Wednesday, July 28, 2010

{inspirational overload}


My brain is in
creation overload
I have been working on some
upcoming projects the last few days
and
the creative right side of my brain has turned to
pure mush
{...though the left side could use a tune up with the help of some multiplication drills}
Is it possible to have too much inspiration?
all your lovely blogs
all my oodles of magazines
my inspiration board is full and I am pinning things to my wall
my files are stuffed
ripped out pages from old magazines cover my floor
like wall to wall carpet!
I think I need to
STOP
take a few days
to
organize my over-stuffed brain
and
inspirational clutter

Do you have a system?....please share

{xox}

62 comments:

tinajo said...

I truly wish I had a system, but it´s all a big mess... I stuff so much inside my head that I don´t know what to do with it all, but then I take a couple of days without (or at least trying) thinking about it - and then it just falls together somehow. :-)

Lovely photo! :-)

Butterfly said...

Ahhh I often feel like that, too many ideas & not enough time to do them all!! I make folders of ideas & nice images so that I will hopefully have time to do them all one day! Enjoy xx

Anonymous said...

I have no method either. We right sided brain people obviously have issues with organization/methods probably because we don't use the left side enough! We should all have multiple personalities one to organize and one to create. That would solve lots!

Libbie said...

Fortunately I don't seem to have the skills to do all the inspirational things I see...if I did...now that would be hard! I guess my system is: See, enjoy, pretend I will remeber to do it & then forget about it :) It doesn't work so well for me so I wouldn't recommend it :)

jeanette from everton terrace said...

No system here. I have an accountant friend who told me she could never be creative because it seems to create such clutter (after seeing my office). I can tell you that never in my life have I felt the need to do a multiplication table - hate math. Inspiration is everywhere and sometimes it seems, if you're in the zone, it's just oozing out all over the place. Can't wait to see what you've been creating!

BALLET NEWS said...

I think it is possible to have too much. Hard to always get the balance right ! Inspiration never comes if you force it, and I think it's just as bad if you are soooo busy that you can't think straight.

Julie Harward said...

I think that when we look at so many ideas we just confuse OUR OWN creativity...which is found in our own minds and hearts. :D

Vintage Home said...

...just take it all in and a bit slower....your future is so bright & the possibilities endless....relax put it in a pile & have a latte!

Unknown said...

I am in the same place...too many ideas, too little time. I do not know what to tackle next!

Blondie's Journal said...

Inspiration overload sounds like a GOOD thing!! I know you will put it all to good use. As far as organizational methods...I like the wall to wall carpeting version!! lol!~

xoxo
Jane

Sue Jack said...

We have EXACTLY the same system! My hands are always working three steps behind by brain and just scrambling to keep up....make that a dozen+ steps behind actually. All the while my eyes are sneaking glances at both of my 3' x 4' inspiration boards with anticipation of what to begin next. Wrist cuffs? Statement necklace? Evening bag? Maybe it's time for a cocktail dress for ME!!!
Just admit it....we're hopeless in the organization category. But there is one redeeming factor....we're quite high on the creativity list and I wouldn't trade that for the world, would you?

Silver Strands said...

I don't have a system, but I know what you mean. Sometimes I actually have to SCHEDULE time away from whatever it is. Give myself permission to mentally rest. Good luck with everything :)
oxoxo
Denalee

Kathysue said...

I find I can go on overload and it no longer computes in my brain. I set up files in my computer and if it is appealing it goes in the file according to rooms. I also have a file for magazine clips. Then when I do a room I just go to that file. It seems to work. I am doing a Someday room redo and going through the steps on my blog. So far I have the floor plan and furniture placement and now I am working on the colors to be used. You can see the inspiration picts I used. It works pretty well for me. I think being creative you just have to do your own THING, what ever fits your personality!! Just "Enjoy the Process!" Happy Wednesday, Kathysue

Unknown said...

Well, it certainly doesn't seem like you could be a cluttered mess from looking at your beautiful posts and getting one posted every day! YOU are a creative inspiration my friend. I seem to have fallen off the creative wagon ...

In fact, I am clearing out a rather large storage room right now in my basement and going through boxes upon boxes of craft items and I have been thinking how much more I used to "create." But the organizer in me is sure in HIGH geer since I am clearing out a 1200 square foot basement and needing to find new homes for everything. (I am trying to purge but it's hard.)

I think it might just be a wonderful thing to be filled with inspiration - as long as you prioritize so you don't feel frustrated. (I think we would all love a peek into your inspriational "workshop.")

Elizabeth said...

Oh,I wish I had a system too! I like so many different styles and when I'm searching for inspiration and I see all the beautiful things out there! Oh my! You said it! Inspiration overload!
If you come across a great plan please share!
By the way your daughters sister-in-law is amazing with that camera! Your daughters are GORGEOUS!!!!
Elizabeth

Gloria said...

I wish I could say, YES, I have the perfect system! But, I don't....:)
Sometimes I am searching for that perfect "something" to draw (or create), and spend all of the precious time just visually looking through everything and run out of time to actually "create"!
There have been a few times I go by the inspiration that comes straight out of my own brain instead of looking at outside sources. I have surprised myself what I can come up with. I shouldn't be surprised though because I have stuffed my brain with visually inpiring creations from the past...it's still in that brain of mine! :)

Pauline said...

I have no system but just dive straight in and take things one step at a time. One never knows when the one's mojo grinds to a halt, lol!

Hugs

It's me said...

Too much.....too many....toooooo.............o no you must relax......darling do nothing more.....and stay calm.........relax baby....listen to me.....hahahhahah!!..love Ria...

Maria said...

Hi Koralee!
We are on the same brain-wave-length! LOL
I was JUST reading about this and sharing this idea at home...
It's from the Rubbermaid co. {albeit not really too original} Their post on this is here.
Today's organization post is for the desk, the blog post on July 26 was for magazines.

I have been doing this for recipes for over a year now... It's so very, very helpful! All my fav's are in one binder.
{soft cover and "can't miss it" bright green!}
Of course I have a special section for "desserts." ;o)
Enjoying beautiful weather these last two days... going on a "girls trip" with my sister to visit our father tomorrow and Friday.
Love my sister-time!
Love my dad... and can't wait for his yummy pancakes Friday morning!

Hope you are having a wonderful week dear ♥
Maria

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

Hooray for the recognition. I have no system, do not know where to start filing. Inspiration is all stored in one BIG room in my head, when seeing or hearing something, all of a sudden it all comes together and the BIG room remains a little less big.
Will look at all the comments on this post, hopefully at least one lovely lady has the system ;)
Hugs for an inspirational outlet day, Koralee. xxx

Anonymous said...

if i told you how many blogs i stalk just to look at their styles of card-making, and how many times i go over and over challenges to see what other people are doing...you'd lock me up for sure...because those are the days i can't do ANYTHING...i can't make myself be creative...looking at other peoples creations makes me feel INADEQUATE and think that i can't do something like that...and then...out of the blue i go in to my room (usually saturdays) and the cards keep coming and coming...MY WAY...so i guess all that 'stalking' was just for entertainment...i'm only going to create what i feel, when i feel it...

your blog is pure inspiration...for the beauty and your kind words...don't quit what you do!!!

~victoria~

Unknown said...

Dear and truly sweet Koralee, rest. Have one free afternoon. Only you. No phone. No kids. No hubbie. You and nobody else. Actually it is hard to remember our true essence after some years living in society. Try hard to rescue your desires and your wishes!!
Kisses!!! Bela.

Anonymous said...

Oh Koralee....
the best kind of creative genious is having no method what-so-ever! it's all about letting the creative mood take you over until you surrender to it's deep and influential power.....and end up making a wonderful piece of art!

I am the same way...came home with some somerset magazines...and I'm overwhelmed with ideas...and nothing seems to be taking root yet! but I know that a little more water...and the seeds of planted creativity will take and flourish!

go with it my friend...you sound right on the mark! hehehee....

love the photo shoot from your last post too....the idea of a pretty bench out in the middle of a grass carpeted field is simply delicious!

ciao bella
creative carmelina

Ana Degenaar said...

I know exactly how you feel, I took a rest last week, just one more extra weekend day and loved it!.
xo

Martina said...

Dear Koralee, oh, i now that sooooo well - you sound just like me! Sometimes it's hard to deal with a lot of creativity, and i tend to envy people who stick to one thing and do it well. Not my piece of cake though! But - you know what? You have so much energy and power - just give yourself some rest and things will sort themselves out - you will see!

The Tablescaper said...

Hmmm...I just read all of those comments looking for devine inspiration in the organizational category but, it dosen't seem that there is any out there.

I write lots of lists of things I have to get done. I generally don't let myself do the fun, creative stuff until I have some of the "have to dos" under control. I don't like to feel out of control. Sometimes I'll write a list of ideas but lately I've taken random inspriation photos. Then perfect it later.

- The Tablescaper

Unknown said...

Don't look at me for advice, I am all over the place in a thousand directions ... chuckle! Then I get frustrated, get organized AGAIN & crack at getting everything done.

Have a great day!
TTFN ~ Marydon

Lynn said...

Koralee,
I find that working on a creative project will help with the actual organizing. When you have a deadline, even if self imposed, your ideas will come together as you focus on the things that truly inspire you.

Elyse said...

Rx for koralee:

1 cupcake every 4 hours

:)

xo
elyse

Monica said...

Hello Koralee,
... definitely! Write (or sketch) each and every idea down on paper!!!! I use anything I have on hand, even tissues!;)) Then create a folder, an organizer for them... it's necessary to let your creative mind rest every now and then, and writing things down allows it to. Then schedule a bit... if you have deadlines for example, make those projects first.
I popped by to tell you that today I read your AB article, and I really enjoyed it! The quote you mentioned is so true- I firmly believe in that too! Thanks for reminding me.
Monicax.

Anne in Oxfordshire said...

Hi Koralee... you are very inspirational , which I am not. Having hard enough job just editing my photos for the blog. Let alone do what you do... Hope you find the system you are looking for, love your blog :-)

Poppies and Sunshine said...

I wish I had a system! It's kind of overload all the time for me! I guess too much inspiration isn't a bad thing :) Taking a break here and there is good though to rest the brain!

Martha said...

Oh and overload would be so nice for me because I feel as though I need it...so glad you are in overload just because I am sure that is leading to fabulous ideas for you:)
love your image as always
xo

I Love Pretty Little Things said...

Oh Koralee! I wish that I had a system, because I too am in inspirational overload! That is just sort of my state of being though...Always wanting to create or re-do. So many projects...so little time...
If you find a good system let all of us in on the secret!

Joyce

Marilyn Miller said...

When I get on overload I just freeze up. Not a good thing. I think we just need to forge ahead, which is sometimes very difficult. Good luck.

Anonymous said...

Oh Koralee , hear I was thinking you were perfect !! Your style, your photos, your friendly encouraging comments that you leave for me have always inspired me. I hope you manage to slow down, smell the roses, de stress and Im sure all will seem better soon
take care
Daniele xx

Sue said...

My system lately seems to be that every time I start getting things done...life steps in and messes it up and I am behind again. Take a couple of days and just breathe!

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Koralee,

Life does seem to be busy and sometimes I think we need to take things a little slower and stop to smell the roses and lavender.
I find if I make lists, that can sometimes help and good to be able to tick off when I have done what needs doing.
thanks for all the inspiration you share.
Take care
Hugs
Carolyn

Catherine said...

I keep telling my hubby if he would just work 2 jobs so that I could quit my job and then I would have more time for creativeness... so far... this idea has not worked for me. :(

Have a happy week!
xo Catherine

Sewn With Grace said...

When I feel like this I just go outside. Something about getting away from it all brings peace and then I can refocus. The problem I often have is that there are so many different things I like to do that I get overwhelmed. I had to let a few things go and figure out what I like to do best, but sometimes its still hard. Beautiful picture!

Rose said...

Oh is that a peony in that photo? They have to be my favourite flower ever!
I deffintaely know what you mean, too many things I would love to make, so many inspirational blogs, it can certainly get a little overwhealming at times.

Rose

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

I love you and the beauty you bring to the world. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

nerines said...

Well your photo would suggest your creative side is doing just fine:)
But for what it's worth I stop take a step back and quite often sleep on it. I have faith that it will come to me, what ever it is I think I'm looking for. xoxo

Susan said...

I can SO relate to the OVERLOAD, Koralee! I think that creative people are always looking for ways to "make more room" because our enthusiasm can't contain all of our ideas and accomplish everything we wish we could! The positive spin is that we are never bored...never!!!
Sometimes when I can't allow another idea to enter my brain I watch a movie...usually one I've already seen (and know I love!) and it just gives me a break...I'm thinking Ever After or Anne of Green Gables . {Have you ever been to Prince Edward Island? I would LOVE to visit there sometime!}
So happy the package finally arrived! Thank you for your very sweet comments! I'm glad that you like them.
I think that, like me, you're beginning to feel the "it's almost August" tension. Relax, sweet friend. We still have a few weeks before the school bell rings. Make a list of your priorities ( the list of 100 things has really been a blessing to me this summer, although I wouldn't recommend a list of 100 at this point, maybe 10-15 :)) and be sure to include some FUN along with the things to be accomplished! Oh you are a kindred spirit, my friend!
Take deep breaths...say a little prayer of gratitude for all the JOY in your bucket and pop some popcorn to enjoy with the movie!
Blessings!

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

I love creative overload! I keep a journal that I can write down all of my ideas.

When I have my creative juices flowing my mind will take an idea and turn it over and over and over thinking of many different ways to do the same thing or to use the same element. I write it all down in list form in a journal. I always have more ideas than time and money and energy and hours in the day!

Creativity for me, can make big messes! I must be careful, because I don't work as effectively or creativly when things get unorganized. Setting things in order is a wonderul exercise and gives me a feeling of freedom.

Just be thankful that you have a creative streak and don't get blog block!
Enjoy the process!
I LOVE your creativity!!!!
Yvonne

Rosie said...

oh dearest..."IF", this were to happen to me, I would just pop over to "YOU", for a wee bit of respite time...yup...don't think this is extremely helpful for you...sorry dearest...smile on and stop in at the shop, I'm there on Saturday...love Rosie

Kelly said...

System? nah! Nothing creative about a system :)

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

That is why I only post once a week! I need time to replenish and organize my mind! I don't know how all of you wonderful women post so much !!!!! Really! I can hardly keep up! I would have to agree with your instinct to just give yourself a couple of days to reorganize!!!! You are amazing dear one! And like our sweet Rosie suggests, GO SEE HER FOR SOME CALM!!! Bisous to you dear friend, Anita

Jacqueline said...

Dearest Koralee, i get these alot of inspiration clutter! I make alot of list and are always jotting and dooling everywhere i go when inspiration and ideas hit. :) Loving your gorgeous photo and i hope you do take some time off to un-clutter! Have a lovely merry happy day and love to you!

jacqueline
http://jqlinesocuteithurts.typepad.com/

Monica said...

I agree with you .. nowadays with so much information at our fingertips, it is easy to become overwhelmed. I just have to sit back sometimes and realize that I will never make everything I would like to in this lifetime. But I still enjoy collecting all the different ideas. I just am really hoping that in heaven there will be time for sewing and crafting :D

Randi Troxell said...

lol..
i know how you feel.. this is why last week i came up with a daily posting blog schedule.. and yea! kinda i am lovin' it.. seems to make putting ideas together SO MUCH easier!!

Anonymous said...

Oh yes! This happens to me A LOT and I have to step back from it all and regroup! Glad I am not the only one ;)

francis said...

*1* accept it is what it is
*2* have a coffee/tea
*3* put on your gardenboots
*4* sweep as much as you can / your garden
*5* remove as much weed as you can
*6* hands in the earth !
*7* work your garden
and .... the gnomes will thank you and reward you with innerpeace .

Simple Home said...

Well my friend, I love what you do with your inspiration, so whatever it is that brings it on, please don't stop. You are definitely using your inspirational overload for our good!
Blessings,
Marcia

half pint honey said...

if I had a system it probably wouldn't last very long! I tried making a list.. but well..
perhaps creative minds are just chaotic and there is no cure. :)

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Oh girl I'm an organizational nut! Ya know I'm a bit obsessed about such things. I have files and drawers, containers and cabinets. A place for everything and everything in it's place. I know it's pathetic!

I've been sick with horrific shingles since Memorial Day and am tryin' to visit my beautiful blogsisters.

Ya'll have a terrifically blessed day!!! :o)

Jen Beaudet said...

Hi Koralee! I wish I had a system but unfortunately I'm just as bad! I might even be worse because I don't even have an inspiration board. I need to put that on the top of my list of things I need! I love your creativity and I thing it comes across as very well organized! That must be the teacher in you. Have a beautiful day! Jennifer:)

Unknown said...

WOW... First, congrats on hitting a GRAND {1000}. You must not keep up with everyone. I can barely do that over on my silly blog. Way too go.

Anyways, I step away for a few days and just look at all the wonder you have been up to. Love, love, love your words today. Don't even get me started on the last posting. Photography must be in all your families genes. And about that giveaway. Off to check it out. Organized, not in my vocabulary...but I'm probably actually really better than most..he-he...

Toodles,
Kate - The Garden Bell

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I've been meaning to start an inspiration board, so I can keep all my thoughts in one place other than my brain. HA!

Shell said...

What you can do is have folders of inspiration. Label them and when you need them you can pull them out. You can do this on your computer or have actual folders you keep.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Write everything down! I have so many ideas and I keep a list of them in my journal! It clears my brain for MORE sensational ideas! heehee! Enjoy your day! ♥

Anonymous said...

Nope! No system what so ever! Missed you tons! Ready for fall??

XXX C