Saturday, January 9, 2010

Journal Writing Prompts: The Masquerade Ball



One of the things I promised to do for myself this year is to start a journal of self discovery and change. Since we are coming up on carnival season, I thought a masquerade ball theme would make the perfect first journal writing prompt. We all wear masks in one form or another but tonight I can be anyone I want to be. So, who will I become? Will I choose to play it safe and blend in with the crowd as I have always done before?


Or, will I begin to break old patterns? Will I take a chance and allow myself the freedom to be who I really am, to be the person I always knew I was or wanted to be? I've kept that vulnerable girl in me hidden away for far too long, afraid of being hurt. No one would know it was me. From behind the safety of my mask, I can be anyone I want to be.


I feel my fear dissolve it's grip as I begin to make new choices. With each tiny step I move toward the changes I have always wanted to make but never knew exactly how. I know that I am safe. I trust the process of life to support and guide me. I water with love and feed with care, that little child within, until she blooms like the bright shining, magnificent individual she always was. I can toss the masks, they serve me no longer. I am free to let myself stand above the crowd, free to be myself at last.


What masks do you wear and why? What are you most afraid of? What would happen if you were not afraid? I invite you to ponder and create a carnvial journal page to explore. I also invite you to join me for the Bal Masqe on February 13th. Be sure to visit the lovely Beverly of How Sweet the Sound for more Pink Saturday goodies!


19 comments:

Elaine A said...

Kellie -

I applaud your steps forward into a new future. Your steps forward allowed me to learn new things about myself, to grow and stretch myself as an artist. Your encouragement to all the Paper Dolls on your Ning site is much appreciated and I know we all love you for it. You are so giving of your time and your expertise and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You make it easy for us to open up about dreams and take tiny steps towards making those dreams real. Thank you, thank you!

Hugs -

Elaine Allen

Susie Jefferson said...

Go for it! That's what I say. Never be afraid to be yourself, and never feel it's wrong to be an individual.

Happy Pink Saturday!

jasmoonbutterfly said...

Oh I have missed you Kelly - what a lovely post, wonderful ...def joining you my friend..this idea really appeals to me thank you xoxo
love & light
Trace )O(

Claudia said...

This post is lovely! I really like what you said. We do all wear masks. Life is too short not to be who you really are! Happy Pink Saturday!

Unknown said...

Thank you so very much for your visits ladies. I will be stopping by to say hello to each and every one.

Magic and blessings =D
~Kellie

Mary Bergfeld said...

I wish you well on your quest. You have intent and resolve on your side.
I hope 2010 brings you health, happiness and prosperity. Happy Pink Saturday.

Pom Pom said...

Hi cute Kitty Kellie! I ADORE paper dolls and I don't have enough of them in my every day doings. I am so happy that I found your blog through Pink Saturday! Our family lived near Seattle (in Kent actually) for a little over a year, but my BIG family still lives there and I grew up north of Seattle in Burlington. So, I'm always happy to meet a fellow Northwesterner! Masks. I think I wear the mask of "nice" sometimes and I'd like to say that wearing that mask benefits others, but sometimes it's a cover up of my own fear. I love your convictions about "play" and my imagination is completely captivated by fairies and gnomes when my garden starts to grow in the springtime. It's so nice to meet you!

Nan said...

Thanks for visiting my Alaska blog and telling about your trip. We live was down the Kenai from Anchorage in Homer right on the coast facing a gorgeous bay called Kachemak Bay.
I watched your video on making the fairy. I will be back later to check out more as I love to make things like this myself and I'm wondering where your patterns come from for the paper doll bodies? I had one in a paper art book but that was limited. I will investigate your Blog more. Nice to visit such a gorgeous blog.
Nan

Nan said...

Ooops Kellie I mixed you up with another comment on my blog who visited Alaska...no matter...what I said goes, love your blog and will return later to check out more about these paper dolls you make, I'm so intrigued by them, need to look into your archives. Nan

Char said...

This is just so perfect. Lots of color and dress up, you get to be anything you want to be!! Happy Pink Saturday, Char

MaygreenFairies said...

Hey Kitty, what a wonderful post, I hope all your dreams come true in 2010! Hugs, Mandy x

Sueann said...

I love your new "look" and I applaud your efforts on becoming freer!!! You go girl...be free...dance and sing and wear wonderful costumes. Be free!!!
I too wore a mask and hid within my shell...but I am coming out and trying out new looks!! Hoorah!!
Hugs
SueAnn

Marsha @ Tattered Chick said...

Ah, yes, hiding behind a mask one can feel safe. If I remove the mask, will they still like me. Be true to yourself! Be who you are, live life!

Wonderful post!

Thank you for visiting. Between Pink Saturday and Silver Sunday I'm running around trying to visit as many blogs as I can!

Have a wonderful week ahead!

((Hugs))

Nan said...

Dear Kitty Kellie...yes yes offering for sale your sweet little paper doll patterns is a wonderful idea. I'll keep checking your blog. You obviously can draw ;D which I cannot so I struggle. I could trace and cut, I will try anyway to make one of your cuties here, the fairy especially. Nan

Ginger said...

Thank you for stopping by and leading me to your blog, it is lovely and I love the paper dolls. You are very talented. I will be back to watch some of your tutorials and see what you are up to.

Ginger

BethieJ said...

Happy Pink Saturday! (so it is sunday.. that is ok right! :) ) I ADORE your paper dolls.. wishing you much SUCCESS towards your personal goals in 2010! Thank you for stopping by my blog!

~✽Mumsy✽~ said...

I used to play with paper doll as a young girl. So your pictures took me way back..

I've just starting my blog for a journey into my own thoughts and feelings also. I can relate to how you feel..

Anonymous said...

To be afraid . . . thank you for reminding us that it's ok to feel afraid. But that in time, and in one's own pace we will bloom as well.I guess baby steps will take us a long way. :-)

Mizpah,
Li

Creations by Marie Antoinette and Edie Marie said...

Wonderful, Wonderful Kellie,
Your always steping up to bigger and newer things.
Yes its almost carnival time in New Orleans.My home town.I love this time.
I love your beautiful face in these paper dolls.I so enjoyed doing the TAD.I had a ball.
With that, I wish you all the best this New Year has to offer,
XXOO Marie Antionette