Pink of Perfection Project: June Roundup and July Assignment
June’s Pink of Perfection Project was to reach out to someone and thank them for being the best mom you could have dreamed of, a boss who taught you work could be fun, or a teacher who pushed hard enough so you could see just how much you were capable of.
EB of Spice Dish, one of the most dependable people I know in the blogosphere, wrote a really amazing letter to her mom who, incidentally, sounds like a total bad ass.
Leisure Girl (who’s tagline is “Love your couch? I’m your girl”), wrote a missive to her dear Tivo. Thanking inanimate objects isn’t exactly what I had I mind, but from what I know about Tivo, it’s more like a friend who anticipates your every need, and who wouldn’t be thankful for that?
Naomi (who doesn’t have a blog) wrote that she has done this type of project twice before, each time met with an overwhelming positive response. Now a teacher, the fan letters she receives keep her going on those days when work seems too much to bear.
Thank you so much to everyone who participated in June’s project — I have no doubt that you really made someone’s day. And if there’s anyone who participated in this month’s project who I missed, let me know and I’ll pop in a link to your blog. Now for this month’s assignment:
Since summer is all about simple pleasures, I thought July’s project could be a happiness list. Apologies if you’re gagging on my twee-ness right now, but this is something I do regularly, project or no. Here’s why: it’s so helpful to have at hand a reminder of what means the world to you. For those of us who tend toward the melancholic, having a happiness list is a really helpful way to pull yourself out of a slump. If you’re feeling a little blue, a quick look at the list will remind you that sitting in the sunshine makes you smile. So you slap on some spf and take five minutes off from whatever you were doing to let the sun shine on your face.
But you can also use the list to gauge how often you’re letting into your life the things that thrill you most. Items on a happiness list can run from the quotidian (morning coffee), to something a little special (a bicycle ride by the beach), to a dream you want to keep your eye on (playing keyboards in a band). By stocking your happiness list with items as accessible as possible, though, you remind yourself that you have all the makings of a fine little life. You just have to go out there and make it happen.
Here’s how to participate:
- E-mail me and say you’re on board (remember to include a link to your blog!): sarah@pinkofperfection.com
- Complete the project.
- Write about the project on your website or blog by July 31.
- Send me the link to your blog post via the comments or email.
One more thing: Cat from the amazing craft community Cut Out + Keep named named me a Crafty Superstar, and I am unspeakably flattered. Check out the site if you don’t know it, all the great user-submitted how-to’s, and my featured profile here. Thank you again, Cat!
Elizabeth: This is a fabulous idea. I really truly am going to try to do the POP project this month (I always tell myself that when you post them and somehow never do…)2 years ago
EB: Oh my god Sarah! Not twee at all. Totally awesome and needed. Love it love it. I’m in (of course).
And yeah… mom’s a badass.
EB2 years ago
Leah: In fact, this is why I started a blog in the first place — I wanted to keep track of happy things in my life, and am ONLY allowed to write positive things there. It really does wonders to read back through it. Fantastic project, Sarah!2 years ago
Anita: Great idea!! I really need to make a list like that for those occasional down days. Please count me in!2 years ago
Ann: Count me in for this round! Also, great interview at Cut Out + Keep.
You are a total Crafty Superstar!2 years ago
Sarah: Elizabeth, This is definitely the one to do, I think. So easy, so rewarding!
EB, I’m glad you like this one, and I’m so glad that you participate in each one. I should name you POP Project President or something.
Leah, A fabulous idea! Then your blog becomes such a calming, happy place. I know just what you mean
Anita, You are on the list!
Ann, You’re on the list, too! And I’m so glad you liked the Crafty Superstar thing. I think I’m still blushing…2 years ago
Diane S: Wonderful idea; It not only chases away the blues but makes things more positive in a negative world. I’m happy for: warm house in winter, clean sheets, good friends, a good job with benefits, loving unselfish husband, religious and political freedom, Sunday Dinners2 years ago
Michaele: Perfect timing…that mid-year “where have the last six months gone” blues have kinda set in so this is the ideal remedy!2 years ago
Sara Rose: I am officially in! BTW- just finshed Peyton Place and also The Love Machine by Jacqueline Susan- perfect summer reading!2 years ago
Bethany: Sarah, you can count me in on this one! This will be the perfect opportunity to find something to cheer me up.2 years ago
Jen: Hi! I love your site and completed the smiley face assignment. Thanks for a fun idea.
http://homeownershipissexy.blogspot.com/2 years ago
Mary: Sarah, I will do this project! I was just surfing the web and found your site. Everything I am reading here is hitting so close to home! Cheers, ~Mary2 years ago
Bethany: Sarah,
I am such a horrible procrastinator, but I didn’t wait until the last minute to do the POP Project!
http://glamourousliving.blogspot.com/2008/07/happiness-list.html2 years ago
Monna: Hi Sarah!
I wanted you to know that although I did not post the “results” on my blog, your June assignment inspired me to nominate our amazing school Principal for a school-wide appreciation award which he received. He would be mortified if I mentioned his name so I will leave it at that!
I am also totally in for the July assignment. What a wonderful way to focus on the positive! Thanks!2 years ago
Sarah: Monna, That is so, so great about the principal! Wow, that just pleases me right down to my toes.2 years ago
Terry Grahl: Hello Sarah,
I wanted you to know about my projects and what keeps me up all night and feeling alive. Back in Jan. 2007 I visited a women’s shelter and when I left I finally felt alive and not existing. After 7 months of fundraising the women received a place to call home. The day I left the shelter makeover I knew this was my calling and purpose here on earth. I returned this past Feb to the same shelter to makeover all 9 private bedrooms all in cottage style (Aug.28th the project will be finished.) My shelter project for 2009 will be a girls shelter here in Michigan that sleeps 183 girls. I feel alive, awaken and POSITIVE….Many Blessings, Terry ox2 years ago
rowena: Hi there! I just stumbled upon this project, and have to say I love it. I’ve been working on my own list for almost a year now, and you are right, it really helps those of us who are melancholic. It also helps me to be zen and stay in the now.
I wrote here about some of these things. http://warriorgirl.blogspot.com/2008/07/happiness-is-necessary.html2 years ago
samantha: pop - i’m sliding in at the last second, but i gotta tell you this little diddy really pepped up my day. thanks!
here it is:
http://samantharoddy.blogspot.com/2008/07/pink-of-perfection-saves-me-from-blog.html2 years ago
Napmom: Pics and other ideas for all to enjoy. Thanks for the great idea.2 years ago
anatomist: i was inspired to make my list too!2 years ago
Stampin' Sammie: My results are in this blog post. Thanks for the thoughtful and easy challenge Sarah! I loved it!
2 years ago
Maggie: Definitely better late than never! But the timing of this couldn’t have been more perfect… thanks for the challenge!2 years ago