The Documented Life Project- Weekly Challenge 1
Wednesday, January 1, 2014 at 12:01PM 
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU FELLOW DOCUMENTERS!
You can read more about THE DOCUMENTED LIFE PROJECT on the ART TO THE 5TH BLOG!
WEEK ONE CHALLENGE - PHOTOGRAPH, SKETCH, PAINT OR INCORPORATE YOUR FRONT DOOR
The time has finally arrived and we can begin our challenges for the year. I am so excited to create, journal, and document alongside all of you! January starts with a bang! It starts with one door closing and a new one opening! For this first challenge we asked that you incorporate your FRONT DOOR into your weekly documentation, using any medium of your choice.
I am a loner by nature. I like to be able to look out, but am not always keen on people looking in. My door was a perfect representation of that part of me. From the road you couldn't see much through the glass- just a faint flicker of light now and then. But I could see it all. I loved that feeling of being a part of the world, but the world not being able to get at me too easily. I am fortunate in that my view has afforded me a peaceful view of the world, something that I will cherish always- will miss when I walk out of this door in the next few weeks...
My front door is a touchy subject right now. After ten years in our home, we are faced with the sad task of moving, something that has me grieving after so much time here. I wanted the the new year to surprise me, gift me with the chance to stay here, but it was not her gift to give. Instead, I find myself facing the reality of closing this door for the last time.
It is scary to start the new year with such a loud and final bang. I am afraid and sad, but I know that a home is not just a house. It is not a address or a number. A house is is just that- a house- until you choose to make it a HOME.
I know, that with time, I will learn to love the view out of my new front door. I know that it will become a part of who I am and that I will create new memories worth saving in this new place. I get to take all the people who have my heart with me. That should be enough. I am learning as I go. Learning to let go, learning to let others in, and learning that a house really is not a home, because......a HOME IS WHERE YOUR HEART IS!
- Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedocumentedlifeproject/
- Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/thedocumentedlifeproject/
- Instagram: #documentedlife
- Roben-Marie Smith
- Lorraine Bell
- Rae Missigman
- Sandi Keene
- And our Life Photographer: Barbara Moore
Reader Comments (22)
Thanks for this post.
It's so hard to leave a home to move on.
I pray for you for a lot of energy and an hint here and there to get a new perspective on what is happening.
Going through this art journaling will help!
anne
Beautiful! May your new door lead to many doors opening in your life!
Your page is beautiful. X
I love this, Rae! I noticed all the little photos peeking out of the left side of one of your pictures. Are you printing these out yourself or are you using an online source somewhere? Photography is one of my greatest loves, so I'm really wanting to incorporate photos into my journal.
Love your page Rae!! Thank you for sharing your work and your story...I am enjoying getting to know all of you as much as the project! Thank you for everything!!
Wow, your front door is so meaningful for you for this page. I hope you find another front door that you can love just as much wherever you end up! (And by the way, you are going to have one deliciously stuffed planner with all of that dimension on your pages!)
Oh thank you Jayne! You too! Happy Documenting!
Love your front door collage and so sorry I had no idea you were moving! I hope the move is a good one and your new door brings you much joy and happiness! hugs!! snow day today so more wedding prep so journaling later I hope!! :))
Aw, no more door in Florida? I just got to spend Christmas there in Fort Myers visiting my sister and mom but now am back home at my own snow-covered door in Pittsburgh, PA. I have a feeling your door will bring blessings wherever you find yourself walking through it. Seems it's just the kind of woman you are. So glad I find this group of you faith-driven gals to kick off this new year and walk through new doors together with! Excited to see where the journey leads. Doors of opportunity and windows of blessings!!!
I love your page! I can sooo relate to this as I will be moving this year as well. I am looking forward to it, although it will be hard too… best wishes!
Don't worry my friend - that door will always be open in your heart! I love you!
Thank you for your kind and encouraging words Anne. I won't forget it...and you are right. The journaling and art really do help us feel happier. xo Rae
Thank you sweet Clare. xx Rae
Thank you Kelly. I too love photography so much. I am on the go so much I am learning to take better photos with my phone. In the process I stumbled upon a company I like for printing little mini cardstock square photos. SOCIAL PRINT STUDIOS or PRINTSTAGRAM. I love them and they are so cute. I ordered the 2.38 x 2.38 size last time and tucked them in my planner. I plan on using them often throughout the year. I would love to hear how you add your photos! xxRae
One of my favorite elements of this project is the new friendships that are forging all over the world. So glad you stopped by and I can't wait to "see" you again...and see what you create! xx Rae
Thank you Andria! I hope that my book closes by the end of the year. I will work on a longer elastic band this week I think- haha! Can't wait to see what you are creating! xx Rae
Thank you Sweet Linda - you are always such a doll! We will be happy here I am sure...just hard to leave a home you raised your family in- Chat soon- Rae
Thanks Lori! Actually we moved just a few miles away, which kinda made it that much harder! Passing by the old place all the time stinks - for now. We have a lot of family in PA. Williamsport area mostly! You definitely are headed for more cold weather! Stay warm and thank you for stopping by- but more so for you kind words. The encouraging comments are what this project was supposed to be all about - can't wait to see what you create! xx Rae
Good Luck Marva! I will be thinking of you and looking forward to seeing bits and pieces of your adventure in your planner! xx Rae
You are so wise Lorraine - no wonder you are my dear dear friend. xo Rae
I am so touched by your blog post and wish you well in your new house and for the next chapter of your life, may it carry to you many blessings.xxxx I moved house after 24 yrs just three days before Christmas, my life feels totally upside down, I am also late starting my planner due to lack of internet!! So frustrating! Very best wishes xxxx
Oh Gez Thank you! It IS frustrating, but I am determined to make this move a good one! Best of luck finding happiness on your end as well! xx