The Art & Poetry of Mary Coleman

So here is a second illustration for my book. Definitely know the direction I’m going now. Watercolor pencil, acrylic, and pen. A mixture of self portraits of myself and a child and current self portraits.

The furthest I’ve ever traveled from home was New Zealand where I ended up living for 11 years. I met my husband online and he was living in Auckland at the time. I was from Portland, Oregon. I went over to visit him and never came home. We were married a few months after we met (although we had been talking and dating for about 6 months before we met in person). We are still married 20 years later and are currently living in Portland.

So through to October 31st I am taking a break from job hunting and trying to use the time to establish new habits, namely a daily routine that incorporates my 4 core values (#1 creativity, #2 taking care of my body and mind, #3 kindness towards myself and others, and #4 routine). Following my 4 core values is essentially my New Year’s resolution for 2025. According to most articles I read it takes an average of 66 days to form a new habit, but I figure 60 days (about 2 months) is close enough. After that I will go back to job hunting again and hopefully have habits established as second nature to carry on for the rest of the year.

Day 1 (sept 2) – The first half of the day was fairly easy. I’ve gotten some good tools established for fighting procrastination so I was able to follow my morning routine (breakfast, exercise, and creativity as well as some chores like watering the plants and taking a shower etc…) and my mid-day routine (mindful walking and lunch) on time and I don’t have as much of an appetite in the morning so no cravings for junk food. I ate healthy meals lunch and breakfast. I managed to run 3 miles, I did it with a friend which made it easier. I drew a picture so that was creativity covered.

When the late afternoon rolled around, it was a bit harder to get myself to do things, but I did prepare dinner instead of ordering something (even though I was having really strong cravings) and I read and meditated after dinner. So I got all my intentions done for the day exactly when they were supposed to be done. So that was Core Value #3, #4, and #1 smashed. 

I ate healthy for the most part. A few more inflammatory foods than planned, but I didn’t binge even though I was getting cravings to do it. Cutting out sugar has given me really strong sugar cravings so we’ll see, but I might allow for a dessert on Saturday so that I don’t end up bingeing on sugary foods. A hard no is just too triggering. Overall I achieved core value #2 through exercise and healthy eating. Achieved my fiber and protein goals.

Hip pain was present all day long and my leg was swollen most the day.