12.05 Studio News

Fly Through with Your Eyes Open

Contents

1. December Studio

2. Just Do It

3. This Month's Super Links

4. Wrap-Up

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December Studio

Well, the season is definitely rolling in, ready or not. American Consumerism is in its glory, as are all the retailers. I can imagine the excitement of the creators of iPods, Xbox360, plasma TVs, cell phones, yadda yadda yadda this time of year. I start to roll my eyes at all the stuff that now makes this holiday what it is--then I remember that without it, I would not have any hope of a job… so, have at it, people!!

All smugness aside (not the best mood to have to start the holidays), the coming month will fly by for all of us. I am starting to get details in order for The Big Move next month. On January 3rd, my [brave] friend Carrie and I are off to start our experiences on St. John, USVI. (Next month, the studio news may be a bit late, but it will come!) As the holidays approach, I hope some of the spirit grabs you in a new way--opening your eyes to a new tradition, experience, or perspective. Keeping your mind and heart open is the best way to learn, grow, and dive into the new year.

(On a sidenote, what happened to the Redskins this season?? Boys, I had hope for you until these past few weeks. Sheesh. And who woke up the Seahawks and the Cowboys this season?)

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Just Do It

Reading and listening to interviews of various successful individuals, I have noticed there are often common threads in their character. Striving to make and reach our goals, no matter how big or small, is something that we work at our whole lives. Regardless of your definition of success, having the focus and motivation to achieve it is not always easy but is always worth it. The following tips drive my own ambition. I thought I would share:

1. Work hard. Play hard. But work first, play later.

2. Believe in yourself. You CAN do it.

Think of a gym: everyone’s in the gym. Look to your right, you see someone in better shape. Look to your left, you see someone who is working to be in your shape. Know you can go either direction. It’s up to you. As a Romanian saying goes: If you are going to drown yourself, do not do it in shallow water.

3. Forget your mistakes.

Learn from them, but forget them. You are going to make them. Get over it.

4. Wing it.

Having a plan is fine, just do not shut yourself off from surprises. With security comes lack of adventure.

5. Fail.

Be willing to lose--if you can take a loss, then you can win. Donald Trump has lost hundreds of millions of dollars as he has made his path to hundreds of millions of dollars.

6. Do not try to fit in.

Define success for yourself. Define your own way, your own style.

7. Be impatient.

When you start to feel bored with your place in life--a job, a relationship, whatever--you are not functioning with your best energy. What is the point to live life if its just hum-drum? Do something else. I currently work for a lady who has let that drive that her life. Choosing a new career, investment, or lifestyle when its scary to do so has made her a very successful lady. Keep your eyes open and try something else.

8. Connections are everything.

Connections to your soul, to family and friends, to your mate, pet, lover, colleagues, clients, etc. are where you will find your inspiration, your opportunities, and true satisfaction in life.

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Super Links

Cool Home Pages

If you are a web designer, interested in creating your own site, or just curious, this is a fun source of lots of different home pages.

http://www.coolhomepages.com

PDF Zone

If you are a designer or work with PDF files, this might be interesting to you.

http://www.pdfzone.com

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Wrap-Up

Thanks for your attention and any comments this month! Have a blessed holiday season and be sure to find some mistletoe…ahem.

If you have any comments, suggestions for future newsletters, questions, tips, etc., please feel free to drop me a line: art@asolaredesign.com

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For further information about my design or illustration studio and services, please e-mail me.

art@asolaredesign.com