Reflections of 2009, and hopes for 2010

So 2009 is almost over, and what a year it has been for me. I have previously talked through my highlights for this year, and I just wanted to reflect on the things that have happened over the last 12 months.

In the space of 365 days I have split from three partners, travelled across the USA, left my permanent job in chase of my dreams, realised that creativity is the corner stone of my left, met new wonderful friends, and generally learned a lot about who I am. In that time I have grown as a person, and come to realise that actually the things that hold value are not the possessions with own or the clothes we wear, but the inner self and the people you surround yourself with. Profound, or not, it has allowed me to see more clearly what I need to do, and that is fully round out my creative passions.

So what for 2010? The first thing is make sure the bills are paid and I get to eat, basic needs, then it is to make Random Acts a true nexus of creativity. I honestly believe that I have to put aside the idea that I can make a living as a professional in the short term, only because it is eating me up the idea that I have to let go of the giving spirit within me. Too soft, maybe, but actually it boils down to the fact that I value the spirit of who I am over other concern.

To answer anyone who knows me, yes I will make a success of getting paid in due course, but this will only come if I am able to give these gifts I have freely, without the fetters of business. I know that it is possible, but until I can commit my heart and soul to the endeavour I just want to enjoy my gifts with others. I love too many passions to ever loose this creative spark, and maybe that is the reason I have struggled for so long to find my place in the world. Now that I have found a small part of it 2010 is going to be epic for me.

To all my friends and family I raise my glass to you, and to all of you who follow me I salute your dedication to me. Here is to 2010, the year we rock this world.

Rachel

New site layout part 2

Hi guys,

As you will have undoubtedly realised I have updated the podcast to reflect a more intergrated look for all the Random Acts sites. O Red, the blog, the home page, and the webzine will now have the same styling, though each will continue to have its own feel.

I intend to use the blog a lot more in 2010 as way of connecting with you, and along with Twitter and Face Book Random Acts is going to have a far bigger web presence in the coming year.

In the mean time I am going to drop the NYE 2009 mix on Thursday evening, so I will post the track list on here and the podcast once it is up.

Rachel

So what is it about creativity that makes me tick?

I pondering this the other day, and I realised that the little dynamo within me that like to whir and spit out all sort of funkiness is the central hub of my life. Weird to say, but all the really cool things about me stem from this creative spark deep down inside.

Indeed, all the wonderful things that flow from me are a result of my inner need to express this side of me, from the gregarious exhubrance of my personality to the fact that I rarely finish anything (which is due to the next super cool thing in my head). All the fab art, photography, writing, and musings that I have produced over the last few years stem from this, and this is why I really want to focus on the creativity and unlock my potential.

So why share this with you? Well part of this spark all wants to inspire people to be creative, to share my gifts and talents with others, and to be honest I really enjoy giving my gifts away to those who need them, hence why I started Random Acts.

Rachel

Overview of 2009

2009 has been a wonderful year for me, both personally and artistically. Though things right this second are up in the air I feel as if this year has been both productive and a major learning curve for me. There are many things which I am proud of, and here is a selection of the high lights for me:

- Firmly establishing Random Acts, and building on the roots we put down in 2008.

- Realising what I want to do with my life, which is to be a creative bunny.

- Meeting so many wonderful people, many of whom I am proud to have kept in contact with.

- Doing new and fab photography. Indeed, 2009 has been the year in which I learnt a fantabulous new skill, and found myself enjoying a new strand on creativity.

- Getting a third of my novel written, and the impetus to get the rest done.

- Realising that Jo is a warm and wonderful person, and I am honoured to call her my best friend.

- Knowing that no matter how bleak life looks, if you keep your chin up then you will find a way through.

- Finding Confident Ladies, and realising that there are like minded people out there.

- Finally, and probably most importantly, getting a huge kick up the arse by the people that matter to me, which has shown me what I need to do.

Random Acts will grow and develop in 2010, and I am sure that by this time next year I will have plenty more things to cheer about. In the mean time I want to say a big thank you to all the people who have given their time, energy, and effort for me, and I hope that in return I have given them something to be proud of as well.

I raise my glass to you all, and say a toast of heartfelt thanks.

Rachel

Christmas 2009

So, this is Christmas day, or 2 hours 1 minute left of it.

I've had a good day, though being newly minted single person does weigh heavy on my heart. Not for me the festive fun, present opening, or large meal. Rather the solitary pleasures of World of Warcraft, and my friends online. Thank you everyone for the last couple of days, it has really meant a lot to me, and with Fi away for the next few days it will give me the peace of mind to think through the New Year.

2010 could be an absolute disaster, or, as I intend, it will build on the confidence I got in 2009, and come this time next year I will have found my unicorn. In many ways I have lost so much this year, yet I feel as if life is right there for the plucking. The tears I shed have cleared to reveal a wonderful life that is rich in is variance, and as I listen to the CD David got me I know in my heart that I will survive the turmoil besetting me at the moment.

So, deep breath, smile on my lips, and a heart laugh in my throat. Let them throw their worst at me, and then I will rise from my knees to roar my defiance into the wind. Love, life, and all things creative - that is my future. Let 2010 be the year I stamp my creativity on the world, and let me be humble enough to know when to ask for help.

Thank you all for being a blessing to me,

Rachel