Creativity

June 1 is my January 1

June 1 has felt like a bit of a New Year’s beginning.  Starting this week I’ll have a new schedule and just on cue, the weather has turned hot in Houston.  This change in the month/seasons has been marked in our family by this book.  I have also given myself another 30-day challenge — which I may or may not share.  (So far though, day two, and I’m still on track!)

I was thinking of coming up with a Summer manifesto.  Maybe it needs to be illustrated and not just put on a post-it.  But this manifesto will include enjoying every ounce of the longest days of the year (another reason I love June) by riding bikes and grilling out more.  I know by August and September I’ll be shuddered indoors like it’s the dead of winter in Michigan, so I want to take advantage of not melting while I can.  But mostly I want to create more… more of everything.

And soon I’ll get to create with words and hopefully with some of you.  This week marks the start of the summer writing workshops, so if you’re in Houston, let’s write together (Tuesdays & Fridays).

June 1

 

Houston Summer Writing Workshop Schedule

Hey Houston Writers!

The dates are set and I’m ready to write!  I’m trying something new this summer and instead of trying to organize several six-week sessions, I want people to just come and write when they can.  (Yea commitment-phobes!) Summer is full of unpredictable schedules, but you can count on getting your creative fix at SWWS every Tuesday and/or Friday starting in June going through August.

So the schedule is as follows: Tuesdays 6:30-8:30pm & Fridays 1-3pm. ($20 per session) || Saturdays June 21, July 19, & August 16 from 9am – 1pm ($35 per session) *If you just want to come try it, your first session is always free!*  Come to one, come to them all!

SWWS has also joined Instagram.  I’m not a big fan of most social media, but this is a platform I can get behind.  I’m a lover of words + pictures and I’m excited to engage fellow creatives in this unique space.

Click on the links up top to learn more about the method I facilitate and to sign up!

SWWS Summer Writing Workshop

While You’re Away

I came across this mesmerizing little video and I’d like to think this is what our books do when we’re away.  Kudos to the creators!  I’ve been so busy reading and writing and I’ve got good things cooking over here, including a soon-to-be-annouced workshop schedule and a Summer Writing Series.  So stay tuned and sign up for all the listings and upcoming dates!

Progress – Day 11

Watercolor Typewriter

I can’t believe it’s only been 11 days since I started my morning pages challenge.  However, out of the other side of my mouth, I can’t believe I’ve stuck with it for 11 days!  As predicted, writing in the morning is TOUGH for me.  It seems that my first few words are always: sleepy. tired. grumpy.  It has also served as a great place to record my dreams.  They have been active and weird lately.  But I’ve found a bit of a rhythm and it’s always hard to cut myself off in order to get ready for the day.  Saturday morning’s pages were great because I could write as long as I wanted.  I hate racing the morning clock.  I have learned that it takes me about 15 to write the three pages.  You would think that I could get up earlier, but it’s just not possible.  But a clock does make me get right to it, spit out what I want to say.  I started on the first day with an unexpected genre (or theme rather?) and I have continued building on it each day — even if it’s only one of the three pages.  We’ll see if it turns into something more.  For now, I’m just sticking to the plan — three pages, first thing in the morning.

P.S. So this weekend I discovered this new app that turns your photos into watercolor portraits… Umm, maybe I spent too much time playing with it!

Calling All Artists: A 28 – Day Challenge

I’m doing it!  There is no putting it off any longer — I’m finally starting this new year (a month late) with a new personal challenge.  Have you ever read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron?  My writing facilitator from years ago recommended it to me and I have continually referred back to it throughout the years.  At the heart of The Artist’s Way is the practice of “Morning Pages.”  Cameron suggests, no matter what your creative discipline, taking the time to fill three pages first thing in the morning is at the heart of freeing our artistic self.  These words need not be taken too seriously.  The three pages can be stream of consciousness, lists, feelings, thoughts…whatever is in your mind first thing in the morning.

Yes, this will be difficult for yours truly.  I am NOT a morning person.  At all.  I am more of a write-until-my-eyes-water-at-night kind of lady.  And this means waking up to allow extra time — whaaat?!!  However, I want to give this an honest go.  And one way to do that is with public accountability.  (I can always shame myself into writing!)  I figured since the new month starts on Saturday, it’s as good a time as any to start something new.  (And it’s super helpful that this is the shortest month!)  This practice will also be difficult because February is a month full of visitors, parties, and working 3 jobs (two day-time gigs and the studio); but I am going to commit!  Who’s with me?!

Morning Pages - A 28 Day Challenge