Saturday, July 14, 2012

Friday, July 13, 2012

Thursday, July 12, 2012

28/365: Turquoise

Today I made:

a quick stop...
I sometimes wonder if my friends and family are perturbed by my frequent stops for pictures. I hope they understand, I can't help it. It comes with wanting to live the creative life. If the scene and colors speak to me, I will hit the breaks on our bike ride, get sand in my sandals and capture the moment. Because it brings me joy to answer the call of the creative whenever and wherever it strikes, and because I needed to remember the turquoise of this kayak...

Sail Bay, San Diego

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

27/365: Unexpected Blue

Today I made:

time for the flowers...
If I have somewhere to be in the morning, I stick to a pretty fixed routine. I don't usually stop to smell the proverbial flowers. But this morning, I couldn't help myself. I'm learning that there is art in the noticing, and that it's worth taking the time to document the little things that make me smile. When the creative spirit moves you to act, be open to the moment. Honor it with whatever form of expression seems right. I photographed these flowers from every angle until I captured the surprising shade of blue that first caught my eye. The journal entry flowed easily from there. Before I even stepped foot outside my door, I was feeling creative and fulfilled. What an amazing way to begin the day!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

26/365: Art is...

Today I made:

a collection...
a young person's thoughts on art
I am collecting words! That is nothing new for me really, but now the focus of my collection is words about ART. Today during tutoring, my brilliant young friend and I did a little free writing (inventive spelling encouraged ;) and brainstormed some adjectives about one of our favorite topics. Those are her words on the left. It's interesting to see how young people articulate what art is to them. I'm particularly excited by the variety in her responses! Her idea of art being forgiving really speaks to me today.

I have a plan for a project that will cover the walls of my dream studio. It stems from my love of words, typography and collaborative art. So beginning today, I'm gathering words that describe art, creativity and self-expression. Anything goes here. Please make your own meaning and share your thoughts. Art is...

Monday, July 9, 2012

25/365: Connection

Today I made:

a connection...

I met with my partner in crime this afternoon, designing a floor plan and working out the operations of our dream business. There was plenty of creative work in that, but I still felt like playing with my art supplies.

It was hubby's turn to cook dinner tonight (he makes a mean pasta sauce), so I got 20 undisturbed minutes in my art space. That is just enough time to dig through my collection and start slapping things together. My inner critic has no time to interfere.

So with the smell of peppers and onions simmering in the kitchen, I got to work. A vintage rubber stamp image (gotta love those dollar bin finds!), some alphabet stamps (my favorite!) and a puzzle piece I found on the sidewalk turned into a representation of my need for connection as an artist and entrepreneur.

It's amazing what we can come up with when we connect on common interests and philosophies.
Sometimes the right person comes along, looks at our ideas from a different perspective and helps the pieces fit together.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

24/365: Surround Yourself With People Who Wonder

Today I made:

This free verse poem...

Surround yourself with the like-minded thoughts
Of like-minded people.
Find your community
In the flesh,
The world of webs,
Or in the pages of a book.
They will be your validation
For who you are or who you are becoming.
Others have walked this path before you.
They have faced these obstacles.
They have stories to tell and lessons to teach.
Listen and learn!
When the understanding is yours,
You can pay it forward
Sharing insights with those who are new on the path.
We are all learners and we are all teachers
In our own time.
Now is the time to go.
Go in the direction of your dreams.
Go to ask the questions and find the answers.
Seek the wisdom that will help you grow.
Grow in the direction of the sun.
Grow so bright that others can't help but wonder
What it would be like to grow that way.
Surround yourself with people who wonder.

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On another note (a related one, I suppose)...
I took my first yoga class today! I honestly don't know why I waited so long. Solo living room yoga did not prepare me for this. The quiet, the concentration, the people stretching and bending and breathing around me. My muscles twitched and my legs wobbled. My breathing was uneven and my mind wandered. I couldn't help but smile. I am humbled. I am an absolute beginner...with so many things these days. While that can be frustrating and scary at times, I am giving myself over to the process. There is so much possibility in being a beginner. From here all I can do is practice, learn and grow. Those seem like pretty good options to me.