Creative Soul

Creativity and Ideas

2011-02-02T09:43:00.000-06:00

Where do creative ideas come from?

I think they are in the air waiting to be harvested. How many times have you had an idea, maybe for a story or a book, maybe for an invention, maybe for....who know what? Time and life get in the way and you don't pursue, develop, or encourage it. Some day, you think....One day you are strolling through the bookstore or hardware store and there it is...your idea. Fleshed out, well packaged, and for sale. Oh sure, it may not be entirely like you imagined, but that's because it came through someone else's creativity, but you recognize it. Someone else tamed the feral idea. Tamed it and made it theirs.

I often imagine ideas like the birds at my feeders outside. When seeds are put out, when water, shelter, and safety are available, an amazing variety of birds flock to the feeders. Ignore them, and they fly to someone else's feeders.

The same with ideas...when they are fed, nurtured, sheltered, watered, and made safe, they flock to you.
What ideas do you need to encourage and feed? In what ways can you offer a nurturing, safe environment for them to make a home?

Happy creating!

The Long Silence is Over

2011-02-01T08:31:00.001-06:00

Howdy! I'm baaaaaaaaacccccckkkkkkkk!

Tune in for renewed updates on the creative soul living a creative life, moment by moment....

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

2010-03-02T08:11:00.004-06:00

Today's the 106th anniversary of the birth of Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss.

A few Seuss quotes to rattle around in your brain today...

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...

Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.

I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!

Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope.

You can get help from teachers, but you are going to have to learn a lot by yourself, sitting alone in a room.

Think and wonder, wonder and think.

Try them, try them, and you may! Try them and you may, I say.

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

Creative Half Halt

2010-03-01T08:41:00.004-06:00

Hyacinth in the snow...photo by the Pilot Guy

There it is allllll stretched out in front of you, a fresh new month. A month poised with one foot firmly in the icy temps of winter while the other foot dips a toe in the warming pool of spring.

Today is a good day to revisit hopes, dreams, and plans. The last post remains valid...give credit for what's actually been done, but, today, let's also look forward. What do you want to accomplish this month (week, day)? How does that fit into your year-long or life-long goals?

In horseback riding, it's called a half halt, where the rider 'gathers up' the horse beneath him with reins, legs, seat, and voice. It's a quick maneuver that signals a horse to stop, then immediately to go forward again. The animal never stops, most witnesses might not even see the hitch in the stride. The result, however, is a more collected horse. Alert, with all four hooves directly under her...balanced...resulting in more nimbleness. A half halt is excellent when a change in direction is needed or to refocus both horse and rider.

A human half halt could be the two minutes you stand quietly, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and ask, what's the most important thing I can do right now? Really listen...what's important, not what's urgent. You'll open your eyes with greater vision and clearer purpose.

Take a moment...

What important goals have you neglected recently?

What actions do you need to take to put yourself back on the path toward your creative dreams?

Go for it!

Creative Perspective

2010-02-23T10:03:00.004-06:00

Do you ever get down on yourself because you aren't regularly checking items off your to-do or goals lists? Yeah, me, too.

The voices in my head remind me ...
I haven't finish my work in progress.
I haven't finished a quilt project. (Finished? I haven't started)
I haven't kept up with my reading list....

And so it goes...

We creative souls beat ourselves up over our short falls and short comings. We are sensitive and easily discouraged at times. But, here's a thought. Instead of focusing on what hasn't been done, swap the perspective to what has been done. Unless you've been sitting in front of the TV 24/7, your list will get impressively long.

I have written. I have cleaned out some messes. I have painted and redecorated a room. I've helped my son and daughter in law move out. I've cooked some great meals. I'ved done a lot of stained glass. I've spent time being a friend. I've spent time with my husband.

The lists go on...

Take stock of what you have accomplished in the last few weeks. You'll feel confident and refreshed afterwards.

Memoir Monday ~ What You Wish You'd Known

2010-02-22T08:57:00.004-06:00

How about a fun Memoir Monday?

When you look back on your life, what are a few things you wish you'd known to pay more attention to? You realize, of course, that someone in your life tried (hard!) to tell you, but you were young and not willing to listen. Okay, that's me anyway.

Here's a few to get you started:

1. Exercise more.

2. Eat healthier. Notice those first sneaky pounds piling on. Let's include here all those things you know you should have been doing...wearing sunscreen, getting enough sleep, and staying away from addictive substances like Dr Pepper....

3. Be money smart. Save more, spend less, work smarter.

4. Pursue dreams with greater passion and hard work and less by daydreaming for a big break.

5. Live with less fear. What's the worst thing that could happen?

6. Savor parenting more. Be stricter with my sons. Enjoy them more. Don't let the frustrations ever outweigh the delights.

7. Keep up with photo scrapbooking. The boxes of loose photos I have speak volumes. It's overwhelming to think about and a crying shame we can't enjoy our own photo memories. It's a double shame when you consider every photo leaving my studio was either in a frame, a folder, or an album. Beautiful. I wish I'd taken the time to treat my own personal photos with an equal amount of respect. Someday was what I always told myself.

8. Keep a journal of my son's cute sayings and antics. True, there's some things you never forget, but the older I get the more swiss cheesy my memory gets. Capture precious moments and write down family stories.

9. Hug people I love more. They may not be there tomorrow. Send more thoughtfully written cards telling people how much they mean to me.

10. Live more artistically. Be truer to my 'vision' and taste and less blown by winds of trends and fashions. Be more true to my creative soul.

I could go on, but you get the idea. Post your list on your blog and link back to here..and mention your blog addy in the comments below.

Profound or silly...I can't wait to read them.

Ta-Da Friday ~ February 19, 2010

2010-02-19T16:47:00.004-06:00

You know you are NOT a homeschool mom anymore when you have an actual dining room.

In the years we've lived in this house, this 'formal' dining room has been a school room...a computer, a table, and four overstuffed bookcases were the decor. Accents included our French language world map, a microscope, and office supplies. Functional, yes. Valued, definitely. Pretty, not so much.

I thought for sure when Nathan graduated, I'd get to overhaul this room. But, instead our oldest and his bride moved back home for a time. The dining room became a place to display wedding gifts. Then, after baby C's arrival, a place for all the stuff babies require. A few weeks ago, my oldest son and his family moved to a place of their own...and I got an itch to re-do the room before something else came up.

Here's a before (on the day all the baby stuff moved out) Homeschool books still in place.

And after a few days of work, here's the new improved version....

I like yellows and golds, can you tell? I wanted a fresh and happy room. It's not done, of course...all that wall space needs addressing. The chairs probably will get painted black in the near future. I can so see a distressed white French country dining set in that room.

All the books are re-located into oldest son's former bedroom. I'll be going through them and having a homeschool book 'garage sale' online in the coming weeks. It's been hard to go through those books, but, somehow, moving them around has helped break some of the strings to my heart. We will always be a homeschool, love of learning family, but we don't need to keep all these books.

The Pilot Guy ended up doing all the high work on this project and did it way better than I would have.

That's my creative effort this week. We also took a couple of sunny days to prune the roses. It's been a good week. I hope yours has been fun, too.

A New Season

2010-02-18T08:56:00.003-06:00

What a difference a week makes...this time last week, we were covered with gorgeous snow. Today, however, is the first unofficial day of spring no matter what the calendar may say. Here is the first of the daffodils to bloom. Tulips and hyacinths are pushing up leaves. The roses are breaking bud (and desperately need me to finish pruning them.)

Today is also the day pitchers and catchers report for spring training. The 2010 Major League Baseball season has begun. WhooHoo!

That's the true harbinger of spring, not crocuses or swallows returning to Capistrano, but the sound of a bat on a ball. ~Bill Veeck, 1976

It's a time of new beginnings, of waking up old dreams. Shake off those winters doldrums and create something wonderful today.

Out Beyond...

2010-02-17T08:41:00.005-06:00

A quote found in an old appointment book of mine...

Out beyond ideas of right thinking or wrong thinking there lies a field....

I'll meet you there.

They make me want to be very, very brave in my work, but I have no idea what that means exactly.

What about you?

Memoir Monday ~ Valentine Reflections

2010-02-15T08:50:00.004-06:00

Since Valentine's Day was yesterday, let's explore those recollections for Memoir Monday.

What are your strongest memories of Valentine's Day?
Any special traditions associated with the day?
Foods? Activities?
Favorite Valentine's cards?

Can't wait to see what you reveal!

For me....

Valentine's Day stuff is a product of our school systems, I think. From an early grade, students learn to apply glue to paper and lace to make valentines. There's a party, so each student has to give a small card to every other student. I noticed when we started homeschooling, Valentine's Day became a lot more fun because we could tread more lightly and with less frou-frou stuff.

My strongest Valentine's Day memories are not of glue, glitter, or paper hearts. The first V-day, The Pilot Guy and I dated was one busy weekend. That year, Valentine's fell on a Saturday. The same Saturday of Master Follies at Lubbock Christian, a huge annual performance event. It just so happened that was also homecoming, too, with all it's related festivities. We were the only hired photographers on campus and busy doesn't even begin to describe that weekend. A yearbook deadline and the regular weekly deadlines for the campus newspaper were also a part of the mix. We worked long and hard to cover all of our responsibilities, something close to sixty hours each within a three or four day period between our actual photography duties, plus darkroom time. By the way, I got paid a whopping $1.67 per hour in those days...I don't remember if that was minimum wage or simply work/study pay according to college standards. It was good money as far as I was concerned. As you can see, there was simply no time to go out for a romantic date on February 14th, so we postponed our celebration until the next day.

Thirty-five years later, we still are.

In fact, a couple of years after that first Valentine's weekend, we became engaged on February 15th.

A Snowy Scene

2010-02-12T10:14:00.007-06:00

Wow, it kept snowing yesterday, breaking long standing records for our area.

12.5 inches in my yard.

Mostly, it was just plain pretty...

The bird feeder in the veggie garden. This snow draped and flowed like fabric in many places. The snow looked lovely here with a ribbon of white connecting the leaves to the bloom.

The pond is round, yet the hole left around it is squarish in shape. Curious.

I keep a string of white lights in the shrubs by the front porch until spring. Last night the snow glowed through like an enchanted village. By morning the heat from the lights had melted the snow...still enchanting.

A white kingdom...

We made snow ice cream yesterday:

Combine milk (or cream) with sugar and vanilla to taste. Stir in heaping amounts of clean, fresh snow. Combine until the mix resembles homemade ice cream.

A friend made snow candy by boiling maple syrup with a little butter, then drizzling the mix across the cold snow. I haven't done candy yet, but it sounds good, don't you think?

Now, will one of you northern gals tell me how to go about shoveling off the driveway? Especially since I don't own a snow shovel?

This is a good time for creative pursuits indoors.

A Snowy Walk

2010-02-11T08:50:00.006-06:00

Snowing today...big, fluffy flakes of whiteness... come take a walk with me...

It's a gentle snow, tracing the lacy outline of the metal bench beautifully. See how it's piled up on the lantern? We have a couple of inches and flakes are pouring out of the sky still.

Crepe Mrytles in the winter are beautiful. With snow, their graceful elegance is enhanced.

If we must have winter, then having a lovely snow (and not having to drive in it) is a great way to decorate the day.

Snow
A cup of hot chocolate
A fire in the fireplace.
A Very good day.

Today would be a good day to write snow poetry, don't you think? Let me know what you come up with...I'll post mine, too.

Words Wednesday

2010-02-10T07:38:00.005-06:00

All day yesterday we wrestled with a virus attack on my computer. To make it more fun, my resident computer expert was clear across the country on that other job he does...you know, the one where they pay him. I had to do all the techy stuff. Really this virus didn't know whose computer it was messing with. Stand between me and my blog? No way. Get between me and my Facebook friends? I think not.

So, here's a few words of warning.

Update your virus protection.
Go to Avast and download the current version. It's free and effective. Sign up for the free updates. I've gotten sloppy about updates and running regular scans. If you run into a nasty bug, go to a clean computer to download instructions and a fix from the folks at Malwarebytes. They helped me oust the nasty yesterday.

Back up. Back up. Back up.
Back up everything on your computer. As I wrestled with the bug yesterday, I was confident I had all my work backed up elsewhere. If I'd needed to get a new hard drive, I would have still had all the words from all my fiction saved in other places. All our photos are on both The Pilot Guy's laptop, my laptop, our external hard drive, with some on Photobucket. External hard drive. Disks. Stone tablets...whatever. Just back up.

And a few words about computer security....

“I think computer viruses should count as life. I think it says something about human nature that the only form of life we have created so far is purely destructive. We’ve created life in our own image.”– Stephen Hawking

“The only truly secure system is one that is powered off, cast in a block of concrete and sealed in a lead-lined room with armed guards.”– Gene Spafford

“Being able to break security doesn’t make you a hacker anymore than being able to hotwire cars makes you an automotive engineer.”– Eric Raymond

“Passwords are like underwear: you don’t let people see it, you should change it very often, and you shouldn’t share it with strangers.”– Chris Pirillo

Happy and safe computing!

Ta-Da Friday ~ February 5, 2010

2010-02-05T00:01:00.000-06:00

I haven't hosted a Ta-Da Friday in a long while, but it's been a productive week or two around here.

First...

Several thousand words on the current novel. Yay! I love it when the words flow.

Then....

Stained Glass days with The Pilot Guy...

The Pilot Guy working on his angel

From this....

Raw glass on the light box

To this....

a sun-washed work area

to this...

My Work in Progress....I made some choices in cutting that are making it difficult to fit the pieces easily. It's taking a lot longer to grind and fit than I was prepared for. I guess it's hard to see the lightly patterned glass between the plant stems. Still more cutting and fitting to do...It's going to hang in the big west window over the bathtub when I'm done. The border will be a smoky purple.

I've worked on a few more pieces. I'll show photos of them next week.

What have you been up to? Anyone publish anything recently? Knit, paint, scrap, or create anything? Post photos on your blog and link the addy in your comments on this post so we can all enjoy.

Fresh Herbs

2010-02-04T00:01:00.000-06:00

The sweet scent of fresh basil snipped for my lunch is a delightful summer smell in the middle of cold, gray February day. I love having pots of fresh herbs growing in the window during the winter.

Here's a few tips for keeping herbs happy....

1. Light. Lots and lots and lots of light. The herbs I love, basil, rosemary, lavendar, thyme, and oregano, all love the sun. When I remember how they thrive under our brutal Texas summer sun, I know they'll love being in the south window all winter. If the plants look sorched, move them to a place with less direct sun.

2. Water. Just a bit. Not too much. I love my indoor plants to death sometimes by overwatering. During the summer, potted outside, these herbs are thirsty all the time. Indoors, they need a drink once a week. One thing that makes the plants really happy...when we clean out the fish tank. Wow, the plants love fish water.

3. Warm. Even placed in the sunny window, these plants get cold. We had a cold snap several days in length in which the outside temps didn't get above freezing. I scooted every pot away from the window an extra foot. Still in the path of the elusive winter sun, but far enough away that the cold soaking through the double paned glass couldn't touch them.

4. Snip. The joy of indoor herb plants is using them in your cooking. I hope it makes the plant feel loved and useful, too. Mine certainly seem to respond with more growth after I take a leaf or two.

If you don't have a pot of basil or rosemary in the window, grab a bunch the next time you are at the grocery store. Nothing smells like summer like fresh herbs on your pizza. And the taste! Very worth while.

I found these two pieces of writing about basil....

Pounding fragrant things -- particularly garlic, basil, parsley -- is a tremendous antidote to depression. But it applies also to juniper berries, coriander seeds and the grilled fruits of the chilli pepper. Pounding these things produces an alteration in one's being -- from sighing with fatigue to inhaling with pleasure. The cheering effects of herbs and alliums cannot be too often reiterated. Virgil's appetite was probably improved equally by pounding garlic as by eating it.”Patience Gray, cookery author

And a bit of poetic writing.....

And she forgot the stars, the moon, and sun,
And she forgot the blue above the trees,
And she forgot the dells where waters run,
And she forgot the chilly autumn breeze;
She had no knowledge when the day was done,
And the new morn she saw not:
but in peace
Hung over her sweet Basil evermore,
And moistened it with tears unto the core.
-Keats,John Lamia, Isabella, The Eve of St. Agnes and Other Poems, 'Isabella; or, The Pot of Basil', stanza 53. (formatting mine)

Words Wednesday

2010-02-03T00:01:00.000-06:00

Nope, not Wordless....Words....thoughtful, funny, or timeless...

An interesting quote for a cold winter's day....

Antisthenes says

that in a certain faraway land

the cold is so intense that words

freeze

as soon as they are uttered,

and after some time

then thaw

and become audible,

so that words spoken in winter go

unheard

until the next summer.

~Plutarch, Moralia

Happy Groundhog Day!

2010-02-02T08:39:00.007-06:00

Ever wonder why we hope for a cloudy, no-shadow day on February 2nd?

It begins with an old Scottish myth full of mystery and fog....

Cailleach is the old woman who controls winter across the land. It is said if she wants winter to last a long while (and she does), she needs a bright sunny day in the first part of February to gather more firewood. If the day is cold, gray, and nasty, Cailleach goes back to sleep and does not replenish her firewood supply. When she runs out, winter is over.

Are you ready for spring yet? I am. Shhhhh, it's gray and cloudy here. Let's be quiet and let the old lady sleep in this morning. Okay?

The Chapel garden (where the wedding was held last summer...)

Ten Writing Commandments

2010-01-20T14:08:00.002-06:00

A friend gave these to me several years ago. I have no notion who first penned them, but I appreciate the effort.

1. Thou shalt not procrastinate.

2. Thou will honor all thy writing. Even if it is terrible.

3. Thou shalt have faith in your creative ability.

4. Thou shalt keep an open mind.

5. Thou shalt slay negativism.

6. Thou shalt not fear rejection.

7. Thou shalt be kind to thyself.

8. Thou shalt cultivate happy thoughts.

9. Thou shalt place thy posterior in thy chair.

10. Thou shalt finish thy book.

Memoir Monday ~ The Best Meal

2010-01-18T07:49:00.005-06:00

Apple Pie ala Mode

The Pilot Guy and I had just sat down to a casual Sunday evening supper of baked brie with almonds and garlic, crackers, sliced avocado, and a glass of wine when the Food Network advertised a show titled, "My Best Meal Ever.' Instantly, I thought what a cool topic for memior Monday. We love to eat around here.

What's the best meal (or food) in your memory?
Was it a fancy sit down affair or a casual picnic?
Where were you?
Was the food cooked by your own hands or someone else's?
Who ate with you?
What about the meal made it memorable?
What meals emerge from your childhood memories?
Any fun memories of your own children's food preferences?

It's all things food today...have fun!

One of my favorite meals was in Oban, Argyle, Scotland while we were waiting for the ferry to take us to the Isle of Barra. Our B&B hostess had recommended a local fish and chips eatery for our lunch before we caught the afternoon ferry. I can't remember the name of the place, unfortunately, but it was a little take away shop with a bright yellow front. And busy. We arrived just as they were opening for the day and already there was a small crowd. We ordered and our hot fish came wrapped in paper. We stepped out the shop and strolled down the street to sit on the wall surrounding Oban Bay. There, we unwrapped our treasures. Hot, flaky, freshly fried fish fillets, dusted with salt and splashed with a malt vinegar and surrounded by fries (or chips as the English and Scottish call them.) The warm sun, a cool breeze, the lap of waves and the cries of sea birds...the smiles of my sons and the happy chatter of our conversation made this meal one of our finest. We've had fish and chips since - in fact, The Pilot Guy and I had some terrific ones seaside in Vancouver last summer--but none will ever beat that moment.

PaJo's Fish and Chips, Vancouver, B.C.

A meal that has become a family 'legend' happened in France. We were in the burgundy region staying in Beaune. (Pronounced 'bone.') I really wanted to have Boeuf Bourguignon while in it's home of orgin. We didn't travel with too many dressy clothes, but we scrubbed up to the best of our ability and donned our travel finest, all the while impressing on our 15 year old and our 9 year old to be on their their very best manners. The inn we were staying at helped up locate the "Cheval Blanc' restaurant (white horse-and yes, that's one of the reasons we picked it.)

The restaurant was gracious and not as fancy as I'd feared. The Pilot Guy started his meal with escargot. I don't remember my starter. I think I was too fascinated by the escargot. Yes, I did steal one. Me, eating snails. Who would have ever believed that! Our 15 year old had something as well. Our little guy didn't order an appetizer. The restaurant graciously brought him a lovely slice of smoked salmon so he wouldn't be the only one not eating. I'm pretty sure it was the first time he'd had salmon. He enjoyed it.

After our meal of Boeuf Bourguignon, the cheese cart came around. It was a good sized cart with a huge assortment of cheeses. The Pilot Guy chose three or four to try. One he was familar with and the rest were best guesses. One particular selection was cut into one inch cubes and covered with herbs. It looked like something soft. However, when he tried to cut into it, it slipped from under his knife and shot away just like that funny scene in Pretty Woman. The cheese bounced off the wall behind him. The boys' eyes grew huge and I thought giggles would swallow them whole. Here we were trying our best to be on our best behavior in a French restaurant and Dad is throwing cheese against the wall. I'm pretty sure the 9 year old almost slipped out of his seat because he was trying not to laugh so hard. To hear the guys tell this story makes it even better.

Coffee from the original Starbucks in Seattle. Apricot Croissant from French bakery

I'm lucky enough to have had lots of great meals to choose from. Fried chicken dinners at my Mamaw's house. Brisket and homemade ice cream at my in law's home. Campfire breakfasts with my family. Some super suppers right here in our own home. Lots of memories are made around the table.

Is it time to eat yet?

WooHoo!

2010-01-13T09:12:00.004-06:00

This morning I earned my first Jamba Juice reward of 2010.

If you remember, I reward myself with a (Peach Pleasure) Jamba Juice for every 10,000 words I write. The year to date total is sitting pretty on 10,010 at the moment. Ten thousand words that weren't born into this story thirteen days ago.

WooHoo! This is getting the year started off right.

How do you reward yourself for a job done?

Trench Coat Mentality Part 2 Or Randomness Ahead

2010-01-12T16:02:00.005-06:00

Beware--randomness ahead....

A real life friend pointed out that trench coats don't have to be boring beige. What do you know--She's right! Just today I saw a bright yellow trench in a magazine ad. Then I saw a bold red one. Okay, maybe trench coats aren't all the same. You can rest assured if I found one in a deep purple, I'd try it on.

In the comments section of the last post, Joanne reminded me pairing a hat with a trenchcoat gives off an Ingrid Bergman vibe ala 'Casablanca.' Nothing wrong with that at all.

Then, Jan, bless her, pointed out what a split personality I can be, yearning for unity in one post and daring everyone to be stand out individuals in the very next one.

Yes. Welcome to my world.

My son has a t-shirt which tickles me when I see it. In big letters across the front....

I am Unique

Just like everyone else

There's times lately when I feel life is squishing me into conformity. Other days, I feel downright invisible. On still other days, I feel life is an adventure and I'm sitting right on top of it.

For some reason the old saying 'every path has it's puddle' comes to mind now. Life is a path...and it's often a muddy, messy trail, but the farther down the path you go, the farther down the path you can see.

Trench Coat Mentality

2010-01-09T18:06:00.006-06:00

You won't find a trench coat in my closet.

This is despite reading list after list from fashion 'gurus' who insist every woman in America needs a trench coat in her closet. Tim Gunn, Oprah's style guy, those folks from Bravo...all list the trench as a must have.

Trench coats are boring in my humble opinion. I've never needed to pretend I was a spy in post WWII Europe.

I actually did own a camel London Fog in the middle eighties during my "Dress for Success' phase. (Talk about must have lists!) If you knew me then you'll remember I dressed in power suits a lot. In those days I was running a small company where young me had to ask older dads and moms to trust in my abilities. It was necessary to dress with authority, or so I thought. So I wore a trench coat, sensible closed toe heels, power suits, and pantyhose. And, quite often, a hat. Fortunately, my photography spoke volumes about my creative soul and provided a terrific outlet.

Then there was the day my friend, Susan, came into a room wearing a red wool coat. It was stunning, beautiful, and powerful. It made my creative soul lust for that same panache, flair, and color in my life.

So, here's the lesson I'm still learning 25 years later, 'to your own heart be true.' Don't wear it, buy it, use it, or try it unless you really want to. On the other hand, be alert to the red wool coats out there in the world. Don't be afraid to grab one when the opportunity presents itself. And you know I'm not just talking about clothes or coats here, don't you?

Make a statement.

Do it your way.

Listen to your heart.

Go For It!

2009 in My Rearview Mirror

2009-12-31T09:07:00.004-06:00

In the past year, we (I)....

finished our homeschool journey

watched my youngest play his last varsity baseball game

graduated our youngest

planned a wedding for our oldest

gained a daughter in law

watched my oldest son become a husband and a father

gained a granddaughter

traveled to Phoenix, Seattle, and Vancouver.

Drove to Tennessee twice for weddings.

learned how to create stained glass

swam, hiked, and walked regularly

laughed with family

cried

became a second time NaNoWriMo winner

survived an ugly split at our church. Survived being the operative word. Healed? Not hardly.

reconnected with a long lost uncle

pondered new business ventures

spent way too much time on Facebook (and loved it!)

struggled and grew as a Creative Soul

How about you?

New Life!

2009-12-11T09:49:00.004-06:00

We interrupt the Christmas season to announce the arrival of Little Miss Precious to the world.

It is a marvelous thing for your baby to have a baby of his own.

Easy or Last Minute Gifts ~ Pam

2009-12-08T09:17:00.004-06:00

The Sunflower Fairy

If you've seen photos of me, you know I wear my hair so short I have little need for hair clips, no matter how cute they are. That's why I was thrilled to see my friend Pam offers napkin rings and other goodies as well as the clever and classy hair clips she sells. I can easily imagine the pretty beads and crystals of these napkin rings sparkling in the candlelight of a Christmas table.

The hair clips are easy to use and oh so pretty. Check out Pam's Hair Clips to see a video on how to use them. Tuck a couple of these into someone's stocking this Christmas or use them to make cute and useful gift tags. You'll find braclets, badge holders, key rings and more on the website.

Last Minute or Easy Gifts ~ Darla

2009-12-04T13:10:00.005-06:00

Need a gift for a person who has everything? Finding the unique, creative, or easy is often not easy. Over the next few days, I'll introduce you to a few good ideas in the gift department. Each of the ladies presenting is a friend of mine. I hope you'll let them help you find a creative gift for someone special.

Darla from UpperCase Living

You probably know by now I love words. What's better than decorating with them?

I ordered the word 'Create' in deep purple from Darla after last year's NaNoWriMo success. I smoothed it on a piece of granite mount board and framed it rather than putting it directly on a wall. Portable, you know. It is a lasting, creative, and fun way to remember my achievement. To celebrate this year's NaNo success I will order the word 'Write." I'm also thinking about getting my soon to be granddaughter's name done for over her crib....and there's a Bible verse I'd like for my breakfast nook wall, too.

Yep, these are fun. Unique...and terrific quality. Mosey through the catalog from the above link so Darla gets credit. She will happily answer any questions you have. Great ideas, she has, too. You can do more than words...images of all kinds, symbols, photos, etc. so let your creativity soar.

Order before Noon on December 7th for Christmas delivery.

Stayed tuned tomorrow!

A Christmas Letter

2009-12-03T15:11:00.003-06:00

Do you write an annual Christmas letter to friends and distant family? We do. Actually, we alternate years. Some years we send a card. Some years a card and photo. Other years, I'll do a newsy letter and photos.

I love receiving letters from friends during Christmas. It is fun to catch up with all the big and little happenings of their lives. Christmas is the only time we touch base with some old friends. When I get a card, I know they are still alive!

If you haven't written your Christmas letter, get started now. Here's some tips to get you started...

1. Change POV. To make it more fun for all you creative types out there...write the letter from an unusual point of view. I did one a few years ago from our dog's POV. It was cute, even if I do say so myself. What would your kitchen table have to say about your families comings and goings this year? The birds who lived in the nest on the front porch--what would they write about you? What would your cat or car have to say? Hey, you could even write one from the youngest kiddoe's point of view.

2. Write a Christmas poem, rhyming or free verse.

3. Include photos. Digital photography and desktop publishing make this pretty easy to do. Don't worry about printing in color...black and white photos are very trendy.

4. Keep the length short.

5. Use lots of active verbs.

6. Write about each member of your family.

7. Treat your vacations, job promotions, and new car purchases with a light touch. Not everyone had a great year financially. Focus on the joy you have in your family and friends, instead of material things.

8. Print on pretty Christmas paper or colored paper. Take care not to choose to dark a color or it will be hard to read.

9. Fold 'em, address 'em, and get them mailed.

10. Imagine the smile your letter will bring to someone you care about.

It's your letter, have some creative FUN with it!

Snow

2009-12-02T08:52:00.003-06:00

The snow in the forecast is now the snow on the ground. We woke to a a vision in white this morning. It's official. Summer's over.

Snow on Old Blush roses

Red Canna against Duchess de Brabant Rose foliage with snow

Two days ago...

This morning....

One thing about snow...it puts me in a Christmas mood. It's time to pull out the decorations and make the house look and feel like Christmas. My creative juices are warming up...how about yours?

A Creative Christmas Season

2009-12-01T13:51:00.003-06:00

Wow, it's December already. In my yard live three seasons...my roses are still blooming reds, pinks, golds, and whites to represent summer. The crepe myrtles and oak trees are blazing orange, reds, and golds in honor of fall. A possibility of snow is in the forecast for tonight. A few Christmas decor items have found their way out of storage to represent winter. My Christmas decor clashes with the late fall splendor which annoys my sense of color.

I love the beauty and meaning of the Christmas holidays. It is one of the most precious times of the year and one of the most draining, exhausting times as well. I'm challenging myself to post every day between now and New Year's Day. A quick snippet to keep you and I focused on living creatively and staying sane during these hectic days. Some times it'll be a how-to, sometimes a random free verse, some days, a photo. If you can jump in and share a few things, too, it'll make the conversation much more fun.

Today is all about dreaming....

Fix yourself a cup of something warm and delightful. In your favorite chair, take up pen and page and list your favorite elements of the holiday season. Put a star beside your top ten favorites. Those go on your 'it-won't-be-Christmas-without-these' list. Feel free to ignore the rest.

My list includes:

Using the pretty Christmas dishes every day.
Making food treats for neighbors and close friends.
Going Christmas shopping with the Pilot Guy.
Decorating the tree and fireplace mantel.
Sitting each evening with all the lights off but the tree and enjoying the colorful lights.
Decorating outside.
Watching 'White Christmas' and 'It's a Wonderful Life' as a family.
Driving around neighborhoods looking at Christmas lights.
Planning and cooking (with help) a feast for us.
Attending a Christmas Eve service.

Okay, you get the idea. What elements make a Christmas special to you? This is a great activity to do with your significant other and munchkins, too. What a wonderful feeling to know what makes each person feel all Christmasy inside. See how freeing this is? You don't have to do everything, only those important items.

I feel less rushed now. How about you?

Memoir Monday ~ Thanksgiving

2009-11-30T09:44:00.004-06:00

With Thanksgiving weekend fading into the past, now's a good time to capture a few memories. Write (or paint, or draw, or sew) about your family's traditions at Thanksgiving.

Was your family a good china and fancy dress type meal? Do you have photos of the table decor?

Or were you guys paper plates and football games?

What foods scream Thanksgiving to you?

Any heirloom recipes that you still make?

Where (Who) did they come from?

Any funny stories, train wrecks, or terrible incidents you recall?

Did you gather at Grandma's or some other house?

Which relative did you long to see most?

Which relative did you not want to see?

How has your current family traditions evolved from your growing up family traditions?

Have a wonderful time capturing some memories this week. If you post them on your blog, let us know. (Thanks, Beth!)

Fiction Fast Finished

2009-11-29T19:24:00.003-06:00

During NaNoWriMo I don't read other people's fiction. By the end of the project, I'm hungry to relax into someone else's creative adventure. Coupled with a Thanksgiving trip, I've been over 30 days without reading a story.

As a reward for writing like a freight train AND for putting up with a six hour one way drive to the relatives, I picked up Nora Roberts new romance, Bed of Roses, about a florist in the wedding biz. At first, I wallowed in the delight of story. By chapter four, with my own turn of phrase and plot line fresh in my head, I was feeling intimidated. Sheesh, Nora Roberts has a way with words.

Then, in chapter five, a minor character, an author, had a few words for me. Maybe they'll encourage you, too.

"How's the book going?" she asked him.
"Crap."
She laughed. "So you always say."
"Because it's always true at this stage." He wrapped an arm around her waist as they walked. 'But family dinners and digging in the dirt help me put the crap aside awhile. Then it's never quite as bad as I thought when I get back to it."

Let the revisions begin. lol

Success!

2009-11-27T06:40:00.001-06:00

50,124 words!

Addy and Mac have sailed into the sunset...

Focus

2009-11-26T16:53:00.004-06:00

This was my preferred writing view for a few days in November. Yeah, its a rough life....I know.

I got to join the Pilot Guy in Phoenix for a litte extra fall sun. Part of the time I was there, he was flying so I had the hotel all to myself. Wow, what a way to write. I see why writers love retreats. For three full days I had the advantage of a hotel buffet breakfast and a manager's social hour every evening. No cooking or kitchen clean up. The only food I had to rustle up was a salad each day for lunch. Not hard.

I'd write a couple of thousand words in a morning session in my room -- with the windows open to fresh air. Then an afternoon session out beside the pool for another couple thousand words. After a workout or a walk, I'd have supper downstairs and come back to relax with a movie and or get in a few hundred more words on my manuscript. In the six days I was in Phoenix, I doubled my word count, writing four and five thousand words a day. What a huge difference not to have the distractions of daily life interfering with the creative process. No phone calls, no laundry, no pets or offspring to deal with. No grocery shopping, no cooking, no clean up.

The only thing I had to think about was my story.

What an indulgent, wonderful way to write! Just the small taste of this life has me hooked. I so want to create enough income from the writing to have this kind of creative flexibility on a regular basis.

Big goal. Big.

Living the Fantasy

2009-11-15T00:01:00.001-06:00

I got a taste of the dream the other day. I hopped on board a commercial jet to join the Pilot Guy in Phoenix. Needing to keep my NaNo word count rolling, I pulled out my laptop at 40,000 feet and started typing.

This is part of the fantasy of being a best selling author, right? An author so busy flying to book signings, so in demand as a speaker, and so wealthy she can hop a jet any time to research a gorgeous island retreat that she has to write in any bits and pieces of time.

Yes, for a few minutes I was Jodi Thomas and Nora Roberts happily typing away on my next bestseller.

To get to the fantasy part of any career, you got to do the work. I've spent some time with Jodi Thomas. She treats writing like a job...she gets her work done even if it means writing late into the night in a hotel room after speaking at a writer's conference. Rumor has it that Nora Roberts can be seen typing away at poolside during conferences.

Deadlines and doing the work. There is no substitute.

A Perfect Fall Day

2009-11-13T00:01:00.001-06:00

Japanese Gardens in the Fall

Words, Words, and More Words

2009-11-12T09:25:00.003-06:00

NaNoWriMo has not completely taken over my life, but, boy, howdy, it certainly directs big hunks of my day.

I'm loving it!

Here's a couple of observations....

1. Writing is best done in as big a time chunks as I can manage. I find it easier to hold on to the thread and tone of the story if I concentrate on it for a couple of thousand words at a time. One afternoon, I managed 3,300 words while nursing a mocha at Starbucks. Fun. On the other hand, I'm also content to drop a quick 500 words into the mix if I don't have time to do more.

2. Writing can be accomplished any where and any time of day. So far this month, I'm writing here at home in my two favorite writing spaces, out on the porch swing, in the lounge chair in the back yard, at Starbucks, in a parking lot, and in the car. I've written early in the morning, all afternoon, and just before bed. I still believe setting up a regular schedule is most productive, but I'm fitting writing into my life in amazing ways. No excuses.

3. Some of the choices I've made about this story cause me to scratch my head. After all, I've been to 16 different countries...what ever made me choose to set the majority of this romance in a country I've never visited? Or when I'm married to a pilot and have spent a lot of time in the air, did I house one of my main characters in a sailboat. It's not only write what you know, but write what you want to know.

4. Doing NaNo and Weight Watchers in the same month is counterproductive.

5. Long walks are productive.

6. Peach Pleasure Jamba Juice smoothies are good rewards for slaving over a hot laptop.

7. Happy support and a wee bit of competition from all my NaNoing friends is a very, very good thing.

8. Writing every day is important. Writing is a muscle that gets stronger as it is worked and used.

If all goes well, I'll be sitting on top of 20,000 words by tonight...and a stack of luggage for a trip tomorrow. Writing on the road is fun, too.

Happy Creating!

Ready, Set.....WRITE!

2009-11-01T15:58:00.004-06:00

At the stroke of midnight last, NaNoWriMo began. I had sort of planned to be up then and get a few hundred words in, but when I crashed early (as usual for me.) Since the Pilot Guy needed to be at church early for Praise Team practice I ran over to Starbucks for a quick shot of caffeine and words. The rest of my words for the day came after lunch. Even though I had an opening scene in mind, it was exciting to finally get to lay it down on the page. It was much more detailed than when I doodled some notes about it the other day. I love how my mind keeps on working on a book even when I'm doing something else.

2,088 words for today. It was fun to meet Addy and Mac, my heroine and hero. From the start they have, I predict true love will not run smoothly. And I sincerely hope not. I need conflict and issues to get through the required 50,000 words and into the 60,000 words I want to write.

NaNoing is fun!!!!!!!!!

Update on Artist's Daybook Pages

2009-10-30T20:05:00.005-05:00

Back in April I posted that I was free writing each morning as a creative exercise. You can pop over and read all about it here: http://creativesoulbydebmc.blogspot.com/2009/04/artists-daybook.html

Like many endeavors I've been hit or miss on following through. That's unfortunate because when I consistently do artist's pages, my creativity soars. I now call it 'taking out the garbage' creatively. When I clear the gunk and junk from my head, I can create.

It really is that simple.

Have you tried it?

NaNoWriMo Preparations Part 2

2009-10-28T10:43:00.005-05:00

My preparations for National Novel Writing Month continue...

4. Chocolate, Snacks and Food. Many of you have reminded me that I didn't list chocolate on my last post. LOL! We always have chocolate around here. In fact, I have a fairly big stash of the good stuff--Belgian chocolate--courtesy of the Baseball Guy who lived in Belgium last summer. We was a good boy and brought his mama a lot of chocolate.

I'm also laying in a supply of healthy stuff, too. Apples, pears, granola, almonds, walnuts, carrots, peppers. Green tea. Ravenous is the only word to describe me after a lengthy writing session. Last year I gobbled too many Oreos.

5. Jamba Juice cash. Just like last year, for every 10,000 words I write I get my favorite Jamba--Peach Pleasure. Ahhhhhh....

6. Walking shoes ready. Do you realize how many authors use long walking sessions as a time to work out character and plot? Stephen King and Julia Cameron are two well known ones. No iPods allowed--just you and the breeze in your hair. Fresh oxygen to the brain, endorphins, and stronger muscles. Good stuff.

7. Crock Pot. The other people in my house expect some sort of hot meal at least once a day. Every day. Imagine that. I'm digging out my trusty supply of crock pot/one dish meals/easy fix recipes to use. I'm assembling a menu list to post on the fridge. With encouragement those other souls in my house can pick up some of the slack. They'll have to--mom's gonna be writing!

8. I've joined my NaNo buddies online. At the NaNoWriMo website, for sure. The pep talk emails from them are terrific pick me ups. There's a group of local real life NaNo buddies who'll communicate by email each day. My favorite homeschool group of writers has an online meeting place. Plus, I gathered a few email addresses from the NaNo kick off party. I'll be emailing those folks from time to time. Having a wealth of support is only one of the fabulous benefits of playing the NaNo game. I didn't blog about NaNo last year. I want to this year, so stay tuned!

9. Lastly, I've found a fossil. If you've read Stephen King's 'On Writing' you know he calls a story idea a fossil. When he finds a fossil laying on the ground, he knows there's a story to be excavated nearby. It's his job as the author to extract as much out of the ground as possible. As a gardener I think of story ideas more as a seed that needs to germinate and be nurtured until it is full grown. Either way, I've got an idea in my head....NaNo always calls for something completely new so I'm not so emotionally involved with it that I can't take creative risks. I'm beginning to take notes and form characters. From the characters shall come the plot. I can't wait to see where they will take me.

10. Okay, one more...the good folks who hosted the official kick off party for my region last Sunday gave out some fun goodie bags. Included in it: Chocolate, of course, Marbles (for when I've lost mine), a paper clip (because you never, never, never staple a completed manuscript going to a publisher), a yellow balloon (who doesn't like a yellow balloon?), a small plastic policeman to keep me from wandering, a pen, a word count calendar, colorful star stickers for decorating my calendar after a good writing session. Best of all, there was a trusty NaNoWriMo decal/sticker straight from the writing folks at the Office of Light and Letters.

I'm set. Are you ready to write with abandon?

NaNoWriMo Preparations Part 1

2009-10-23T08:36:00.007-05:00

Okay, I'll admit it. I'm on the verge of giddy in anticipation of National Novel Writing Month this year. A little apprehensive as well. NaNoWriMo was such an exhilarating experience in 2008. I want to have the same fun, freeing, and fantastic experience this season.

To that end, I'm doing a few things to prepare. Take a look at my list and see if any of them strikes you as helpful.

1. Reading. I've done some market research by diving into a half dozen current books in my selected genre. Stephen King's 'On Writing' is being savored once more. In a few days, I'll pick up my copy of "No Plot, No Problem" to amp up to November 1st. If you are a writer and haven't read either of these books, remedy that by clicking on the link to the right and getting your own copy. Every writer should have a copy of "On Writing." It is simply the best. R-rated for language, but you knew that about Stephen King anyway, right?

2. Cleaning house. I hate cleaning house, but I love living and working in a tidy, clutter-free, and well decorated space. I'm doing some clutter busting, especially in the kitchen and my writing spaces. If I clean well now, I can ignore vacuuming, dusting, and mopping until December 1, don't you think?

A corollary to this is cleaning out my computer. My poor Traveller (my laptop's name) is packed to the gills with photos, writing, forms, brochures, good stuff and junk. The Pilot Guy and I think my hard drive in on it's last legs. If I get myself in gear, I can transfer my data and get the new drive installed. If not, I'll tidy up in here and defrag so I get the best performance possible.

Grabbing any supplies is a good idea, too. Paper, pens, pencils, white board markers, file folders and disks for backing up every day...lay in your supply now.

NaNoWriMo Prelude

2009-10-19T18:54:00.001-05:00

It's almost time!

November is National Novel Writing Month...

thirty insanely fun days of writing with

passion,

abandon,

fervor

and not much skill.

NaNo is one of the creative highlights of my year.

If you've ever thought even for a minute you might like to write a book someday, head for the National Novel Writing Month Website to join in the fun.

Stay tuned to the next few posts here to see how I'm prepping for NaNo

Memoir Monday ~ Cars

2009-10-19T15:40:00.005-05:00

I'm amused when I look through old photos of my parents, especially during their dating years, at how often the young couple was posed in front of their car.

My mom and dad

There are a number of reasons for that, I'm sure. Fifty years or more ago, film definitely liked the bright sunshine and flashbulbs were expensive. Photos were done outside. Secondly, those cars were a great big purchase...still are today, too. There is just something about those hunks of metal and combustion that make us happy. I'm even more amused to find a number of photos of me in front of my car. Cars are nice and all, but you'd think there would be more photos of me with a dog.

So, what did your first car look like? (Or what was the most interesting vehicle you've ever driven?) Was it given to you or did you slave at some job to purchase it? Standard or automatic? How old were you when you learn to drive?

My first car was a Ford Maverick I shared with my mom.

My mom and I

Mavis as I called my little vehicle, was an odd grass green color. No air conditioning and black interior. We are talking Texas here, folks. Can you say hot? We kept towels in the car to sit on, especially in the summer. I sorched my shorts clad legs several times before I figured out the towel thing. Mavis was also a standard shift car with the gear on the steering column. It was an adventure learning to drive in traffic while also learning how to shift gears. My mother said if I learned how to drive a standard I could drive anything. How right she was. I've driven all over Europe in standard shift models. I've driven tractors and an eighteen wheeler. Thanks, Mom, for teaching me how.

Look, here is one of the Pilot Guy and I in front of Mavis.

We hit the jackpot here because we not only have a photo of Mavis, but we have a glimpse of the Pilot Guy's red LTD in the background.

One last note...every dress I'm wearing in these photos I made with my own little hands.

We had a great little car in Europe. I'll have to write about that car some day soon.

Alright, people, show me your first or favorite car. If you post photos on your blog, come leave a comment here so we can traipse over and enjoy.

Creative Chains

2009-10-15T09:17:00.006-05:00

In India of old, young elephants began their training in a simple way. One foot was shackled and chained to a sturdy post. Pull, pull, pull though they might, the young beast couldn't break free. Eventually, the animal learned it was useless to struggle and quit trying. For the rest of it's long life, the elephant could be tethered not with a chain, but with piece of string, so strong was that early conditioning.

What 'chains' hold you back?

Are they real or are they imagined?

For me...I've noticed lately I quit on a project before I really get into it. In the back of my mind are those nasty voices. 'The publishing industry is hurting in this economy.' 'Maybe I'm too over the hill to write for a younger audience.' 'This is too much a who you know industry and I don't know enough of the right people.' 'What a waste to spend weeks and weeks and weeks writing on something I can't guarantee will ever sell.'

Chains of 'quit before it hurts too much.' Just like those elephants.

Do chains hold me back or a simple piece of string? How will I ever know unless I flex my creative muscle?

Memoir Monday ~ A Favorite Teacher

2009-10-12T11:26:00.002-05:00

As you can see I've been blogging a lot in my head lately. I'm making a real push to get the words out of my head and onto the screen. Follow through, right?

For today's memoir prompt...who was your favorite teacher? This does not have to be a childhood or school age teacher, but someone who taught you a skill or concept that you value today. Perhaps what they taught wasn't as important as how they taught it.

So...favorite teachers....

Two of my favorites were Sharon K., my English teacher and Mama Marge W., my journalism teacher. Mama Marge ( and yes we often called her that) had already encouraged my love of photography by putting me on the photography staff of the school newspaper and yearbook. She is a tall, thin woman with a quick, sharp mind. She treated her staff students not as students only, but as adults capable of doing amazing work. My sophomore and junior year of high school, she taught me to write according to strict journalism standards. Just the facts and economical with words. Deadlines became my friends.

Sharon K. (whom we called Mrs. K---) loved being an English teacher. I ate her class up. We studied classic books with enthusiasm. It was in her class that I discovered Ray Bradbury. What a discovery! During my junior year, she taught me to write in a traditional English manner. Vivid description, powerful presentation, and the joy of organizing a big project.

Having both of these teachers in the same year was excellent for me. Because of their demands, I learned to write according to the audience. I can't tell you how valuable that skill has been in my creative life. Whether I'm writing a marketing piece for my studio or a letter to the editor or a piece of fiction, I know to pay attention to the unseen person who will be reading my words and craft accordingly.

As I said, I had a very adult type relationship with Mama Marge. She attended my wedding and my dad's funeral. A few years ago, her children arranged a party to celebrate her 80th birthday. It was delightful to see her again. She was, as ever, a sharp, insightful, and intelligent woman.

In my thirties, when I was showing German Shepherds in obedience, I ran into Mrs. K-- at several shows. She, too, had taken up dog showing. Her Bernese Mountain Dogs were like huge teddy bears...all plush fur and happy expressions. She introduced me to her husband by his first name. When she noticed I was still calling her by Mrs. K--, she said, you know, you've graduated. You can call me Sharon. With a smile, I shook my head. "Nope, I don't think I can."

Memoir Monday ~ Back to School

2009-09-21T15:53:00.003-05:00

For today's memior prompt, how about school memories?

Do you remember your first days of school?

Did your family have a ritual for first days?

Who was your favorite teacher?

What were your favorite subjects?

Happy remembering!

Creative Quote

2009-09-15T05:59:00.005-05:00

I'm always thinking

about creating.

My future starts

when I wake up every morning...

Every day I find something

creative to do with my life.
Miles Davis

Memoir Monday ~ A Book Review

2009-09-14T09:28:00.004-05:00

Instead of an assignment today, I'm doing a review of "My Life In France" by Julia Child and Alex Prud'Homme.

Why a book review? Because this is one of the best memoirs I've read recently. It was built and written from collections of letters, journal entries, and photographs saved by members of the family. Exactly the type of writing I'm urging you to do each Monday.

From what I understand, Julia Child's grand-nephew, Alex Prud'Homme would read aloud from the saved letters or he and Julia would sort through photos and Julia would tell stories sparked from those memories.

The writing is warm, witty, and engaging. For the writers among us, there are some terrific turns of phrase and lovely language. It is a look into the passionate pursuit of creativity. It's the story of someone who loved life abroad and truly came alive when she found her calling. You'll want to pack up and move to France, roast a duck, or at the very least, you'll be inspired to try something new and challenging. What ever the call, I hope you hear it clearly.

If you loved Meryl Streep's Julia Child in the movie, you'll enjoy 'hearing' Julia's true voice through her words and rememberances. This is a good read!

Celebrate!

2009-09-10T15:10:00.005-05:00

Today,

the Pilot Guy and I a

re celebrating

years of marriage.

Chains do not hold a marriage together.

It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads, which sew people together through the years.

Simone Signoret

Marriage is not just spiritual communion; it is also remembering to take out the trash.

Joyce Brothers

Real giving is when we give to our spouses what's important to them,

whether we understand it, like it, agree with it, or not.

Michele Weiner-Davis

They do not love who do not show their love.

William Shakespeare

The Beauty of Love:

The question is asked, "Is there anything more beautiful in life than a young couple clasping hands and pure hearts in the path of marriage? Can there be anything more beautiful than young love?"

And the answer is given. "Yes, there is a more beautiful thing. It is the spectacle of an old man and an old woman finishing their journey together on that path. Their hands are gnarled, but still clasped; their faces are seamed, but still radiant; their hearts are physically bowed and tired, but still strong with love and devotion for one another.

Yes, there is a more beautiful thing than young love.

Old love."

Unknown

Two persons who love each other are in a place more holy than the interior of a church.

William Lyon Phelps

There is nothing more lovely in life than the union of two people whose love for one another has grown through the years, from the small acorn of passion, into a great rooted tree.

Vita Sackville-West

Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be.

Robert Browning

Get Smart

2009-09-08T07:05:00.003-05:00

Want to get smarter? Here's some tips I gleaned from a passionate discussion between homeschool moms over the summer. See if you agree or disagree.

1. Read. Pick up books and dive into subjects which fascinate you. Read, study, and ponder things you love...quilting, business marketing, gardening, calculus, photography, dog training, biographies, education, creativity(!) human development, Biblical truth, writing, foreign languages, quantum physics...whatever your passion...follow it. Read deeply in a subject and read widely across a number of subjects. Read authors you agree with and authors you don't agree with.

The man who doesn't read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them. - Mark Twain

2. Process your thoughts. Write...journal, blog, or write papers only for yourself. Educated people in the days of Thomas Jefferson kept a book in which they wrote thoughts, notes from their daily reading, questions, observations, and ideas. They called it a commonplace book. Writing is a good way to think through a maze of thoughts. Remember, your writing doesn't have to be for anyone else but you. Talk to others. Listen. Think. Muse. Or as my horse-trainer mentor said, 'observe, remember, compare.'

Writing is thinking on paper.-William Zinsser

3. Experience. Get up and do something. Actually learning to rock climb, salsa dance, or how to hold a paint brush activates more brain cells than reading about it. Travel often. Experiencing new cultures (even within our great country) expands your knowledge base and gives insight.

A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way. ~Mark Twain

4. Ask questions. This is two actually, because you must really listen for answers. Too much of the time, we only half listen to each other's conversation because we are busy thinking about we are going to say. Today, listen carefully and completely to other people.

The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. Albert Einstein

There is no such thing as a stupid question; only stupid mistakes made because you didn't ask the stupid question. Charles J. Lewis

I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen. Ernest Hemingway

5. Quit doing stupid. The laugh out loud moment for me in the discussion came when someone suggested the best way to get smart was to quit doing stupid things. Like, for example, watching too much TV, playing video games, or spending too much time twittering. Obvious and oh, so true.

Men's natures are alike; it is their habits that separate them. ~Confucius, Analects

What do you think about these? What would you add to the list? How does getting smart affect your creativity?

Creative Fears

2009-09-04T09:44:00.005-05:00

In this month's 'MORE' magazine is a terrific article about Kathy Davis of Kathy Davis Designs. Her greeting cards, scrapbooking supplies, and line of home accessories are a thriving business. What you might not know is Kathy left teaching to pursue an artistic life during her thirties.

On being an artist...
"'I was not confident about my ability. I sat next to a boy who painted so beautifully." She (Kathy) taught English and science for six years and got married. She earned her master's degree and certification to teach art, but it wasn't enough. "I remember being in class one day thinking, I want to be sitting with them, not standing up here. I want to be creating.""

Her first venture into the National Stationery Show...
"All the old feelings of not being good enough came back: feeling like no one needs me, that there was too much competition..."

On finding focus...
"I had to ask myself, do I want to be a retailer or a designer?"

And finally....
'I'm a late bloomer, but I finally figured out that there is always going to be someone better than you, and, at that point, you just have to say, that's OK, I still have something to offer."

These quotes resonated with me. Let me know in the comments if any of them spoke to you.

I hope you'll grab a copy of "MORE" this month and read the article for yourself.

Inspiring.

A Creative Passion

2009-09-03T20:14:00.003-05:00

Which one are you?

I just saw the 'Julia/Julie' movie starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. Quite good, much better in my humble opinion than the book. (And I know everyone else saw this a while ago...we had a wedding at our house, remember?)

So which one are you?

Julia--who found a passion and pursued it with vigor?

or

Julie (at the beginning of the story) dead end job, little drive, not able to finish what she started....

Why did you identify with that one?

Memoir Monday ~ Weddings

2009-08-31T09:52:00.003-05:00

Today would have been my parent's 53rd wedding anniversary. With our son's wedding just a bit over a week ago, the taking of vows has been on my mind a lot. So today's memior assignment is to write about your wedding day...or go ask your parents or grandparents about their day.

Actually, it was a few pages in a journal I found after my mother's death which inspired Memoir Monday. Three handwritten pages she had penned about her wedding day. The fun they'd had getting married in my dad's parent's house, the flowers, the cake, the people who made the small wedding a pleasure. There was a page and a half about how my parents glossed through their three day honeymoon to come back to their rental house early. Unfortunately they didn't have a key, but my enterprising dad managed to 'break' in so they could settle in. I could feel her happiness and delight come through those pages. Have I mentioned that my mom was a sweet sixteen bride and my dad a mature twenty year old? (I know, I know!)

When I found that journal and read the story, I wept. I cried, in part, because my grief was still fresh, but I wept because there was no more. Only those few pages. The rest of the journal was blank. How I wanted more! My mother probably wrote those lines after she was sick. Probably after she realized she wasn't getting out of breast cancer alive. I imagine she wanted to fill that book up with the story of her life...but she didn't have the strength emotionally to go back into it all...or perhaps it was a simple matter of little physical strength. I'll never know. All I know is this daughter was greedy for more.

That's what Memoir Mondays are for...in bits and pieces you can capture the stories of your life. Every year you can print them out, bind them into a book or notebook, and shelve them. Your children, grandchildren, and great-grands will love having an eye witness account of your life and times. Include photos when ever you can.

Now--go write.

Creativity, Venting, and Change

2009-08-30T14:24:00.005-05:00

Do you ever vent?

Blow off steam?

Griping to your spouse about your boss or your child's school situation. Complaining to your best friend about your mother in law or your wayward cousin. Moaning and groaning to anyone who will listen about your inability to create because of your time commitments outside your studio.

Me, too.

The thing is, venting is non-productive. Yes, it makes you feel better in the short term. You get to have your say and someone who loves you makes murmuring noises in support of you.

But nothing's changed.

Let's consider history for a moment. These terms, 'venting' and 'letting off steam', come from one of history's significant inventions--the steam engine. For the first time, a person didn't have to depend on the variables of the wind or tide. Nor did a person have to harness an animal's muscle or his own to move a load from one point to another. A hot fire under a vat of water turned the water into steam vapor.The resulting vapor built up pressure and was eventually forced into an engine where the pressure powered pistons and turned gears. A steam engine could move comparably huge loads of men and cargo with little effort. Across a bay or up and down a river using a steamboat or across a sprawling continent with the railroad. Steam was the most powerful fuel of it's day.

To be effective, steam has to be captured and directed. An uncovered pot of water boiling on the stove is not going to move anything. Heat applied to a closed container of water will build pressure. If that pressure is piped correctly, that pressure will move a piston which moves a gear which moves a wheel which moves boat, train engine, or steam shovel. As long as that pressure remains, things move.

When we 'vent' we are like the pot busily boiling on the stove...there's a lot of heat, a lot of bubbles, a lot of steam. But nothing moves. All that energy wasted.

Whatever is causing a hot spot under your pot...don't boil and bubble to your buddies. Use that energy to power a change in your life. In other words, don't complain without doing something to fix the situation.

Break the venting habit. No 'letting off steam' this week. Use that energy to find a way to modify the situation or your attitude about it. Even doing one small thing can make a difference.

If you dare, leave a comment about what you vent about most frequently. And what small or large thing you will do at the first available opportunity to make a change in the situation.

Me? I'm going to quit griping about not having as much time as I want or need to create and MAKE some time in my life.

I'm going to write a few letters and make a couple of phone calls to some folks about important issues.

It's a start.

“Steam is no stronger now than it was a hundred years ago but it is put to better use” -Ralph Waldo Emerson (American poet)

"No steam or gas ever drives anything until it is confined. No Niagara is ever turned into light and power until it is tunneled. No life ever grows until it is focused, dedicated, disciplined.” -Joan Rivers

2009-08-25T09:37:00.004-05:00

Memoir Monday ~ The Week Before....

2009-08-17T16:10:00.003-05:00

Here at Chateau Creative Soul, we are in crazy mode. Our son's wedding day is T-minus six days and counting. Prayers are being said for good weather for the outdoor ceremony....stacks of wedding decor materials are multiplying....and the lists of things to be done seems to be getting longer, not shorter.

Thus, the inspiration for today's Memoir Monday. When have you been 'behind the scenes' of a big deal family event--a wedding, an anniversary, a birthday, a reunion, a holiday dinner....? What craziness happened? Who forgot to order something important? What were the costs involved? What did you make or create just for the event? Don't forget to detail the food and clothing.

Fifty years from now, your grandchildren will appreciate your memoir.

Memoir Monday ~ Family Visits

2009-08-10T08:28:00.005-05:00

A week or two ago, some of our favorite people came for a visit~the Pilot Guy's youngest brother, his wife, and two teenagers. Together we shopped, watched baseball games, shopped some more, ate too much, stayed up too late, and laughed a lot.

In my growing up family as well as the Pilot Guy's family, relatives were welcome in our home all the time. In fact, it was a sign of something gone terribly wrong if the relatives didn't stay in your home.

Today's Memoir assignment is to write, draw, paint, or compose about your remembrances of family visits. Vacations, holidays, or other trips...who came to your house?

Did Grandmother and Granddad kick you out of your room? Did you have cousins sleeping on pallets on the floor of the living room? Who did the preparations for visitors? Did everyone pitch in to help clean and cook? Were you a formal bunch or loud and rowdy?

Was your family one of the ones that never hosted guests? What are your memories of being a guest in your grandmother's or aunt's home?

How have you changed from how your parent's or grandparent's generation did this?

I can't wait to see what you dig around and find in your memories this week.

One other thing...some of you know we are in the middle of planning a wedding this month. In fact, it is in less than two weeks. (YIKES!) In our backyard. (August. Texas. Outdoors. Are we brave or what?) I'm not blogging much because I simply don't have many working brain cells left at the end of the day. That's too bad, too, because now that I think of it, blogging is relaxing and refreshing. We will see what happens...

After the wedding...some exciting stuff will be happening here at Creative Soul. Thanks to each and everyone of you who read. You make my day!

Memoir Monday ~ Where Were You?

2009-07-20T05:52:00.007-05:00

(Thanks to FreeStockPhotos.com for the images)

Today's topic for Memoir Monday practically writes itself. Forty years ago today, man walked on the moon.

Where were you when Neil and Buzz first stepped on that beautifully desolate landscape?
How old were you?
What are you memories of Apollo 11 and the rest of the American space program?
Did man walking on the moon directly affect your thinking or decisions?
If you are too young to remember the actual event, seize this opportunity to find out where your parents or grandparents were on that day.

At age twelve and already a science fiction devotee, I loved the space program. To me, the Apollo missions gave a strong foundation to my reading. Anything seemed possible. As a family, we watched every mission from lift-off to splash-down. I still get tears in my eyes when I remember the Christmas morning when Apollo 8 looped the moon for the first time. The astronauts read from Genesis about the earth's form. It was a lovely moment.

As I said, I was twelve years old. My mom and dad hosted a gathering of family at our house that day, very much like a holiday event. Grandparents, uncles. The mood was joyful expectation. Food, fun, and anticipation. That day was the first and only time we set up a net across the dining room table and played ping pong. It's funny the things you remember.

My uncle, who is only five years older than I and at that moment, a budding photographer, set up a twin lens reflex camera on the coffee table in front of my parent's console TV. In those days before VCRs and DVRs, he wanted to capture the images on screen to the more permanent medium of film. I remember him saying he had to slow the shutter speed down to 1/30 of a second in order to 'sync' up with the TV. My uncle went on to spend almost thirty years as a photo-journalist.

We all cheered when we heard Neil Armstrong say the Eagle had landed. It was a great time of celebration. Later that evening, well after my normal bedtime, it was just our family around the TV taking in those grainy black and white images of Neil Armstrong stepping out on the moon.

The moon landing, in fact the entire Apollo program, made me think our country could do anything. Even more, it made me believe I could do anything. Education and work were the keys.

As a family who emphasized seizing both educational and travel opportunities, we saw the space program as the ultimate of both. Looking back, I can see my mom thought her children would have the opportunity to travel in space during their lifetimes. Certainly, in her grandchildren's lifetimes. I know that my twelve year old self believed forty years into the future our society would have a few colonies on the moon and would have traveled to Mars.

So...the question begs to be answered...where do you want to 'boldly go?' Where do you need to make a giant leap? Where are your footsteps being left?

Forty years from now, what do you want people remembering about you?

All Who Wander Are Not Lost...

2009-07-16T11:34:00.002-05:00

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."
Author: St. Augustine

We are out 'reading' a part of the world these days. Seattle and Vancouver to be precise. It's been a great trip so far. Smooth flights, good hotels, easy drives...the weather has been warmer than typical for the Pacific Northwest...which means I've not been too cold. Refreshingly cool is the way I'd describe it.

There have been a few very interesting creative moments I'll share with you in coming days. There have also been some flat out awe inspiring gardening moments to share as well.

Here's a few photos to share the flavor of the trip...

Memoir Monday ~ Fourth of July

2009-07-06T09:41:00.004-05:00

We just had a great time with family and friends over the Fourth of July holiday weekend. I hope you did, too!

What memories do you have of the Fourth?
What did your family do to celebrate?
Did you stay home or travel?
Were you around for the country's bi-centennial celebration?
What foods make the holiday special?
Who made those foods?
Who were the people you remember spending time with?
Any special or unique outfits or activities?

What's YOUR favorite memory of the Fourth of July?

Ready,

Set,

Write! Paint! Create!

Garden Bounty

2009-06-25T17:43:00.003-05:00

Today was a good day in the garden. Tomatoes, peppers, basil, and okra. The heat is on here in Texas so the tomatoes will hunker down for a few weeks. Everything else will kick into high gear. I love plants like okra and basil that laugh at our heat....as long as we keep them watered that is.

We picked more blackberries.

I had a batch we picked a few days ago in the fridge. Together with today's harvest, I had enough to make 8 pints of blackberry preserves. They'll be yummy on biscuits or ice cream. It's been a few years since I made any kind of fruit preserve or jam. It was fun and fairly easy to do.

For the next little while, gardening means watering and keeping ahead of the weeds. Why is it that weeds don't seem to suffer from heat stress like my favored plants do?

Memoir Monday ~ Engagements

2009-06-22T14:32:00.004-05:00

Kevin and Lisa

Since it's just become offcial that I'll be a mom-in-law in a few short months (more about that later), let's stroll down memory lane a bit considering our own engagements. Write about the day you got engaged. Or write about a romantic evening, trip, or event. A special date, perhaps....or a day that turned out to be very romantic in memory, but you didn't think so at the time.

Got any photos to put with your memoir story? If you are an artist, take a moment to sketch an image. What would a quilt block of your memory look like?

I hope you have a pleasant trip down Remember Lane.

An insistent and nasty infection kept me sluggish all last week, then a trip to an out of town wedding, so I didn't get as much done on my travel memoir or the blog as I planned. Hopefully, I'll post my travel piece by tonight.

Until then, muse upon your romantic memories. Happy writing!

Flown

2009-06-18T08:28:00.004-05:00

The day finally arrived.

After six months of thinking and planning, The Baseball Guy got on a plane. Seven weeks this summer, he and a friend will be interns for our missionary family in Ghent, Belgium.

Two airplanes, a train, a bus, and a walk later, they arrived safe and sound. Tired and hungry as only two teenage boys who've traveled for 20+ hours can be, I imagine.

Zack and Nathan

It is a mind-boggling thing to know your 'baby' is a quarter of the way around the planet....and he got there without a parental type accompanying him.

Maybe he is all grown up, after all.

If you are a praying person, please offer a prayer for their safety, their growth, and their ability to be a blessing to others this summer.

My house is very, very quiet.

Memoir Monday ~ Travel

2009-06-15T09:20:00.004-05:00

We've been delving into lots of memories in the last few weeks. Sifting through photos for the Baseball guy's graduation was the trigger I think. He is the infant in the photo above. It is amazing to me how very quickly my sons grew from infants to taller-than-me men.

It is fun to hear my guys tell stories about our lives. Their perspective, their interpretations. To hear what made them laugh and what surprised them. We may not always agree on what exactly happened moment by moment, but it is fun to share family stories. Those experiences, those memories, and those stories tie us together. A unique bond.

I'd like to capture more of my memories in story form. We have tales which used to be told by The Pilot Guy's dad or my parents. Right now they are held in our heads, but I want them on paper to be enjoyed. Too many of my dad's stories died with him. The same with my mom.

For the next few weeks ~ a summer project, I'm initiating Memoir Monday. Each week will have a theme. Join me in writing a memory of the past, for the future. If you post your memoir on your blog, leave a link in the comments section so we can all enjoy. And not just your own memories....if you are headed to a family gathering of some sort this summer, take a notepad. Even better, take a video camera and a recorder. Be the story catcher in your family.

This week's theme is travel. Write about a trip or a vacation. Write about the first time you traveled by boat, or airplane, or ox cart. Write up a funny or scary or poignant memory of a place not your home. Foods, scents, sights...what sticks in your mind about a place?

Book Giveaway Winner!

The winner of the drawing for 'From the Ground Up' is Laughing Lioness.

Thanks to all who played the game!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Daylilies

2009-06-10T10:58:00.004-05:00

It's daylily time...

Don't forget to go to Sunday's post and sign up for the give away.

Book Giveaway

2009-06-07T19:24:00.003-05:00

Who needs a book to read?

In keeping with my shiny new philosophy to not keep as many books in the house, I'm giving this one away.

"From the Ground Up-the story of a first garden" by Amy Stewart.

It's an enjoyable read, especially if you are a gardener or fantasize about being one. Writers will enjoy the smooth, easy style of the essays. Foodies will like the recipes included at the end of each chapter.

Leave a comment on this post to be included in the drawing. At the end of the week, I'll drop everyone's name in a hat and pull out a winner.

Unflocking...

2009-06-05T00:01:00.002-05:00

Birds of a feather flock together.

I'm a joiner.

One of the great pleasures in my life is to find like-minded folks to hang out with. Whatever I'm interested in, I like to find other people with whom to learn and share. Photography, writing, dog showing, quilting, homeschooling, and, most significantly, church, are all examples of groups I've had a kinship with. There are so many wonderful benefits from rubbing elbows with other individuals passionate about the same things you are.

In the last few months, it seems I've become 'unflocked.'

Like a pair of pants that are too loose or too tight, three specific groups I've been a part of for years no longer seem to fit me anymore. In some cases, I've changed. In others, the group has morphed.

The result is the same, however. I'm flying solo more often than not...and that's okay. I'm old enough (sigh) and experienced enough to realize God sometimes moves us from our cozy comfort spots into new areas. It's feeling a little like that for me. Each of these groups has been inspiring, encouraging, educational, motivating, uplifting, and just plain fun. This is simply a phase and a transition. This too shall pass. Some day soon I'll be volunteering to take on a roll that will consume me and be a benefit to others and I'll be right back in the middle of the flock. But, not today.

Kinda reminds me of root pruning. When a gardener decides to transplant a shrub, she often root prunes...that is, taking a shovel and cutting a circle around the plant along the line where she will eventually dig. The idea is to sever the plant from roots outside the circle and force the shrub to grow some new roots within the circle. A few months later, when the gardener actually digs up the plant, there will be more roots to make the move, insuring a better chance for survival.

While I don't feel lonely, exactly, I am intrigued by how other people are handling this. Some people that I thought were geninue friends, aren't. It seems I was a friend only while conveniently close or flying in formation. I gotta tell ya, I've bled a bit over this. The real, true friends have made themselves abundantly clear, too, and that's a comfort.

All this unflocking frees me up. Instead of pouring my efforts and energy into church programs (wonderful though they may be) or being an officer on the board of my writing group or evaluating curriculum with other homeschool moms, I'm going to spend time getting back to the basics. A direct relationship with God. A chance to write. An opportunity to work on my projects without committments to other people taking over my time.

It sounds selfish.

And it is to a certain extent.

So be it. I simply don't have the energy to change it at the moment. In fact, it may be that I'm supposed to be spending this time growing more roots inside the circle in preparation for something new on the horizon.

Kinda exciting, huh?

Crave

2009-06-03T07:43:00.004-05:00

I've been so busy and distracted by the ending of school and graduation that I haven't spent much time being purely creative.

I've missed it.

Once while elbow deep in some aspect of those final days of schooling, I suddenly craved a little time with Daniel and Sarah, characters from the book I wrote last fall. I craved the opportunity to revisit their story. It stirred up a need to see how all my characters are doing. I've left too many of them in limbo for too long.

Soon, I told them (and myself.)

The last couple of days, I've spent hours at my sewing table. Curtains, a purse, --both without a pattern--and starting on a garden themed wall hanging.

I've written a wee bit.

The other day, The Pilot Guy and I indulged in some wondermous new glass for stained glass projects.

I feel much better. Much, much better.

Ten Years Ago

2009-06-02T21:21:00.004-05:00

Me in front of the Guild houses in the Grand Place, Brussels.

On this day, ten years ago, we landed in Brussels to begin our European adventure. The Pilot Guy's company had offices in Belgium and we finally took the opportunity to live overseas.

All of us crowded close to our airline windows as the jet flew low and slow over Brussels in it's final approach to the runway.

Incredibly green.

Waterways.

Puffy clouds.

It looked like an enchanted kingdom.

Excitement fought with jet lag as we found our little apartment on the fifth floor in Evere. Since there was not a scrap of toilet paper or food in the place, we made our first jaunt to the grocery store just a bit later.

If you've never lived in another country, you can't really imagine how overwhelming it can be to not be able to read the signs or understand the language flowing around you. Your brain peels out like tires on wet pavement trying to figure it all out. At least the French words looked like they ought to be words...the Flemish words simply looked like a scrambled word puzzle and made my head hurt. The cars were small and the architecture strange. I was terribly afraid of offending someone.

The grocery store was an experience...an overwhelming one. I think I was close to panicking that we wouldn't be able to feed the boys (age 8 and 14) that night. (Remember I'd just spent two weeks packing up our house, given away the dog and the cat, leased my horse, and made a trans-Atlantic flight...I was grocery shopping on sheer nerves.) Just as I think I was about to hit the panic button, I looked up and saw a sign.

Poisson

Fish. I knew that French word meant fish. We'd studied up on some French before leaving and one of the words I'd learned was poisson. Suddenly, I knew we could do this. We could figure it out. I still have the receipt from that shopping expedition. Carrots, toilet paper, Frosted Flakes cereal, milk. The carrots would spoil our taste buds forever they were so good. The milk we didn't decode well and ended up with buttermilk. Our youngest was not amused the next morning when he poured it over his cereal, but we eventually figured it out. Within a couple of days, we learned we lived within a short walk of not one, but two, French bakeries. There is nothing that smells as good as a French bakery in the morning. Nothing.

My sons were super troopers during our adventure. They ate strange looking things in strange looking places. We never got used to the softly cooked egg in the middle of an authentic French pizza...but we learned to love of a lot of other foods and customs. They made friends with children at church who spoke Flemish.

We are so blessed to have had that time in Europe. During our stay, we began homeschooling. Certainly a life changing decision. We took the opportunity to travel extensively during The Pilot Guy's time off. Because of that adventure, my sons have toured Viking museums, boated down a Norwegian fjord, skied in the Alps and swum in the Mediterranean. We've walked the streets of Pompeii and climbed Hadrian's wall. We had crepes in Paris, gelatto in Italy, and warm waffles in Belgium. We made a profound 'pilgrimage' to the Isle of Barra, Scotland, where the family clan was founded a thousand years before. We toured museums, historical sites, art galleries, street markets, and grocery stores where ever we could. I fell hard in love with Italian pottery, rolling Italian countrysides, and Paris. We learned to count and be polite in a handful of languages.

The Pilot Guy flew to Finland, Greece, Poland, and Ireland, and everywhere inbetween. He eventually got to fly to Iceland, too. How many people do you know who've been to Iceland, much less piloted a plane there?

It was a blast. And I'm so very thankful to God for opening the doors for our family.

The Baseball Kid leaves in two weeks for a summer missionary internship in Ghent, Belgium. If we hadn't lived there, fallen so in love with the country and it's people, we would have never met those who are dear to us there. And he would not have had this opportunity.

It's interesting the directions our lives take.

Ten years. It seems like only a little while ago......

And I'd go again in a heartbeat.

Garden Party

2009-05-21T07:30:00.002-05:00

When I expressed my wee bit of disappointment at no one getting to fully enjoy my gardens during our son's graduation party, a gal over on the GardenWeb boards suggested I have a virtual garden party. You are all invited. Grab your favorite beverage to sip and join me for a stroll.
Welcome

Stella Daylily

Step out back....

The pond is small, but fun. See the fish?

Rampant roses and just opening daylilies

The Graduation Boy's Garden is just beginning to cook...

There's more, but my tea cup is empty and my shoes are wet from the dew. Let's get a refill and do some more another day.

Shindig

2009-05-19T10:57:00.003-05:00

It's a done deal. I'm no longer a homeschool mom.

Our youngest graduated last Saturday in a private ceremony here at our house.

Private in that no other students graduated with him, but not at all exclusive. We invited many people who've had an impact on N's life. From church, from his baseball team, from neighbors and long time friends...and of course, the relatives...we estimate about sixty people crowded into our home. The original plan was to have the ceremony in the house with a huge Italian themed supper in the gardens. An inch of rain (on top of several that week) nixed that idea. Instead we moved furniture, set up tables, and had a cozy buffet supper indoors. Purple and gold abounded.

We had a little fun with the ceremony, using the traditional words of a wedding ceremony to begin...dearly beloved, we've gathered here to unite N with his diploma...if there are any objections. GRIN Of course, I had to demand he turn in his last research paper. wink, wink. We asked a couple of long time friends to share a few stories and thoughts, then opened the floor to others. Several people, including big brother, K, shared funnies and sweet sentiments. Finally, after a few closing thoughts from my husband and me, N was officially graduated.

It was a blast! Literally, in that we set off a selection of fireworks after dark...but also worth every hour of time we put into planning, prepping, and implementing...just like homeschooling. Lots of work, but worth the effort.

Mmmmmm...ice cream sundae bar. Sweet fun.

Even though I've been looking forward to this day for a while, I still can't quite believe that my official homeschool days are done. Whatever will I do with my time now? ;0)

Mom's Day

2009-05-10T13:09:00.003-05:00

In sorting some photos recently, I came across this one taken on my 30th birthday. (That's been a few days ago...) I was thirty, my mom, forty-seven. Yep, she married my 20 year old dad when she was sixteen and had little ole me when she was seventeen. She used to say we grew up together.

My mom died at 55. Seven short years after this portrait was done.
Hug your mom today. Life is short.

Colorful Callas

2009-05-07T15:27:00.002-05:00

Calla Lilies
Easy to grow, colorful, and perennial. What more do you want?

I'm deeply behind on reading everyone's blog. I'll catch up...after school is done and the shindig is history.

Shine!

2009-05-04T07:57:00.002-05:00

Last night was the Senior Celebration at our church. This year, our son, Nathan, was honored, along with five other young men and women.

What a blast!

For one thing, it was such a treat to not be on the organizing committee. The parents of juniors do all the planning and hosting of the event. Let me tell ya, they did an awesome job of it this year.

The theme was Shine in '09. "Let your light shine....." was the theme verse. Candles and lots of pretty lights made for a dramatic decor. Each black draped and red-topped table had a triangle of photos of the seniors printed on translucent paper with LED lights inside the triangle.

The seniors spend all afternoon with their youth minister, Matt. Together, they ride in a limo to a cool area of town for a photo session by one of our former members. Then the limo takes them to an elder's home for a fancy dinner. One last ride in the limo brings them to the church building where a red carpet and a crowd awaits.

As they enter the building, the crowd treats them like rock stars...begging for autographs, snapping photos. It's a laughing good time.

Everyone has dessert at the beautifully decorated tables. Chocolate fountains with assorted dipping items were on the menu this year.

Every student had a personal memorabilia table. Nathan's was strewn with baseball photos and gear, some Nathan's favorite curriculum (our Trisms guidebooks, Lightning Lit Shakespeare, Rosetta Stone Dutch....) and photos from his travels.

There are projected photo programs...you know the ones that show the cute baby pics, and a video presentation of thoughts from the youth minister. Then, each set of parents got up on stage and shared some thoughts, both funny and sweet. After that, each senior expressed their thanks. Our senior had also presented part of the morning sermon. I'm impressed at his public speaking abilities.

It was a lovely evening filled with laughter, good food, and a tear or two.

Good memories.

I hope you can find something and someone to celebrate today. It doesn't have to be a fancy event, just offering encouragement and blessing can make someone's day.

A Garden Nursery

2009-04-28T19:44:00.004-05:00

This little flower bucket hangs by the front door. I change the silk flowers seasonally. The other day, I noticed someone else had taken possession of it.

Can you find the three babies snuggled in there?

These are house finches. Mom is rather drab, but dad has a colorful red neck. They get mighty nervous when we head out to the front porch. It is a special blessing to have babies on the place.

Sorry I've dropped off the planet for the last week or so. We moved Nathan's graduation up a few weeks to the third weekend in May. Once we made that decision, we had to get in high gear to get senior portraits created (boy, am I out of practice!) get invitations done, addressed and mailed. All while maintaining our standard crazy baseball, work, and church schedule. Being the vain gardener gal that I am, I also felt like I *had* to get some plants and seeds in the ground so they'd look good for the shindig after the ceremony. Had, I tell ya, had to.

Thanks to those who've checked up on me. I appreciate your caring!

Affirming

2009-04-09T07:52:00.008-05:00

It happened again.

Someone put two of my fanfic stories on their Favorite Stories list. These are short pieces I posted three or four years ago on http://www.fanfiction.net/. And, it's not the first time I've gotten this sort of notification.

Do you know what a pleasure it is? To know that some person out there found my little scraps of fiction interesting and entertaining enough to say they are on her 'here, read this one list?'

Humbling.

Affirming.

A little warm glow bringing a smile.

At the moment, I'm caught in the seasonal whirl that is baseball at our house, my son's last season as a high school player. We are over our heads with plans for graduation and his summer activities. There are two significant situations in my life causing me to feel as if I'm wearing my skin inside out, with all the raw nerves exposed. Creatively, I've spent some time with stained glass and with fabric as well as with my hands in the dirt, gardening. But, I haven't put thoughts to paper in fiction form for a while. Just the other day, I was seriously second guessing my desires to make a career from my pen. Maybe, I thought, I just don't have what it takes.

But, today, someone thought enough of my stories to put them on her Favorites list.

That's gotta be worth something.

Get your Spring Theme Challenge entries to me ASAP! I'm looking forward to seeing your work and affirming your creative gifts!

Artist's Daybook

2009-04-02T08:18:00.002-05:00

During the month of April, I'm working on a new habit.

Every morning I'm starting off by free writing for twenty minutes. If you've read Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way" you've heard her call these the morning pages. She recommends writing three pages by hand before you do anything else. This exercise is useful for clearing out the junk in your head and heart. There is no rhyme or reason, just dump words on the page without worrying about spelling, grammar, or coherence. If you can't think of anything to write, that's where you start....write I can't think of anything to write over and over. Pretty soon your brain gets bored and kicks in something more interesting.

Another author I'm reading calls this writing her Artist's Daybook. For her, the process is about cleaning out random weirdness from her brain, but also asking God to help her use her talents and gifts in the best way possible. She calls the process a 'purge and merge.' Purging herself of the garbage and merging with the Creator before she begins to create. The more she purges, the more she can merge and finds her daybook filled with ideas.

Whichever term is used, the essential process is the same. Clean out your worries, fears, random ideas, and odd thoughts before the creative process begins.

In long ago days, I sketched ideas before photographing a family's portrait or a wedding. Sketching helped me sort out my ideas, as did writing out descriptions of what I wanted to accomplish. Those sessions were always more productive than the ones where I went in cold. Artistically, I was satisfied on a deeper level.

All this month, I'm committing to writing every morning in my artist's daybook. Yes, for me, it will be a typed file on my computer. Each day's entry is labeled with the date. I may never go back and read them. Certainly, NO ONE else will. (That's important. Write as though no one else will ever read your words...then make sure to keep your journal where your privacy will be respected.)

Because I've done short bursts of this in the past, I know ideas for short stories, novels, non-fiction, events, businesses, and other things will come out of the mulch pile the morning pages create. I need that rich level of creativity in my life. In April, I'm writing every morning in hopes creativity will bloom. Just like April showers bring May flowers....

Have you ever done this? How has journaling in any way helped your creative process?

A Quote

2009-03-31T07:21:00.003-05:00

The greatest danger

for most of us

is not our

aim is too high

and we miss it,

but that it is too

low

and we hit it.

Michelangelo

Fickle Spring

2009-03-28T15:20:00.005-05:00

An old legend says the reason the weather this time of year is so volatile is that old man Winter wages a last battle or two with the young maiden of Spring. Winter may be old, but he is sneaky and catches Spring unaware. Spring herself is a youth in the midst of the hormonal challenges of growing up.

No wonder the weather is less than predictable.

These are my tender tomato plants tucked in for a cold night. While the winds raged at 30 mph and the temps dropped to the mid thirties, hopefully, the tomatoes slept snug and warm under their shelters.

Since I'd already made the mental change to warmth and actually pulled shorts and sandals out of the closet, I'm less than pleased.

However, I am thankful there's no snow on my green grass, too. And that I have a warm, cheerful quilt to snuggle under.

Keep yourself warm and working for the Spring Theme Challenge. The deadline is April 9th. Thanks for all those who already sent comments and photos!

Bravo

2009-03-26T09:01:00.006-05:00

An interesting, challenging, and thoughtful talk on creativity by Elizabeth Gilbert, author of 'Eat, Pray, Love.'

Elizabeth Gilbert on Creativity

You don't know how much I wish all Creative Soul readers could gather for coffee after hearing a speaker like this. What wonderful discussion we would have.

Thanks to Becky for alerting me to this talk and to Tom for teaching me how to embed a video in my blog post. I've learned something new today!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Bloom

2009-03-25T14:16:00.002-05:00

First Monarch of the Season.
I figure he blew in on all the wind. Here he is refueling on my new heliotrope blooms.

Bearded Iris

Snowy white Indian Hawthorne (Clara, I think.) and cherry red dianthus

Bridal bush

The neighbor's wisteria crawling on the fence between our houses. I wish you could enjoy the scent along with me.

Tomato transplants are in

Thanks for all your kind comments about the spring poetry piece. It was fun to come inside and dump that on the blog. And thanks a bunch for all your enthusiasm for the Spring Theme challenge. I can't wait to see what you create!

Welcome Spring

2009-03-20T06:47:00.004-05:00

In the dark, cool morning, I step.

In just a moment of time, the earth will turn, the sun will slip across the equator in it's journey back to us and the season will just as easily slip from winter to spring. A mathematical equation. A moment in time. Predictable. Explainable. Incredible.

In the dark, cool morning, there are no stars.

High, wispy clouds float across a cresent moon. Too many lights from neighborhoods around us shine on the clouds hiding the glittering community of stars overhead.

In the dark, cool morning, I stand, a cup of something warm in my hands, breathing the rich steam.

Never again in the history of time will this moment happen just this way again. If I live 100 years, I will only see spring 100 times.

Please God, let me notice the details.

Let me not get so busy that I forget to see, to hear, to taste, to enjoy the changes. In the wide wheel of time, let me remember to focus on the beauty and precision that is creation. This place, this moment.

In the dark, cool night, I stand, welcoming back the sun,

although darkness still reigns.

The fountain in the goldfish pond splashes. Nearby, a mockingbird sings for his mate, liquid notes into the soft early morning. My toes in the hastily slipped on sandals are chilled.

Wake up, earth.

It's spring.

The sun returns bringing with it light, warmth, and the potential for growth. What will I do with this moment, this time, this spring?

In the dark, cool night, I stand, dawn just over the horizon.

Savoring.

Welcome spring.

A Spring Challenge

2009-03-19T13:01:00.003-05:00

Spring makes me antsy to plant, start new projects and learn new things. Grow, change, do. In short, to CREATE. Maybe it does the same for you, too. I got to thinking it was time for a challenge.

Here's my challenge...create something that says spring to you. It could be a quilt block, a poem, a collage, a photo, or a planter filled with spring color. Maybe you'll whip out a paint brush to dash something wonderful on canvas or maybe you'll pick up a pen and create a fabulously fantastic short story. Do whatever floats your boat. Just keep spring as the theme.

Then...send a copy of your writing or a photograph of your creation to:
debsmuse AT ONE scom DOT net
(replace all caps words with symbols and squish the whole thing together.)

There will be a couple of prize packages for the two most favored by my trusty team of judges, nothing terribly fancy, but fun, nevertheless. Best of all, you'll have the pleasure of bragging about winning a contest on my blog! Feel free to invite other blogging buddies to enter as well.

We'll have a quick deadline...April 9th...so you've got three weeks. Now...shake off those winter blahs and get creating!

O The Green!

2009-03-17T13:04:00.003-05:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Today is the last average freeze date for our area...and, wow, we are having an early spring....it seems a full two weeks earlier than normal, but I'll take it.

Here's a little green to help you celebrate St. Pat's properly.

When I was a girl, I remember my Mom saying not to plant the veggie garden until the mesquite trees had broken bud and started to leaf out. I don't have mesquite here in my neighborhood, so I've always used crepe myrtles as my indicator, along with weather reports and common sense. Right now, two different varieties are leafing out. I've the itch to plant, plant, plant.

Spring Training

2009-03-15T11:29:00.003-05:00

I'm a total fan girl about two things. The TV show Stargate SG1 and Texas Rangers baseball.

Stargate feeds the adventurous sci-fi gene in my soul. Loyalty, honor, and teamwork mixed with aliens, action, and humor with a teeny touch of romance are a killer combo. The first eight seasons of Stargate were a wonderful weekly escape from my life on this planet. I often wished Jack, Sam, Daniel, and Teal'c were real people so I could meet them. Unfortunately for all of us, they are fictional only. Since Stargate is no longer in production, I'm able to focus all of my attention on my Texas Rangers who are real, live, and currently working in Arizona.

It came to our attention that I haven't been anywhere that could be called a vacation in the past couple of years. Reasons aplenty for that, but we decided it had gone on long enough. The Pilot Guy and I flew out to Arizona last week for a spring training/sunshine break. Bouganvillas, lantana, and orange trees were in full bloom with a warm, sunny sky overhead. The rental agency gave us a sporty (for this mini-van mama) bright red Chevy Cobalt with a sun roof to zip around in. We drove around the city of Surprise with the top open and the windows down.

The Texas Rangers' organization is one of the few who open portions of their training facilities up for fans to mix and mingle with the players. Every morning from 10am until about noon, workouts, batting practice, pitching, and fielding happen just feet away from fans. There are players you read about in the news and some you've never heard of.

Herds of minor leaguers and future prospects stride up the walks, their cleats clicking on concrete. Mock games and batting challenges flow. Push ups for some infraction are done with laughter and good natured ribbing. When moving from one field to another, most of the guys don't mind taking a moment to sign a baseball or have their photos snapped with you. For a fan, this is a wonderful experience!

Michael Young and Andruw Jones

Ron Washington giving Jarrod Saltalamacchia tips on bunting.

I was pretty intimidated the first day. I couldn't ask anyone for an autograph. It was just a bit overwhelming to be there. Then The Pilot Guy and I met The Cookie Lady, a well known Texas Ranger fan, her husband, and other friends. They made us feel like we'd known them forever. The Cookie Lady is kind of a mom figure to many of these guys...they all stop to give her a hug and take a moment to visit. These guys are, for the most part, the same age as my own sons. Some of them are little bit older than that, but still young with young families they miss.

By the next day, I was able to get over myself and ask for a couple of autographs and photos. Very fun. If I ever get to go back, I'm taking a bucketful of baseballs to be signed. And, no, I'll never sell them on Ebay. My kids will have to fight over them when I'm gone.

Me and Marlon Byrd...I loved how his face lit up when I asked if I could have a photo with him.

With Jarrod Saltalamacchia....see that ball in his hand. It has his siggy on it and it's mine.

With Brandon McCarthy...he is one long, tall fella. Hopefully with a strong healthy arm this year.

With Kevin Millwood...rumored to be the Opening Day starting pitcher. Nice guy.

Do you know what mega-bucks star athletes do after a batting practice session? They clean up after themselves, picking up all the balls and returning them to the buckets whether in the cages or in the outfield. Did my mama's heart proud. We loved watching them all clown around during batting practice and while shagging flies in the outfield.

Unknown coach and Josh Hamilton

There are games every day in fine spring training facilities all over the metro Phoenix area. We saw the Rangers play the Seattle Mariners including Ken Griffey, Jr. and against the L.A. Dodgers complete with Manny Ramirez.

To say I didn't want to come home to the turmoil going on in our little church and in The Baseball Guy's team, challenges of dealing with a newly wrecked car, and gray skies is an understatement. I wanted to play in fantasy land a little bit longer.

Running Away From Home

2009-03-13T09:35:00.002-05:00

The Winter Blahs got the better of us. The Pilot Guy and I fled the (very welcome) rain, gray skies, and cold weather of our home town for sun and a little spring training baseball. (Yay for airline and hotel points!)

All is not perfectly sunny, however. As we touched down in another state, our son called to tell us he had wrecked the car he and The Pilot Guy share. Bummer. He is fine, the other driver is fine, (thank you God!) but the car is not. The photos he sent us were downright scary looking. It's too bad about the car because there are not dollars for another one in the immediate future. Life lessons have commenced. The best part of this is that our son, who had the option of coming with us, handled the situation very well by himself. He had to since we were unavailable, but it is nice to see grown-up-ness beginning to shine through.

In the meantime, I'm going to sit in the stands, eat junk food, and soak up the sun. Blogging will resume after I've recharged by solar batteries.

How Do You Accept Critique?

2009-03-10T13:39:00.003-05:00

Time after time in my writer's group, I've seen it.

The stunned, baffled, and eventually muley look that says I can't believe y'all don't get how brilliant I am. We see it most often on a new member. Some one who says they want feedback and information on their writing, but secretly knows we will swoon with admiration the minute we hear their poetry or prose.

It's often a rude awakening to find out that most of us are swoon proof.

We are kind. We applaud the effort, but we offer--gently--truth.

As I watched the auditions for American Idol this year, I was struck again by how unprepared we are to accept honest feedback and simple critique. After being given a no by the professional judges, too many contestants begged for them to change their minds. Begged, especially in a whiny voice....Please, please, please, puleezzzeee...until *I* cringed in horror.

And had to laugh out loud when Simon or Kara asked a contestant who told you you could sing? Only to have the singer reply with 'My mom. My friends.' I wish I'd kept count of the times some one said this.

Note to creative souls....your Mama loves you. She believes everything you do is golden. And rightly so. You are her creation, after all. However, she may be just a tad prejudiced.

Just a tad.

The same with your friends. Here, though, I'll allow that most people don't know how to offer negative feedback. They don't want to hurt your feelings or damage your friendship. Telling a friend that you think they don't have a good voice or an artistic eye or a great garden plan is hard. For one thing, it is your opinion. It is likely that you are just as wrong as can be because you aren't an expert in the field. Secondly, no one wants the hurt feelings thing to follow them. Creative Souls are creative, sensitive, and artistic. In other words, we bleed with ease.

Taking the steps toward making your artistic life into a professional one demands you learn to listen to hard stuff.

One of my favorite rules in my writer's group is our 'no defending' rule. After you've read your piece for the evening, you must zip your lips and listen to the verbal feedback. No defending means not 'explaining' to the doofuses who didn't 'get' it. If you have to explain, your writing wasn't clear. After all, once your book is on the shelves of Barnes and Noble, there is no author standing nearby to explain passages. No sputtering...'but, but, but.....' No pleading 'please, please, please....' And certainly no bad mouthing the person offering critique.

There's been times when I vehemently disagreed with what someone said about my writing. The no defending rule kept my mouth shut tight. Remarkably, after a few day's perspective, I was able to see that just maybe that person had a point. If more than one person said the same thing, then I realized my writing had a problem I needed to fix. I won't even tell you about the blood bath that is professional photography competitions. Ouch.

Finding people who will be honest with you is an effort worth taking. Take a look around you. Who will offer you unvarnished truth? Value these folks. Especially if they are in your field. They are worth gold to you in your pursuit of excellence.

And don't you dare whine when something negative comes your way. Professionals don't whine. They go home and work even harder.

Now, go out and create something incredible so we can all tell you how genuinely wonderful you are.

Ta-Da Friday ~ March 6, 2009

2009-03-06T00:01:00.003-06:00

Here is a special ta-da. I finished this long narrow wall hanging the other day. I'm so pleased with how it turned out because it has a very sentimental meaning. Let me explain...

I'm one of six sister-in-laws. The Pilot Guy is one of six sons in his family, no biological sisters. Some time ago, we ladies decided to do a cross-stitch exchange project. There were specific details on size and we had an entire year to complete all of them. When did we do this, you ask?

Nineteen years ago.

At Christmas in 1990, we gathered to exchange our work. Unfortunately, one of my sis in laws chose not to do a cross stitched piece. We'd all done one for her, but... Well, you can imagine that the rest of us were somewhat flummoxed by the situation. How could we put together our projects if one of us hadn't participated? It was an odd and awkward situation for us. Five of us put our exchanged pieces away safely and hoped for wisdom. It wasn't long before time swept us on and I, frankly, forgot about the project.

A few years after this, our sis in law #2 became ill. For years she fought to live as normal and as long a life as possible, but lost the battle in early 2007. To say we mourned is an understatement. I wish you could have known her. She was a genuine Creative Soul.

Not long after that, wise quilting sis-in-law #1 dug out her cross-stitch pieces and made a delightful wall hanging from them. She generously offered to do the same for any of us. Somehow it was much easier to not worry about the missing piece from the sis in law who didn't participate. Over the years, she had decided not to participate in many things with the family. I guess we were used to it by then. And we really needed to honor the work of the sis in law who had died.

So...now I've put mine together. It was such a sweet pleasure to work with these pieces. I love these women beyond words....and miss the one who sews in heavenly sewing rooms these days tremendously. They are both sisters of the heart and dear friends.

From Trae...

From Hermion, who died in 2007

From Denise...

From Tina...

Mine is the blue one in the middle, since I'm married to a middle guy.

I also finished a few more porch pillows. Fun and fast. Way better than the blah store bought ones that had been there. I suspect I'll collect outdoor fabric and keep on making these. I like them.

I've also finished the baby gift, but haven't photographed it yet.

What have you completed or worked on this week?

March Goals

2009-03-04T08:28:00.004-06:00

How did it get to be March already?

Here's a few things I want to accomplish this month...

finish the Mission's policy book for our church (depends on other people...so....it may spill over into April)

write a couple of memoir stories

write a couple of short pieces, fiction or non-fiction

Oversee completion of The Baseball Guy's research project prior to spring break

Oversee the beginning of another research project. (He is going to be SO happy.)

school, school, school

begin planning The Baseball Guy's graduation ceremony and party

finish, package, and send baby gift to little Gracelyn.

begin the garden wall hanging

finish the porch swing pillows

make a half dozen ATCs

pursue more stained glass

get the veggie garden ready for planting. Plant by month's end. (do you see my gleeful smile?)

start some more seeds in pots

add plants and stepping stones to landscape the new front flower bed

paint the small table, chairs

repaint the purple swing (It will stay purple, but the paint finish is damaged. It needs sanding and repainting)

Well....that ought to keep me out of trouble...or up to my mascara in trouble, depending on your point of view. I know I'm being optimistic...this is baseball season after all. Still, writing out goals helps me stay focused.

What's on your to-do list?

What Think You?

2009-03-03T09:48:00.004-06:00

I'm wondering if I should have a separate blog for my gardening pursuits and pleasures. Those of you who read my blog because of the pretty flower photos and gardening thoughts may get discouraged by all the how to be more creative posts. Those of you who visit because I encourage creativity may be bored by the gardening posts.

What think you? Keep it all together or separate them out?

Winter Blahs, part three

2009-02-25T09:53:00.004-06:00

Winter just drags on and on, doesn't it? I never find myself complaining that spring or fall drags on and on. I hardly ever gripe about summer, but I know others who do. Winter takes so much effort from us to stay warm, focused, productive, and even safe. These last tips on surviving the winter blahs are important.

Eat right. That's right, eat with care, concern, and wisdom. When the blahs hit, we often reach for a sugar high to boost our energy. Sugar may give us a high, but it also quickly lets you slide once more. Highly processed carbohydrates react in our bodies as pure sugar...quick boost, no long term help. Think of these carbs or sugary treats as straw in a campfire. A bright blaze and quickly gone.

Instead of a sugar boost, reach for a complex carbs like oatmeal and other whole grains. Fruit gives you a quick sugar high, but also a helping of fiber and nutrients. Even better is a small amount of protein...string cheese, a hard-boiled egg, some chicken, a hand full of walnuts or almonds. Protein stabilizes your blood sugar so you aren't craving a quick fix. Imagine a well seasoned oak log on the fire place...long burning and heat generating.

I can't tell you how much I crave comfort foods during cold gray days. If I eat well, I feel better and I'm more able to cope with the depression of the season. If I don't eat well...let's just say the cycle spirals downward.

A quick word about supplements. I'm reading a lot about the benefits of Vitamin D supplements these days. It seems that even if we spend time outdoors, many of us aren't producing enough Vitamin D, especially in the winter. This vitamin is not only good for bones, but may play a role in depression as well. Not enough means more depression. Consider adding a supplement to your diet.

Exercise. When eat well came up on the list, you knew exercise wasn't far behind. Exercise, deep-breathing, heart pounding, sweaty exercise releases feel good endorphins in our brains. Fresh doses of oxygen bathe our brain cells. Exercise warms muscles, flushes toxins, and burns calories. It just plain feels good to exercise. If you dislike getting out in the weather, invest in a piece of exercise equipment...and don't hang your laundry on it. Buy a few work out DVDs. Thirty minutes a day is all you really need. Load your iPod with great music or an audio book to listen to as you work out. I have friends who strap a laptop to the rack of their treadmill so they can watch a DVD or download of a movie or TV show as they stride. I prefer getting outside, even on cold days. I just flat out need the sunlight. So, if you are like me, invest in quality workout gear for outdoors. Layers are everything because as you walk or jog, you will get warmer and warmer. Don't forget to slather on moisturizer to protect your skin, too.

Lastly, do something. Travel--(St. Martin, anyone?) Take a class. Host a book club. Throw a party. Start a new project. Create. Keep yourself busy and active. Spring will be here before you know it!

Thanks for all your comments on these posts. It comforts me to know I'm not the only one.

Stained Glass Saturday

2009-02-23T09:09:00.004-06:00

The Pilot Guy and I did another stained glass class on Saturday. In this class, we made boxes.
The most challenging part was deciding exactly what designs and glass to use. The owners of the shop had a big box of glass scraps and pieces to choose from. Plus, they would happily grab a piece off the sale shelves if we couldn't find the color we wanted. It was like being a kid in a toy store.

Designing the box was another challenge, but a happy one. I hadn't gone to the class expecting to get to make our own design. Fun.

The class of glass results

Ours

One way to beat winter blahs is to do something creative and colorful. Taking the time to learn a new artistic outlet gives your brain and spirit a new jolt, too.

Winter Blahs, part two

2009-02-20T11:56:00.006-06:00

Frosty Frog Fowl Feeder

I hope you've had a chance to revel in some color in the past few days. It helps to notice something besides the cold and the dreary, doesn't it? I've enjoyed all your terrific comments. It seems I'm not the only one who gets the winter blahs.

Here are a few more tips for surviving the winter blahs. None of them will turn an avowed heat lovin' summer person into a winter lover, but hey, if it helps a person get through........

Light. This probably should have gone first. If you are affected by gray skies, turn on the lamps inside. We've actually gone through the house and replaced 60 watt bulbs with 100 watt bulbs just for the light boost during long winters. Open the curtains and let in the light. In Belgium, where the skies are often cloudy all day, the homes and apartments are designed with huge windows to gather every bit of sky light. It helps. There are professionally made lights just for people with SAD. I've never used one, but instead taken the idea and modified it for my own benefit. Look into getting one if you need more of a boost than ordinary lights can give.

I go as far as to light the darkness outside as well. After the Christmas decor is taken down and packed away, we put a couple of strands of white lights in the shrubs near the front porch. It's not Christmas decor, its winter wonderland decor. It stays up until near the end of February. This year, my son's girlfriend gave me a strand of flower garland patio lights for Christmas. We've wound those into the Japanese maple potted near the front door for a warm, quiet light. Every thing is on timers, so the lights come on at dusk and off sometime during the wee hours. This year, we also made the shift to LED lights for energy savings. Can I just say LED white lights are not white, but blue...and rather ghastly? I'm not sure I like them.

Get out in the sun when ever you can. One January in Belgium there were exactly five, count 'em, five days with an hour or two of sun. The rest were typical gray, cloudy days. Short, gray, and cloudy. For years, I've told my family and friends I'm solar powered, so you can believe that I was out in that sun every single time. Same applies here...Bundle up and take a walk. Drag a patio chair to a protected location and bask. Pretend you are a cat and stretch out near a sunny window.

Embrace winter. Yes, it's cold, gray, snowy, icy, and windy. But some days it's crisp with sunlight glistening through ice crystals or glinting off snow. Some mornings are ethereal with foggy frost. Enjoy the stark beauty that is winter. Learn to dress warmly and well so winter doesn't lock you inside. My friend in upper NY state, Rose, purchased snowshoes for her family. Together they can enjoy a nearby park with a path that leads to a lake. It sounds enchanting to me. I like to take a camera or sketchbook outside to capture some of the fleeting beauty of this season. The beauty is there if we look for it.

Make a list of the things you like best about winter. Don't say there isn't something you like....everyone likes hot chocolate don't they? Or hot coffee? Okay, then, hot chocolate/coffee/tea goes on the list. My list includes snuggling under a lap quilt with a fat book someone else has slaved over. A fire in the fireplace. Hot tapioca pudding. Icicles. Snowmen. Cozy sweatshirts. Flannel pants. Soups and stews. Cardinals at the bird feeder. Seeing bird's nests from last summer in the leafless trees. Make a list of what you do enjoy and post it on the fridge or in your journal. Can you get one hundred things on your list? Make sure you take time to savor those instead of hurrying past them.

Go make your list and we will compare in a day or two. I have one more set of tips for winter survival to post in a few more days. Until then, stay warm, turn up the lights, and focus on the pleasures of the season.

Jolt of Color

2009-02-19T10:12:00.003-06:00

In my last post, I told you to add a jolt of color to your gray winter days. Here's mine:

I found these at Tuesday Morning. Love them. Bright, cheerful colors that remind me of tulips for some reason. Even the insides are glazed a pretty color. Seeing them in the cabinet makes me happy.

More tips on beating the winter blahs coming in my next posts. In the mean time, the daffodils are doing their darnedest to usher in spring. Like sunbeams on the ground.

Winter Blahs, part one

2009-02-18T09:23:00.005-06:00

The mid-winter blahs have me in their cold, gray grip. It seems a bit pathetic since we haven't had a long or significantly cold winter. Lethargy, a surfeit of ideas, and a craving for cheap carbohydrates are some of the symptoms. Every problem presses down, every goal seems too hard, and the siren call of mindless TV beckons endlessly. Plain and simple seasonal affective disorder or SAD. The acronym sums it up nicely.

I wonder if creative souls are more sensitive to seasonal depression than other folks. I've fought with this all my life. Over the years, I've learned to cope with the winter blahs without resorting to mayhem or drugs....too often anyway. Over the next few days I'll share things that keep me afloat during this season.

1. Color. When the landscape is dead grass brown and the skies are gray, I crave color.

Wear something bright...a shirt, a favored piece of jewelry, or a happy scarf. My purple and sunflower lap quilt was designed with damp, gray days in mind. A perfect jolt of warmth and color.

Put up some bold art.

Print out your favorite flower or beach photos and hang them where you can see them every day.

Paint your fingernails.

Paint the walls.

Buy the big box of crayons and use every one.

Eat colorful vegetables and fruits and pretend you are eating sunshine.

Visit an art museum or a favorite shop and notice color.

Winter is the only time I buy flower bouquets since I grow my own the rest of the year. A bunch of purple tulips, the happy faces of yellow daisies, or sweetly scented hyanciths add so much life to a room. A five or ten dollar grocery store bouquet can last a week or more and give me much pleasure. Living green plants add a touch of life to a room, plus they actively filter the air of many toxins.

Erase the gray....How many ways can you add color to your life today?

Winter is a season of our lives. It can be a time of joy and creativity if we know how to approach it wisely. In the next few days, I'll post more tips on coping with this season.

A Touch Of Spring

2009-02-09T19:01:00.004-06:00

For all my cold, snow-covered, northern friends....spring is stirring in Texas. Hopefully, these will keep your hopes alive...there are flowers under all that cold stuff.

We are having April weather on these February days. Makes me worry that we will have February weather in April....which would be a bummer for the spring veggies and flowers.

Want To Be More Creative?

2009-02-06T12:56:00.003-06:00

Maybe you should paint your studio blue.

A recent study finds the color blue promotes creative thought while the color red helps emphasise detail. Given the same question of how many uses they could come up with for a brick, testers answered with practical answers when the question was displayed on a red background. 'Build a house' for example. Asked the same question but with a blue background, testers responded with more creative plans for the brick. "Make a paperweight or build a cat scratching post' type ideas.

From what I read, we associate red with caution, precision, and danger. Red traffic lights, red teacher marks, red alert lights. Previous studies found sports teams wearing red won more games and seemed more intimidating. (Is this why the Texas Rangers have added a new red uniform to this season's selections? Is it a coincidence that the team was a powerhouse in the late ninties when their uniforms were red?)

Red increases precision and attention to detail...great for proofreading, don't you think?

Blue, on the other hand, makes us think relaxing thoughts. Sunny skies, calm seas. Freedom. Happiness.

Naturally, the study of color's effect on creativity is still in the baby stages. More will come. It is still my personal belief that colors which make you happy are the colors an artist needs to surround him or herself with. For me, that remains yellows, greens, and purples. Interesting though, that purple is a combination of both red and blue.

In the meantime, can it hurt to add some lush blue accents to your creative space? Even something small to rest your eyes on can prove diverting. A piece of art. A book whose cover is predominately blue. A rich blue fabric. A pot of blue flowers. Try it and see if you think it makes a difference. I'd like to hear what you think.

Ta-Da Friday

2009-01-30T19:12:00.002-06:00

My little wall hanging is finished. What a fun feeling to tie off the last stitch last night. It is way cuter than I thought it would be when I first laid out the pieces. In fact, about the time I ironed on the appliques, I decided I didn't like it at all. Since it was a kit, I didn't get to choose the fabrics. It just seemed bland and uninteresting, but I didn't want to waste it either.

On I sewed.

Thankfully, too, because the more detail I added, the more life the quilt took on. By the time I added the embroidery and ladybug buttons I rather liked it. Quilting only added more depth.

I'm finding I have the same sticking points when it comes to a story. About a third of the way into the script I realize I thoroughly dislike the characters I've created. Bland, uninteresting, and one dimensional. They certainly aren't doing anything of interest. At that point, my MO has been to put the mess aside and do something else. Usually create new characters, who like someone on a first date, seem enchanting and intriguing.

I'm learning my characters and story are a bit like my wall hanging. Boring until added details give depth and interest. What I've learned is that I can't quit on a story. I have to push on through, keeping the characters moving until they finally *do* somthing worth reading.

Here's to pushing through and adding details.

Unwritten Rules

2009-01-29T14:35:00.004-06:00

In the land of writing, there are a few unwritten rules an author dare not break. (Cue spooky music here.) A couple of them came to mind while writing this afternoon.

Rule of woe #1. Do not introduce your character's physical features by way of a mirror. Need I tell you that one of my characters is looking in a mirror?

Rule of woe #2. Do not start a book with the main characters traveling in a car. I can think of a couple of well known authors who've smashed this rule effectively. However, a New York editor told me that she would put down a manuscript with this as an opening scene. She would also put down one containing--

Rule of woe #3. Don't start a book with a dream scene.

From what I understand, each of the above scenarios tells an agent or editor that the author is new to the business. Which brings me to another rule...

Rule of woe #4. Editors and agents look for authors who've written at least three manuscripts. Even if they haven't sold one of them, the very act of writing three complete novels tells the agent/editor a lot. That an author has persistance. That an author has more than one story in him or her. That an author is able to finish a project. An editor once told me that by the time an author gets to the third manuscript he or she has begun to learn to write. Nora Roberts had six manuscripts written before she sold her first one, so it may take a few people a bit longer.

Professional photography is full of rules of woe...Homeschooling has its share, too. I imagine there are lots of unwritten rules in whatever we do. Are there unwritten rules in what you do? And what do you do with those rules? Abide by them? Break them?

One of my favorite quotes is 'learn the rules, then break them. But learn them first, so you can break them with authority.'

Off to begin figuring out another way to let my readers know what my character looks like....

Icy Days and Comfort Foods

2009-01-28T10:31:00.001-06:00

When the weather is cold and damp, I love to cook up some comfort food.

Cherry Turnovers

Homemade bread

The Pilot Guy made these

Icy

Besides cooking, I worked on a writing project and did some hand stitching on the wall hanging.

The 2009 Gardening Season Begins

2009-01-23T08:25:00.004-06:00

A string of pretty days has made joyful work of winter gardening.

The guys at the garden center seemed slightly unnerved by my showing up only two hours after they unpacked the veggie transplants. Don't know about them, but my gardening alarm clock has been ringing for days.

We put onions sets into cool soil first. Purpley reds and sweet yellows. Thin little slips that will root, grow, and swell into bulbs of flavor and scent. Two days ago, I put in broccoli, cauliflower, and red cabbage transplants. Bunny watch has now begun, too. They won't nibble on onions, but they do seem to enjoy broccoli. If all goes well, a crunchy lunch salad will be served to you and I sometime in May.

What a wonderful feeling to get my hands in the dirt again. My only concern is that pretty warm weather in January often leads to hot, hot, dry weather during the summer. I'm already planning and thinking about our watering systems this spring. In addition, the Pilot Guy should be very pleased with the restraint I've shown thus far this year. Why, just the other day, in shirt sleeve warm sunshine, I did not start digging on a new and expanded pond. Admirable, right?

Here's to a happy, productive, and beautiful gardening season.