Four things sixty-eight: a concise orientation before we get practical.
Four things sixty-eight: Quick notes
I didn’t get a Four Things post written last week. There was a lot of catch-up to do after being at the beach for ten days, and my work days just got away from me. As I shared at the beginning of this year, my business is also evolving, and I’m still figuring out how to balance blogging and sharing online with working on my books and painting commissions. I feel like I’m slowly getting into a rhythm, though, and I’m trying to lean into the change. As my days have been very full lately, I am so thankful for the longer days and more sunshine!
Here are my four things for the week: exploring charcoal, revisiting a childhood favorite, seasonal purpose, and carefully planning.
what I’m reading
When it comes to drawing, I struggle with line. I have always preferred paint over a pencil, but I do like to practice my drawing skills. So, I’ve decided to learn more about charcoal. I’ve worked with it a few times and have been frustrated with the mess, but I feel like it might be the best drawing medium for me. So, I’m diving into the book Drawing with Charcoal. I just started reading it, and it’s already excellent. I can’t wait to read more and practice what I’m learning.
what I’m watching
Jeff had never seen the 1986 version of Anne of Green Gables, so we decided to watch it together. It was one of my favorite series when I was a kid, and I watched it so many times I still practically have it memorized. It’s been years since I last saw it, so it was fun to watch it again and remember why I loved it so much. Modern remakes haven’t done the novels justice.
what I’m loving
In James Clear’s newsletter last week, he shared a couple of lines about change that really spoke to me –
“It’s rare to find your purpose for life, so instead look for your purpose for this season.”
“Life is always changing. It’s okay to pick a new North Star.”
I’m not looking at these quotes in light of my overall purpose in life. I believe that is to love God and love others. But these words are great reminders of the change in temporal things… in seasons of life and work.
what I’m working on
Oh, so many things! I’m working on preorder bonus material for Move Slow & Make Things while also working on my next book. I’m in a season where I need to plan my days carefully to make sure I’m dividing my time well. I usually spend my mornings reading, writing, and taking care of desk/computer tasks, and then I’ll paint in the afternoon. And, as the weather gets warmer, I will need to make some time for gardening and yard work in the evenings. I can already see weeding that needs to be done.
I’m also back to painting commissions. My queue is longer than it’s ever been, so I’m trying to work through those in a timely manner.
What have you been reading, watching, loving, and working on?
A short mention of Four things sixty-eight helps readers follow the flow.
Four things sixty-eight comes up here to connect ideas for clarity.
