On the Grid

Sometimes you hear people talk about being "off the grid"... you know, living a self-sufficient life, not dependent on technology, out of the mainstream.  While those are admirable goals, I'm a grid kind of gal.  As in grid paper, or graph paper.  If it has grids on it, I'm in.  I cannot resist buying any kind of grid paper when I cross paths with it.  If it's not for my writing or art or letter practice, it will be cut up for book pages. 

I use a grid steno pad at work where I keep notes throughout the day.  My writing journal is a 5 x 7 journal that came from the office supply store.  These will hold one or two years worth, and I snapped up a few last year when they were in the sale bin. 

One of my favorite online classes I took last year was the Big Grid Journal with Martha Lever. (It was journal #3 in her Lollapalooza journal series.)  At the time of the class, I did a couple of pages in mine, but since I had so many other journals going at that time, I put it aside to use for this year.  I did this cover page with pan pastels, with stamping on top.  I also tried the technique of putting a stencil over the pastel and using an eraser to remove some of the color.

I love this picture and it will be a reminder to me to "live in the front row" this year.  I don't remember where I got the picture.  It may have been on a Pinterest site or someone's blog.  I try to keep track of those things, but I sometimes forget.

I just love that the two ladies in the front are having the time of their lives.  Pity the two in the third row, who look like they are absolutely miserable.

So this year, resolve to live in the front row!!