Tag: Life

Posted on

Anniversary 

Yesterday (July 22), was my 22nd wedding anniversary. We took a day trip down to Calgary to take in the local sights. It was a great day. Calgary is a nice city (although I’m partial to Edmonton, as it’s my home town). 

We enjoy day-tripping when we can, it affords a lot of conversational time while driving. We packed a picnic lunch, which is a great way to cut down on costs on these trips since food is a big expense while out and about. We drove around the city some and then settled on Heritage Park, a nice 127 acre park housing restored or replica buildings from many different decades, (Similar to Fort Edmonton in Edmonton). There was a great deal to see and do, although we were disappointed in some sections not having enough staff resulting in buildings not being open and the train wasn’t running, but we did take in the paddle-wheel boat ride.

It was a great way to celebrate our 22years together, they haven’t all been good, we’ve had our ups and downs, but we have many more ups than any down could ever ruin and it’s all about the effort and time we put into it. Marriage should never just be put on cruise control, marriage takes focus, energy, selflessness and a lot of shifting gears. Here’s to another magnificent 22years or more ahead of us!

Until next time my friends,

Tim

Posted on

Sunday’s Are For Adventures

Sundays are definitely for adventures. We returned to this quaint and appealing little shop about 25min west of Edmonton – Spruce Park Ranch Country Store. My wife and I discovered it about a month ago and returned today with my mom to show her. So many ideas for home decorations mixed with some local canned goods and a little café. If you’ve never been I highly recommend the short drive to check it out.

 

Posted on

Enjoying The Little Things

Good morning! 

That is to say at least that its morning when I wrote this. The swiftness and convenience at which technology (smartphones, apps), moves is amazing. To be able to sit on my front porch and write a short post to all of you from my iPhone, while sharing the little things like reading, journaling, enjoying a good coffee and soaking in the beautiful morning, well it’s fantastic! 

As I sit, soaking in a bit of sun and caffeine, having already sent out a client’s proof this morning, I can now take this little bit of “me” time to refresh and renew the soul. It really is the little things in life that can bring much joy.

Just a quick post from the porch, until next time,

Tim

Posted on

Still Here

Hello!

Wow! It’s been a long time. I haven’t posted here since October 2016, where does life get away from us?

I post on a more regular basis through Instagram, Facebook and Twitter so you can follow those links through this site. I do need to work on posting from here more often. That being said, life has been busy, not just in the world of Freelance and 9 to 5-ing but also in my personal life. I have 3 large projects each year at this time for 3 different towns but should have them all wrapped up in a couple of weeks. I have also been continuing on with reworking my self-published children’s books, so keep your eyes peeled for those as well (not really soon, but soon).

Motivation and perseverance are the words and goals for 2017.

Stay tuned!

Tim

 

Posted on

Freelancing

IMG_2865

One of the definitive boons of being a Graphic Designer is the opportunity to work outside of your current job, if you have one. Freelancing allows, at times, an alternate means of creative freedom, the chance to grow your talents and abilities while being able to control the projects you work on. It is a beneficial release that not all designers are able to take advantage of depending on their contracts.

I have had the opportunity the last couple of years to work on a number of different freelance projects that have helped me as a creator and a manager of my own personal studio. The hardest part that I have found is actually finding and landing the jobs. I don’t know if others in my field have an easier time of it or perhaps I just don’t look hard enough, or in the right places for them. I am hoping to increase my productivity this year and next, with an end-goal of becoming full-time independent in the next couple of years. Building a clientele list must be the hardest part of this field.

Tim

Posted on

Saturday Design

design-office-1228893-1280x1920

 

 

 

Every season of life is different, sometimes lingering, sometimes fleeting, but always changing. Seven years as a Graphic Designer  have shown me that as with anything else, there are also seasons within the design field. Months can go by without any Freelance work and then suddenly many projects flow in keeping me busy for a few months. Some of them are paid and some are not but all help keep my skills honed. The trick is to prioritize and manage your time well, avoiding becoming overwhelmed, always keeping your deadlines in sight. The more projects you can bring in the more experience you gain and the more your name will hopefully circulate, bringing in more business. Ultimately my goal is to become self-employed and have my own mini studio. Until then, the balance continues.

 

Posted on

Change is Good

running-man-1519786

For many of you that know me, you know that I have struggled with my body weight most of my life. This hasn’t changed. The struggle continues, but I am determined to win. There are times when it feels like trying to dig a hole in water, you see results but they disappear fast. The choice to follow a dream and become a Graphic Designer has not helped my weight problem at all. Long hours at a desk in front of a computer have been detrimental to my body.

I came to a decision at the beginning of this month that if anything was going to happen I have to continue to make active, daily choices to live healthier. With the encouragement of a good friend I have taken up running. Now running is not something I have ever given much thought to, its something only reserved for life and death situations like a zombie apocalypse or something imaginary like a bear chasing me in the woods. Both of which only require me to run slightly faster than the person beside me (if there is such a person at that moment). All of that aside, I have indeed started running. Twice now I have ventured into the outdoors with the motivation of my friend and the intentions of becoming a slimmer and healthier me. Third time’s the charm as they say and tonight will make three, I’m actually beginning to look forward to it. The cool air, the challenge, the camaraderie, the feeling of a job well done, and even the fear of how much my body may hurt the next day, all are welcome experiences.

All this is to say that I’m in a new chapter (again) in my life in which I am excited and anticipating great things. I want to hit a level of health that doesn’t have me worried about diabetes or heart issues, although I know those can happen anyway I don’t want it to be based on my lack of doing anything to prevent them.

So walk (or run) along with me in this new journey and lets all be motivated for healthier lives!

Until next time,

Tim