Archives for March 2012

Are you nuts?

Let’s be honest, most of us can say there was at least one moment in your life where you’ve wondered;

Am I nuts?

it could have been an obsession about something, prolonged sadness, extreme sensitivity or the ” Why can’t I just get over this” nagging question. Here is some interesting news found in a recent readers digest. ( March 3/12)

The Upside to being a little nuts!

Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder: you’re more likely to be hard working and diligent.

Its no secret that OCD people definitely excel at jobs with strict rules.

Anxiety- your more likely to be compassionate.

HIghly anxious people are usually titled attentive and sensitive towards others.

Mild Bi- polar disorder: You’re more likely to be creative

People prone to mood swings are often writers, artists, musicians and performers.

Asperger syndrome: You’re more likely to be a problem solver

This is the category of people that are ususally social awkward, but their intense focus steers them towards technology, science and engineering.

Depression: you’re more likely to be insightful.

Depressives tend to be more in touch with the deeper truths of life, and their surroundings.

The Bible says that what God meant for Good, the devil meant for evil.

One step away from connection with our creator and our good traits suddenly become manic.

You were meant to soar, to fly. To influence the world and make a difference wherever you are. Choose to let the good traits outshine the bad. Get help if you need it….

We’re THOSE Parents

by CyleAugusta Leave a Comment

Am I competitive in nature? I often ask myself that question, & always turn up some confusion. In the moment I can be competitive, but I can also be completely anti- competition and run in the opposite direction when I so much as smell it.

I never really thought I would be that parent – the one who would aggressively get their child to compete in everything and house a room full of trophies, namely because I wasn’t that kid – I didn’t really start developing specific skills until my 20’s and really early thirties, by then the emerging artist awards are all gone. Anyway, I’ve always known I was a bit of a late bloomer in the arts and music world: my abilities come directly from maturity & soul growth, which in my case comes with age.

As if it weren’t foreign enough to have a child in public school, since I didn’t attend public school, but rather was home schooled, these public school contests are completely foreign as well – Governors honors what? PTA what? There was a paper that came home mid September about contests for reflections about DIVERSITY. The categories were art, music and photography.

I briefly talked to my 6 yr old about it thinking he would draw a picture of the children of the world around the globe holding hands… you know, the cheesy Whitney Houston tune comes to mind. We had a five minute conversation about it and he went to play, about an hour later he came back to me saying “You want to hear my song about being friends?” I listened, and it was short but good. His dad overheard him and happened to be sitting at our home studio when he motioned for Kenimer to come over, turned the mic on, and tracked it. It was simple and raw, he even changed keys once-nonetheless the passion and feeling are there. It is precious. We turned it in and forgot about it.

Several months later we find out he won for his school, county and at the state level! In two weeks we will go to Atlanta for a ceremony at the High Museum of Art and will find out if he won 1st, 2nd or 3rd. I know your thinking there probably wasn’t much competition for his age – there was none at the school or county level but there were many applicants from Atlanta in the state level. His song was grouped with the others written and played in rotation at the Ritz last Friday as all the the art and photography was on display. I was a proud mom since most of the songs were written by highschoolers and the occasional middle schooler – and then my boy.

When I told him he had won, he said “Well that’s because I’m a songwriter!“, matter-of-factly. Hopefully he wont take as long to discover his skills. He seems quite confident in his songwriting abilities. His dad and I? We are proud.

We just might be THOSE parents. But I think in this case we’re OK with it.

The SECRET to learning a new skill….

by CyleAugusta 2 Comments

It’s funny that as I get older I seem to tackle things I always said I couldn’t do. The more I chip away at the “I’ve always wanted to do that list”, the more I learn that my inability is simply resistance to fulfill my desires. The resistance is experienced as fear: fear of the unknown – fear of failure.

Several months ago I gave some presentations at MOPS about creative ideas for home, gifts, and kids. A mom approached me and said “You’ve inspired me and I went out and bought a sewing machine to learn to sew“. I was excited about her new endeavor yet I felt ashamed at the mention of sewing. I had inspired someone to start sewing yet I couldn’t even sew myself. You See: I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO SEW – I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES AND FAILED MISERABLY.

The basic operation of the machine seemed to get the best of me. Several times, I attempted sewing on my sisters machine and the bobbin would get stuck, or I’d break a needle, or push the peddle too fast, or lose control leaving my stitch looking like a chevron pattern party.

I look back and see one problem: I was attempting to sew alone. I never really sought the instruction I needed to successfully operate a sewing machine. I was mad that it didn’t come easily, and so I quit. In fact I attempted to sew on several occasions with the prediction that I would fail miserably. and. I. did. I had a sister that sewed wonderfully and a skilled seamstress for a mother in law, so pawning sewing projects off on them became the crutch to uphold my belief: I CANNOT SEW.

Fast forward to several years later and Brunswick gets a Joannes. The desire to sew resurfaced and a group of friends decided to start a sewing group called Gathered Together. The skill of the sewing in our group ranges from beginner to professional.

The group decided to meet once a week for several hours in the evening and sew a project together for support, help and fellowship. Each week someone posts a simple project so you can prepare by buying supplies and cutting the pattern. I was ecstatic and arrived completely prepared, ready to sew. Guess what? My second-hand sewing machine died a painful death. Several pro friends tried to revive her but there was no luck. Nonetheless, I still managed to finish my project for the first week – with eight sewing machines there was always one available.

I cannot tell you how encouraged and equipped I felt while sewing, I think it was simply the support of the women around me, all being at different levels and all helping one another. I could not get home fast enough to show my hubby what I made, entirely by myself! He was impressed and even asked “Are you sure you no one else sewed on this?” He remembers the chevron stitch, also know as crooked sewing.

Second week came and I was ready to tackle the next project. That week a girlfriend came and didn’t feel like sewing, so she let me use her machine and even ripped out a seam for me when I messed up. Once again I drove home so excited and giddy over my new skill.

Third week was rather stressful: stress on the homefront, stress in the money world, and stress in sinus land. I nearly let it get the best of me and in my moodiness almost decided not to go – besides this week’s project seemed hard and I was a bit worried I might fail.

The presence of the fear/resistance is what made me decide to go. I knew I needed it – the degree of resistance/fear I feel about doing something is usually proportionate to how badly I need to do the particular task, for the growth of my soul.

I went to sewing group and tackled my fear. One girl was out of town so she dropped her sewing machine off where the group was held that night so I could use it. How thoughtful is that?! I tell you this sewing group is therapeutic.

On the way home from the third sewing group it hit me: the reason I was able to sew reasonably well this time was simply the support I had around me – the girls who encouraged me – the learning that takes place as you are all sewing together. One person makes a mistake and shares it with the group, and naturally you learn from their mistakes – it’s a beautiful thing really.

Its not just sewing group where this beautiful artistic community takes place. I remember hearing my grandmother reminisce of knitting parties where socks were made during WW11. In fact, to this day she hosts a knitting group in her home every week, claiming “It keeps your mind sane.”

Quilting, knitting, pottery, bunco, bridge – whatever the craft or skilled game involved there are many people who benefit from sharpening their craft in groups. What do you want to do but are too scared to start? Run a race, start a business, join a art group – whatever it is, find some support – some community in your particular interests. It will strengthen you, boost confidence, and reduce the temptation to quit.

Its a beautiful thing, really.