to do before I turned 40. As a blogger, I've learned that publishing my lists is a painless way to keep me accountable. Plus, the emotional support I receive from my blogland friends is powerful, heady stuff. As I read over last year's list, I realize that what I was craving in my life was more creativity and connection. Thanks to my list, I gave myself more of both last year. I also used the list to be sure I accomplished some lingering tasks. As I begin my 40th year, I still yearn to follow my creative passions. I still long for richer, deeper connections. I still have a mental list of things to do that I never seem to get around to. I wonder what else this list will show me? What other adventures will it pave the way for?


40 things to do before I turn 41
  1. paint my front door & shutters & add new house numbers
  2. buy a Lisa Leonard necklace
  3. go to the beach again
  4. turn Keri's 100 ideas into a regular blog feature
  5. host Blog Camp St. Louis
  6. rent a boat and stay in a cabin on the lake
  7. interview my father-in-law
  8. spend my time well this year
  9. take four camera classes at my local photography store
  10. be featured on Shutter Sisters' Daily Click
  11. get settled in and feel at home in our new church
  12. create and hang my inspiration board
  13. make walking a regular habit
  14. photograph 5 different teenagers
  15. go back to the Philbrook with JD
  16. clean that garage once and for all!!
  17. have two art dates with Katie
  18. transfer all my home videos to DVD
  19. find the perfect apple crisp recipe and bake often for Jeffrey
  20. learn all the manual settings on JD
  21. tearoom date with Dulcy
  22. buy a vintage record player
  23. go visit Grammy
  24. write thank you notes promptly - all year long!
  25. participate in some street art of my own
  26. host a Christmas party again
  27. have a date night every other week
  28. begin art journaling
  29. mail out Christmas cards this year - on time - not in February
  30. read all the forgotten books that are living on my shelves
  31. learn Photoshop Elements
  32. finally finish compiling all of Sloane's Friday Album (a picture every Friday from her first year of life)
  33. do This Is Not A Book
  34. visit the Art Institute of Chicago
  35. begin morning pages again & this time keep doing them
  36. make and purchase a book of my blog's greatest hits
  37. go cliff jumping with Sloane at Johnson's Shut Ins
  38. keep up with my pen pal project
  39. frame and hang all pictures I've collected
  40. do something I absolutely think I can not do

The scan above is my favorite page from number 37 last year.

35 comments:

Unknown said...

You certainly like to keep yourself busy!

rayfamily said...

What a fantastic list! Very inspiring!

Char said...

sounds like a great year you have cut out for you. :)

Anyes said...

Relyn, It sounds like quite a program you set up for yourself :-)...
I would love to be more accountable with what I really want in my life, and your list seems to work.
Could I use it on my own blog? linking back to you of course.

♥ Amy said...

You really need to get your hands on one of Scott Kelby's books for Photoshop (whichever one goes with your number, as in 8.0). Mine was invaluable and the way he breaks things down into individual projects and explains them so simply that you can't go wrong, well, let's just say it couldn't be any easier.

And congrats, I just noticed you now have 200 followers!!! :)

GailO said...

Love your lists...and I may steal from this one as I try to think of 6o things to do before I am 61:)

Bee said...

You make me want to do one of these lists. My lists always end up being need-to-do ones . . . which have their own value, but aren't as fun or enriching. I think that I admire #40 the most. I often think that I've already decided about the things that I CAN'T do. I really shouldn't limit myself so much.

p.s. Will send on that taffy recipe tonight!

Linda said...

I love that your list has so many "want to do" entries. You have given me some ideas and inspiration for a list of my own to add more fun to my life.

Re: morning pages--did you know that an online group is going to follow The Artist's Way, beginning 10/1? I have signed up, along with several of my local friends. I hope that this gives me the impetus to actually stick with the program and go throught the whole book. The link is: http://theartistswayblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/05/october-1-2010/

Actually, it sounds like you have come up with an informal way to add those principles to your life already!

Marion Williams-Bennett said...

This is an amazing an great list - but I think it's perfect for anytime of life, at any age. No rush, you'll do them when you do them.

In the meantime, take a break sit back and reflect on all the good of your life, and all the good that is to come!

Gigi Thibodeau said...

Now this is a list. What I love is that it's just the right mix of challenges and delicious rewards. That's what a to-do list should be. You completely rock, sweetheart. I turn 43 in October. Maybe I need to make a list for before 44 . . .

A Box of Chocolates said...

Relyn, add take the time to breathe and relax, you busy girl!!! Now I turn 50 in January arghh!!!!! Number 1 on my list, don't worry about turning 50 ha ha!!
Have fun and a great year.

Marilyn Miller said...

I love, love your list. I made one this year, but didn't post it. I just added Photoshop Element to my computer this week. Now I need to start exploring. Just joined a photography group and this month we are suppose to take a picture that is not comfortable for us. Mine is taking pictures of strangers; so I must find someone to do this. I did just take in my first roll of black and white film I took on a very old Brownie camera, I can't wait to see the pictures. You inspire me with your list. Thanks so much!

Sue said...

Oh shoot...just saw the apple crisp on the list and realized I forgot to send you my recipe. I'll go look for it now.

Love the list...can't wait to see what you can cross off at the end of the year!

meandering pearl said...

i always heart this list!!! we need to give ourselves beautiful to-do lists!!! special thoughts

Amy said...

What a fabulous list! That reminds me ... I need to check on where I'm at on my 36 to 37. Hmmm...

dulcy said...

I'm definitely holding you to #21... hope things were in order when you returned. Love you!

beth said...

#5 is where i got stuck at......OHHHHH you just have to this and remember, i will help you !!!

Elle Bee said...

That is a fantastic list of things to accomplish. I am very impressed that you will cliff jump!! :o)

Operaton You said...

Cliff jumping stood out to me. What a form of expression! At least you are brave enough to make a list..I think I need to do one. I'm not so brave in this arena.. Taking a deep breath and letting it be. I accept.

Jeanie said...

Well, you don't let any grass grow under your feet, do you my dear! Another terrific list!

Tracy said...

You are a wonder, Relyn! I just love your lists, and this one is a SUPER LIST! I love all the things you strive towards, and admire your determination to see the list through. In December I will be 38. I'm already noting for a 40 Before 40 list and giving myself two years to do some things. Still working on the list. There won't be any bungee jumping on the list... LOL... but they will be big for me. I'm excited! Thanks so much for the very warm welcome home. London was nothing short of AMAZING! It is the best city--I can easily daydream of living there...*sigh*... Maybe that should be on my list?! ;o) Happy Days ((HUGS))

S. Etole said...

how ever many you accomplish I hope you enjoy each and every day ...

Cindy said...

Relyn, you inspire me to make a list myself, my first item would be the same as yours. I have talked about it for three years. I think I will pass on the swap as I have a lot going on right now, have fun with it, take care and have a fabulous week.

Sarah said...

A great and inspiring list Relyn! One in particular caught my eye-the one about framing all the pictures you have bought-me too!

chocolatecovereddaydreams.blogspot.com said...

How long do you have before you turn 41? I think your list is wonderful. It's filled with challenges and fun and creativity. I hope that #40 comes true for sure.

Hindsfeet said...

Hey Sweetie : )

What's blog swapping?

Liz : )

maría cecilia said...

Hola Relyn, thank you so much for visiting me back!!!
cariños,
maria cecilia

Jaime said...

You are such an ambitious little bee...so full of sweetness! Striking off things from last year's list left right and centre, and now you've got a new list!!!
Oh, I can't wait to see how no. 40 manifests itself....what will it be? What do you absolutely think you cannot do? And what will you accomplish?
I can't wait to see! xoxoxoxo

Alice said...

Relyn, this list is so inspiring, I think I should make one - although I have a feeling it would include less exciting activities!! Xxx

Patti said...

You will be a busy girl! If you do #5 I would love to come- same for #17! I laughed for #28 when I clicked on the link. That same issue leers at me daily and I have yet to start. If you do #34, PLEASE let me know and I will meet you! Have a wonderful weekend- looking forward to swap news!

Suvarna said...

a most impressive list, I know you'll be striking off quite a few those. So excited about the Autumn celebration project. Can't wait to get started.
Oh that clip from fiddler on the roof! Brings such a flood of memories, i saw it at the drive in when i was just a wee thing!

Debby said...

It's okay about the swap. I didn't see your email til today.....yesterday was a zoo. I had almost signed up earlier. I am having a Christmas box/jar swap. I will look forward to yours in the winter......come join mine if you want to.

HKatz said...

So many great ideas here; thank you for sharing and inspiring us in turn. I love how #8 is spending time well, and then the rest of the list is full of creative detailed ways to do just that.

Best wishes for a sweet, happy and inspiring year.

Angie Muresan said...

Oh my! This is serious stuff! I believe I need a list now, as well.

Suz said...

Funny how I had to discover my creativity first before anything significant happened to move me in the forward direction too...phew..I'm long winded I see!
41? Wow..how lucky to be so smart
and wise at your young age
i jumped in the autumn thingy at bit late
hope you have someone to hook me up with...sounds like fun...pure fun thanks and happy birthday
If you have a St Louis blog camp...I'm in!

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