Start Your Life of Creative Adventure!

It is always interesting to read about entrepreneurs and what leads them to pursue their talents and create their own inspirational businesses. I love reading about growing one's passion and talent into a business...or simply turning a hobby or activity that you enjoy into something to share with others. It is so satisfying to share what works for you with others. After all, this is our only life of creative adventure. You have permission! 

In the process of discovering one’s own talents or interests, many of us begin with a list of things we enjoy doing. Often our list of goals and things we like to do are launched and relaunched at the beginning of each year in the form of new year’s resolutions.  I especially like to create to-do lists for projects for home and work that sometimes become a “thinking list” of new ideas and thoughts. 

Yet often during the process of list making, we create a box of restrictions around ourselves in the shape of boundaries, perfections and expectations.  This can take away from the freedom of trying something new, trusting our hearts to explore a dream or even taking the risk of creating something that could blossom into something of beauty.  We often stop ourselves from choosing to live our dreams before we even try a step forward.  As one entrepreneur shared with me, “If you have a good idea don’t wait, just jump in and begin to swim and discover your talents!” Another successful business mentor told me,  “If you follow your heartfelt dreams, everything will grow in your “own” life….and your “own” journey.”

I know there is so much “other” in our everyday: things we must do, responsibilities, and our own self-imposed expectations.  Make  time to open up your box and explore with freedom. Develop your talents and interests and see where the journey will take you.

Endurance and the Summer Garden

The utopia of a Spring garden—its newness and bloom surprises—is quickly followed by the Summer months of July and August. The garden grows double-time, basking in the vitamins from the sun and warm weather. This is the season that puts me to the test. Longer and more frequent days are are required in the garden, trying to stay ahead of the growth, the bugs and other challenges. The peak of summer gardening is all about endurance.

I often find myself asking, “Can I ever get ahead of the upkeep and care?” And, the funny thing is, after a long week of labor in the garden, I am always rewarded.   When I sit in my favorite spot over looking the garden at dusk, I relax and take in all of the joy it brings me. I know that it is never fully complete or finished. I accept that it is a work in progress. Actually, I love that it’s always a work in progress. Isn’t it all? The splashes of colorful flowers dotted across he varying hues of green are a backdrop for a very special kind of dance where humming birds and butterflies flow to the rhythm of the gentle breeze.  And it’s never the same performance twice.

We must all endure through seasons of extra work, some emotional or physical strain, and longer hours at different times in our lives. But no two days are the same. Each day is a new performance in the greatest work-in-progress of all: life.

As we endure through the peak summer months of a garden in full abundance, we welcome in the cooler and shorter days of the autumn season. In these periods of rest, we rebuild, prepare and find the strength to endure through all that is put in front of us -- every day and in every season.

Long Summer Days are for Creativity

Summer is our most gifted season around the globe. It's permission to soak in the beauty all around us. It's a time to watch things bloom and blossom and, I don't know about you, but I have the same urge within me to do the same. I am inspired to paint, draw and write. Others are inspired to cook, sing and dance.
My challenge to you is try something different. If you like to cook, find a new recipe. If you like to dance, dance to a new tune. If you like to draw, try a different size of canvas or a new medium. Experiment. I cannot underline how fulfilling it is to carve out some time for oneself in this way. It is truly a gift.

And if you don't consider yourself a creative person, I don't believe you!

Sometimes we just need a little inspiration. One of the best sources of inspiration is to dream and I find that magazines really offer me a chance to see something new, or something in a new way. Images within the pages inspire me or remind me of my dreams or just give me a sense of awe. Magazines are always trying to bring you to new places or revisit older ones in a new and refreshing light. I love that about magazines. And I love summertime!

In your creativity, you'll discover just how unique you are.

In the afternoon, you can often find the floor of my living room looking like this.
Spread out those magazines and give it a try!

How to Create Inspirational Space in Your Home or Workplace

“Draw on your creativity” by setting your personal space up to allow for creative flow and inspiration. If you think you are not creative, think again! When you give yourself time for creativity, you discover a whole new way of looking—and thinking.  Creativity boosts critical thinking!

- Have a sketching pad when you sit down to watch TV.

- Have a sewing or a knitting bag nearby.

- Create an “idea lab” with some of your favorite magazines, books, photos or websites.

- Set aside a shelf for keepsakes like shells and stones collected on a beach walk, trinkets from globe-trotting travels, or leaves from an autumn hike. You’ll be amazed at how seeing these things every day will trigger your senses and your memory.

- Take a class to refresh your talents, learn new crafts and enhance your day-to day.

How do you give yourself a creative break? I’d love to hear from you! 

Why I Teach Art

Why teach art? Why teach creativity? Why be creative?

We all have different needs. We come from different pasts and live with different stories and experiences. When I teach Art from the Heart to people, my goal is to teach my students to get out of their "mind thoughts" and experience things again through their Heart senses. I give my students an opportunity to rediscover themselves through what they see and feel--through their heart. Art through the Heart opens one’s soul to the rediscovery of themselves through love and through the senses.

Most people today have stopped seeing what is around them. They are so busy rushing through the day to get ready for the next day that they forget to stop and take in the moment. Slowing down and creating art is not only cathartic for my students, it is cathartic for me. 

I'm sharing this video from Fast Company about Pamela Bell, Co-founder of Kate Spade and Founder of Prinkshop who teaches an art class for homeless addicts. As much as she is changing their lives, she says she gets more joy from teaching this class than she does from anything else. This video is such an affirmation of why I teach art. Art truly is a healing release for all.