Happy Fourth of July

A happy fourth of July to all my American readers and a happy Saturday to everyone else. I guess the fourth is always for celebrations so I have one too. This is my 788th post for this blog and I had posted under the name at tripod before that so it has been a long time under one name and format. The times they are a changing.

I have been working with a coach and finding the process eye opening and life changing. One of the things I have discovered is that my purpose has always been creativity. I just tend to explore it in many ways. One day on a call I said oh I am the Creativity Queen and thought what a great name for a blog, So after some thought I decided to step up to that name and create a new blog and see where that takes me.

So I hope you will come visit me at my new site

Spending the day in clay

Today I spent part of my day in this wonderful creative bubble. I am part of the Ambiance Committee for the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly to be held in Salt Lake city next month. We are making decorations for 25 tables in the theme of the four elements. For earth we are making pots that will hold some native grasses.

We met at my friend Jen's studio. Oh what fun that was, she has a small house for her studio. The walls are painted all different colors. From beautiful green to bright yellow and a fantastic turquoise. When I walked in I thought oh this is definetly an Artists house. She works in ceramics so all her art for sale was on display in one room. Then there were areas for her kiln and slab roller and work tables. So all afternoon we made these clay pots. None of us were very experienced but Jen guided us and we did great.

It was so much fun being in a room with five women doing this creative project. The energy of the studio was so pleasant. I could have stayed all day. What a wonderful place she had to create. Although I love the room I have dedicated as a studio this place was so much more. Even the garden and yard were inspiring with the sculptures and flowers everywhere. I neglected to bring my camera so no pics to share. I plan to next week when we work on glazing the pots.

So much of my artistic creative time is spent alone. This was so different from that. I can see how collaborating on a project with other Artists would be so rewarding.

Secret # 11 Subtracting Serenity Stealers

In the Next Chapter blogging book group we are now on Secret #11, wow that is hard to believe its almost over. What a journey its been.

Now on to this chapter, its talks a lot about burnout and life situations that take away your creative time. The section I seem to be resonating with is Understanding your creative style. The ones that jumped out for me were:


1. I don't have the skills I need to do my creative work. Although I feel this is true I have been working on this by taking whatever on line classes I can find. The more I do this the better I do get and I just need to remember that.

2. I don't know what to do next. I deal with this all the time, I will start painting a face and its not right so I let it sit and go back to it at another time. Sometimes it takes me forever to want to tackle it. If I wait too long the fear of not being good enough takes over. Or I get the desire to just start something new.

3. I seem to move from one deadline to the next. I tend to get involved in swaps and classes and although they are fun they do have deadlines and commitments attached to them. I find I spend all my time on them instead of other Art that I want to do.

4. I have no clear creative goals Maybe this is really my main issue after all. The only goal I really have is to paint female faces and to start working on composition so I have something else besides just a face. Although I realize that is a goal but it seems so open ended. I mean how do I know when I have reached that goal. What are my conditions of satisfaction that will let me know I have succeeded. These are questions I need to ask myself and then explore the answers. Do I want to paint just for me to express a part of myself that needs expressing or is there another level here. Do I want to be good enough to sell my Art. Am I confident enough to see if anyone would want it. I think all Artists deep down want someone to appreciate what they did or get some joy out it. That seems to be while we are all blogging and sharing what we are doing.

Gail Mc Meekin goes on to talk about a magic wand to remove ten negative things in your life. Wouldn't that be great to have. Some of mine would have to do with the issues I already talked about. Perhaps by going through exercises like this and making changes in the way we think and operate that we really do have a magic wand for change and it is us. We are the magic wand and we just need to have the courage to go on that journey, do the exploring, take the risks and change.

These are my favorite quotes from the chapter.

"Courage is the power to let go of the familiar" - Mary Bryant Native American Leader

"Act boldly and unseen forces will come to your aide" -Dorthea Brande writer

"If you play it safe in life, you've decided that you don't want to grow anymore" - Shirley Hufstedler, lawyer

Lets Celebrate Mistake Day

Toast of the Day: Here's to the silly mistakes that turn in to creative discoveries.

As I mentioned in a previous post today is the day I get to interview the wonderful Jill Badonsky. I believe that I first encountered Jill in an issue of Somerset Studio. I was delighted by her wonderful drawings and attitude towards creativity. Then she showed up at Creativity Portal and i loved reading her articles there too. I had bought her book The Nine Modern Day Muses and a bodyguard when I first heard about it and it is wonderful. When I heard that she had written a new book I knew I would want it. When the opportunity came around to participate in her blogging book tour I jumped at the chance. If you know nothing about Jill you are in for a treat. Her new book the Awe Manac is based on the idea of the Farmers Almanac but its focus is on creativity. There is a page for everyday of the year full of ideas and fun ways to spark your creativity.



Here is my interview with Jill.

The Awe-Manac is full of wonderful ideas for every day of the year. I haven't decided what is my favorite idea yet. I have enjoyed celebrating some of the fun days like National Chocolate Cake day. Was it hard to limit the number of these offerings? This seemed like such a big project how did you break it down into manageable tasks?

Thanks for that nice compliment. It was hard to limit what was offered on each day since only so much could fit on the 6 by 9 inch pages. But I felt like I was auditioning certain events and had to accept the ones I intuitively thought would bring the most inspiration, activation of creative juices or laughter to readers. I'm hoping I get to do another issue called The Awe-manac Reloaded (I have enough information to do an Awe-manac each year for long time) where I can include some of the things that got cut.

It was actually like a puzzle to break it down to manageable tasks. I had a file for every day of the year and put events on them as I found them – the discovery of what would work was a blast. I made sure to honor people I admired and who had great quotes and events that lent themselves to creative prompts or inspiration. It was not a linear process though, I was all over the board filling in days until eventually every day was complete. It seemed endless for awhile – the key was that it was fun.

Do you have a preferred way to work with the book?

I use it according to my intuitive mood du jour. Sometimes I just read the page of the day to see what energizes me, sometimes I read ahead or review what I've already read. Sometimes I let the daily prompts be a springboard for something I'm more in the mood to do than what they suggest. I simply read the page if I have no time to dive into prompts but even five minutes or a few sentences of playing with an idea brings some new creative energy.

I often have so many ideas that sometimes it's paralyzing. What do you do to focus on just one and follow it through, Do you have any techniques you use to manage it all?

That's not uncommon in the world of creative ideas. My rule is working on three ideas at a time. I will put ideas on index cards and chose the top three that energize my body rather than using the shoulds or linearly logical rationale that sometimes comes from my mind.
Rotating three ideas at a time, even if daydreaming about one of them is all I do, seems to feed the other ideas and keep me from resistance, resentment or blandness. As you can tell, much of my style depends on my intuition but what I know from years of coaching is that changing ideas too much is a form of avoidance. Staying with an idea during the creative chaos that frequently comes up is a triumph only about 15% of us attain.

What do you do when you are creatively stuck? Do you find there is one thing that helps you every time?

Again, because my creative process is fickle, one thing does not help every time – in Kaizen-Muse Creativity Coaching we have 10 main solutions for creativity stuckery. But the thing that comes close to working every time is breaking things down into small, fun, adventures that encourage imperfection at the beginning and authenticity throughout.

Can you tell my readers about the Kaizen Muse Creativity Course? I have been thinking about taking this course myself and I am sure my readers would love to hear more about it.

Thanks for asking. The best way to learn about it is to beam yourself over to http://www.kaizenmuse.com/kmcctraining . The next training is in August.

What I can tell you that's not at the site is that it was invented because life coaching blocked my creativity. I wanted to provide a coaching method that was compassionate, non-linear, intuitive based, filled with tools that appealed to the kid-like spirit so vital to my creativity. It is a coaching model that includes a creative experience in every session so it's not all about accountability and being told what to do. One of the last things many of us want is another person telling us what to do and adding another activity to our overwhelming to–do list. KMCC is all about easing into creative habits through the back door and creating one of those momentums that take you with it effortlessly.. like a current of bliss. It's about accepting ourselves as splendidly imperfect souls that need to get out of own way sometimes.. it's all already there for all of us.






















and a gift from Jill this is today's page from the Awe Manac. I couldn't get it to enlarge so I hope by clicking on it you will be able to read it.

Secret #4 Surrendering to Creative Cycles

When I started reading this chapter and I got to the section on dealing with the void all I could think of that is whats been the matter with me lately. My creativity had really been feeling off and I was struggling with everything I did. Once I realized that this is what happened I felt so much better. It was like when I got the realization things became easier.

I think I have been stuck before and my process to move through it was to either just do art, a simple journal page or spend time in nature or trying a different creative pursuit. Something to help me work through it. Sometimes I will try something new to spark that creative urge once more.

Passion as an anecdote to fear

1. Think of a time when you wanted something so much that you were willing to do anything to get it. What was the outcome?

What comes to mind was last summer when I went to the Writers Spa in Taos, New Mexico. I wanted to go so badly, I was very passionate about it and I made it happen.

2. Do you feel exhilarated by your creative work right now?

Not really, things seem to be in a struggle right now. What ignites you most about it if you're not psyched about your current work what would you rather be doing? I have been doing these pages a day and sometimes that's all I could manage to do. I think sometimes it became a chore, too much of an obligation. It left me no time to work on anything else.
3. What discomfort are you willing to endure to promote and experience your passion?
Now that is an interesting question since I don't know if I think there has to be discomfort.

4. What are your specific fears about yourself and your work?

My specific fears are that my work is not good enough, that there are too many other people out there doing the same thing. I know on some level that is not true but the underlying idea stays with me.

What stimulates your creativity into its highs and lows?

I think I am just beginning to explore this idea that there are highs and lows. Last week I was in a low when I read this chapter but then now I seem to moving out of that and feel quite energized. In addition to the art I am back to the writing again. I worked a little bit on my novel 3 days this week. I have had insights on what I need to do next. Things seem to be flowing again and the feeling is awesome.

The Awe Manac

Just a little while ago I was fortunate to win this book over at Artfully Yours.

I had previously agreed to host Jill Badonsky in her book blog tour for this very book so I think that was great that I won this copy. Jill is the author of the Nine Modern Day Muses and a Bodyguard. If you are familiar with her first book you know what an incredible talent she is. You may have also seen her articles at Creativity Portal. I will be interviewing her and posting that interview on February 18th. So be sure to check back for that event.

A little note about her new book. It is really fantastic. With one look at my copy my friend Kate's response was Oh I need a copy of this. Its a page a day guide to keep your creativity going, full of inspiring quotes and ideas. Check out the article More Excerpts from The Awe-manac at creativity portal

Also don't forget to check back February 18th to see my interview with Jill.

Creativity by Kristine Kane

There is so much to blog about today. I will have several posts to break things up. I got this in my mail today and it was so awesome that I wanted to share. Christine says many of the things that I believe about creativity.

My #1 Favorite "No-Big-Deal" Creativity Tip

Notes Creativity isn't a big deal.

It's like our breath. It's just a part of who we are.

Everyone knows this truth, but most people pretend that Creativity (with a capital C) is something special.

People who say, "Oh, I'm not Creative," or "I don't have a Creative bone in my body," sound like they're trying to convince themselves of something, rather than telling themselves the truth.

They make Creativity a BIG DEAL because, by doing so, they keep it safely out of reach. It then requires nothing of them, except to occasionally utter the phrase, "Oh, I'm not Creative!"

These people are often a little disappointed when I teach them what they pretend they don't already know:

· Creativity isn't a big deal.

· Creativity is not an event.

· Creativity doesn't so much happen, as it is allowed.

This is boring. It's unimpressive. And it's also why so few people Live Creative. It requires presence and practice and allowing. And really, these aren't very exciting things. (Unless you've experienced them! Then you know they are!)

Canine Creativity Class

When I found my dog, she'd been badly abused. I was walking on a gravel road, and she was watching me from a mound of dirt in an old churchyard where she'd been dumped.

She started to follow me.

Each time I turned around, she'd stop dead in her tracks.

When I tried to walk towards her, she'd tuck her tail under her butt and slink away from me.

But when I just continued along my way, she followed me. She eventually got closer and closer. Ultimately she followed me home.

This is how I experience Creativity.

If I try to turn around and catch it, it turns away. Living Creative is not about willing it or grabbing it. In fact, Creativity rarely takes to announcements like, "Today I'm gonna be Creative! I'm gonna write a novel!"

It's a process. It's a way of being. And though it can't be forced, it can be cultivated and allowed. It thrives when you're already open, and your mind is receptive and quiet. There's almost a joyful laziness to it.

So, in the spirit of making Creativity a No-Big-Deal part of our lives, here is my #1 favorite no-big-deal Creativity Tip...

Christine's Favorite Creativity Tip: Carry a Tiny Spiral Notebook

Get some tiny spiral notebooks.

Carry one in your car. Carry one in your purse. Bring one along in your back pocket. Keep one next to your bed.

Songwriters call them Hook Books. It's a place to write down lyric ideas, especially the "hooky" song titles.

But you don't have to be a songwriter - or even a writer - to use this tool. Here's why:

We all have great ideas. We all hear funny comments worth remembering. We all notice breath-taking moments.

When we actually take the time to jot them down in our tiny notebooks, then we're honoring these ideas and these moments. We are essentially telling our subconscious mind that our creativity matters enough to take action on it. And we're letting it know that it's no big deal. Our subconscious mind gets the message, and begins its work of noticing new things and generating new ideas.

When we keep a tiny notebook, we are training our minds to Attract Ideas. Each time we put an idea or a moment on paper, it's like shouting "Yes!" to our Creativity.

It doesn't matter if we DO anything with the note or the hook or the idea. It's easy for your logical brain to step in and say "Yea but will it pay the bills? Will it lead to a novel?" (In other words, will it be a BIG DEAL?)

Maybe.

But there are some definite things that this practice will do:

· It will teach you how to be an "Idea Magnet."

· It will show you that there are many solutions inside of you.

· It will train you to recognize what delights you and brings you deep joy.

· It will build your relationship to your Creative Self.

Don't be fooled by the simplicity of this tip. Over time, you'll begin to feel the profound effects it has on your life.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE?

Please do! Just be sure to include this complete blurb with it:

Performer, songwriter, and creativity consultant Christine Kane publishes her 'LiveCreative' weekly ezine with more than 4,000 subscribers. If you want to be the artist of your life and create authentic and lasting success, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to LiveCreative at www.christinekane.com.

High Desert Writers

It is definetly Fall this morning, its overcast and windy and cold out there. I find that I want to stay in my cocoon I have created here in my little neck of the woods. It seems like a day to stay in my pajamas all day.













My peaches are finally starting to ripen, I hope the weather holds off till the are ready to eat.


































Flynn thinks the weather is just great













My swing looks forlorn blowing in the slight wind we are having today. I could be sitting out there just whiling away the day but its so much cooler that I want to be in doors making this,












You know that looks so good I think I will really make some.

High Desert Writers

I have been on the computer all morning setting up the calender for the High Desert Writers. Oh I forgot to mention that we are now an official group. Those wonderful writers that I met last November. We have jumped by leaps and bounds this past week. Not only are we reading each others work but we have a name and our very own Yahoo Group. I have wanted to get some good publicity for NaNoWriMo this year so I spent the morning also sending off emails to all the TV stations here, there are 3 plus the 2 newspapers. Hopefully one of them will do a story on our group and get some new writers out there writing novels.

Artists Creed

I saw this video on Violette's site It really is beautiful so enjoy it. Its on creativity and its by Jan Phillips. She makes awesome videos.

You are worth the time

I found this video today and love what she says about creating. Enjoy,

Journal Pages

I made this little page to add to a friends journal. She is a young girl and it was fun to just play with no goals in mind. Now I have to get it in the mail.















I am trying some new stuff with my journal. I love all the color and texture but I also need to write. I glued down some tissue paper and then colored over it with colored pencil and that was fun. I think I will do more of that. I think colored pencils have more versatility than just their original intended purpose. Sometimes I use them when a stamped image didn't come out the way I wanted it to. Or to enhance the color of something. I layed down some soft pastels to see if I could write over them or not. Then when I decided to draw I couldn't erase so this lady is not what I visioned but that is what journals are all about, trying out new things.

Quote of the Day: "There will always be dreams grander or humbler than your own, but there will never be a dream exactly like your own...For you are unique and more wondrous than you know!" - Linda Staten