Thursday, December 10, 2009
The Clutter of Creativity, 5 Simple Ways to Organize Your Living and Work Spaces
Hello and Happy Holidays from Anne and Helen at Creations Unlimited, LLC!
In this busy time of year with extra shopping, decorating, parties and more on top of your regular schedule, we offer 5 simple ways to keep your work and home spaces more organized and tidy, and keep "hectic" to a minimum.
1. RULE OF FIVE
In the midst of creating art, preparing food, quilting, gardening, decorating...it is easy to look up and find your workspace a messy disaster. Eventually the lack of organization will be a detriment to productivity, efficiency, and your psyche.
To keep materials accessible and the mess contained, each and every time you enter your workspace (or any room you want tidier), put away 5 things. Small things, big things, whatever things, but 5--every time. For example, file 5 pieces of paper, put away 5 pens or paints, business cards, correspondence, catalogs, etc. Toss and recycle as many of these items as possible so they don't overflow your file cabinet or storage units.
If you've let things go for a while, you may spend some time at this initially, but keep at it and you will succeed in bringing order to your spaces, and the time to maintain them will lessen. When there are not 5 things to put away, you've got the system, and you can switch to a Rule of 3.
2. IF YOU ADD, THEN SUBTRACT
When you add something, take something else away. If you bring home 3 new items that will stay in your office, closet, or house, donate or remove the same amount from the same room. More is not always better. Think of it as white space on a page. It's cleaner, easier to read, and information is more manageable if you leave some space.
3. HOME SWEET HOME
We've all heard--a place for everything and everything in its place--but sometimes this isn't true. Some things do not automatically have a home. If this is the case, then you have to create one.
You may need some kind of storage piece to assist here, but when your information and materials have designated places, you will save time and frustration by not having to search for what you need when you need it. If it is essential enough to keep, give it a home.
4. PUT IT AWAY IMMEDIATELY
Think twice before just setting things down. Put them away instead. Handle something only once if at all possible.
5. COMPLETE SMALL TASKS IN ONE SITTING
Finish your little tasks in one sitting. For example, complete one small art project; deal with every piece of mail when it arrives. This step develops the discipline you need to take on and complete bigger projects, which can then be divyed up into smaller tasks, which you can complete in one sitting, and so on. Put everything away when you're done, so you don't leave a trail of new small, unfinished projects, and the mess that comes with them.
That's it. Creativity in progress requires "stuff," so these suggestions will not completely cure a clutter problem, but the five steps are easy and they can help.
Until next time, enjoy this beautiful season of love, hope, peace, and good will.
Anne and Helen
http://www.creationsunlimitedllc.com/
"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love."
Hamilton Wright Mabie
Monday, November 2, 2009
Holiday Gift Show
Hello from Anne and Helen at Creations Unlimited, LLC!
A million thanks to all who helped us at our booth at the Tacoma Dome Holiday Food & Gift Festival. Kathy, Joel, Tom, and Anna-Marie who helped us move-in and decorate by committee; Mindy and Trisha who cashiered in our booth, and a huge thank you to Jenny, who flew in from Washington, D.C. and took time out from college to assist us in every way. Our neighbor vendors were wonderful, especially Madeline and Darrell Jensen, who brought good will and Christmas cheer early. Each of you are a gift to us and we appreciate you sharing your talents.
Thank you to all our friends, family, and shoppers who visited our booth. We hope you enjoyed the show and shopping at Creations Unlimited, LLC!
Happy Holidays!
Anne and Helen
www.creationsunlimitedllc.com
A million thanks to all who helped us at our booth at the Tacoma Dome Holiday Food & Gift Festival. Kathy, Joel, Tom, and Anna-Marie who helped us move-in and decorate by committee; Mindy and Trisha who cashiered in our booth, and a huge thank you to Jenny, who flew in from Washington, D.C. and took time out from college to assist us in every way. Our neighbor vendors were wonderful, especially Madeline and Darrell Jensen, who brought good will and Christmas cheer early. Each of you are a gift to us and we appreciate you sharing your talents.
Thank you to all our friends, family, and shoppers who visited our booth. We hope you enjoyed the show and shopping at Creations Unlimited, LLC!
Happy Holidays!
Anne and Helen
www.creationsunlimitedllc.com
Monday, October 19, 2009
HOLIDAY GIFT SHOW
Hello everybody, from Anne and Helen at Creations Unlimited, LLC!
Just a quick note to invite you all to visit our booth (1820) at the Tacoma Holiday Food & Gift Festival this week, October 21-25 at the Tacoma Dome Convention Center.
The hours are:
Wednesday, Oct. 21: 11 am - 8 pm
Thursday, Oct. 22: 10 am - 8 pm
Friday, Oct. 23: 10 am - 9 pm
Saturday, Oct. 24: 10 am - 9 pm
Sunday, Oct. 25: 10 am - 5 pm
Several new products will make their debut for the Tacoma Dome show (but not yet launched on our web site.) This is our first time at this event. We're so excited and would love to see you there!
Best regards,
Anne and Helen
Until next time, enjoy the fall colors!
Just a quick note to invite you all to visit our booth (1820) at the Tacoma Holiday Food & Gift Festival this week, October 21-25 at the Tacoma Dome Convention Center.
The hours are:
Wednesday, Oct. 21: 11 am - 8 pm
Thursday, Oct. 22: 10 am - 8 pm
Friday, Oct. 23: 10 am - 9 pm
Saturday, Oct. 24: 10 am - 9 pm
Sunday, Oct. 25: 10 am - 5 pm
Several new products will make their debut for the Tacoma Dome show (but not yet launched on our web site.) This is our first time at this event. We're so excited and would love to see you there!
Best regards,
Anne and Helen
Until next time, enjoy the fall colors!
Friday, September 25, 2009
THE FIVE "Cs" of CREATIVITY
“Odd how the creative power at once brings the whole universe to order.” Virginia Woolf
Hello from Anne and Helen of Creations Unlimited, LLC (http://www.creationsunlimitedllc.com/). We’ve been thinking about and discussing our different styles and approaches to creative efforts, and thought we would share them with you.
Anne’s creative style is deeply colorful, rich, and complex. She is unafraid of taking her creations to new levels of multifaceted intricacies and beauty. People look at the tremendous, time-consuming detail in her work and know she is patient, because her designs are elaborate and require focus and concentration. Her creativity reflects her intellectual depth, artistic flair, and stunning layering. She takes the same care in nurturing people.
Helen’s creativity is different. For her, simplicity can be profound, and humor is an essential part of her day. She wants each of her creations to have a purpose, meaning, or an application to daily life. Brimming with ideas, she sees possibilities and the value of creations through both philosophical and practical lenses. Her creations contribute a sense of hope, joy, vitality, and love, while reflecting her distinct voice.
Both of our creative processes use what we call, “The 5 C’s of Creativity:”
1. CLARITY. We have a project in mind when we begin working. It might be a poem, a quilt, or perhaps a new design for a gift, our tile art, or apparel. We focus on what it is we want to do, gather materials and ideas, and then let it all perk for a while. Very soon we notice that things related to our project begin to pop out at us—a piece of the design, a phrase or main idea, a color scheme—and our creations take off.
2. CONSISTENCY. Whether or not we feel inspired, we continue to work at our project. We may set it aside for a while for a short break, but we return to it quickly. Like doing a crossword puzzle, a particular piece may stump us and when we come back later, we get the answer because we have a fresh perspective, and the will to finish it.
3. COURAGE. In his landmark book, “The Courage to Create,” Rollo May considers creative courage “the most important kind of courage of all.” When we abandon good projects and start others, or procrastinate finishing something important, the creative courage to overcome obstacles is missing. While moral courage can right wrongs, Dr. May describes creative courage as “the discovering of new forms, new symbols, new patterns on which a new society can be built.” In practice, this is not as easy as it appears to be in theory, but what of value ever is?
4. CONFIDENCE. Confidence comes with developing talent. It is the clear, consistent, daily discipline of working towards goals or the completion of projects. In these efforts we see the results of work, and can also picture the final outcome or product. The creative process itself then becomes an affirmation, and begins to satisfy the deep hunger to produce. At this point, it’s important to stay on track and continue to strive for mastery. Guard against diluting strengths or becoming “jack of all trades and master of none.”
5. CHARISMA. All work has a certain charisma. Creative work has charisma in spades. We recognize charisma in creative talent when we look at a painting, design, or work of art, and our jaws drop with the “wow” factor. Talent shows through. The artist creates something new while revealing personality, a message, or a true and accurate reflection of a portion of life. Creative genius is at work, and the viewer not only appreciates it, but participates in it, if only for a moment.
A parting thought for the day:
“The reason a lot of people do not recognize opportunity is because it usually goes around wearing overalls looking like hard work.”
--Thomas Edison
Warm Regards,
Anne and Helen
Come view our website at http://www.creationsunlimitedllc.com/ or visit our display at the Tacoma Dome Holiday Food and Gift Festival (Tacoma, Washington) from October 21-25, 2009 (Booth 1820) to see our latest offerings.
Hello from Anne and Helen of Creations Unlimited, LLC (http://www.creationsunlimitedllc.com/). We’ve been thinking about and discussing our different styles and approaches to creative efforts, and thought we would share them with you.
Anne’s creative style is deeply colorful, rich, and complex. She is unafraid of taking her creations to new levels of multifaceted intricacies and beauty. People look at the tremendous, time-consuming detail in her work and know she is patient, because her designs are elaborate and require focus and concentration. Her creativity reflects her intellectual depth, artistic flair, and stunning layering. She takes the same care in nurturing people.
Helen’s creativity is different. For her, simplicity can be profound, and humor is an essential part of her day. She wants each of her creations to have a purpose, meaning, or an application to daily life. Brimming with ideas, she sees possibilities and the value of creations through both philosophical and practical lenses. Her creations contribute a sense of hope, joy, vitality, and love, while reflecting her distinct voice.
Both of our creative processes use what we call, “The 5 C’s of Creativity:”
1. CLARITY. We have a project in mind when we begin working. It might be a poem, a quilt, or perhaps a new design for a gift, our tile art, or apparel. We focus on what it is we want to do, gather materials and ideas, and then let it all perk for a while. Very soon we notice that things related to our project begin to pop out at us—a piece of the design, a phrase or main idea, a color scheme—and our creations take off.
2. CONSISTENCY. Whether or not we feel inspired, we continue to work at our project. We may set it aside for a while for a short break, but we return to it quickly. Like doing a crossword puzzle, a particular piece may stump us and when we come back later, we get the answer because we have a fresh perspective, and the will to finish it.
3. COURAGE. In his landmark book, “The Courage to Create,” Rollo May considers creative courage “the most important kind of courage of all.” When we abandon good projects and start others, or procrastinate finishing something important, the creative courage to overcome obstacles is missing. While moral courage can right wrongs, Dr. May describes creative courage as “the discovering of new forms, new symbols, new patterns on which a new society can be built.” In practice, this is not as easy as it appears to be in theory, but what of value ever is?
4. CONFIDENCE. Confidence comes with developing talent. It is the clear, consistent, daily discipline of working towards goals or the completion of projects. In these efforts we see the results of work, and can also picture the final outcome or product. The creative process itself then becomes an affirmation, and begins to satisfy the deep hunger to produce. At this point, it’s important to stay on track and continue to strive for mastery. Guard against diluting strengths or becoming “jack of all trades and master of none.”
5. CHARISMA. All work has a certain charisma. Creative work has charisma in spades. We recognize charisma in creative talent when we look at a painting, design, or work of art, and our jaws drop with the “wow” factor. Talent shows through. The artist creates something new while revealing personality, a message, or a true and accurate reflection of a portion of life. Creative genius is at work, and the viewer not only appreciates it, but participates in it, if only for a moment.
A parting thought for the day:
“The reason a lot of people do not recognize opportunity is because it usually goes around wearing overalls looking like hard work.”
--Thomas Edison
Warm Regards,
Anne and Helen
Come view our website at http://www.creationsunlimitedllc.com/ or visit our display at the Tacoma Dome Holiday Food and Gift Festival (Tacoma, Washington) from October 21-25, 2009 (Booth 1820) to see our latest offerings.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
MAXIMIZE MEETINGS, How to Have Creative, Productive, Marvelous Meetings: 7 Tips
“The creative is the place where no one else has ever been. You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you’ll discover will be wonderful. What you’ll discover is yourself.” --Alan Alda
Hello from Anne and Helen at Creations Unlimited, LLC. Hope you’re enjoying these beautiful, if unpredictable September days!
We just spent an entire day in a meeting! Our day consisted of planning details of our upcoming booth at the Tacoma Holiday Food and Gift Festival (October 21-25 at the Tacoma Dome). This isn’t our first all-day meeting, and we have come to realize how much we look forward to these days, and why they inspire us with joy (and not dread). So, we took the time to identify what makes our meetings fun, productive, and extraordinary. Here’s what we discovered:
1. EASE. We ease into our workday…welcoming each other, filling our coffee or teacups, offer culinary treats, and have everything pre-organized and set out, ready to begin. We’re human beings first, not production robots.
2. AGENDA. We have goals for the day, and a set agenda. Our plan is flexible and we allow for an influx of new ideas, additions, corrections, editing, and changes as need be. New, better, and more creative ideas come pouring forth with an open atmosphere of supportive exchanges of thought.
3. GET TO IT. Our agenda for the day is full, and somebody has commuted to the meeting, so we are motivated to make the most of our time. We cruise through the steps of our plan, thoroughly, but at a good, steady pace.
4. SHARE GREAT CUISINE. Lunchtime! We go out to one of our favorite haunts, a café which in itself inspires us by its beautiful interiors and wonderful food. Our conversation is everything but business so we really feel like we’ve taken a break.
5. SHOW, TELL, AND CALL. Back to work after lunch, we again waltz into work by doing something truly fun first. We show our new products, innovative prototypes, or share raw, but exciting plans for future designs. Sufficiently enthusiastic now, we get back to our to-do list. We discuss gaps in our plans, and rally help from people who excel in areas we do not. We make phone calls on the spot—less to do later—and our questions get answered immediately.
6. TASKS LIST. We list every task that needs to be completed by a certain deadline, and then divvy them out according to the talents and strengths of our team. Whoever is best at doing a task gets the job. This way, everything not only gets done, but we also get the best and fastest results. Having a show looming automatically poses the deadline for us, but if you don’t have a set deadline, put one on the calendar so your hopes and dreams don’t drift into the never land of oblivion.
7. DINNERTIME! If we have a marathon business day then one of our meals is homemade. It can be either lunch or dinner, but one of us hosts a meal at our home. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just good. Anne is a champion at meals. She loves to cook, and her meals show it. Her gourmet feasts nurture and sustain us, and reinforce strong, shared, personal bonds. If you want a cohesive team who will work their hearts out for you, provide outstanding perks for them. Take care of people and they will take care of you. This is our way, our sendoff (small gifts are nice too). We haven’t forgotten life’s niceties, and small kindnesses and terrific hospitality are key, and often overlooked, in business.
That’s it until next time. We hope you find our successful meeting tips helpful. We invite you to visit our website at www.creationsunlimitedllc.com to see our growing product line and link to our fantastic associates. To ensure quality, we only provide links to those companies we use ourselves.
Blessings!
Anne and Helen
“Around here…we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious…and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” --Walt Disney
Hello from Anne and Helen at Creations Unlimited, LLC. Hope you’re enjoying these beautiful, if unpredictable September days!
We just spent an entire day in a meeting! Our day consisted of planning details of our upcoming booth at the Tacoma Holiday Food and Gift Festival (October 21-25 at the Tacoma Dome). This isn’t our first all-day meeting, and we have come to realize how much we look forward to these days, and why they inspire us with joy (and not dread). So, we took the time to identify what makes our meetings fun, productive, and extraordinary. Here’s what we discovered:
1. EASE. We ease into our workday…welcoming each other, filling our coffee or teacups, offer culinary treats, and have everything pre-organized and set out, ready to begin. We’re human beings first, not production robots.
2. AGENDA. We have goals for the day, and a set agenda. Our plan is flexible and we allow for an influx of new ideas, additions, corrections, editing, and changes as need be. New, better, and more creative ideas come pouring forth with an open atmosphere of supportive exchanges of thought.
3. GET TO IT. Our agenda for the day is full, and somebody has commuted to the meeting, so we are motivated to make the most of our time. We cruise through the steps of our plan, thoroughly, but at a good, steady pace.
4. SHARE GREAT CUISINE. Lunchtime! We go out to one of our favorite haunts, a café which in itself inspires us by its beautiful interiors and wonderful food. Our conversation is everything but business so we really feel like we’ve taken a break.
5. SHOW, TELL, AND CALL. Back to work after lunch, we again waltz into work by doing something truly fun first. We show our new products, innovative prototypes, or share raw, but exciting plans for future designs. Sufficiently enthusiastic now, we get back to our to-do list. We discuss gaps in our plans, and rally help from people who excel in areas we do not. We make phone calls on the spot—less to do later—and our questions get answered immediately.
6. TASKS LIST. We list every task that needs to be completed by a certain deadline, and then divvy them out according to the talents and strengths of our team. Whoever is best at doing a task gets the job. This way, everything not only gets done, but we also get the best and fastest results. Having a show looming automatically poses the deadline for us, but if you don’t have a set deadline, put one on the calendar so your hopes and dreams don’t drift into the never land of oblivion.
7. DINNERTIME! If we have a marathon business day then one of our meals is homemade. It can be either lunch or dinner, but one of us hosts a meal at our home. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just good. Anne is a champion at meals. She loves to cook, and her meals show it. Her gourmet feasts nurture and sustain us, and reinforce strong, shared, personal bonds. If you want a cohesive team who will work their hearts out for you, provide outstanding perks for them. Take care of people and they will take care of you. This is our way, our sendoff (small gifts are nice too). We haven’t forgotten life’s niceties, and small kindnesses and terrific hospitality are key, and often overlooked, in business.
That’s it until next time. We hope you find our successful meeting tips helpful. We invite you to visit our website at www.creationsunlimitedllc.com to see our growing product line and link to our fantastic associates. To ensure quality, we only provide links to those companies we use ourselves.
Blessings!
Anne and Helen
“Around here…we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious…and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” --Walt Disney
Friday, August 28, 2009
QUICKSTART CREATIVITY: Four Simple Reflections for September Days
"Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun."
Mary Lou Cook
Hello from Anne and Helen of Creations Unlimited, LLC!
Some people have already returned to work, school, and college after a summer vacation. We hope you took trips, attended family or class reunions, or enjoyed a respite from the workplace for a bit of leisure time. You may be geared up for a busy year or have immersed yourself in the preparations to meet the depths of fall requirements.
Might we suggest pressing the pause button one more time before the end of summer? September is upon us, beckoning a few moments of notice with its crisp, delightful evenings and tremendous sunsets, plus the bonus warmth of its Indian summer days. The changing seasons suggest a new start, a fresh approach, a rested look at the future with the eyes of hope.
We would like to share a few, easy thoughts to consider:
1. You are not alone in the world. Therefore, do not try to do everything yourself. Allow others to enrich you and your efforts.
2. A new day is like a painter’s canvas awaiting the paint. The artist has the opportunity to spray the paint, speckle it, and touch it gently or boldly to the canvas to create a unique picture. You are the artist. Express your freedom in beautiful, constructive ways.
3. Try a new format. If you hit a wall, climb it with roses, vines, ivy, or wisteria. Creation is exciting. Change can be stunning; just take a look at the colors of autumn leaves.
4. Have a little fun today. Rejuvenate. Spend 80% of your time this day doing things you truly enjoy, and just 20% on your must-do list.
"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures."
Henry Ward Beecher
Visit our website at http://www.creationsunlimitedllc.com/ to view our growing product line and link to some of our favorite sites.
Until next time,
Blessings!
Anne and Helen
Mary Lou Cook
Hello from Anne and Helen of Creations Unlimited, LLC!
Some people have already returned to work, school, and college after a summer vacation. We hope you took trips, attended family or class reunions, or enjoyed a respite from the workplace for a bit of leisure time. You may be geared up for a busy year or have immersed yourself in the preparations to meet the depths of fall requirements.
Might we suggest pressing the pause button one more time before the end of summer? September is upon us, beckoning a few moments of notice with its crisp, delightful evenings and tremendous sunsets, plus the bonus warmth of its Indian summer days. The changing seasons suggest a new start, a fresh approach, a rested look at the future with the eyes of hope.
We would like to share a few, easy thoughts to consider:
1. You are not alone in the world. Therefore, do not try to do everything yourself. Allow others to enrich you and your efforts.
2. A new day is like a painter’s canvas awaiting the paint. The artist has the opportunity to spray the paint, speckle it, and touch it gently or boldly to the canvas to create a unique picture. You are the artist. Express your freedom in beautiful, constructive ways.
3. Try a new format. If you hit a wall, climb it with roses, vines, ivy, or wisteria. Creation is exciting. Change can be stunning; just take a look at the colors of autumn leaves.
4. Have a little fun today. Rejuvenate. Spend 80% of your time this day doing things you truly enjoy, and just 20% on your must-do list.
"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures."
Henry Ward Beecher
Visit our website at http://www.creationsunlimitedllc.com/ to view our growing product line and link to some of our favorite sites.
Until next time,
Blessings!
Anne and Helen
Saturday, August 15, 2009
HOW TO THROW A GREAT PARTY
Case Study: Our Family Reunion
Hello! We took a little break from our blog to help host a very large and wonderful family reunion called “Doumit Days” (with approximately 270 attendees). As we evaluated our efforts for this highly successful venture, we got to thinking about the steps we completed in order to have the reunion go off without a hitch. Here’s how we did it.
PLAN, PLAN, PLAN. One of our cousins had helped with a previous reunion four years earlier, and she was invaluable to the success of this year’s party. She brought with her all the addresses and flyers that the earlier hosts had sent out, and we revised these to our activities and updated addresses as needed. This saved us huge amounts of time. In addition, she offered tips on things that went well at the last reunion, and things that could be eliminated or improved upon. We had several meetings to plan this year’s party, and all of them included this cousin! Early on, we determined the dates of our reunion (in our case, three days), what big meals would be served (one big meal each day), and what activities would be offered. This began the process. Reservations were made for the golf course, multipurpose room at the school, and all the big things that were necessary for the success of the venture.
ACCOMMODATIONS. We sent out a “save the date” flyer early on (in March for an August reunion), and a list of regional accommodations for people to book rooms well in advance. The Chamber of Commerce had a list already, so this was easy. Our home town where the reunion took place is very small, and although there are a few bed and breakfasts in the town and vicinity, and hotels in a small, nearby city, accommodations quickly got booked up with this size of crowd.
COMMUNICATION. After the initial “save the date” mailing, we sent out a 2-page flyer (in May) which included an RSVP, with a list of activities to participate in and a sign-up sheet for bringing food and ordering t-shirts. A deadline to return the forms with money for t-shirts or donations for food was included. The deadline made it possible to plan the beginnings of menus, get an approximate number of attendees, and allow time to design and pre-order the t-shirts. People were very generous with donations, and this provided us with a “budget” from which the expenses were paid (i.e., t-shirts, swimming pool fee, trolley fee, janitors, paper products, trapshooting shells, food, etc.)
COORDINATION OF DETAILS. There were lots of extra “touches” that different members of the family offered that enhanced the reunion experience for us all. For example, one of our brothers hired someone to put together a family dvd with old home movies and pictures of all our older generation when they were younger, and which included many beloved relatives now deceased. He set it to terrific music, and we played and showed it indoors at the grade school multipurpose room that we used for two of our main meals. It provided both music and entertainment, and the DVDs were made available to all to take home. Also, awards, trophies, and engraved medals were preordered to give out at the “awards ceremony” following Saturday’s big dinner, all the activities, and the talent show. We made sure all the children received a prize or trophy or both. Another (artist) cousin designed the t-shirts. We also assigned tasks and roles as people volunteered to help us. For example, our oldest brother and three cousins with big personalities became our hilarious “Doumit Idol” talent judges, complete with paddles and numbers. Other brothers hosted the talent show and baseball games. Three of our children got out their laptops and registered all the attendees at the door to get updated contact information (and e-mails) on the computer to make the next reunion easier to plan with improved communication. Another cousin planned a fantastic scavenger hunt for children, with 7 teams and a bag of intriguing goodies and an instruction sheet for each. A family member had done a genealogical study, and brought his spreadsheets to post in the gathering multipurpose room for families to update and add their children, etc. One brother brought in two bales of hay, and spread them out on a concrete covered area. We threw in about $100 in change and a bunch of wrapped candy, and let the children have at it, beginning with the youngest. Two of our family Alaskan fisherman provided fresh salmon for Saturday’s dinner. There were many, many contributions of this nature that made our family get together so very special and maximized family talents and offerings.
SETUP AND DECORATIONS. We had large posters made to welcome the family (done on our computer and brought to Kinkos to enlarge) and let them know where they could park. We also made copies of the event schedules, so people would know when and where to meet for different events. We kept the table decorations simple, and used multiple and colorful long scarves as table runners. We ordered a couple of fresh flower centerpieces, and added smaller flower pots for each table. Our young adults and teenagers moved tables, chairs, the piano, and did our other heavy lifting before and after the event. We planned the food tables, and the flow of “traffic” so serving would be efficient and easy, and large groups of people could get through the lines quickly. Three different “in-laws” were recruited to take pictures throughout all three days to document the event, and they even arranged a giant family picture in a separate gym on the bleachers, and different “family branch” group pictures. They were fantastic and collectively took close to 3000 pictures over the weekend. They will discard the poor ones and post the rest on a Flickr account so all can access them.
MEALS. Anne chaired the food committee, and calculated how much food was needed, ensured all the traditional family food, located where the gaps were, and made sure we didn’t run out of anything. Her daughter prepared a spreadsheet of RSVPs, which included the dishes people said they would bring to the event. Friday night’s progressive dinner included four different families (descendants of earlier family members) who happened to live within a comfortable walking distance of each other. All volunteered to host a portion of the progressive dinner, i.e., drinks and appetizers, then salads and bread, followed by the main course (at our mother’s home, formerly our grandparent’s home—the “family house”), and finished at a cousin’s home for desserts of homemade pies. The progressive dinner was a smash hit. We began at 4:30 pm with one hour allowed at each home. The weather cooperated, fortunately (not too hot or cold and no rain), and the crowd was staggered enough to not overwhelm each home. Walking around helped people get acquainted and reacquainted, in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. All the homes have a picturesque view of the Columbia River, easily seen from the walk and yards, so the natural beauty of our community also enhanced the enjoyment. Saturday’s meal was dinner in the multipurpose room, and a big Sunday morning breakfast provided the sendoff for travelling families. (Our sister-in-law made 100 crepes a week for six weeks in preparation of the breakfast, which her family hosted).
ACTIVITIES. The key to our success was to provide enough activities for the children (and adults) so no one got bored. Then we kept to our schedule, so things moved along, and started and finished according to plan. This was necessary in order to serve the food on time, keep it hot, etc. A variety of activities were planned, ranging from our progressive dinner, a golf tournament, trolley rides, trapshooting, children’s games, a scavenger hunt, talent show, swimming, poker and pinochle games in the evenings, a beer garden at one of the family homes, and a family baseball game with a home run derby for the younger set. These activities all served well as ice-breakers, bonding opportunities for children and families, and kept the “pace” of the reunion comfortable, yet exciting. People could participate in as much or as little as they wanted to do. The grade school also featured a fantastic, elaborate playground (the community built it) that the younger children loved. The school was within easy walking distance of all the family homes and parking there was plentiful.
EVENT EXECUTION. There was a point person in charge of each activity, and hosts at each family home. This willingness to “step up” and take charge is a hallmark of our family at large, and the wonderful spirit of cooperation among all our members made our family reunion one of great joy, for the guests as well as the coordinators/hosts. There just weren’t any weak links. The meals and activities went off just as they supposed to —according to plan. Everybody did exactly what they said they would do and did it well; while others pitched in wherever they were needed. We laughed and joked and got along during every aspect, and although we were totally spent by the end and our feet required soaking for a few days, all our efforts were worth it.
EVALUATION. On Sunday afternoon, as we ate leftovers and discussed each day, we reviewed all the elements of our grand party, and savored the highlights. The young adults said they had taken notes of how we did things for future reference. Already, another party is being discussed for five years down the road. It couldn’t have been a more satisfying or rewarding weekend--everything you hope for in a party, and a family reunion.
Hello! We took a little break from our blog to help host a very large and wonderful family reunion called “Doumit Days” (with approximately 270 attendees). As we evaluated our efforts for this highly successful venture, we got to thinking about the steps we completed in order to have the reunion go off without a hitch. Here’s how we did it.
PLAN, PLAN, PLAN. One of our cousins had helped with a previous reunion four years earlier, and she was invaluable to the success of this year’s party. She brought with her all the addresses and flyers that the earlier hosts had sent out, and we revised these to our activities and updated addresses as needed. This saved us huge amounts of time. In addition, she offered tips on things that went well at the last reunion, and things that could be eliminated or improved upon. We had several meetings to plan this year’s party, and all of them included this cousin! Early on, we determined the dates of our reunion (in our case, three days), what big meals would be served (one big meal each day), and what activities would be offered. This began the process. Reservations were made for the golf course, multipurpose room at the school, and all the big things that were necessary for the success of the venture.
ACCOMMODATIONS. We sent out a “save the date” flyer early on (in March for an August reunion), and a list of regional accommodations for people to book rooms well in advance. The Chamber of Commerce had a list already, so this was easy. Our home town where the reunion took place is very small, and although there are a few bed and breakfasts in the town and vicinity, and hotels in a small, nearby city, accommodations quickly got booked up with this size of crowd.
COMMUNICATION. After the initial “save the date” mailing, we sent out a 2-page flyer (in May) which included an RSVP, with a list of activities to participate in and a sign-up sheet for bringing food and ordering t-shirts. A deadline to return the forms with money for t-shirts or donations for food was included. The deadline made it possible to plan the beginnings of menus, get an approximate number of attendees, and allow time to design and pre-order the t-shirts. People were very generous with donations, and this provided us with a “budget” from which the expenses were paid (i.e., t-shirts, swimming pool fee, trolley fee, janitors, paper products, trapshooting shells, food, etc.)
COORDINATION OF DETAILS. There were lots of extra “touches” that different members of the family offered that enhanced the reunion experience for us all. For example, one of our brothers hired someone to put together a family dvd with old home movies and pictures of all our older generation when they were younger, and which included many beloved relatives now deceased. He set it to terrific music, and we played and showed it indoors at the grade school multipurpose room that we used for two of our main meals. It provided both music and entertainment, and the DVDs were made available to all to take home. Also, awards, trophies, and engraved medals were preordered to give out at the “awards ceremony” following Saturday’s big dinner, all the activities, and the talent show. We made sure all the children received a prize or trophy or both. Another (artist) cousin designed the t-shirts. We also assigned tasks and roles as people volunteered to help us. For example, our oldest brother and three cousins with big personalities became our hilarious “Doumit Idol” talent judges, complete with paddles and numbers. Other brothers hosted the talent show and baseball games. Three of our children got out their laptops and registered all the attendees at the door to get updated contact information (and e-mails) on the computer to make the next reunion easier to plan with improved communication. Another cousin planned a fantastic scavenger hunt for children, with 7 teams and a bag of intriguing goodies and an instruction sheet for each. A family member had done a genealogical study, and brought his spreadsheets to post in the gathering multipurpose room for families to update and add their children, etc. One brother brought in two bales of hay, and spread them out on a concrete covered area. We threw in about $100 in change and a bunch of wrapped candy, and let the children have at it, beginning with the youngest. Two of our family Alaskan fisherman provided fresh salmon for Saturday’s dinner. There were many, many contributions of this nature that made our family get together so very special and maximized family talents and offerings.
SETUP AND DECORATIONS. We had large posters made to welcome the family (done on our computer and brought to Kinkos to enlarge) and let them know where they could park. We also made copies of the event schedules, so people would know when and where to meet for different events. We kept the table decorations simple, and used multiple and colorful long scarves as table runners. We ordered a couple of fresh flower centerpieces, and added smaller flower pots for each table. Our young adults and teenagers moved tables, chairs, the piano, and did our other heavy lifting before and after the event. We planned the food tables, and the flow of “traffic” so serving would be efficient and easy, and large groups of people could get through the lines quickly. Three different “in-laws” were recruited to take pictures throughout all three days to document the event, and they even arranged a giant family picture in a separate gym on the bleachers, and different “family branch” group pictures. They were fantastic and collectively took close to 3000 pictures over the weekend. They will discard the poor ones and post the rest on a Flickr account so all can access them.
MEALS. Anne chaired the food committee, and calculated how much food was needed, ensured all the traditional family food, located where the gaps were, and made sure we didn’t run out of anything. Her daughter prepared a spreadsheet of RSVPs, which included the dishes people said they would bring to the event. Friday night’s progressive dinner included four different families (descendants of earlier family members) who happened to live within a comfortable walking distance of each other. All volunteered to host a portion of the progressive dinner, i.e., drinks and appetizers, then salads and bread, followed by the main course (at our mother’s home, formerly our grandparent’s home—the “family house”), and finished at a cousin’s home for desserts of homemade pies. The progressive dinner was a smash hit. We began at 4:30 pm with one hour allowed at each home. The weather cooperated, fortunately (not too hot or cold and no rain), and the crowd was staggered enough to not overwhelm each home. Walking around helped people get acquainted and reacquainted, in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. All the homes have a picturesque view of the Columbia River, easily seen from the walk and yards, so the natural beauty of our community also enhanced the enjoyment. Saturday’s meal was dinner in the multipurpose room, and a big Sunday morning breakfast provided the sendoff for travelling families. (Our sister-in-law made 100 crepes a week for six weeks in preparation of the breakfast, which her family hosted).
ACTIVITIES. The key to our success was to provide enough activities for the children (and adults) so no one got bored. Then we kept to our schedule, so things moved along, and started and finished according to plan. This was necessary in order to serve the food on time, keep it hot, etc. A variety of activities were planned, ranging from our progressive dinner, a golf tournament, trolley rides, trapshooting, children’s games, a scavenger hunt, talent show, swimming, poker and pinochle games in the evenings, a beer garden at one of the family homes, and a family baseball game with a home run derby for the younger set. These activities all served well as ice-breakers, bonding opportunities for children and families, and kept the “pace” of the reunion comfortable, yet exciting. People could participate in as much or as little as they wanted to do. The grade school also featured a fantastic, elaborate playground (the community built it) that the younger children loved. The school was within easy walking distance of all the family homes and parking there was plentiful.
EVENT EXECUTION. There was a point person in charge of each activity, and hosts at each family home. This willingness to “step up” and take charge is a hallmark of our family at large, and the wonderful spirit of cooperation among all our members made our family reunion one of great joy, for the guests as well as the coordinators/hosts. There just weren’t any weak links. The meals and activities went off just as they supposed to —according to plan. Everybody did exactly what they said they would do and did it well; while others pitched in wherever they were needed. We laughed and joked and got along during every aspect, and although we were totally spent by the end and our feet required soaking for a few days, all our efforts were worth it.
EVALUATION. On Sunday afternoon, as we ate leftovers and discussed each day, we reviewed all the elements of our grand party, and savored the highlights. The young adults said they had taken notes of how we did things for future reference. Already, another party is being discussed for five years down the road. It couldn’t have been a more satisfying or rewarding weekend--everything you hope for in a party, and a family reunion.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Creative Adventures
"You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club."
Jack London
Hello from Anne and Helen at Creations Unlimited LLC! We've shared some of our favorite tips to get and stay motivated to keep creating. Read on!
Jack London
Hello from Anne and Helen at Creations Unlimited LLC! We've shared some of our favorite tips to get and stay motivated to keep creating. Read on!
Motivation Magic
- Warm up with a small project that you can easily complete for quick results and tons of motivation to continue working.
- Try a cool new tool or technique and see where it takes you.
- Increase your repertoire by your actions, creating your form of art, as much and as often as possible. Keep it up and one day you, and others, will realize that you have developed a certain style. It will seem to have emerged as effortlessly as the sun comes up in the morning.
- Watch how small children play. They discover new and exciting things out of ordinary surroundings. They see what is in front of them, sticks, rocks, grass, flowers, water, dirt, leaves, living creatures. Their imagination soars. You see things too, but also in sensory ways such as textures, shapes, colors, fragrance, sounds, poetry.
- Drive somewhere special, or travel to a city or an area you have never been before. Sketch or note what you like about it.
- Fill your tank with inspiration: attend a farmer’s market, local festival, art show, library, or museum. Enjoy the visual feast. Read books and magazines. Load up on themes, trends, and excitement to keep up-to-date and fresh.
- Before you retire for the evening, prepare your workspace for the next day. Keep your supplies handy, your paint box full, paper at the ready, and sharpen your pencil.
- Ready, set, go! Jump in. Create something new to offer the world. You have as much time in a day as anybody else. Use it wisely. Write an appointment for your work in your planner, and then keep it. Get it done.
- Remember that you are not alone. Artists of all kinds all over the world are creating something new this very minute. Play music for company, take a class in person or online, work with someone on a project, or show your work to a supportive friend or family member for inspiration, feedback, and a new perspective.
- Go in the direction of your dreams. Trust your heart in your work. Immerse yourself in the adventures of creation and offer the world your best, most awesome work yet!
We invite you to visit our website at http://www.creationsunlimitedllc.com/ for more information, products, and links.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
HEADING IN THE DIRECTION OF YOUR DREAMS: Creative "Life Clarification" Questions
"Creativity comes from trust. Trust your instincts. And never hope more than you work."
Rita Mae Brown
Hello from Helen and Anne of Creations Unlimited, LLC! We've noticed that creative people tend to generate ideas in abundance. This can be a good thing if the ideas are edited and focus is applied to the best of the bunch. Consider the following questions to help ensure that your creative energies go where you want them to go, and not get scattered into the big, wide beyond.
CREATIVE "LIFE CLARIFICATION" QUESTIONS
1. From Your Past:
What life experiences have taught you the most and what did you learn?
Who were your best teachers and what did they teach you?
If time or money were not a factor, what activities would you pursue?
What areas of your formal education interested you most, and in which did you excel?
Are they the same areas?
In what genres have you pursued additional education or taught yourself?
What are the very best choices in life that you have made so far?
What are the greatest lessons you have learned from the past?
What has the potential to hold you back? How do you deal with these potential constraints?
How have you overcome obstacles in the past? How best might you assimilate that which you cannot or do not want to change?
2. For Your Present:
What is the purpose of your work?
Do you have goals, and plans to complete them? Do you focus time, attention, and resources on these goals and plans?
Are you heading in the direction of your dreams?
What results do you want? When do you want them?
Do these results also reflect what you value and not only what others value?
Who all benefits from your work? How does your work serve others?
Does your work clash with your values?
In what instances have you self-sabotaged your efforts because they conflict with your values or beliefs about yourself?
How might you better align your work goals to your values without compromising your values?
Do you:
a. evaluate your ideas
b. update your viewpoint regularly as you grow, mature, and gain experience to reflect your best self
c. live your positive beliefs with conviction?
Can you combine your work and values to strengthen, provide motivation for, and advance your life goals?
In the end, what do you hope to accomplish? How will your life contribute to the well-being of yourself, your family, community, and society?
How are your results so far?
3. In Your Future:
What is your specialty? What do you love to do?
What do you want others to know that could improve their lives?
How will you get your message out?
What is your vision for your future, your work and personal life, and your role in the world?
Have you considered the greater good in pursuing your creative work?
What quality do you and others think you possess in spades? How do you use this quality in your daily life?
If someone hosted a banquet to honor you, what trait, talent, or skill would the people attending say you excel at, and what would you like them to say?
What do you ultimately hope to achieve in your life?
What is most important to you? Do you spend the bulk of your time there?
What is your legacy? What do you want it to be?
Consider your place in the world, consider it well.
One parting thought:
"Creativity arises out of the tension between spontaneity and limitations, the latter (like the river banks) forcing the spontaneity into the various forms which are essential to the work of art or poem."
Rollo May
Thanks for joining us. Stop by our website at http://www.creationsunlimitedllc.com/ to check out our growing product line.
Rita Mae Brown
Hello from Helen and Anne of Creations Unlimited, LLC! We've noticed that creative people tend to generate ideas in abundance. This can be a good thing if the ideas are edited and focus is applied to the best of the bunch. Consider the following questions to help ensure that your creative energies go where you want them to go, and not get scattered into the big, wide beyond.
CREATIVE "LIFE CLARIFICATION" QUESTIONS
1. From Your Past:
What life experiences have taught you the most and what did you learn?
Who were your best teachers and what did they teach you?
If time or money were not a factor, what activities would you pursue?
What areas of your formal education interested you most, and in which did you excel?
Are they the same areas?
In what genres have you pursued additional education or taught yourself?
What are the very best choices in life that you have made so far?
What are the greatest lessons you have learned from the past?
What has the potential to hold you back? How do you deal with these potential constraints?
How have you overcome obstacles in the past? How best might you assimilate that which you cannot or do not want to change?
2. For Your Present:
What is the purpose of your work?
Do you have goals, and plans to complete them? Do you focus time, attention, and resources on these goals and plans?
Are you heading in the direction of your dreams?
What results do you want? When do you want them?
Do these results also reflect what you value and not only what others value?
Who all benefits from your work? How does your work serve others?
Does your work clash with your values?
In what instances have you self-sabotaged your efforts because they conflict with your values or beliefs about yourself?
How might you better align your work goals to your values without compromising your values?
Do you:
a. evaluate your ideas
b. update your viewpoint regularly as you grow, mature, and gain experience to reflect your best self
c. live your positive beliefs with conviction?
Can you combine your work and values to strengthen, provide motivation for, and advance your life goals?
In the end, what do you hope to accomplish? How will your life contribute to the well-being of yourself, your family, community, and society?
How are your results so far?
3. In Your Future:
What is your specialty? What do you love to do?
What do you want others to know that could improve their lives?
How will you get your message out?
What is your vision for your future, your work and personal life, and your role in the world?
Have you considered the greater good in pursuing your creative work?
What quality do you and others think you possess in spades? How do you use this quality in your daily life?
If someone hosted a banquet to honor you, what trait, talent, or skill would the people attending say you excel at, and what would you like them to say?
What do you ultimately hope to achieve in your life?
What is most important to you? Do you spend the bulk of your time there?
What is your legacy? What do you want it to be?
Consider your place in the world, consider it well.
One parting thought:
"Creativity arises out of the tension between spontaneity and limitations, the latter (like the river banks) forcing the spontaneity into the various forms which are essential to the work of art or poem."
Rollo May
Thanks for joining us. Stop by our website at http://www.creationsunlimitedllc.com/ to check out our growing product line.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Testing, 1..2..3
"Art, like morality, consists of drawing the line somewhere."
G.K. Chesterton
In the tumultuous world of today, we find it necessary to flip depression and pessimism on its head and express beauty in all the ways we see it. Our creative work, adventurous play, deep family ties, friendships, art, humor, and the immense satisfaction of producing a new design continue to inspire us. We constantly discover exciting and joyful things about ourselves and others through our creations, and hope you do too!
Come see what our inspiration has wrought at our website at www.creationsunlimitedllc.com.
G.K. Chesterton
In the tumultuous world of today, we find it necessary to flip depression and pessimism on its head and express beauty in all the ways we see it. Our creative work, adventurous play, deep family ties, friendships, art, humor, and the immense satisfaction of producing a new design continue to inspire us. We constantly discover exciting and joyful things about ourselves and others through our creations, and hope you do too!
Come see what our inspiration has wrought at our website at www.creationsunlimitedllc.com.
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