Art projects of one kind or another are always on my to-do list. Fortunately, I rarely use my dining room table for its designated purpose. So I’ve started keeping my watercolor materials easily available for when the just-do-it moment hits me. — Photo by Pat Bean
“If you feel like there’s something out there that you’re supposed to be doing, if you have a passion for it, then stop wishing and just do it.” — Wanda Sykes
Morning Chat
It is January 15, halfway through the resolution-breaking month of the year. I’m not sure I ever made it this far without breaking my New Year’s resolutions -– even if they were as simple as to blog every other day and to mark three things off my lengthy to-do list every day.
Swan — By Pat Bean
These were the only New Year’s resolutions I made this year, but I also adopted a theme to go along with them: Just do it!
The reason my to-do list has become so long. Yes, it is actually several pages. The reason is that whenever I think of something I want to do — like write a letter to a 10-year-old grandchild discussing the upcoming movie Dr. Doolittle Movie, telling him that the Doolittle books were some of my very favorites growing up — I add it to my to-do list. And then promptly forget it.
No more. When I think of such things from now on, time and circumstances permitting, I am going to simply do it. This Just-do-it theme even prompted me to make my bed this morning before I even left the bedroom. Some days I surprise even myself.
Now if you will excuse me, I have a letter to write.
Bean Pat: Colline’s blog https://collinesblog.com/2020/01/15/reading-goal-2020/ Check out her New Year’s goal.
Pat Bean is a retired journalist who lives in Tucson with her canine companion, Scamp. She is a wondering-wanderer, avid reader, enthusiastic birder, Lonely Planet Community Pathfinder, Story Circle Network board member, author of Travels with Maggie available on Amazon, and is always searching for life’s silver lining.
Pat Bean's blog 
Maybe I need a spot for painting, too, as I haven’t done any for about 2 years.
Pit, Get your paint supplies out, and Just Do It!
Let’s see how things turn out. I think I should really get on with it again. One of my “problems” is a mental one. I have a very good – if I may praise myself – water colour of the White Cliffs of Dover, and now I’m afraid I will never again be able to produce anything like this. But I think I will try – some time.
The best advice I got from an art teacher was to give yourself permission to paint a bad painting, I usually only like about one in five of the paintings I do. You can always correct oil or acrylic, but with watercolors, the accidents are usually the best part. I’m hoping you give it a try.
I think I will. Thanks for the encouragement.
Yes an apt saying. Cyberspouse can come home and open a letter, then get on the phone straight away if it requires action. Me, I put the letter on a pile of important things and add a note to the list of people to ring or e-mail!
You sound like me, tidalscribe. But at least we have a list.
I just did two things I’ve been fretting over immediately after reading your blog. Thank you! Hugs, my friend.
Your comment made my day. You inspire me, too — to write every day. Thanks, my friend. And hugs right back at you.
Glad we have each other!
I love that you have made your painting supplies available to paint on a whim. One should always creat when inspiration strikes.
Thank you for sharing my reading goal.
Thanks Colline
As I grow older I like to keep my list shorter!
I think as I get older I’m afraid if everything on my list gets accomplished my days will end. But your idea is probably the smartest. Thanks for commenting Andrew.
I don’t want to disappoint the list!
Your swan is wonderful! It’s a great idea to leave your paints out so that everything’s ready when the mood hits. I’ll have to try that… 🙂
Thanks Diane
I just did it!!! Did a watercolour and an acrylic painting of the “Seven Sisters” at the English Channel coast.
Thanks for your encouragement!
A big Bean Pat to you Pit. Keep it up. I’d love to see the painting. Are you going to put it on your blog?
I’m not sure yet, Pat, if I’m going to show them on my blog, but I’ll send them to you by email, if you don’t mind.
This is something I’m working on as well- just DO! 🙂 I recently read “Atomic Habits”
By James Clear- it was incredible.