In January I wrote out my Want List for 2009 I thought I'd get it out and take a look. Not too bad. A few things crossed off and some added that were accomplished. The important thing is that I believe these things will happen and am actively working toward them. Since I wrote that list I have saved 200.00 through my saving 5% of sales plan, gotten a brand new Futon for my studio, and payed off one credit card.
Here it is:
I think I want lists are just as important as all of the other lists we do at the beginning of each year. The I want list is far different than any of the others because it involves the dreams we hold in our hearts as well as the more practical wants. We deserve this dream list and should make it for ourselves each January. We can tick off the wants that are fulfilled and reserve the others for the next years list. As my friend Louise Courtelis always says, "Go Big or Go Home".
1. An electrician to fix my studio office light and ceiling fan-
DONE!2. Carpet removed from the studio and the concrete floors stained and sealed with a high gloss finish; or a nice durable vinyl, or hardwood floors. _ I sent an email to a guy who does floors and asked him for an estimate. I have a feeling this one is going to have to wait.
Not done yet. About 1600.00 to accomplish this one. Still on the list.3. Having the outside of the studio painted. I have a feeling this one is going to have to wait.
Not done yet. I know it will happen.4. Having the toppled tree from last summer removed and yard trimming done.
DONE!!!5. A new H-Frame Easel. I have my eye on a sturdy H-Frame, not too big, with a base that folds flat for easy storage. Until I can get my H Frame, I will use a table easel for painting with both oils and acrylics.
Not yet. I know it will happen.6. A new pochade box 6x8 for my Color Fields paintings. My oldest 9x12 is getting very cranky to use. There is something wrong with the hinge for the lid and it is hard to adjust it. Since I have a newish 9x12 for oils, I think I want to switch to the dandy little 6x8 box for the acrylics. Most of those are the 5x7 paintings so a small box would be great.
DONE!! A very generous friend and patron surprised me a few months ago with a brand new 6x8 box and matching back pack. I was flabbergasted and thrilled beyond words. I still am. No one has ever done anything like that for me. I liked the set up so much that I ordered a backpack for my larger box and it is wonderful. No more dragging carts around for me.7. A huge batch of birch panels.
DONE!! But now I need to order more soon. I'll never give them up now. They are too wonderful. I'm completely spoiled. 8. Another vacation in the fall at the beach for a week. We will see. That is an expensive luxury I should not afford myself this year. I think I need to take care of this other stuff instead.
Perhaps next year. 9. A 2 bedroom condo at St Augustine Beach. Doesn't even have to be beach front, I'm flexible.
Someday!10. A new car. I have a 2001 Toyota Echo with no AC and 210,000 miles on it. Toyotas are so great. They never die, they just continue to lose parts and pieces.
Done!! My daughter wrecked the Toyota so I had no choice but to buy her a car. I'll be paying on her dream for about 5 years and then I can buy my own dream.Even better, how about a pimped out minivan. I took the first step toward that dream by purchasing an Aero Twin Bed. My long time dream is to buy a van and travel in it for about 10 days at a time, living in state parks, painting little paintings.
Some Day.11. A new mini fridge/freezer and a mini microwave for my office to heat up TV dinners and make popcorn. This is doable this year.
Half Done. Got the Microwave. perhaps the fridge soon.12. New signage for my studio and gate. What I have is very ghetto.
Ghetto to stay for awhile.13. More Commissions so that I can do all of the above.
Still hoping14. To be completely debt free. I made some progress on that last year. I'm about half way there.
Progress. Another cc paid off recently.15. To live the rest of my life as I am now,in good health, painting, traveling, and having a blast!!
Knock on wood, so far so good. I love my life. Why bring this up again? I believe we succeed when we have faith. I'm living proof. Have you made your list?