The Loopy Doodles: Eyes On You (+ IBR)

Have you ever had perhaps two tabs opened on your browser, and you're conscientiously attempting to complete a task, but decide to open several other tabs instead? You've made the decision to complete that single task, and think to yourself - yes, this is what I'm going to stick to and do for the next hour. Minutes later, you find yourself on another task picked out from your endless to-do list and attempt to do several things at once clumsily.

In our hurried lives, we always want to get things done all at once, and multitasking seems like the best way to check off the boxes of the never-ending list. It often ends with not completing the tasks at all, or even if we do, they aren't of the best quality. Most might think that they've been multitasking well, but if we already find difficulty in focusing on a single task, multitasking is in fact an even more difficult skill to cultivate. 

After what felt like the hundredth time my sister expressed her constant annoyance at the numerous tabs opened in my browser, I found myself returning to the first task and saying to it, "This is it. I'm keeping my eyes on you. Come on, focus."

The notion occurred to me that perhaps before we can multitask, it's important to find focus. There's just too many things to look at that we fail to keep focus at each of them one at a time. There's nothing inherently wrong with multitasking, but one has to be extremely skilled at it to not just complete all of the tasks, but complete it well.

As part of my very own collection called The Loopy Doodles Series (a series of GIFs and animated illustrations with lettering), I've created a lettering with this uplifting quote that has become a state of mind, or perhaps a disposition, that I'd like to work towards.

This image is an animation. Click to play; image will play in an infinite loop without stopping. 

These lines were taken from a poem written by Sarah Williams called The Old Astronomer to his Pupil. They are no doubt the reason to the poem's outstanding recognition. Though the lines works well on its own, it becomes even more enchanting when read with the poem itself, and I'd certainly recommend anyone to read it if they're interested. The poem explored the humbling aspirations of a mentor to his student and the themes of death, knowledge and love.

For the interest of this post, if we take a look at the line on its own, being so fond of the stars is what makes the line so poignant. It's magical to fondly gaze upon the universe and the stars and eventually determine the dark night to be negligible. It's liberating to be so concentrated on a task and eventually become immune to the small petty issues - to keep so focused on a specific task, that we do not notice the darkness or challenges enveloping it. This is the level of focus that perhaps we should aspire to work towards in order to achieve our goals. 

I do realise that this Loopy Doodles Series was supposed to be done monthly, and I truly apologise for not keeping to my word about it. There's been so many new projects and things to deal with lately that it's been pushed back since March. So I've made a decision that it's best if this series is made in to a bi-monthly or tri-monthly (once in two/three months) series instead of a monthly one. I've been quite busy these few weeks and probably will continue to be for the coming weeks because I've been working on these new projects and collaborations that I'm really excited to showcase soon here as well.  :)

In completing these projects, I did find myself toggling from one task to the next. I wasn't a splendid multitasker, so I attempted to focus on one task at a time, and I'd like to think that completing this post without becoming too distracted is a legitimately first successful attempt.

Most of us are always looking for ways to kill two birds with one stone - we've been given numerous opportunities to do so - from the option of opening tabs in browsers to using floating widgets on mobile phones. However perhaps what we need to learn first, is to kill a bird well and effectively, before we attempt the slightly more arduous task of killing both at once, only to merely injure both of them instead.

Until next time ♥ 

Lettering + illustration + animated gif by me 

For more lettering work from the Loopy Doodles Series, click here.

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The Loopy Doodles Series a bi/tri-monthly series of moving drawings + animations with lettering. They'll mostly be in the form of GIFs, and the drawings + lettering will be shown in an animated loop, just like the one above. 

+ This post was also written for the linkup 'Inspired By Random' (IBR), hosted by Fatima from That Delete Button. The linkup includes a writing a post based on a random book title chosen without it being related to the book. (The linkup was hosted back in March, but I haven't gotten the chance to do it, not sure if it's too late or if it's still working. But I've always wanted to do a linkup, and this is my first time participating in one, hope I'm doing this right.) 

+ 'Eyes on You' is the title of a book written by Kate White. I picked out the book at random from my to-read list. It's a psychological thriller, and I'm making it a point to read the random book I've chosen for the linkup after this post. :) 

You can also find me on Pinterest and Goodreads. 

Crossroads (Guest Post)

This is a guest post written by Kathie from A Sea Change. Kathie had proposed to write a guest post and we decided to write guest posts on our respective blogs based on the theme of inspiring messages. Kathie will explore the ways to make decisions in difficult situations. Coming to a proper resolution has always been something that resonated with everyone, and in this post, Kathie will share her insights in decision-making and her experience in making tough choices. In exchange, I've written a post on A Sea Change, and you may check out my post on Kathie’s blog about befriending self-doubts, utilising fears and gaining self-esteem.

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There are so many times that we come to a point when we say or feel that ‘we are at a crossroad.’ Basically it means we are stuck between taking a decision when we have so many options to choose from. When we are at this point we feel scared, afraid, stressed out and perplexed because the choice you make at this point can determine your future course.

Decisions made could either be big or small but it could have an impact on you for the rest of your life. For example, choosing which course you’re planning to do. Most of us contemplate when we are required to choose a course for college, whether we want to go into arts, science or commerce. I had to make my choice too and I chose commerce and it has turned out to be great so far. I enjoy and love what I’m doing.

This though is just a small example of what it’s like to be at a crossroad.

When one is at a crossroad it is important for them to keep in mind that it is not necessary to do what everyone else is doing. You don’t have to choose the way that everybody else does. It could be that a road which is travelled frequently by everyone can work for you and it could also be that it does not. Just because that particular road works for them doesn’t mean it will work for you. It’s okay if you want to do something different and it’s okay if it isn’t what everyone else wants you to do. Whatever you opt for it should make you feel happy and content. Yes, the road whichever you desire to pick might be rocky, there might be hardships, you might have to put in a lot of effort and struggle but ultimately it’s worth it. Want to know why? Because even if it didn't fetch you what you wanted it to, at least it taught you something. You know the mistakes you committed, you know what went wrong and it is these faults that you could work on again. Don’t take it as defeat though, let it strengthen you and make you stronger so that you can face it the next time.

Coming to a crossroad means that there have been so many events that lead to this point. When you are taking a decision it’s better to keep in mind why and how you got here, what occurrences have lead you to this place, who you want to be and where do you want to go, what blunders have you done previously and what are your strong points. You could also take the advice and help of loved ones at a time of indecision. A lot of people when they reach this end tend to give up if they can’t take the pressure. If you do feel so at this juncture, then remember why you started in the first place. It could help you get through the hard time with much more ease.

Ultimately the worst thing that could happen is not taking a decision and traversing into an unknown area but it is not taking a decision at all and remaining in the same place while you watch everyone else move ahead of you.

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I’m Kathie and I blog over at A Sea Change. I’m a 19-year-old student in college pursuing Business Administration. I love to spend time with my family which includes two dogs, read, write, and once in awhile do something extremely creative. I also am a HUGE lover of tea. I hope to travel the world someday and as clichéd as it might sound, it is true. My blog is basically where I express my thoughts and views on certain matters. I try to make it as interesting as possible and I write in the hope that maybe I could just inspire a few people out there. Come on over and look around. Hopefully you’ll find something that you like and can maybe connect with!

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This is the first time I'm working with another blogger for an exchange guest post, and I had some initial reservations, but I'd like to give my appreciation and thanks to Kathie for writing this post and her amazing cooperation. I hope readers learn something and have something to take away from this at the end of it as well. 

Until next time ♥ 

Introductory photo by me, Photos in guest post courtesy of Kathie from A Sea Change

+ You may check out my post on Kathie’s blog about befriending self-doubts, utilising fears and gaining self-esteem.

Freebie: Love Her Tender (Mothers' Day Special)

It wasn't an extraordinary day for the family. By this, I mean it was treated as any other good day. Once in a few years, we might have had a little dinner out, but most years, Mothers' Day wasn't a big deal, yet it didn't creep over the weekend inconspicuously either. 

I didn't realise why this was until I had a relatively fruitful discussion with my sister about it. She pointed it out that we regarded Mother's Day as a reminder, not a celebration. And this was something that was more significant than having a mere celebration of the occasion itself. 

The Internet is filled with ideas and ways to celebrate Mothers' Day and things to do with our mothers but it is underlying purpose of Mothers' Day that is often overlooked. This doesn't mean we give the day depleted attention to entertainment either. Though unnecessary, a party or a day out is still acceptable because it allows us to spend time with our loved ones and eventually, it may serve as an alternative course to express our appreciation. 

Inevitably, Mothers' Day is a time of reflection. It is in human nature for people to forget. This day allows people to realise the importance of mothers and their innumerable contributions. What can we do to improve ourselves to be more understanding to them? What can we do to be better sons or daughters? 

Depending on the country we live in Mothers' Day is just a day or two away, (it falls on 10 May). Cards are great simple ways to write a short letter of gratitude and apology instead of a big day out. They are also more heartfelt and genuine. For anyone who hasn't made any preparations to give thanks, here's some printable cards I've made that you can use and print easily if you decide to give something to your mother at the last minute. :) 

There are 2 versions of the cards, one that says, "Happy Mum's Day" and another that says, "Love You Mum." The cards have a touch of watercolour with floral details, but I've also created plain cards without the floral details available for download. They also come in various sizes. If you'd like a mini card (that's half of an A4-sized paper), the links to those have been included below as well. There's lots of choices you can make to suit your individual preferences. :)

Version 1 // Happy Mums' Day Floral Download Floral (Small) Download Simple Download Simple (Small) Download

Version 2 // Love You Mum Floral Download  Floral  (Small) Download Simple Download  Simple (Small) Download

I started learning more methods to watercolour in the past week and the flowers on the card are just a little detail I added to apply what I learnt. I am fully aware that it's not the best, and there's a lot more to improve on, but I'd just like to take this as an experience and see how it goes. :)

People are often misguided that mothers only need to rest and take time to relax on this day. Yet in truth, she deserves a break whenever she wants and whenever she needs it, not just on this day itself. When the chips are down, she's been there for us and if she experiences something similar, she deserves timeouts as well.

It may also suffice to adopt an alternative perspective where if any day should ever be celebrated as and deserving enough to be a "mothers' day", it should be our birthdays - the celebration of our birth that has made the woman who took care of us mothers. These are the days that actually celebrate their new adventure into motherhood, and have made them stronger, happier and more blessed.

This Mothers' Day, let's remember to be thankful of these dedicated women. Run a detailed inventory and take stock of all the things she has sacrificed and done for us. After all, we are indeed indebted to her.

Happy Mothers' Day. ♥

+ All cards are for personal use only. Not for distribution or resale. Please give credit if reshared. Thank you.
Photo + Lettering + Illustrations by me

Tagged: Liebster Award

There's a phenomenon called 'tagging' in this online world. It's a form of virtual, social round robin. Most people are already familiar with this, but I suppose a brief explanation is appropriate for anyone new here who are unfamiliar. A tag usually comes in a set of questions. These questions are set by a person who created the tag or receives a tag. When someone is tagged by another, they are expected to answer the questions given and tag another group of people by setting new questions for them (depending on the rules of the tag). Eventually, the tag is repeated and passed on to an infinite network of bloggers.

A month ago, I was tagged by Elsa who was previously from Crafty Hands and Pretty Nails for the Liebster Award, and over the past month, Elsa has since changed her blog to Totally Elsa. I really appreciate her nomination. At the same time, I had been busy with personal matters so I didn't manage to complete it. In this tag, I was given eleven questions to answer. :) The word 'liebster' was completely indistinguishable to me. And being curious to know what it meant, I did a little research, eventually finding that it's actually a German word for 'dearest'. Usually used in the beginning of letters, 'liebster' is a way to address to a very intimate person. :)

To be honest, I've expressed my reluctance previously when responding to 'tags'. As a reserved person, I tend to avoid discussing topics of my pesonal life online. This might explain why I haven't been active on other social networks. I do realise that this sounds silly because being open and gregarious is in fact some of the attributes or functions of bloggers. Refraining from being this might be a setback, since blogging is undeniably a form of social networking - personal blogs are created so people will know who bloggers are, what their lives are about. Yet this wasn't my agenda in my initial venture.

I wanted this space to inspire others. A large amount of readership would just be a plus point because the more readers, the greater number of people my lettering work manages to reach, and the greater number of people it will eventually inspire. As long as people felt motivated with the lettering quotes, pinning them or sharing them, the message has been understood, and there was already a triumphant sense of achievement. :)

The Challenge

I made a decision that instead of the usual way of answering questions from these tags directly, I'd explore a different way to approach it. I've taken some photographs displaying all the answers to the questions given by Elsa in her nomination/tag with hand lettering + illustrations. It's a neat new game I'd like to propose and give as a challenge. The answers shown are not direct, some are just doodles, and it's up to the reader to  interpret it. It'll be an interesting to see if you can match the answers to the questions in the photographs and test your deductive/visual skills. Some are pretty straight forward and relatively easy. Remember, every clue in the photograph counts - whether it was the person who said the quote or the content of the lettering. It's all in the details. :)

Questions from Elsa

01. Where would you like to travel to most?
02. What is your favourite food?
03. What is your favourite colour?
04. Do you like your first name or would you like to change it if you could?
05. What is your dream pet? (It can be anything.)
06. Do you have siblings and how well do you get along with them?
07. What are your favourite blogs/
08. What is your favourite TV series?
09. Talking or texting?
10. What is your worst fear?
11. What is your favourite activity?

Answers 
You may match the answers in the lettering + illustrations to the questions. (The photographs can be enlarged for zooming in with a click.) 

If you do try this challenge out and you'd like to see the individual lettering work from the photographs and the answers, the individual lettering work + their descriptions can be found here. (How many right answers did you manage to match?) This was made in the hope that people can put their deductive skills to the test instead of reading this tags in the usual manner, and be inspired by these quotes too. :)

And, as part of the rules of this tag, another eleven bloggers are meant to be tagged too. :)

Neal // Daily Diaries
Kanra // The Lunar Descent
Bryleigh // A Little Yarn Blossom
Envy // Picking Up The Pieces
Fatima // That Delete Button
Gina // Life and Lights
Kathie // A Sea Change
Imogen // Gossiping with Dragons
Amy // Little Moon Elephant
Olivia // Life As A Young Lady
Eve // Eve of Womanhood

The questions required to be answered for this tag are as follows. (The photograph can be enlarged for zooming in with a click.) 

I do realise that some of these bloggers have already completed this tag, but I have an exhaustive list of bloggers I am acquainted with, so it's completely optional if you intend to repeat the tag. Besides, these tags are just meant to be a virtual round robin, so if you don't wish to complete it, it's understandable because you can choose not to. :) I also intended to tag a few other bloggers I know of because I'm appreciative of their support, but the number of followers they have exceeds 200, and unfortunately, they didn't qualify to be nominated. 

My sister taught me this once - someone's personality can be sieved into their work and ultimately be inferred by others, whether it was their writing or any other form of expression, like lettering. It doesn't need to be explicitly shown. I'd also like to think it helps a person stay genuine - his work and life open to interpretation, and I do very much prefer being elusive.

This is not to say that I despise these 'tags' either, it's a great way to get to know others, and others to know myself. :) I'm also very much sincerely appreciative of the nomination from Elsa. I'd just like to make a confession that I'm not very good at these things. I prefer to be a little like a mystery, not the one that teases and leads people on, but one that isn't so vulnerable with private things. Someone whose motives are pure and obvious, but everything-else is something to discover. Apologies for this extremely long post. 

Until next time ♥

Lettering + Photos by me

Click here for the direct answers to the tag. + Update: I've created a new collection called The Minimalist Collection where I've round up some of the best minimal and simple lettering pieces including some from this post. You may also find it in the Work tab on the menu. Will update the collection occasionally with more lettering work based on simplicity and minimal graphics. :)

I'm finally back from my break, it's so refreshing just to dust off this little space and do a little spring cleaning. Glad to be back and hear + catch up with everyone. + Let me know what you think of this way of completing tags as well by leaving a comment, I'd love to hear any constructive feedback. Thank you. :)