Tuesday's Topic: Focus

Finding focus, what does that really mean? Last week my focus was so scattered I couldn’t even think of a tuesday topic, and every time I tried, another day had gone by.

I struggle with the idea/concept of focus constantly. Focal point, I get that.. look, see, focus. voila. Yet, as far as real genuine focus goes, I’m never quite sure what to focus on. I love so many different things. So the debate is never what do I want to focus on today for me… it’s always, “what would everyone else like to see today?” or what do I need to do for so-and-so or such-n-such.

And it’s not a priority list issue either. Other than my family, everything can find it’s way to at least #2 on the list at some point… I love to doodle and sew and program and craft and calculate and design and cook and garden and create from absolutely every direction I can. (not to mention daydream, lolligag,sit-n-stare and nap are enjoyable at times too)

This is literally a self created snapshot of my brain… most days

jgoode’s brain

(Keep in mind, this is only one side… it is indeed a 3 dimensional object ~wink)

Now, I don’t mind this view at all. Every moment for me is a potential inspiration for something… “what”, is usually the issue and “when” is usually not planned.

Here’s part of the dilema, but I’m sure it’s intentionally designed this way.

I manage every aspect of my life and business – I am a control freak. Not that I always manage any of it exceptionaly well. I’m just saying I’m the one in charge of it all – but I do try, and that’s the challenge I thrive on. I don’t have employees or contracted help. Everything from family and schedules and activities to business, artistic creation, marketing and even the backend functionality of my websites. I love every bit of all that creativity, even if it is chaos. Of course some things are a lot more fun than others… but it’s never consistant what the “it” is that’s more fun. I like that.

what is focus… what is IT

Today, reading blogs and learning something new about someone else is the most fun. Tomorrow I might have the most fun playing legos or creating ice cream cone earrings or maybe I’ll go out and watch the world turn. Who knows.

This is why working for one’s self is so fabulous. Although I hold all the burden, I call the all shots. It’s just too bad I’m such a slave driver and perfectionist (except for grammer and spelling ~wink).

So — Seeing as how I’m having a hard time finding a strong focus of this writing today as well… that’s my point. There is so much I want to do and learn, so much ground I want to cover, so many unknown people I want to cross paths with — I could use some help.

Clue me in when the focus happens, please.

I do know one thing, however; my consistant daily goal is to try to inspire at least one new smile every day… how that happens, with/to/for whom and where, I don’t know… that’s the fun in the challange behind the goal… that’s what keeps the creativity flowing.

Ohh IDEA!

jgoode idea

So listen to this… I’m also thinking that with all this focus and unfocus and refocus… I’d love to start video blogging and sharing ideas with all of you. So, here’s me thinking it’s a great idea (yes, that is really me). Let see where it goes from here. 😀

Side note: I think another focus for me will be to consolidate many of my scattered thoughts into this one blog and site. Why spread them out when they are all still me?

Stay tuned!

What’s your focus today? Oh please.. do tell!

[tags]tuesdays topic,jgoode,focus[/tags]

Tuesday's Topic: Sunshine

Never under estimate the power of the sunshine in your day. Besides the proven medical benefits of being out in the sun, there is an obvious metal/psychological benefit as well… at least in my world there is.

Smiley Sunflower

I’ve been stuck for weeks now. Trying to find a focus for what to work on next. What is my inspiration for the day? What should I create… doodle… write… design? I have an endless number of options, yet nothing seems to stick as far as my completing a project. So today, rather than fight my lack of productivity, I spent the morning outside.

I took the kids and grabbed the bikes and toys and hung outside with a friend. Our kids played while we watched and absorbed the sun.

Garden penguin

Usually I am constanting thinking. Thinking up new ideas or problem solving old issues. Figuring out solutions in my head the moment my mind is awake whether the rest of me is or not. I’ll categorize, organize and map out whatever it is that interests the grey matter that day. But today, I fought the urge to think on anything specific… and after about 15 minutes outside, I noticed I wasn’t thinking about much anymore. I was simply enjoying the day.

It was nice. I feel refreshed.

Whimsical Blue Dragonfly

I still don’t have a clear view of my next focus, but at least now I don’t feel stressed about it. A little sunshine goes a long way to help ease the mind.

Thank goodness spring is on it’s way! The first day of spring this year (2008) is March 20. The equinox will be at 5:48 GMT.

Happy Tuesday!

Sunshine Girl

[tags]tuesdays topic, jgoode[/tags]

Tuesday Topic: following

Today is “Courageous Follower Day, a day to appreciate good followers”. No idea who started such a day or who would previously be able to acknowledge the idea. However, I have the perfect thought for the day…

I am currently learning to use twitter.com as a means to communicate. It’s like small chat or text message thought to a large number of people – while also reading messages from others all at once. It’s a facinating concept. Just drop a line or two with what is going on right now, maybe add a link and voila, the sharing begins.

twitterjgoode.jpg

If you’re unfamiliar with twitter:

It’s not nearly as formal as a mailing list, much more spontaneous than a blog and completely absent of long details.  It’s a nice way to say hey – check this out..plop link.. go.

Here’s where the following happens:

Basically people subscribe to one another’s conversations. Anyone who I might be interested in keeping track of, I “follow”, or subscribe, to their profile and then I can see every time they make a comment. The same works for anyone wanting to keep up to date with what I have to blurb about. Sometimes its all business, and sometimes it’s just silly. I love the mix of thoughts and concepts people share, it’s a lot of fun for me.

I’m currently following 66 people.. some of which I’ve met, some are friends, some are professionals I hope to learn from. It’s like being in the middle of group therapy for daily life.. sharing ideas and thoughts and little obscure moments.

If you too would like to honor the day of followers, feel free to follow me. Sometimes I might say something useful.
http://www.twitter.com/jgoode

To all you followers, Kudos to you today!

Today is also… 

-Do Something Day. Stop procrastinating. – I’ll work on this tomorrow 😉
-National Grammar Day, honoring language and its rules. – I’m pretty sure this would completely  weird out my entire communication process if I even attempt to become grammatically accurate.

– National Poundcake Day – Are they called pound cakes because they weight a pound, or because they make you gain no less than a pound just looking at them?Sleeping On The Job Day. “In 2002, the German town of Vechta reported that civil servants allowed to sleep for 20 minutes after lunch worked more efficiently and effectively. Some 22 percent of the German population napped.” – haven’t we covered sleeping already?
Hug a G.I. Day – go find a G.I. and just do it

hugagi1.gif

Happy Tuesday!

[tags]tuesdays topic,jgoode[/tags]

Green penguins make me happy

It’s true, green penguins are quite a happy occurance, but I’m not talking about green like money.. I’m talking about Irish green. Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, here we have Irish loving penguins you can share with your friends.

Green Beer PenguinIreland PenguinLeprechaun Penguin

More Irish penguins can be found here

You can also pass around a freebie happy St. Patrick’s Day penguin to all your friends via Myspace or email…

original designs by JGoode at myJGD.com

Get your copy of the St. Patty’s Penguin here
Happy Green Grinning!

MyPenguinTravels.com now live

I’ve been playing around with a new penguin site idea for a while. Now it’s finally live. I’ve created a hand made, mini plushie for The Penguin and he’s on the go! He’s traveling around, meeting new people, seeing new places and trying some yummy food. Check out mypenguintravels.com and see where he goes next.

penguin belly rub

PLUS you can submit your own photos. If you own a JGoode penguin, send in a photo to be posted on the site — or you can even print out the freebie cartoon to take a picture.

I can’t wait to see where The Penguin  goes next!

— the plushie will be available for sale through etsy.com – I’ll announce here when they are ready for purchase.

[tags]penguin,travel,jgoode[/tags]