Playing For Change

It's not DIY related, but I share because I believe in their message. Enjoy the latest from Playing for Change!






Until next time...
Mike

Ego - and Blogging

"I suck." That's what I think every time I put some kind of public message out there that looks like this - "I'll get that tutorial up for you this week!" - already knowing that I'm overextended and have little-to-no-chance of getting that tutorial posted. And then this week becomes next week. And then the guilt starts loading up. And then I start beating myself up for not getting to it yet. And then I start thinking about it when I should be thinking about something important, like my family or my work. And then I start thinking everyone is waiting for it and I haven't delivered. And so on, and so forth. Anyone with me on this?

Then, in an attempt to save my sanity, I go 'Oprah' on myself. "Why do you get upset that you don't have time to do everything you want to do? Is that your ego getting in your way?" And then I tell myself that I am good enough just by being me, and doing what I can within the time that I have. And I am sharing good information when I can. And I am a good mom. And my kids will be okay when they get older. And I am smart enough to be an expert at my job. And so on, and so forth. 

I saw that Ego was a topic this week on Oprah's new life class. And it's a word that I've had so much experience with during this lifetime - and on so many levels -  from both within myself and from others - that I sat down and took the time to watch the webcast with her and Eckhart Tolle. I definitely got some new things to think about in that hour. And new ways to become aware of my ego, and others' egos, and how ego elbows its way in to so many different situations.

I recognize a lot of those situations here in blogland. I'd like to think I'm evolved, but I'm definitely guilty of letting my ego sneak in and sometimes even take over. Do you compare the number of followers you have to the number of followers a 'popular' blog has? I have. Ego. Do you wonder why they have so many followers and you don't? I have. Ego. Do you look at the number of Google followers a fellow blogger has, then look at their archive to see how long they've been blogging so you can see if you are ahead or behind their popularity? I have. Ego. Do you get a twinge of envy when a fellow blogger announces some great news that will either boost their visibility or give some kind of financial reward? I have. Ego. Do you ask yourself why your blog isn't good enough for a magazine to approach you for a feature? I have. Ego. 

As embarassing as it may be to put all of those things above in writing - I am always trying to better match my intentions with my actions. What does that mean? It means that when my intention is to celebrate the creativity and success of others - I need to embrace that creativity and success - without judgement of myself or others.  

It means that I have to check - and double check - my ego at the door when I see good things happening to fellow bloggers, and I remind myself that someone else's success doesn't negate me in any way. Nor should it threaten me. It means that I work hard to genuinely appreciate the talents of other DIYers, without trying to compare my projects to theirs, or think that I am somehow 'less than'. And it means that I am really coming to terms and embracing 'my voice' in blogland - one that promotes DIY design and decor made from materials that already exist on the planet. It's that voice that I am most passionate about. And it is that voice that gives me the most pleasure. 

It is my ego that thinks my blog should be more than what it is. It is my real evolved self that knows it is exactly what it needs to be.

Until next time...

Mike

DIY Design Challenge for Meredith

The challenge...Meredith over at Meredith and the New Yorkie  recently found this oversized frame - curbside in New York City - and asked Shaunna from Perfectly Imperfect  and I (here at Blue Velvet Chair) if we had any DIY design ideas for it. What a fun challenge! Okay, it's more a personal challenge than a competitive one, so maybe 'upcycle design project' is more appropriate.

I had a quick look around Meredith's blog to see if I could get a feeling of her design aesthetic. Her living room gave me the 'feeling' - so now I want to provide her with a few ideas. Meredith, I see you posted that your mom has come up with a brilliant idea for you, but I'm still going to throw in my two cents - just because it was fun to try to come up with ideas for your NY space. I know moms rule...so I can't wait to see what her idea is when you reveal it.

Look at Meredith's beautiful view of NYC!

Where could she put the frame? On this wall in her kitchen?

Perhaps on one of these doors...
or this space above the adorable curbside table that she recently upcycled.

Meredith gets to choose the space, and below are the DIY ideas I'm submitting as back-up just in case Gwyneth (the Yorkie) finds more fabulous frames to upcycle. Here we go!

There you have it. 

Do you have something you would like repurposed or recycled? Send me your requests and let's see what we can come up with!

Until next time...

Michael

Recycled Sweaters and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Serious jaw drop! Don't you just love it when someone takes recycling and repurposing to a whole new level? Cat with Fairytea in Kilkenny, Ireland, has done just that with her recycled sweater creations - perhaps Joseph's Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was repurposed? Here are some of my favorites...brace yourself!

And finally...think fairytale wedding!

Okay, so I had problems choosing just a few favorites. But seriously! 

They are for sale - and all I can say is...I know what I'm asking Santa Clause for this year!

And to give more credit where credit is due, Fairytea credits their inspiration to the original sweater coat creations of Katwise in the States...can you say C-O-L-O-R?

Until next time...

Mike

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Lamps - Recycled and Redesigned

Amy at Four Corners has gone and done it again. She re-creates the most beautiful recycled and redesigned lamps...and they are just too delicious for words.

These kinds of posts are all about the eye candy! Amy, you've outdone yourself! And you inspire the rest of us re-designers with your generosity to share 'how you do it'. 

Inspired to try your own version of a Four Corners Design recycled lamp? Hop over for Amy's 'how to do it' post. 

Until next time...

Michael

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