I’m a creative, experienced, multi-purpose artist and art director
who can take projects start to finish in a variety of styles.

Good designs sell –
my designs sell out!

Friday, December 31, 2010

"Resolutions"

I've been posting something on my blog every week since last February. So not quite a year, but that has to count as holding up one of my resolutions. I decided to look back and see what I've done in the last year and pat myself on the head.

I'm not much for making New Year's resolutions. It seems like a false set up, and less likely to succeed than a determination I make at a random time of the year... but...? My friend Geof had to quit smoking because of his health problems, and that reminds me of the dangers of sucking nicotine -- something I've done myself for a very long time. I'm starting to feel the effects of it, and have been thinking about quitting, even before Geof had to go to the hospital. I had nonsmoking company this week and slapped a nicotine patch on my arm so I could be pleasant through the visit. Who knew? The things actually work. Now all I have to do is figure out how to make my brain work too.

The problem is nicotine patches can't eliminate my need to be contrary, self-destructive, or infantile about my addiction. I like smoking. I also like blintzes, ice cream, Pepsi, and who knows what else that isn't good for me. Obviously my oral fixation is my mother's fault for weaning me too young. Okay, Freud identified the problem, but did he have an effective solution for it?

Nonsmokers, and that's almost everybody else these days, often don't realize logic and lectures are ineffective methods of encouraging better behavior. If the source of the problem is neglect and criticism, lectures just reinforce the original issue. We all know smoking is a health risk. It says so right on the side of the pack. Lots of people will resolve to quit smoking tomorrow. Tell them you love them, then back away slowly as they nurse their hangovers and withdrawal. Or, keep them so distracted they don't have time to reach for old habits.

This drawing is old. I've kept it as my own internal nagging on the issue. Maybe, just maybe this time I'm ready to let go?

18 comments:

  1. Annie and I wish you Good Luck!!! And great job on keeping up with the IF challange every week. See ya in 2011 :)

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  2. Thanks to both of you! Wishing the best in 2011!

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  3. It’s been a great creative year Linda! “pat pat pat” Glad I got to know you. your posts are always terrific. They either make me laugh or make me think.... or make me think I’m laughing :o) Anyway, happy New Year.... you can do whatever you put your mind to.... toss those cigarettes in the trash ;o)

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  4. Wow! You've had a remarkable creative year! We all want to keep seeing what you create, so toss the cigies! I know how hard it is...it's been (18) years and it started one day at a time. So just count it a day and a time. Happy New Year!

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  5. What a wonderful reminder of all you've done--I love the thumbnails!

    I'm not much for new year's resolutions either, and also, like you, determine throughout the year changes that I'd like to make (mostly in the form of making art DAILY--or at least more regularly). Best wishes for the coming year!

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  6. I have so enjoyed your weekly posts Linda both for the illustrations and the writing...you have a great style for both. Re the smoking...I also smoked until my mid twenties (some time ago now I know!!). It was very hard giving up as like you I really did enjoy it (hard for a never-smoker to understand)BUT seeing the effects it had on my patients I decided I did not want me or my husband to go that way so we both quit! I think half the battle is convincing yourself that you truely want a smoke free life! Start by telling people you are a non smoker. Good luck...I am rooting for you. Happy New year, here's to a new year of blogging friendship.
    Jane x

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  7. Thanks everyone! I've really enjoyed making new friends with so many wonderful people this year and seeing your art and writing.

    Thanks for the kind words and follow Coreopsis!!

    @Jane, wise words. Probably my biggest obstacle is thinking of myself as a nonsmoker instead of a person painfully not smoking. I'll work on that one.

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  8. Heisann!

    Luckily I don't have your problem. I smoked a little during studies, but cigarettes didn't taste good to me... Why continue then I thought!
    I love your review, creatively done ;:OD

    Successful new year to you!

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  9. It's great to see the year in posts reviewed like that! It's a great accomplishment!! Great luck to you on quitting the cigarettes!

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  10. Thanks! It was fun to go back through all of these postings. I really enjoyed seeing people's comments again too. Keep 'em coming! I love positive reinforcement :D

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  11. Great post Linda! Wishing you a wonderful 2011!!!

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  12. Excellent work on last year's res Linda! I am sure you can tackle this year's in like manner. best wishes going out to you!

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  13. It's a great feeling to look back at all those IFs and see how the work has built and grown... IF is a great structure to hang the workings of a new portfolio on.
    looks good!

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  14. Wishing all of you a wonderful 2011 too! Thanks for the comments!

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  15. Hi Linda! I hope your days are great... Your drawing is a good reminder and I think this post applies to a lot of people. So good luck and here's to many more IFs from you! :))

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  16. There's a book called Change for Good by Prochaska that has really helpful insights on stopping smoking!!

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