tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-206545512024-03-06T23:27:26.792-08:00Eric Maisel Creativity CentralEric Maisel and guest blog correspondents from around the world on creativity, creativity coaching, and the creative life.Eric Maiselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03616912091956978071noreply@blogger.comBlogger458125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20654551.post-46993108534632267852011-05-22T14:13:00.000-07:002011-05-22T14:26:20.449-07:00London Calling - Filling the Well at their Wedding<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3vae9z7_KJMMpuJC6JnSWnOE98jdK4zgqC3Q3sWUqbnsluFS6gfZQYWgdPhuJGK_NxxJXkBPiMEntOF-T83HdE5xY5BswvmmbvSXOH9xyTHvGxDyH9ZaPbvjkunON_7yKwcqeA/s1600/Royal+Wedding+Union+Flag+29.04.2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3vae9z7_KJMMpuJC6JnSWnOE98jdK4zgqC3Q3sWUqbnsluFS6gfZQYWgdPhuJGK_NxxJXkBPiMEntOF-T83HdE5xY5BswvmmbvSXOH9xyTHvGxDyH9ZaPbvjkunON_7yKwcqeA/s320/Royal+Wedding+Union+Flag+29.04.2011.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>In the month of May, we've had so many public holidays here in London that the whole month seemed to run into one. For me it they were like a Godsend because the well of my creativity had grown desperately dry. I really welcomed the chance to see our great city full of visitors. <br />
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When visitors come here on holiday they bring mess, noise and inconvenience but they also bring fresh perspectives, laughter, excitement and weird questions like 'Can you tell me where Sherlock Holmes lived,' even though Sherlock Holmes was a fictional character invented by Arthur Conan Doyle. <br />
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The wedding of Prince William to Katherine Middleton was a thrilling occasion - but for me, the important thing was that I got out there. If I had stood in the pouring rain to watch the bride go by in her gold and glass coach, it would have been just as good for my writing as if the weather were glorious. <br />
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I love the way that creativity has a voice in good times and in bad, whether we are busy empathising with other poor souls, perhaps homeless after a cyclone or a flood, or whether today, our own worries and troubles threaten to overwhelm us. It makes no odds - craft a word, redraft a line, snip a sentence here and there. Suddenly nothing else matters.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;"><i>Jennifer Pittam is a winner of Coast to Coast writing competition and is working on her second novel.</i></span></b> <br />
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</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20654551.post-38163890770281849922011-04-02T08:20:00.000-07:002011-04-02T08:20:04.417-07:00My new book is out SCREENWRITING THEY CAN'T RESIST<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUObaNlIz8pX_htC4oKsk0stKNUq-7IkC0qpg3XcBBbFPuJqMF1rPzE_jQ2dnCdOWwum1LiFVzWYMtJj3Af-w1DtUXZ5h3eNTmwtMsIeVj-mh4-kv3iCaJ0dfe_tBrRNYqQI-QRw/s1600/cover-web-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="168" width="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUObaNlIz8pX_htC4oKsk0stKNUq-7IkC0qpg3XcBBbFPuJqMF1rPzE_jQ2dnCdOWwum1LiFVzWYMtJj3Af-w1DtUXZ5h3eNTmwtMsIeVj-mh4-kv3iCaJ0dfe_tBrRNYqQI-QRw/s320/cover-web-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<center>SCREENWRITING THEY CAN'T RESIST. How To Create Screenplays of Originality and Cinematic Power. Explode the Rules<br>by Pauline Kiernan. Quaere Publishing. <br>AVAILABLE AT AMAZON and BARNES & NOBLE</center><br />
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If you want to create screenplays that are derivative, formulaic and forgettable. If you’re looking for another manual that paralyses your creative brain and shows you how to use a tent pole to write your script. If you want to experience the existential despair of trying to fit your story into a rigid structure designed to be universally applied to all scripts, this book isn’t for you. <br />
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But if, like the most distinctive and exciting screenwriters today, you want to write bold, innovative, outstanding screenplays which are full of emotional depth, disturb and challenge your audience, and have a real chance of getting develope this book will help you.<br />
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It offers a radically new and provocative approach for writers who want to discover how to create screenplays that are daring, inventive and wholly original.<br />
Out go the ‘3-Act Structure’ and other rigid structural constraints that lead only to existential despair. Instead, the focus is on orchestrating all the elements of the script around the central imperative of all storytelling, which Kiernan calls <b>Emotional Pull</b>. <br />
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There are intensive, practical workouts and unorthodox ideas and inspirations as well as weblinks to movie clips and scripts and interviews, to show how the writer can develop for themselves the most imaginative and powerful ways to shape their unique creative vision and storytelling instincts to create screenplays of originality and solid market potential.<br />
Screenwriting They Can’t Resist is for writers passionate about the wondrous potential of cinematic storytelling, who want their screenplays to challenge and disturb, excite and exhilarate an audience, and leave them emotionally and mentally stretched. <br />
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<i>Screenwriter, script consultant and award-winning playwright Pauline Kiernan is also a distinguished Shakespeare scholar and a visiting screenwriting tutor at the University of Oxford.<br />
</i>Welcomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03802200856574910227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20654551.post-71484922035336973222011-03-12T19:23:00.000-08:002011-03-12T19:26:14.292-08:00A moment of insignificant silence.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZYK8mlRDfNgCYV7dQ1j_TKxPR1d2wa8xFrsNX77L2ex4ZZN3gyqDPHiK49vYp6BmHBQ1Mu51U15ol2AQWiHl1Fp6wST7qnRHSUlmE51Lq4nCwaiYVVfpbk57NsduUD0KiCYC9A/s1600/000_1103.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZYK8mlRDfNgCYV7dQ1j_TKxPR1d2wa8xFrsNX77L2ex4ZZN3gyqDPHiK49vYp6BmHBQ1Mu51U15ol2AQWiHl1Fp6wST7qnRHSUlmE51Lq4nCwaiYVVfpbk57NsduUD0KiCYC9A/s400/000_1103.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583398988008071122" /></a><br />Watching the waves rush over the fields and streets and cars and houses and people and dogs and cats in Japan, I was shocked, saddened and scared. All those lives, just washed away and all I could do was watch. <br /><br />I offer only my own moment of silence...small and insignificant... silence.<br /><br />In honor of every life lost.<br /><br />In honor of every struggle to live. <br /><br />In honor of fear and determination and survival.<br /><br />In honor of love.<br /><br />Remembering reading about plate tectonics, subduction zones and continental plates as I edited my brother's college physics papers. As I corrected spelling and punctuation, I learned, not realizing, the lessons would be needed in my lifetime.<br /><br />We may have dodged this tsunami bullet, here in the Pacific Northwest, but it was our Pacific plate that was involved in this earthquake. Not insignificant. <br /><br />I take a breath and honor in silence the preciousness of life.<br /><br />By Susan Gallacher-Turner<br />My website: www.susangt.comSusan Gallacher-Turner http://www.blogger.com/profile/04060849318151375753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20654551.post-36661171295001241042011-02-20T10:37:00.000-08:002011-02-20T10:40:24.955-08:00Seeking A Convenient Distraction<a href="http://theartofmind.com/articles/ConvenientDistraction.html?sms_ss=blogger&at_xt=4d615f77a433dd75%2C0">Seeking A Convenient Distraction</a><br />By Lisa A. Riley<br />Many of us have experienced this form of procrastination. Where we give into the rationalization that once these convenient distractions are completed and put to rest, we can create. When in reality, this is an indication of our own internal resistance to facing the act of producing something. Feelings of self-doubt, criticism and negative beliefs can produces anxiety around the creative process. Such discomfort may rise from our own demons emerging to remind us how mediocre we might be, how worthless our work is or worse of all how “uncreative” we really are. For that reason, we naturally look for diversions to keep us from facing this discomfort.Lisa A. Rileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528112765679908990noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20654551.post-13113978284577965732011-02-11T17:57:00.000-08:002011-02-11T18:03:41.525-08:00Cleansing: What was lost is found.By Susan Gallacher-Turner<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTZnyx48AWRgKlPwv900Q0JrIiNqb59BNIKcOYmI4AjwCw9k5Rn5oAx1zxMC5hLJT8frriGqIEumHc8DCawH0Dy83UI1KUaX1B3y573TfghWQ7XEJbC8iAGxT2wDBeSknS8ukFw/s1600/000_1690.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTZnyx48AWRgKlPwv900Q0JrIiNqb59BNIKcOYmI4AjwCw9k5Rn5oAx1zxMC5hLJT8frriGqIEumHc8DCawH0Dy83UI1KUaX1B3y573TfghWQ7XEJbC8iAGxT2wDBeSknS8ukFw/s400/000_1690.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569978274297142354" /></a><br />“Cleansing,” was the word I heard when I leaned against the big cedar tree the other day. It wasn’t a surprise, because I’ve been cleaning out closets, drawers, cabinets and shelves for the last month. What was surprising was the tone; it had finality to it. A sense of closure. It felt reassuring, like when you’re packing your bags from a long trip for the journey home.<br /><br />Home. I love my home. But the changes and events of the last 3 years have shaken my sense of home right down to the foundation. Why is it when you’re worried about having a home at all that you take the least care of it? Maybe, when you’re afraid of losing something you love as much as your home, you create distance with clutter and disorganization. Or maybe the fear of not having enough led me to hang onto everything around me like a little kid hangs onto the monkey bars with white knuckles or stashes Halloween candy under the bed. <br /><br />It’s a new year, now. Life has changed again, this time for the better. Job gains have replaced job losses. We are adjusting to a new routine, a new normal.<br /><br />One afternoon, I went looking for a crochet hook and next thing I knew I’d cleaned two shelves and rearranged the others. Lately, I’ve found myself cleaning out drawers and cabinets all around the house. I didn’t make a list. Or set it up as a task. It just started happening. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhunMEpltibR90iPm3LmGyH0TnXZaxkTGtvXsP7QJQf35Fg94Q_Sip-1eo79Y4yj-0cKfWpA1t_jplFnz8ZKGJp9hB5Z2shMIQaCadCZaYdK-M6yxq6VjZKQjEtKdDidms7aWe7Aw/s1600/000_1691.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhunMEpltibR90iPm3LmGyH0TnXZaxkTGtvXsP7QJQf35Fg94Q_Sip-1eo79Y4yj-0cKfWpA1t_jplFnz8ZKGJp9hB5Z2shMIQaCadCZaYdK-M6yxq6VjZKQjEtKdDidms7aWe7Aw/s400/000_1691.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569978346419119714" /></a><br />Another day, I opened up the pantry and the next thing I knew I was sorting, re-filing and throwing away recipes. Then, it was my studio shelves, desk and easel. I threw out old work and put out new work. Next, it was the master bathroom, utility room, main bath, kitchen drawers and cupboards and hall closet. In every place and space, there were things to be thrown out, cleaned up, repaired, rearranged and donated. <br /><br />Questions ran through my mind like a non-stop bullet train: Was I avoiding the studio? Was I afraid of email? Was I running away from writing? Was I covering feelings of self doubt with dusting and scrubbing? Was I becoming my mother?<br /><br />My train of thoughts sped on while my hands were busy scrubbing, tossing, repairing and discovering. As I worried whether I was lost, I found things I’d forgotten I had.<br /><br />Boxes and boxes that held jewelry gifts, now empty. A container full of silk paint and tools. A book on writing and publishing, something I’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t done, yet. Old art books. Old car stereo cassette plug-in that my son wanted and I thought was long gone. Grandmother Gallacher’s shortbread recipe. Photos of my 8 year old cat, Terra, as a kitten. Five oil paintings that I’d done years ago and forgotten, literally, came out of the closet and tears came out of my eyes when I saw them again.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKDFnZytM0eKg1yEyb8G4IZ4GLD9RoUcSwrB6K2Perc6x838ENbEumqIGYoseJWyElS3LbdRu8uHYIm4Q2Lx5L8mJDtoFA1ScAym0kHhyZLbDw6mJq5kh52LpjvbhqNLGBwcUuw/s1600/000_1703.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKDFnZytM0eKg1yEyb8G4IZ4GLD9RoUcSwrB6K2Perc6x838ENbEumqIGYoseJWyElS3LbdRu8uHYIm4Q2Lx5L8mJDtoFA1ScAym0kHhyZLbDw6mJq5kh52LpjvbhqNLGBwcUuw/s400/000_1703.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569978476251907794" /></a><br /><br />Answers were found as well: I am creating freshly washed, open space for new creative ideas. I am re-arranging my life, my priorities, and my thinking. I am finding a new way to enjoy my home, my home life, art, and writing. <br /><br />Cleansing. Yes. I am cleansing my fear, pain and sadness. I am hearing deep thoughts and feelings that I thought were lost and finding my way back, not only to myself, but to my heart and soul as well. Like a blank canvas, fresh with white gesso, I am beginning again, at home, and moving outward to find my true joy.<br /><br />If you'd like see my artwork work, please visit my <a href="http://www.susangt.com">Sculpture</a> website and you can read more about my creative life on my blog <a href="http://sculptingalife.blogspot.com">Sculpting a Life</a>.Susan Gallacher-Turner http://www.blogger.com/profile/04060849318151375753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20654551.post-66059148912244454702011-01-07T20:36:00.000-08:002011-01-07T20:42:03.905-08:00The Fire of Intention<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9TgE8h0hQ3xXHhkjzQBin5x6JJSSN6bVupGjakKEj5rg-gOlNlgpcE0zNpcLB7P5mGYxlbkGzOCyU-9lRoWyjhtsbrzkLEWkqHrVDXlL3z6iyzNMZZLL2gorUpvZeJD3Wks5y5Q/s1600/2010-12-31_23-47-22_998.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9TgE8h0hQ3xXHhkjzQBin5x6JJSSN6bVupGjakKEj5rg-gOlNlgpcE0zNpcLB7P5mGYxlbkGzOCyU-9lRoWyjhtsbrzkLEWkqHrVDXlL3z6iyzNMZZLL2gorUpvZeJD3Wks5y5Q/s400/2010-12-31_23-47-22_998.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558200949766676626" /></a><br /><br /><br />The week before New Years, an artist friend was hard at work sculpting a huge altar to set on fire. Patrick Gracewood has been making and burning his work for over 30 years now. His intention is to provide closure to the old year and energy to the new.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhxNzs5thGNp2smdlpcf5DaUbE3KSdVcNq9OVGX0OXyax8epPwqV4EfozASQj0xBQdu2FL8l9EasxLxIwHclhU14p61OWqIbOCaJDNgZyQO6QOMSsoS9-G7gCU2FCZfRwsEZbBQ/s1600/2010-12-31_22-58-54_520.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhxNzs5thGNp2smdlpcf5DaUbE3KSdVcNq9OVGX0OXyax8epPwqV4EfozASQj0xBQdu2FL8l9EasxLxIwHclhU14p61OWqIbOCaJDNgZyQO6QOMSsoS9-G7gCU2FCZfRwsEZbBQ/s400/2010-12-31_22-58-54_520.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558200750788828338" /></a><br /><br />The sculptures have taken on many diverse shapes and themes over the years, including griffins, peacocks, wizards and tigers. This year, the sculpture was an altar shape with a large white and green cake made of a tube iced with joint compound behind it was a green and gold stenciled 7th century Buddhist flame symbol for awareness. Patrick said, “It’s a wake up for this year.”<br /><br />Arriving at his studio on Friday night, the mood was cozy and inviting. But soon, the mood changed as strips of paper were passed out. There were questions to answer: What did you want to let go of from the old year? What did you want to welcome into your life in the new year? <br /> <br />A silence surrounded the room as one by one, adults and children chose colored paper strips and wrote out messages, wishes and prayers. Then, each person pushed them through the holes drilled into the cake sculpture or tucked them into a large fireplace pinecone that was placed on top of the altar. A little before midnight, the sculpture was wheeled out the door of Patrick’s studio and onto the concrete patio/pathway. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBn_ib-eZhynuNWm_mgfWJk2sPq_c-NpfN-YYPb8bcZgsoXw9lFQ0X2vqROROzJlV8TLWdcZVYSD8_a6HkzFeRqytL5pObLIsnnI_i2TEFynWFbeLI-wuOHjc7CBsBx1Bn9NbYg/s1600/2010-12-31_23-47-29_184.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBn_ib-eZhynuNWm_mgfWJk2sPq_c-NpfN-YYPb8bcZgsoXw9lFQ0X2vqROROzJlV8TLWdcZVYSD8_a6HkzFeRqytL5pObLIsnnI_i2TEFynWFbeLI-wuOHjc7CBsBx1Bn9NbYg/s400/2010-12-31_23-47-29_184.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558201797871282194" /></a><br /><br />Talking and laughing, we all followed from the warm lit room into the dark, cold night. Somehow, it seemed fitting, leaving the light of the old and known year and stepping into the dark of the unknown new year. Everyone waited excited and anxious to see the first sparks fly from the fireworks. There was a 10 second countdown to midnight. Cheers went up. Hands clapped.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfOJJ8gNxn1VxEaKKX2cLLapKl86HdZQO01uJ08vmO3rjosjgW4GBz11nwmEwyRgigS4e_RTcGRmFTExvqrdqcCeaN8EQReJ-gOR7rGZetWpFTNePAQ5cS5YG-CQyjiLuBF6G7A/s1600/2010-12-31_23-50-59_221.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfOJJ8gNxn1VxEaKKX2cLLapKl86HdZQO01uJ08vmO3rjosjgW4GBz11nwmEwyRgigS4e_RTcGRmFTExvqrdqcCeaN8EQReJ-gOR7rGZetWpFTNePAQ5cS5YG-CQyjiLuBF6G7A/s400/2010-12-31_23-50-59_221.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558201136971263442" /></a> <br />And then, it grew quiet as we all stood, huddling closer to the warmth and light of the sculpture fire. Pieces fell into the flames creating dancing lights of orange, yellow, red and blue. Other pieces crumbled into black piles of ash. The bright pieces of paper with messages from the past and wishes for the future had become like smoke signals spiraling up into the night sky.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7RF7AKo4kBfETQ2wcTvZyq9wSopcLYBJ0EfSHnhVd7uZiUNX0HlHF7rigIkHkoteCQ5XyPuRMzQvCWHhlYbTdHmsGaZziD1vmOtS_nhGApNnkB3_tNZkDtPa89CdwEuUDtibXVQ/s1600/2011-01-01_00-18-22_734.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7RF7AKo4kBfETQ2wcTvZyq9wSopcLYBJ0EfSHnhVd7uZiUNX0HlHF7rigIkHkoteCQ5XyPuRMzQvCWHhlYbTdHmsGaZziD1vmOtS_nhGApNnkB3_tNZkDtPa89CdwEuUDtibXVQ/s400/2011-01-01_00-18-22_734.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558201353820392018" /></a><br />The excitement of the fire gave way to silence and in the end a deep sense of peace. As the flames died down, the guests left slowly, shaking hands, giving hugs, blessings and wishes for the New Year to new and old friends. I can’t think of a better intention for the New Year than that.<br /><br />If you'd like to see more sculpture see my website, <a href="http://www.susangt.com">Susan Gallacher-Turner Sculpture</a> or <a href="http://www.gracewoodstudio.com">Patrick Gracewood's</a> website. If you'd like to read more about living a creative life, visit my blog <a href="http://sculptingalife.blogspot.com">Sculpting A Life</a>.Susan Gallacher-Turner http://www.blogger.com/profile/04060849318151375753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20654551.post-75642475456679022272010-12-07T18:18:00.000-08:002010-12-07T18:33:26.596-08:00Success, Digital Stress and Answering Life's Questions: An Interveiw with Jennifer Louden<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOEIsZSofRlXpU2rs2X-rr1NkoinDSk83QoDORaNODTkkWop81U2R0DB2JGQYEulRWm3MkgXB1RPNAxJNul4l-OG0ZyZBL8eI6rwMnQenl5rRZTik-b8F6gGqvwrCikyG-Fux7A/s1600/JenniferLouden_6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOEIsZSofRlXpU2rs2X-rr1NkoinDSk83QoDORaNODTkkWop81U2R0DB2JGQYEulRWm3MkgXB1RPNAxJNul4l-OG0ZyZBL8eI6rwMnQenl5rRZTik-b8F6gGqvwrCikyG-Fux7A/s400/JenniferLouden_6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547822660740618882" /></a><br /><script type="text/javascript">var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));</script><script type="text/javascript">try {var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5048301-2");pageTracker._trackPageview();} catch(err) {}</script><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Contributed by: Susan Gallacher-Turner</span><br /><br />I had a wonderful opportunity to interview Jennifer Louden when she visited Portland last month to teach a writing retreat, Walk into Fire, with Susan Piver and Patti Digh at the Kennedy School. Even after a long day inspiring writers, Jennifer still had energy to talk to me about her difficult start as a writer, her ultimate success and her newest challenge balancing the internet, her life, writing and a new venture.<br /><br />Best selling author and Comfort Queen, Jennifer Louden, has written a series of self help books starting in 1992 with The Woman’s Comfort Book, The Couple’s Comfort Book, The Pregnant Women’s Comfort Book, and Comfort Secrets for Busy Women, followed by The Woman’s Retreat Book, The Life Organizer Book and companion CD. Even though she’d published successful books, Jennifer still has problems seeing herself as a real writer. That inner critic was saying to her, “Well yes, you wrote a book and it sold hundreds of thousands of copies, but it’s a ‘self help’ book. It’s not a ‘real’ book. It’s not literature.”<br /><br />Every book was a ‘self-help’ book for Jennifer. By looking for the answers to questions in her own life; Jennifer helped herself and many other people, too. <br /><br />“I think that’s why so many of us write anything or create anything because we have a question. And somehow we are directed or constructed, or both, in a way that we don’t just do it for ourselves, said Jennifer.” “There’s something about the conversation that is huge for me. That’s what I love about the internet, and my blog, creating products and doing teleconferences, retreat calls or both, there’s feedback back and forth. And that sparks more learning and questions for me and then I get interested in answering questions for other people, too. But it’s got to be that sweet spot between the two.”<br /><br />Hear the entire interview with Jennifer Louden as she talks about how she answers the questions of balance, success, digital stress and saving the world in the podcast on <a href="http://www.voicesoflivingcreatively.com">Voices of Living Creatively</a> website. Or you can read a text version on my blog at <a href="http://sculptingalife.blogspot.com">Sculpting A Life.</a>Susan Gallacher-Turner http://www.blogger.com/profile/04060849318151375753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20654551.post-54930343506966933202010-12-05T11:24:00.000-08:002010-12-05T11:26:46.340-08:00London Calling: A Gift of Hope From Norway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2gm46O079cbarNtxjcRrexztYnfOEFXqVQYsCnyaezTaHFLi_Y5PBZNXtSm7NSKbv5MbnFwq8_exUpkUJIDMcaINfamAXU4GE5HlG9hEAtkhaY6xANfzJNL1MfsUAEPCrxkRfg/s1600/A+Gift+From+Norway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2gm46O079cbarNtxjcRrexztYnfOEFXqVQYsCnyaezTaHFLi_Y5PBZNXtSm7NSKbv5MbnFwq8_exUpkUJIDMcaINfamAXU4GE5HlG9hEAtkhaY6xANfzJNL1MfsUAEPCrxkRfg/s320/A+Gift+From+Norway.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>Today, like many other Londoners, I gravitated towards Trafalgar Square, drawn by the annual magic of the Norway Spruce, a tree sent with love and gratitude from the people of Oslo to the people of London, every year. I first saw the the tree as a tot, with my Mother and Father. The consistency and persistence of this gift, sent every year since 1947, has a charm and magic I can't explain. It's the kind of persistency we need as writers. It says, 'We don't mind whether you're in fashion, or whether the world hates you. We don't mind that you're young, and beautiful, or that you grew old and your face is wrinkled, your hair hair silver. We just remember you because you're you. And if we're writers, we write it down.' Love You, Norway.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20654551.post-31092548321962845252010-11-23T18:36:00.001-08:002010-11-23T18:40:29.063-08:00Student to artist to teacher to student again.Contributed by Susan Gallacher-Turner<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAS2zNIzjRW2qcnisyMeQzOR2e3m1PpMPrzKFHqK7bzb0KBfbXC1sd1tl8AAUlyf6l0dpmZ4P7r2ib8yNmH9KyAA65mCwqwXz4wCxD3rzV3hbI9T0vSaF_49mLmMCi3H-XQ3nFg/s1600/horsehair+rattle+pic.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 333px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAS2zNIzjRW2qcnisyMeQzOR2e3m1PpMPrzKFHqK7bzb0KBfbXC1sd1tl8AAUlyf6l0dpmZ4P7r2ib8yNmH9KyAA65mCwqwXz4wCxD3rzV3hbI9T0vSaF_49mLmMCi3H-XQ3nFg/s400/horsehair+rattle+pic.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539166985519930594" /></a><br />Learning is a life long process that circles from learning to doing to teaching and for me, back to learning again. In my last blog I wrote about taking a writing workshop. I'm also taking clay classes. And even though I've taken clay classes, produced clay sculptural work, written professionally and taught classes, I love being a student again. <br /><br />First lesson learned: I throw clay left handed. I write right handed. Yep. That's why all those years ago in ceramics class, I could never throw a pot, bowl, cup or anything straight. In fact, I was so bad, even the teacher suggested I should stay away from the wheel. Ok, to be fair, my clay had the habit of spinning off my wheel at a high speeds and hitting the wall. But, really, I was trying to do it the right way. Now, I know what was wrong, thanks to Jan, my new teacher who watched me and asked me, "Are you left handed?" "Sometimes," I replied. So, she stopped the wheel, flipped the toggle switch up instead of down and finally it felt right. <br /><br />Second lesson learned: Potter's wheels turn counter clockwise for right handed people and clockwise for left handed people. Amazing. I never knew there was a choice. And to be fair, I wasn't given a choice. I was to be right handed, period. I've found as an adult, that I do somethings well right handed and somethings well left handed and sometimes I can just use whatever hand is handy.<br /><br />Third lesson learned: I can throw a bowl. And it isn't horrible, a little wonky maybe, and I needed instruction on some of the steps. But I was able to get it centered and pulled up and pushed out all on my own. Left handed, of course.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUnePktj8yfAAk5NVB1KKpw0IyMeBgdr7yQKOqxamceZdNWWokvS7zGD5IYKTGFLdA7ga1RDM4ckQX54Sf5UNBrphyphenhyphenE663_uPjOFDqeaLBUtLR3E2Gmo6aOKU6G_mf4vkwDbo2g/s1600/000_1578.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUnePktj8yfAAk5NVB1KKpw0IyMeBgdr7yQKOqxamceZdNWWokvS7zGD5IYKTGFLdA7ga1RDM4ckQX54Sf5UNBrphyphenhyphenE663_uPjOFDqeaLBUtLR3E2Gmo6aOKU6G_mf4vkwDbo2g/s400/000_1578.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539167313405509682" /></a><br />Biggest lesson learned: Knowledge is not only powerful but empowering. It's never too late to learn and turn a failure into a success. <br /><br />Now, I can't wait to learn more about glazes, slips, raku and oxides...oooh what fun!<br /><br />You can see more of my sculptural work at <a href="http://www.susangt.com">Susan Gallacher-Turner Sculptures </a>and read more about my creative journey on my other blog <a href="http://sculptingalife.blogspot.com">Sculpting A Life</a>.Susan Gallacher-Turner http://www.blogger.com/profile/04060849318151375753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20654551.post-54495761921747928802010-11-23T00:10:00.000-08:002010-11-23T00:41:42.545-08:00Television Musings - Rants and Raves of a Romance Writer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZreaMM90XdbDICuo4MbTMYqBWgfCq2zDQoOcDuT6Vz179pkADl94PrP_awkioheJajheUUXVfRKDmYrYfJLXulF3xbTZteq5DDFD_klLbH39fNQBRWptRKLehtivJVfR07Lc/s1600/kathy+logo.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZreaMM90XdbDICuo4MbTMYqBWgfCq2zDQoOcDuT6Vz179pkADl94PrP_awkioheJajheUUXVfRKDmYrYfJLXulF3xbTZteq5DDFD_klLbH39fNQBRWptRKLehtivJVfR07Lc/s320/kathy+logo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542662552817555202" /></a><br />Who will win the Mirror Ball trophy?<br /><br />By Kathy Carpenter<br /><br />Tonight was the finals on this seasons <strong>Dancing with the Stars</strong>. Who will win it all? Will it be Jennifer Grey and Derrick? Jennifer is the daughter of dancing legend Joel Grey and of course the dancing star from Dirty Dancing, the odds on favorite from the beginning.<br /><br />. <span class="fullpost">But she has had her trouble throughout the season. I personally think her turnaround came a couple weeks ago when she was in so much pain. I wanted to see her voted off because I thought it was too much for her physically. However, she was not voted out and her dancing took on a whole new demision.<br /><br />The we have Britol Palen. I thought along with most people she should have gone out long ago. Then she turned it around. With the last two weeks really impressing me. So much so I actually wanted her to stay over Brandy. Tonight the judges were a little down on her. True she isn't the best technically that goes to Jennifer but i think she's America's sweetheart.<br /><br />And then we have Kyle. He has been entertaining from the beginning. I have enjoyed some of his numbers the most. I say he is the Donny Osmond of the group. Of course Donny has a lot of fans, and I don't know if Kyle has that behind him. But his winning would not surprise me.<br /><br />Usually I base who I personally want to win on the freestyle. And personally I think I liked Kyle's freestyle the best. But this has been the closest season yet and any of these celebrities could win.<br /><br />Who did you vote for?<br /></span>Kathy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17217773052843806742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20654551.post-20949219179402468742010-10-28T13:29:00.000-07:002010-10-28T13:34:04.825-07:00Dribbles and Scribbles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZvVHvMK6oYW7dYGx7j4l4FVleeVuQM1KrDyHIGnJxwDwiPOSPNXzIrKtw1_z5jPKL0TGt9dYrY34XbR8rR2VcfZXKfL-Fys0dft2GyEBFG6DXwOwDZdxb-TfqPGLmYJ39TsjuA/s1600/000_1543.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZvVHvMK6oYW7dYGx7j4l4FVleeVuQM1KrDyHIGnJxwDwiPOSPNXzIrKtw1_z5jPKL0TGt9dYrY34XbR8rR2VcfZXKfL-Fys0dft2GyEBFG6DXwOwDZdxb-TfqPGLmYJ39TsjuA/s400/000_1543.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530328819786567490" /></a><br /><br />By Susan Gallacher-Turner<br /><br />Sometimes getting back into serious studio work requires serious play. Focus is great but all work and no play, not only makes me dull but my art as well. How do I know when that happens? Good question.<br /><br />The biggest clue for me is SAS or Studio Avoidance Syndrome. Ok, silly, I know but I've noticed it's a pattern for me. When I push myself and my art to work harder and better and faster, I also find myself getting busy with too much busy work on the computer. That makes me very crabby.<br /><br />Time for serious play. So, this week, after writing long hand with a pen in my journal, I decided to doodle. I got out this wonderful pastel paper that was given to me a year ago (it's very expensive, so, therefore, precious but I got it for free), and decide to make a mess of it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4CgHVmPLuj_6sPynHt3xVPoQxnXNGoxCfuw3-td_OOMAvVyWx5nkJN81nUp2kUkk0esh_H2Dax9e3DXGo5Zg6BU0uOlIMsyogaf9evEnSPDBGbXxQ5t3IsDxJCydDDeIm4m27A/s1600/000_1540.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4CgHVmPLuj_6sPynHt3xVPoQxnXNGoxCfuw3-td_OOMAvVyWx5nkJN81nUp2kUkk0esh_H2Dax9e3DXGo5Zg6BU0uOlIMsyogaf9evEnSPDBGbXxQ5t3IsDxJCydDDeIm4m27A/s400/000_1540.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530328754383639682" /></a><br />I painted all over the paper with washes of acrylic paints in cerulean blue, cobalt blue, warm and cool reds. Then I added drips of pink ink.<br /><br />After it dried, I got out my old pastels and scribbled. I haven't used any of these pastels in over a decade. I dabbed on light blue clouds. Then I scribbled all over that too. Smooshed over the scribbles and called it done. Fun.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9rO7Q5LqY7PG2WYVf1QV8jKsNvT5Xx0r_wqj5Wiuk-1VwSxiGKy2yoMZ1T2xpZNLE5zYLEPiwJ24qT2yTBlot0JceqcTku64pg9E6jnhp4JuP8RXivTI6LeNKluwLxSYxWYmWQ/s1600/000_1544.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9rO7Q5LqY7PG2WYVf1QV8jKsNvT5Xx0r_wqj5Wiuk-1VwSxiGKy2yoMZ1T2xpZNLE5zYLEPiwJ24qT2yTBlot0JceqcTku64pg9E6jnhp4JuP8RXivTI6LeNKluwLxSYxWYmWQ/s400/000_1544.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530328886917086610" /></a><br />Dribbling and scribbling, it's not great art. And that's the point, really. I finished with hands covered in pastel colors and a smile on my face. Just what I needed...not serious art but some serious fun! <br /><br />To see more of my 'serious' art check out my website, <a href="http://www.susangt.com">Susan Gallacher-Turner Sculpture.</a> To read more about my creative journey, go to my other blog, <a href="http://sculptingalife.blogspot.com">Sculpting A Life</a>. I also do interview with other creative people and you can read those and listen to podcasts at <a href="http://www.voicesoflivingcreatively.com">Voices of Living Creatively</a>.Susan Gallacher-Turner http://www.blogger.com/profile/04060849318151375753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20654551.post-18568155969707462232010-10-05T23:40:00.000-07:002010-10-05T23:52:39.919-07:00Television Musings - Rants and Raves of a Romance Writer<strong>Creativity</strong><br />By Kathy Carpenter<br /><br />I could not believe it had been since June since I had posted a blog. It is so hard it this busy everyday life to be creative. To have a creative thought. Enough thoughts to write a blog. An interesting one someone actually wants and looks forward to reading.<span class="fullpost">Finding something fresh on television is always easy if looked for. I've stated before how we now have one television season after another. One series will end one week a new series starts the following one. With each new season of a show comes changes.<br /></span><br /><span class="fullpost">These changes need to keep viewers tuning in so they come up with fresh ideas. Something new, innovative, creative. New things are always out there if looked for. </span><br /><span class="fullpost"></span><br /><span class="fullpost">This week I spotted one on Chuck. He had a pair of gloves he put on and all he ha to do was touch someones face and they would be knocked out. Now wouldn't that be fun to have at our disposel?</span><br /><br />Send me the creative ideas you find.<br /><br />Until next time.Kathy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17217773052843806742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20654551.post-36294662840449160582010-09-28T19:41:00.000-07:002010-09-29T14:19:21.776-07:00Art and Liberation<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJC0M9jwaekp9gNp5yPz8ldg8lSbUnGf3dzYkwqX19CKZDB_pI6i8A4iy1NB8O4pDMfj_0bvp8KyPwGjwb649TIXTx1-Yp-CyaXvVUtG1nrhi1L0IablhoSRxUPK1BlrmYhPV9A/s1600/Jan+wide+shot.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJC0M9jwaekp9gNp5yPz8ldg8lSbUnGf3dzYkwqX19CKZDB_pI6i8A4iy1NB8O4pDMfj_0bvp8KyPwGjwb649TIXTx1-Yp-CyaXvVUtG1nrhi1L0IablhoSRxUPK1BlrmYhPV9A/s400/Jan+wide+shot.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522159567630482146" /></a>(photo courtesy of Lora R Fisher)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">An interview with artist, Jan vonBergen</span><br /><br />By Susan Gallacher-Turner<br /><br />“You can feel really good everyday of your life when you do what you love, whether it’s read or do art or walk or dance or whatever you love to do. It makes you feel alive, that feeds you and gives you what you need everyday.”<br /><br />In the last 3 years, Jan’s life and art has changed. Her life used to revolve around full-time teaching and family with her art making fitting in whatever space was left. It was a fulfilling puzzle with many pieces. Retirement was a mystery at first and a word Jan dislikes, “It sounds deadening. I would call it liberation.” <br /><br />You can hear the rest of the interview with Jan where she talks more about art, life and liberation on the website <a href="http://www.voicesoflivingcreatively.com">Voices of Living Creatively</a>. <script type="text/javascript">var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));</script><script type="text/javascript">try {var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5048301-2");pageTracker._trackPageview();} catch(err) {}</script>Susan Gallacher-Turner http://www.blogger.com/profile/04060849318151375753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20654551.post-36317089174670609822010-09-17T20:00:00.000-07:002010-09-21T13:01:28.505-07:00Back to School - Pass the freshly sharpened pencils<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5or1wqwnDyZ1BFD961679XWUu3abPolx0uLIvC6NMMI1keDY_Zz6KUCrQFG-ZEP2NR0oswgtImLvqYiezM5DY6ru3ZlVsGCkgo7m7B7cUlS2jbAMJep55wqMVwrYp4uDAQvPdg/s1600/staedtler-yellow-pencil_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5or1wqwnDyZ1BFD961679XWUu3abPolx0uLIvC6NMMI1keDY_Zz6KUCrQFG-ZEP2NR0oswgtImLvqYiezM5DY6ru3ZlVsGCkgo7m7B7cUlS2jbAMJep55wqMVwrYp4uDAQvPdg/s400/staedtler-yellow-pencil_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514358228927206514" /></a><br />By Susan Gallacher-Turner<br />It's that time of year again, back to school ads with teary-eyed moms and excited little kids clamoring onto bright yellow school buses. Ah, it does bring back many, many memories, doesn't it? As the song says, "I've been on both sides now." <br /><br />As a school girl, I wore a uniform to school. I got a new white blouse, new navy socks and new shoes. The new shoes were a really big deal, especially the year I got black velveteen saddle shoes. I know sounds weird, now, but then, I loved those shoes and couldn't wait to wear them to school. My other big thrill was new school supplies. New notebook, binder paper, dividers(at least these had colored tags), ruler, classic yellow pencils and crayola crayons. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7WPVmNdNz4BZwwH9LKW-kYwlIRquWn3Ph7VZdSQXykS9bwO4tgbsF3HsIVv8D7Ag3zolFwOyw30uic3yWvZAIqsyU7Zd8UVzHcQzCoDp_N71IyEdKCacgF1_H6izl63_kL4XNw/s1600/crowded_crayon_colors3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 219px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7WPVmNdNz4BZwwH9LKW-kYwlIRquWn3Ph7VZdSQXykS9bwO4tgbsF3HsIVv8D7Ag3zolFwOyw30uic3yWvZAIqsyU7Zd8UVzHcQzCoDp_N71IyEdKCacgF1_H6izl63_kL4XNw/s400/crowded_crayon_colors3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514358299398023090" /></a><br />As a mom, my budget was tight for back to school clothes and supplies. I shopped sales well before the 'big day', so my daughter and son could have as much as they needed and wanted. I loved the fact that they could wear 'regular' clothes. No uniforms for them! I let them pick out their new clothes and shoes within reason and budget, of course. Buying school supplies was fun, too, because their supply list included extras like colorful markers and watercolors. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggE0AtwG-ZPEhntC0Ffqek4ZuXjMPstzthViRriSSisvfscMGwRZSxLaFieI57fnqDAS647MRpGEiTvy9MgjkpqZqiFdX-iQX0aLEPiOGyxZtGfjr4PxBTFbsJIVvklDyQ_04G_w/s1600/AC056907l.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggE0AtwG-ZPEhntC0Ffqek4ZuXjMPstzthViRriSSisvfscMGwRZSxLaFieI57fnqDAS647MRpGEiTvy9MgjkpqZqiFdX-iQX0aLEPiOGyxZtGfjr4PxBTFbsJIVvklDyQ_04G_w/s400/AC056907l.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514359184845186850" /></a><br /><br />Now that both my 'kids' have graduated from college, there's no back to school shopping for me to do. Ok, I miss it. I love that quote from the movie, 'You've Got Mail', when Tom Hanks(Joe Fox) says, "Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address."<br /><br />So, now, I ask you blogger friends out there, what would you buy yourself for back to school? You trade your list, I'll trade mine. <br /><br />Here's a start...<br /><br />Back To School List (for not going back to school)<br />Freshly sharpened pencils in a rainbow of colors<br />New pens - Pilot G-2's and Micron 005 with .2 mm line width in black<br />Black or Natural sketch book unlined recycled paper.<br />Something colorful, like crayons but not crayons. (Maybe it's time to try encaustic?)<br /><br />Outfit...Hmm, something comfy, cool, and creative...but what?<br /><br />Do I have to buy only traditional school supplies? No. So, let's all think outside the traditional school pencil box. If you could buy yourself a new 'school supply' what would it be? What bus would you catch and where would it be going?<br /><br />If you'd like to see some of my art work, my website is <a href="http://www.susangt.com">Susan Gallacher-Turner Sculpture</a>. And you can read more about my creative life on my blog, <a href="http://sculptingalife.blogspot.com">Sculpting A Life</a>.Susan Gallacher-Turner http://www.blogger.com/profile/04060849318151375753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20654551.post-11947665806983817352010-09-03T19:03:00.000-07:002010-09-03T19:07:38.675-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptpNqKuF6Q3V66X0IVRJ9iUjPCyGzcYJw-GOCMtGKFhmkEMACgAuBoyujhqzHwy41r9M45kY9PQH51bD568U7Xv30YjHaaAEDdUBwNI4GaJ4WfJxYx6LicHf_sCNyQyVzeUDKBg/s1600/bk_cvr_present_en.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptpNqKuF6Q3V66X0IVRJ9iUjPCyGzcYJw-GOCMtGKFhmkEMACgAuBoyujhqzHwy41r9M45kY9PQH51bD568U7Xv30YjHaaAEDdUBwNI4GaJ4WfJxYx6LicHf_sCNyQyVzeUDKBg/s400/bk_cvr_present_en.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510150921579727826" /></a><br />In the last few days, the phrase "Be in the moment" has come up all around me. <br />I hear it from the beautiful, swaying birch tree in the woods. It whispers, "Be. Just live here, now."<br /><br />I hear it from the internet, other blogs like Susan Tweit's<a href="http://susanjtweit.typepad.com/walkingnaturehome/"> Walking Nature Home</a>. She even reviewed this wonderful new children's book,<a href="http://www.littlepicklepress.com/book_present.html"> "What does it mean to be present?" </a>by Rana Diorio and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler that's all about teaching children to be in the moment. <br /><br />I hear it in the interview I did yesterday with artist friend, Jan VonBergen who talked to me about her art, new show and life changes. (By the way, I'll have more of Jan's wise words coming up next week in a new interview.) Her message that life is too short to miss those moments, she wants be here now, with her granddaughter, her family, her art and herself. <br /><object style="background-image:url(http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/mjay5vgIwt4/hqdefault.jpg)" width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mjay5vgIwt4?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mjay5vgIwt4?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="480" height="295" allowScriptAccess="never" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object><br />It's even in the new movie, Eat, Pray, Love based on Elisabeth Gilbert's wonderful true story about finding herself by being in the moment. Whether that meant pasta in Italy, meditation in India or opening her heart in Bali, her body, soul and heart were only to be found in the moment. <br /><br /><br />Here's a cute quote from the book, 'What Does It Mean To Be Present' by Rana Diorio, "Being present means living in the moment.<br />It means realizing that...<br />Tomorrow is a mystery<br />Yesterday is history<br />Today is a gift--that's why we call it the present!"<br /><br />So maybe being in the moment isn't always easy, all that mucky mind stuff and busy, busy gets in the way. But I see the value and want to be in the moment, really I do or rather, be.<br /><br />To see some of my art, you can visit my website <a href="http://www.susangt.com">Susan Gallacher-Turner Sculpture. </a> And to read more about my life, visit my other blog, <a href="http://sculptingalife.blogspot.com">Sculpting A Life.</a>Susan Gallacher-Turner http://www.blogger.com/profile/04060849318151375753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20654551.post-32349428152203133432010-08-17T18:40:00.000-07:002010-08-17T18:42:43.024-07:00Rest and Resistance.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdeUYqcChfmuq7178AIjRmvKVjIy7MEyA-JE7-XvgPoYWuCamug383X_a3GMvKylW7L1SuFlKdlqBAxvvuzD7dRRTUteJ-_TS9f__98IYISAM8e5tiiJ9V84Qtci023iM-F8J0lQ/s1600/000_1392.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdeUYqcChfmuq7178AIjRmvKVjIy7MEyA-JE7-XvgPoYWuCamug383X_a3GMvKylW7L1SuFlKdlqBAxvvuzD7dRRTUteJ-_TS9f__98IYISAM8e5tiiJ9V84Qtci023iM-F8J0lQ/s400/000_1392.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505083233407899282" /></a><br />Visiting around other blogs, I'm reading a lot about loving kindness, self-care and the need for rest. Another blogger and well-known author, <a href="http://www.comfortqueen.com/">Jen Louden</a>, has even gone on a month long, self-imposed internet sabbatical. <br /><br />I want to sink into this idea like I sink my toes into soft, cool, sand.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKGATIeiaax_V1lIN1g4S4YKEKBBD8dv3dojGSBgDm0pAMgd1der9XwtTd7hl3Bf6d3N0De4PlfZoDQ3lSAL4FdW1bKxymaxeaWwTMCwIOaBFZ8wM1ru-mNlkR31YsmJVBVI80Q/s1600/DSCN2417.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKGATIeiaax_V1lIN1g4S4YKEKBBD8dv3dojGSBgDm0pAMgd1der9XwtTd7hl3Bf6d3N0De4PlfZoDQ3lSAL4FdW1bKxymaxeaWwTMCwIOaBFZ8wM1ru-mNlkR31YsmJVBVI80Q/s400/DSCN2417.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505084829548682578" /></a><br />All this internet input is wonderful, but can it become a burden, distraction, energy drain that saps away creativity? Can your head love the internet while your heart gets lost along the way? Is it procrastination to rest your mind, so your soul can speak and be heard? Why if rest, space, quiet is the way back to the heart of creation, do we resist it so strongly?<br /><br />Many questions, here. I'd love to say I have the answers. I don't. <br /><br />I do have glimmers, though. Those times when I do allow myself to rest in the valley of the unknown long enough to hear the whispers of longing and ideas. I see the faces in the clouds and trees. I feel the energy underfoot. I learn about stories that have yet to be told. <br /><br />The clay calls to me. The metal shimmers with possibility and the shadows reveal scenes longing to be released.<br /><br />Then, my mind resists the pull of my heart. Product gets pushed in front of process. Comparison and competition and fear shake me from my rest.<br /><br />Don't you just hate that? I do. <br /><br />Do you resist rest? How do you deal with it?<br /><br />If you'd like to see my sculpture work, visit my website at <a href="http://www.susangt.com">Susan Gallacher-Turner Sculpture</a> or check out my other blog, <a href="http://sculptingalife.blogspot.com">Sculpting a Life</a>.Susan Gallacher-Turner http://www.blogger.com/profile/04060849318151375753noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20654551.post-82451522046644854862010-07-26T11:40:00.000-07:002010-07-26T11:44:11.525-07:00Child's Play: Creation or Destruction?By Susan Gallacher-Turner<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViHaoidqdvYrB9S9shB4BYZLlc9M5YXe9XU6YbzzUyIVtxaW1LHEkgA9cxxR95vSN7SXlRPlYtcYrEpONjrCa4kOJwIqaE76McMser_sVGruHWNiTcGNnIyvBkDSWDjjxfZvMAg/s1600/000_1370.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViHaoidqdvYrB9S9shB4BYZLlc9M5YXe9XU6YbzzUyIVtxaW1LHEkgA9cxxR95vSN7SXlRPlYtcYrEpONjrCa4kOJwIqaE76McMser_sVGruHWNiTcGNnIyvBkDSWDjjxfZvMAg/s400/000_1370.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494974527193103490" /></a><br />Yesterday, Jilly and I walked into our favorite part of the woods, the birch tree circle expecting to see the path, undisturbed as usual. What I saw stopped me on the spot. <br /><br />There was a deep hole cut into the earth exposing tree roots and inside was trash. Candy wrappers and unopened taco sauce packages lay in a heap at the bottom of the hole. On the ground, next to it were tree branches and wood pieces stacked and held together with the dirt from the hole to create a make shift ramp. Obviously, some kids were at work, here, making a place to ride their bikes or skateboards in the woods.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMt-mija6PJU4PvIv4WZsQ9TC69f0u1hBOZjZ9WeD6A5wsG2pza5-67PUhyphenhyphenonAQzHoHjgnRnq6W6o1uebdTKTuOR9G7qt1TXcQwZCf4Ay7R7yqHtzUGfED6BsZhhwS_gnBSb7Zw/s1600/000_1369.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMt-mija6PJU4PvIv4WZsQ9TC69f0u1hBOZjZ9WeD6A5wsG2pza5-67PUhyphenhyphenonAQzHoHjgnRnq6W6o1uebdTKTuOR9G7qt1TXcQwZCf4Ay7R7yqHtzUGfED6BsZhhwS_gnBSb7Zw/s400/000_1369.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494974450280340946" /></a><br />I was mad at first at the destruction and littering. I was worried that some new birch tree had been uprooted for their ramp and trash bin. And I was tempted to take it all apart. <br /><br />Instead, I stepped over it all and went to my place in the woods by the Birch Tree to do my morning exercises. After I’d cleared my head and stretched my body, I walked to the arch between the two birch trees. Feeling the energy, I reached out and asked the trees about the ramp, the hole and the destruction. Their answer was simple.<br /><br />It’s child’s play. No one was hurt. In fact, the trees told me, it was important that I did not disturb it. The children needed to play there. How else would they get to know the trees and animals in the woods? Where else would they be able to create, to take the earth in their hands and form it, to collect sticks and stones and make something from it? Yes, there is some trash here, but not much more than there usually is, and it will get cleaned up in time. <br /><br />What’s most important is that the children feel safe here. That feeling and the knowledge of the woods as their place will grow with them into a reverence for the trees and animals they share the world with. It's child’s play that will lead to adult understanding in a way no other experience can. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fHuyACvZkUYNJYFwJXVYOaCYGwyhg5YCLewHN6pbSEtGB58UqY1hEiCnH_n6jBQm4NSHSPPZHOcB4bRW07q6U7T8jQwqe7GZ-ocdMY8RTScd9wU7kfti0U9D1cw3mfrXa4EXBg/s1600/000_1368.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fHuyACvZkUYNJYFwJXVYOaCYGwyhg5YCLewHN6pbSEtGB58UqY1hEiCnH_n6jBQm4NSHSPPZHOcB4bRW07q6U7T8jQwqe7GZ-ocdMY8RTScd9wU7kfti0U9D1cw3mfrXa4EXBg/s400/000_1368.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494974374681302898" /></a><br />Then, I remembered. All those days biking through the woods on the edge of my suburban neighborhood, making little stick houses from fallen branches and mixing potions from the mud dug up by the creek. I watched my brothers and their friends climbing up the trunks, hauling up boards and making a tree house. One day, they hung a knotted rope from a large tree limb and swung across the creek. It was child’s play. Yes. But it taught me to love the woods, the trees and the birds. Sitting there by the creek digging in the gooey mud, I heard sounds I didn’t hear at home. I listened to the whisper of the leaves in the breeze, the chirp of the birds, crickets and squirrels. I watched with fascination as the tiny, swimming polliwogs turned into frogs. I learned to catch and hold snakes in all their smooth, slithering glory without fear. <br /><br />I saw what the trees were trying to tell me. This was not destruction but creation. Not just creating a place for bikes to play, but a place for the children to be, to learn and grow under nature’s guidance. Here the woods nurtured the children's growing muscles, minds and imagination, teaching them skills that were new to this generation whose world now consisted of techno toys. It was child’s play. But here, the toys were real and the lessons learned would be carried into the real life and, hopefully, to yet another generation of children playing.<br /><br />If you're interested, you can see my sculpture work at <a href="http://www.susangt.com">Susan Gallacher-Turner Sculpture</a> or visit my blog <a href="http://sculptingalife.blogspot.com">Sculpting A Life</a>.Susan Gallacher-Turner http://www.blogger.com/profile/04060849318151375753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20654551.post-41730782537603450862010-06-26T17:18:00.000-07:002010-06-26T17:22:00.976-07:00Art + Yoga + Writing + Dog + Sunshine = A real challengeBy Susan Gallacher-Turner
<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZjsZ2raP-B4Rju0fRkXZbNgbThnsmJ5HI0TyNPVBrfaGPu5sS7oWcrBuI2vgfqr5z7J-nh9IMnNB9hIAl4-nohCX0SzmpUMZMdzFhpc-AwDdsQISxc-F6xoEJ1NmsShM7EyzWQ/s1600/000_1343.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZjsZ2raP-B4Rju0fRkXZbNgbThnsmJ5HI0TyNPVBrfaGPu5sS7oWcrBuI2vgfqr5z7J-nh9IMnNB9hIAl4-nohCX0SzmpUMZMdzFhpc-AwDdsQISxc-F6xoEJ1NmsShM7EyzWQ/s400/000_1343.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486079798211241826" /></a>
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<br />Last week, I joined the 21 5 800 challenge. For 21 days, I do 5 days of yoga and write 800 words a day. Sounded wonderful to me at the time. But, where do I fit in sculpting, painting, delivering work, filling out show applications, facebook, email and walking my dog? See sad picture of her...on the rug...waiting.
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<br />Ok, so nobody said it would be easy. Right.
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<br />Last week's progress:
<br />5 days of yoga - check.
<br />800 words a day - check almost. Ok, some days it was only 600 words but are the others also working artists, too?
<br />studio work - check.
<br />wanting to go on a long, long holiday --double check.
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<br />So, today, this blog writing, writing artist emails, statements/forms for show applications and some personal journal writing make up my 800 words. I'm going to yoga class tonight. I'm done with the challenge for today, right?
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<br />Now, back into the studio to work on a lamp, more lilies and check my clay pieces.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJEkSu8J__7XWP8US4wP3uKkZE4s-49fCr3hF8-h4sGPD7Yz-IKbs_npEING6joc4NLh8PUESyyH-TgD9i6TqZUe4xzARnW2I2nP9CdnR76iiTxF6SBPoH8bgIZbfZtiAaoiF3A/s1600/000_1345.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJEkSu8J__7XWP8US4wP3uKkZE4s-49fCr3hF8-h4sGPD7Yz-IKbs_npEING6joc4NLh8PUESyyH-TgD9i6TqZUe4xzARnW2I2nP9CdnR76iiTxF6SBPoH8bgIZbfZtiAaoiF3A/s400/000_1345.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486079902931274066" /></a>
<br />But...but...but...it's sunny outside today! For the first time in weeks, months, years, there's sun shining on my garden, my clematis, lilies and poor rain soaked peonies. And my sweet Jilly dog wants to go outside and lay in the sunshine.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuE9rzeqa2KH7dgOdFxZXtNtRIFaP3YQC6RtH6iVSRCHE4Rwzo0Z2vSwJsotZYWWUQnyimgDGloh-ZGMfkBhrSzHz-d5YC0R2EMJNV1bea9WCq5ezNTJE8AQcJPs-Bu85VPKdLg/s1600/000_1349.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuE9rzeqa2KH7dgOdFxZXtNtRIFaP3YQC6RtH6iVSRCHE4Rwzo0Z2vSwJsotZYWWUQnyimgDGloh-ZGMfkBhrSzHz-d5YC0R2EMJNV1bea9WCq5ezNTJE8AQcJPs-Bu85VPKdLg/s400/000_1349.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486080290633519346" /></a>
<br />
<br />Ok, now guess what won...back into the studio or outside with Jilly?
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyZZNgHBRuSYFVPKIopuNdvOLgCbZQSlnYt5jjHhQqWm_E4VAclOEquvNYzZG6Q3Rvr88HMyACND6mHfv9BVaFQS8UPswNIpDZH31yOnHhWUebIP0TLrqQ025jLBSX_u-q13qxg/s1600/000_1351.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyZZNgHBRuSYFVPKIopuNdvOLgCbZQSlnYt5jjHhQqWm_E4VAclOEquvNYzZG6Q3Rvr88HMyACND6mHfv9BVaFQS8UPswNIpDZH31yOnHhWUebIP0TLrqQ025jLBSX_u-q13qxg/s400/000_1351.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486079509312166754" /></a>
<br />Of course, you're right.
<br />
<br />If you'd like to read more about my art journey or see my artwork, check out my blog <a href="http://sculptingalife.blogspot.com">Sculpting A Life</a> and my website <a href="http://www.susangt.com">Susan Gallacher-Turner Sculpture</a>.Susan Gallacher-Turner http://www.blogger.com/profile/04060849318151375753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20654551.post-9943226819526756992010-06-21T19:13:00.000-07:002010-06-21T19:32:33.360-07:00Television Musings - Rants and Raves of a Romance Writer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwsp5byNQcwwNgXNZoo-u5CGseGB7O3zOVQOT94c_6Jv8yGwVS10WFCRfvnDAej08v2qHcvjx7hKTKX0QARG92Q1dJVS9HJme8es1JSMzGX06sqYYy_9Pkkwz872eoqWPXLVF/s1600/kathy+logo.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwsp5byNQcwwNgXNZoo-u5CGseGB7O3zOVQOT94c_6Jv8yGwVS10WFCRfvnDAej08v2qHcvjx7hKTKX0QARG92Q1dJVS9HJme8es1JSMzGX06sqYYy_9Pkkwz872eoqWPXLVF/s320/kathy+logo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485420182993856754" /></a><br /><strong> Creativity</strong><br />By Kathy Carpenter<br /><br />It’s so hard to be creative these days. You may not even think there is any creativity in my blog. But whatever it is, I can’t even think of what to write. I know a lot of people call this writer’s block, but I didn’t think there was such a thing,<span class="fullpost">Anyway, when I was young like many writers I used to like to make up stories. These were mostly verbal. Although I did write a book of Fairy Tales when I was in elementary school. Those stories were all about make believe. In the stuff you write today or I should say most people write, sure you make up the basic story but you are staying within reality or basically what people can wrap their minds around. Is that really being creative.<br /><br />With Television shows, even reality shows, the try to switch things up, put a fresh spin on the show to keep it fresh. One or two little things so it’s familiar but different. Sometimes theses are for the better and sometimes they kill a show. Is what it is.<br /><br />Let me know what you think.<br /><br /></span>Kathy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17217773052843806742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20654551.post-72030610333015522462010-06-10T19:33:00.000-07:002010-06-10T19:37:11.703-07:00'Listless' week produces surprising results.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lnNjDv9tly6ojpscKqp0W6H-w74jtkIS3Ubjn6McuFxHsKVxFtqaHJx0UBuo70m5vERtl0iTeQiuzwqC52TXfxfROIyEvKTtLUx6Ecv6rHPb1spfq6OoH8hY-XFrfy2rvRLtsg/s1600/000_1302.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lnNjDv9tly6ojpscKqp0W6H-w74jtkIS3Ubjn6McuFxHsKVxFtqaHJx0UBuo70m5vERtl0iTeQiuzwqC52TXfxfROIyEvKTtLUx6Ecv6rHPb1spfq6OoH8hY-XFrfy2rvRLtsg/s400/000_1302.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480588270408649266" /></a><br />By Susan Gallacher-Turner<br /><br />Last week, I gave myself a challenge: a week without 'To Do' lists. After a lifetime of making lists, I wondered if I'd get any studio or writing work done, forget to walk the dog, answer my email, and go to yoga class. Would I forget what I needed at the grocery store? Or would a week of 'listlessness' make me a happier camper?<br /><br />Here's what I learned. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXNa2vmLzR6z_3DuZXkJfjC_-raAgvbWJii1n5LF6VEfmVb6Uh04kbASHJEKbexzlE2BGqGl_wNtd9cRHi1n_floXxyP9MOxoZ1vB8DO_rh-xUJKV0SdmgGlSTrC1QwTjwEal9g/s1600/000_1309.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXNa2vmLzR6z_3DuZXkJfjC_-raAgvbWJii1n5LF6VEfmVb6Uh04kbASHJEKbexzlE2BGqGl_wNtd9cRHi1n_floXxyP9MOxoZ1vB8DO_rh-xUJKV0SdmgGlSTrC1QwTjwEal9g/s400/000_1309.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480589241316460514" /></a><br /><br />I still worked in the studio. I worked on three clay faces, painted mesh bird masks and bought needed supplies. I remembered to go to the enameling class I signed up for months ago. I experimented with additional paint glazes on the clay busts and the new cement bases I'd cast. I wrote on the blog just as I always do. I started writing a new series of essays. I remembered to check and answer my email, post on facebook and read other blogs, news and sites on the web. Yes, I walked the dog(I don't think she'd let me forget), went to yoga, made my appointments. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-1NrBhE_54T7onKghDdKfX13_W_OZCzZJn-7ahr8VYR0M_pd5skl8L77FsWWWhRRIAiHlhH04dbdz2inbeXL82rx2MmhyuwCRK7uKYbiGA3BujCE592zBrKPXcUPnL4vmnDsAQ/s1600/000_1312.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-1NrBhE_54T7onKghDdKfX13_W_OZCzZJn-7ahr8VYR0M_pd5skl8L77FsWWWhRRIAiHlhH04dbdz2inbeXL82rx2MmhyuwCRK7uKYbiGA3BujCE592zBrKPXcUPnL4vmnDsAQ/s400/000_1312.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480588669423385602" /></a><br />Somethings didn't change, but some things did.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeU3lqimShoRpcM87ewI6z1B3nprBnu5Rj7y2QMkrQ0yoYBEKdtPn_6DkDDeUx4hQt00_yoH02dJJlw6fCkagDOmrxIAdL9Jl-AzpY-ITWfOEk9UNAnmpZvLPnwcLbHVZ0b18vYw/s1600/000_1303.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeU3lqimShoRpcM87ewI6z1B3nprBnu5Rj7y2QMkrQ0yoYBEKdtPn_6DkDDeUx4hQt00_yoH02dJJlw6fCkagDOmrxIAdL9Jl-AzpY-ITWfOEk9UNAnmpZvLPnwcLbHVZ0b18vYw/s400/000_1303.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480588337410351122" /></a><br />I found myself spontaneously doing things and taking on projects that I really wanted done, but had put off. Shopping at Target, I picked up a new comforter set for my room that was over 1/2 off and a tablecloth purchased on impulse led to a whole range of home decor projects. I love to do home decor projects, but due to life changes and the economy, I haven't done anything in 3 years. I made new valances for the nook, took down curtains in the living room, put up different ones and sewed three new pillows for the couch from the rest of the Target tablecloth. The downstairs has needed painting for a few years. Suddenly, last week I was picking out paint colors, buying the paint and, yup, painting those dingy walls. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdziu_IGeZvCiplHGnP1FOWImPD-vV_4IGmI3B9DJWyi4ODs1vAfq2v5ViyEcl7SUHofPh1sAUQebrkO_6Miw6Xu0w95OfgUbxWiOvhkPtzNtQTpOL_CFP3n0tDHNmzr83K1t4w/s1600/000_1305.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdziu_IGeZvCiplHGnP1FOWImPD-vV_4IGmI3B9DJWyi4ODs1vAfq2v5ViyEcl7SUHofPh1sAUQebrkO_6Miw6Xu0w95OfgUbxWiOvhkPtzNtQTpOL_CFP3n0tDHNmzr83K1t4w/s400/000_1305.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480588538106832802" /></a><br />In the past, all projects had 'To Do' lists with all the details outlined. I always thought that making detailed outlines and supply lists was necessary to get the projects done. That I couldn't go shopping successfully without making a list.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQ04lOGFBR7Mcdyfj0ODpsTpU-K9h4uKlUdpXbuXCwta1K2UFru2DnP5aDbq_nZl5qlV8OZuSScBV1WuvAfCQiW8L5E7GD0EufN5dWcrCMTG15_N2wos8GzL0a_v-QE-hc4Y3jA/s1600/000_1304.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQ04lOGFBR7Mcdyfj0ODpsTpU-K9h4uKlUdpXbuXCwta1K2UFru2DnP5aDbq_nZl5qlV8OZuSScBV1WuvAfCQiW8L5E7GD0EufN5dWcrCMTG15_N2wos8GzL0a_v-QE-hc4Y3jA/s400/000_1304.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480588456864507330" /></a><br />What I learned this week: I don't need the lists to get the projects done. And, perhaps, being a little 'listless' actually helped me jump into projects with more energy and enthusiasm. I also found myself making good shopping decisions on the spot. <br /><br />Will I go 'listless' forever? I don't know. <br /><br />I do know, although it was scary at first, I felt lighter, more energetic and spontaneous. I even got my hair cut in a new short cut, on the spur of the moment. (In the past, I would have researched cuts and had a 'list' of looks to give my stylist.) Ok, I still made a list for grocery shopping, after forgetting the ketchup and shampoo. And I still love post-it notes, I think it's the colors.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwOM5s93bDT8Brrb1V9X0JYXFnxuv70D3V6gtzyancEMsR02xxfbBvUgE8Np1zPZcitIXvIaEm81QLmVW66AneOvKXe4IE27nOHtoCUyXbK2YOb7L-ErH6dzbq3zcVmhmv7JtXw/s1600/000_1310.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwOM5s93bDT8Brrb1V9X0JYXFnxuv70D3V6gtzyancEMsR02xxfbBvUgE8Np1zPZcitIXvIaEm81QLmVW66AneOvKXe4IE27nOHtoCUyXbK2YOb7L-ErH6dzbq3zcVmhmv7JtXw/s400/000_1310.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480588828296661922" /></a><br />But I'm thinking that a 'listlessness' might be a very good thing. What do you think would change for you if you tried a week of 'listlessness'? If you're game, try it and let me know how it works, or not, for you.<br /><br />If you'd like to see some of my artwork, visit my website at <a href="http://www.susangt.com">Susan Gallacher-Turner Sculpture</a>. And if you'd like to read more about my creative journey, visit my other blog <a href="http://sculptingalife.blogspot.com">Sculpting A Life</a>.Susan Gallacher-Turner http://www.blogger.com/profile/04060849318151375753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20654551.post-412988832312329292010-06-05T00:00:00.000-07:002010-06-05T16:54:05.035-07:00Creative Circle Recovery Minnesota USA10,000 lakes, 12 steps, 2 worlds<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lCBFEu6SefoCCxwylKqjJrY9Ge1OC6-7kJUPqvVIyKjXLlOqjlR1QFl4sb_88hxsdCxXRwlkIQYP0kNqLaOrCKjJT-A3lE7DJ_boD5pGKHnhkChm447pGRDK89ujB7sdFKAoRQ/s1600-h/pamela_blogs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227854590706329170" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lCBFEu6SefoCCxwylKqjJrY9Ge1OC6-7kJUPqvVIyKjXLlOqjlR1QFl4sb_88hxsdCxXRwlkIQYP0kNqLaOrCKjJT-A3lE7DJ_boD5pGKHnhkChm447pGRDK89ujB7sdFKAoRQ/s200/pamela_blogs.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>The Art and Grace of Summer</strong><br />by Pamela Yates<br /><br />There are many challenges in the world, my head is spinning despite the photograph of my smiling face. What are we to do in the face of these challenges? I think we must do what we always do, try to keep reaching for our enduring "can do" attitude while we are ever so gentle and patient with those around us. Perhaps my husband, my friend, my sister or my neighbor is feeling deep emotional trauma at this moment because of the troubling events in our nation and in the world -- the gravity of the oil spill, nations in conflict and at war. So, what can we ordinary Jane's and Joe's do? Here's my naive simple plan. For a start, we can try to give everyone a break; we can try to be extraordinarily patient with each other. We can try to keep critical and judgmental ideas to ourselves for a change. We can simply pray for the health and happiness of all people. We can try to listen more and talk less. We can look for ways to shed some kindness on those around us. We can aim for a dozen small acts or words of kindness a day. This is a perfect time to "pay it forward." <br /><br />There I go again, being naive. Let's do just that! Let's be naive in our forgiveness and patience. Let's be resilient warriors for peace. Recovery in any sense of the word requires an enduring sense of acceptance that change takes time. Time is organic (that's my sense and belief) and as such it is ever-renewing and -recovering. If we maintain our focus in a good way, time will compost that good energy into health and happiness for the people. In my lifetime I may not see the outcomes I pray for and dream of for all our children but my recovery and healing as a woman and as a human being ensure that I am more likely to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. I'm grateful for that role and, just for today, it's enough.<br /><br />Nurture your dreams.<br /><br />Pamela<br /><br />****<br /><br />Pamela Yates is a transplanted Australian painter and personal coach in the areas of creativity and meaning-making. She writes about the adventures of a creative person in recovery living in Minnesota USA. Her insights about creativity and life in recovery come from indigenous and western perspectives on healing our creative spirits: recovery and creativity seamlessly nurtured by tribal values. Her journey of healing includes 20-plus years as a sober contemporary artist and recovery from alcoholism, PTSD, anxiety and sexual trauma. Her storytelling has roots in the 12-step program, the Red Road and teachings from the indigenous Circle process and the support of multi-cultural extended family, elders and friends. Her coaching clients and her paintings can be found in communities in the USA and abroad. To learn more about meaning-making, recovery and creativity visit Pamela's web site at http://www.circlepathways.com and her online portfolio at http://www.pamelayatesfineart.com or contact her via email at pamela@pamelayates.com.<br /><br />****<br /><span class="fullpost"></span>Pamelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13221911961591579153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20654551.post-24931695566602262922010-06-01T18:19:00.000-07:002010-06-01T18:54:28.588-07:00'To Do' or 'Not to Do' - Answers</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PhcH0-2_t8EjRbvpp7T0QwSOsM8yGvKzVnR0L0wW15Q63VdMe4L4gTJ2DczRgHFaXncIoQFzYWfWtcIz4PrerwU5sqEX_dySmSa9vuMkg6qA5X-NlsTCN8-P6BcubH3kX3HWwA/s1600/000_1258.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PhcH0-2_t8EjRbvpp7T0QwSOsM8yGvKzVnR0L0wW15Q63VdMe4L4gTJ2DczRgHFaXncIoQFzYWfWtcIz4PrerwU5sqEX_dySmSa9vuMkg6qA5X-NlsTCN8-P6BcubH3kX3HWwA/s400/000_1258.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476898584670648322" /></a>
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">By Susan Gallacher-Turner</span>
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<br />Last time, I wrote about my habit of list making and whether 'To Do' or 'Not to Do' helps or hinders my creativity. I wondered how other people manage their lives and creative projects. Did they have long lists, too? Or no lists at all?
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<br />I worried that a life without lists, might become too listless, that I would dabble here and there never getting anything done ever again. But was having so many lists about everything becoming a burden rather than giving me freedom from fear? I wondered if there was a better way to manage all the projects I need to get done without hyper-managing myself with lists.
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<br />So I asked for help. And thank you all for sharing your thoughts on lists and your own list making strategies. Here are your comments and ideas.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Kim Switzer said:</span>
<br />I do make lists, but they don't help me get everything done. I've stopped making highly detailed lists, though. I make a list for a period of 2-3 days rather than a daily list, and I only put on it the big things that need my time and attention. That way, I don't get caught up in the small busy-nesses of life and forget to focus on what really needs me. I've been doing this since the end of last year, and it seems to help me get things done without leaving me overwhelmed by a too huge "to do" list. </span>
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Stacy(aka goldenbird) comments: </span>
<br />I have slowly stopped making lists almost without realizing it. I used to make them on the weekends because I felt overwhelmed with stuff I needed to do, but then I would get bummed out because I didn't want to spend the weekend checking off a to-do list. At my day job I have a to do list of my big projects, but I don't make lists of the little tasks anymore. Everything somehow gets done. </span>
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Caelista said:</span>
<br />Like goldenbird, I used to start the weekend with a big list but it was depressing to have so many tasks ahead of me, and then the lists kept getting longer as I remembered more things I needed to do. I never seemed to get through them.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Lois J. de Vries writes: </span>
<br />I keep a Master List by category that I add to whenever something occurs to me. From that list, I choose three to four priorities (in various categories) for each month.
<br />On Mondays, I make a weekly list of everything I would like to get done that week and have gotten over the idea that the list is way too long. That isn't its purpose.
<br />Whatever doesn't get done on Monday is carried to Tuesday. What's left on Tuesday's list gets carried to Wednesday, etc. Yes, sometimes things come up that have to be added. On the weekends, the list may change completely, to address just weekend things. On Monday, I carry forward whatever is left over from the previous Friday and add more things.Over time, the irritation of seeing the same item on the list every day for two months or more acts as an incentive to finally get it off the list. I either decide not to do it, or do it. I view lists as organizational tools that free up brain cells that would otherwise be used for repetitive tasks of remembering. Past a certain age, it's the only way you can remember anything.
<br />These days I try to focus on one main thing I need to get done each day, or at least no more than three main things. That seems to work a lot better because I can actually finish them!
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thanks to you all again!
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<br />I can see that there are many ways to look at lists and the more creative you are, the more creative you can be with your lists. Using them as an organizational tool and a memory jogger, a way to get big projects and goals done, or keeping them small and doable. Hearing that things can get done without lists made me curious. What would happen if I tried going listless for a week? Would I become a non-productive drone or would I still get work done?
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<br />I've decided to take your advice to heart this week and try a week without a list. So, I threw out my lists, took down my post-it notes and closed my notebook next to my computer. Will I get work done? Or will I wind up in front of the TV staring into space? I'll keep you posted...now I could make a list about that...but :)
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<br />If you want to see some of my sculpture, check out my website at <a href="http://www.susangt.com">Susan Gallacher-Turner Sculpture</a> and you can read more about my creative journey on my blog <a href="http://sculptingalife.blogspot.com">Sculpting A Life</a>
<br />Susan Gallacher-Turner http://www.blogger.com/profile/04060849318151375753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20654551.post-16239807244576390022010-05-29T09:41:00.000-07:002010-05-29T10:19:20.365-07:00The Artful Life – A Holistic Approach<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlu5nPk7Va2Tl16NHFaycYdfLBKhQyAXcWd5tPvneDdDc311-RAVJGMpnClDlXYG9qvNOGHFWKODoHwRBrjv1IN4RU6myVSLJM_p77EqXCX6qZDvoP8ZbQaA4jz_pQvfWyN2erw/s1600/thestorm.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlu5nPk7Va2Tl16NHFaycYdfLBKhQyAXcWd5tPvneDdDc311-RAVJGMpnClDlXYG9qvNOGHFWKODoHwRBrjv1IN4RU6myVSLJM_p77EqXCX6qZDvoP8ZbQaA4jz_pQvfWyN2erw/s320/thestorm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476742318142795106" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" >Creative Intensity or Madness</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >By Lisa A. Riley, LMFT</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif;font-size:13px;" ><blockquote><p><span mce_name="em" mce_style="font-style: italic;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">“If a man comes to the door of poetry untouched by the madness of the Muses, believing that technique alone will make him a good poet, he and his sane compositions never reach perfection, but are utterly eclipsed by the performances of the inspired madman.”</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> – Socrates</span></span></p></blockquote><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Many creative individuals have experienced sudden surges, flooded with creative intensity as if an arrow laced with their muse struck them. The cycle accelerates productivity with their art lasting for days, even weeks at a time. Engrossed in the moment saturated with ideas, some will work viciously, with little sleep or food. It’s as if creative energy is what fuels them during this interlude producing a temporary state of immortality. Commonly following such a ride is a retreat back into their cave, often in seclusion, as if to recover and hibernate. However, during this down time the creative process is not completely dormant. Instead the artist is regrouping, reorganizing and ideas are incubating for the next eruption.</span></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Artists have been notoriously criticized for their shifting bouts of creativity, often misinterpreted as erratic moods swings. Throughout history many artists, unable to manage the power of their own muse were sucked under by the undertow, hence why the words “madness” and “artist” went hand in hand.</span></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In the mental health spectrum such cycles are diagnosis as Bipolar Disorder. Although, many creative individuals do suffer from Manic-Depression and require medication to manage the disorder, how about those who don’t fit the criteria? Those who are able to keep one foot anchored during the ebb and flow of their own creative intensity with little disruption to their lives.</span></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Not all artists lose sense of reality, but are very aware of their own artistic temperament. They are able to prepare and brace themselves for the storm ahead. They ride it out while utilizing its energy to fuel their art. Artists look forward to such cycles, which gave birth to some of their most innovative ideas and embrace the journey.</span></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When the artist is able to know him or her self well enough to accept these cycles without judgment and learn the skills to create a healthy environment that will tame what is tempestuous, it becomes an ally in the creative process. The artist transforms what was once perceived as madness and into a powerful force that can help them reach levels in their creativity they never predicted.</span></span></p><blockquote><p><span mce_name="em" mce_style="font-style: italic;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">“Men have called me mad but the question is not yet settled, whether madness is or is not the loftiest intelligence–whether much that is glorious–whether all that is profound–does not spring from disease of thought–from moods of mind exalted at the expense of the general intellect.”— </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Edgar Allan Poe</span></span></p></blockquote><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Lisa is a psychotherapist, painter and writer. She has spent the last 25 years integrating various forms of self-expression as a way of life and an avenue towards healing. Because of her background in the arts she understands the unique challenges of the artistic personality and has spent the last 8 years working with artists, writers, actors and musicians in helping them gain self-awareness and a deeper understanding of themselves as artists. </span></span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Lisa has her own private practice in Southern California. </span></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">For more information visit </span></span></span><a href="http://theartofmind.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">TheArtofMind.com</span></span></span></b></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://theartofmind.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"> </span></b></a></span></i><p></p>Lisa A. Rileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528112765679908990noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20654551.post-35200550935738511662010-05-26T19:29:00.000-07:002010-05-26T19:34:03.800-07:00To Do or Not To Do - A QuestionBy Susan Gallacher-Turner<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0sl1_N8eYd9RB8lczEugpB8XiCgsKEJ-ImZrpI7CrCjrMmHwiWHRgqCYNeqJqbT99UELTZlvN4KZiaWh84Fv9MKOHdck5klRVje0sG2fw5jibKxlQUSnX9ALZkkO0d796gap2w/s1600/000_1260.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0sl1_N8eYd9RB8lczEugpB8XiCgsKEJ-ImZrpI7CrCjrMmHwiWHRgqCYNeqJqbT99UELTZlvN4KZiaWh84Fv9MKOHdck5klRVje0sG2fw5jibKxlQUSnX9ALZkkO0d796gap2w/s400/000_1260.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472814992360886514" /></a><br /><br /><br />Do you make a 'to do' list? I do. But I've been wondering lately whether my 'to do' lists really help my work get done. Or whether it's just another thing 'to do'.<br /><br />Thanks to Sister Mary Catherine, I've been making lists since the first grade. After many nights of bedtime panic because I'd forgotten to do my homework, Sister gave me a small notebook and told me to make a list of all my assignments. I took that book everywhere and wrote down every assignment from that day on. I didn't go to bed in a panic anymore as long as I had my notebook by my bed.<br /><br />I am a very organized person. Lists have proved to be a very helpful tool. I'm not blaming Sister Mary Catherine, she was trying to help a struggling, fearful little girl. I've even taught my own children to use 'to do' lists.<br /><br />But now, after many decades of using this tool, is this tool using me?<br /><br />It started out as a way to be less fearful. But did it really make me less fearful? When I have project, a weekend off or vacation, I worry that I'm going to forget something so I make another list. Post a notes are everywhere in my house. Making a list has been the first thing I did every week and checking it off gave me a feeling of accomplishment.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicj6jB4fiOS0w-i4_ClTcXNidAt8JNOz2Psx6lW2KoYiZpDOVYOV-_6qPUejvWDAGXPg5A0HfwCClrFjYWEDiz2dgAJxY6xxDIAQStF_nuMttOJ7U0aBMi-WPxDqUVe2EVLa92A/s1600/000_1259.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicj6jB4fiOS0w-i4_ClTcXNidAt8JNOz2Psx6lW2KoYiZpDOVYOV-_6qPUejvWDAGXPg5A0HfwCClrFjYWEDiz2dgAJxY6xxDIAQStF_nuMttOJ7U0aBMi-WPxDqUVe2EVLa92A/s400/000_1259.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472814928506420322" /></a><br />Now, there's a part of me that wants to be free 'to do' whatever comes to mind. To create without an agenda, a schedule, a list of projects with sublists. After a few years filled with fear, loss and change, I want to be open to enjoying my life as it's happening with more ease and flow and grace. <br /><br />So what did I do to help myself move into this new space?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOE8fcxOL30etRLQmsFqWmEFQWqYXZi3vzV_aEebEfizwhRQD-G8dmTS1WxeYjft1czEcToxgd_1P0mydWPmQSetqAaF2wLY1OODtLGSDygGphqYG-RtQSfvP4YpZrNBv2YB4tQ/s1600/000_1258.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOE8fcxOL30etRLQmsFqWmEFQWqYXZi3vzV_aEebEfizwhRQD-G8dmTS1WxeYjft1czEcToxgd_1P0mydWPmQSetqAaF2wLY1OODtLGSDygGphqYG-RtQSfvP4YpZrNBv2YB4tQ/s400/000_1258.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472814866493692738" /></a><br />Yup. I made a list. I didn't realize it at first. I just saw the post-its as colorful little flags, a way to make my intentions more concrete. But now I see that in an effort to get out from under my old fear-based behavior of making lists, I just made another series of lists. <br /><br />Do you make lists? Does it help you get everything in your life done? Or is it a ball and chain that slows down your life and saps your creative energy? If you don't make lists, how do you remember to get everything done?<br /><br />So the question...To Do or Not To Do? Can I live my life and get my work done without a list? What do you suggest? Let me know and I'll keep you all posted. <br />Send your comments to my other blog, <a href="http://sculptingalife.blogspot.com">Sculpting A Life</a>. And if you'd like to see some of my sculpture stop by my website <a href="http://www.susangt.com">Susan Gallacher-Turner Sculpture</a>.<br /><br />By the way, you're on my list. :)Susan Gallacher-Turner http://www.blogger.com/profile/04060849318151375753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20654551.post-81370524555608755362010-05-23T07:08:00.000-07:002010-05-23T07:08:29.549-07:00Lazy Gardening Leads to Success<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJrBI_yd_YrfhadslumVoaeyWEuF62TbS2ruQyiYukxNTxqafhiEvLR0lSkiikjwTfH06b3roPOnX33IfEGocyUNAY4f5qK0qFAQ4sg_fnxmHzSlrpDUjW6QILQqWzD-peqxY/s1600/Papyrus72_4054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJrBI_yd_YrfhadslumVoaeyWEuF62TbS2ruQyiYukxNTxqafhiEvLR0lSkiikjwTfH06b3roPOnX33IfEGocyUNAY4f5qK0qFAQ4sg_fnxmHzSlrpDUjW6QILQqWzD-peqxY/s400/Papyrus72_4054.JPG" width="160" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1EpBtyRhmr8mH25OU1dPMf40w0Kxi6CMc5CKhIX2Y_TvdzQH00V2boLhkYEFGAiOE4y98W9NvL-3jq89ucEVE-G1dVv7rvzEcPQy6eTvLybw54d03APp6G-SJvOOnchnmQ/s1600/Peony72_3632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1EpBtyRhmr8mH25OU1dPMf40w0Kxi6CMc5CKhIX2Y_TvdzQH00V2boLhkYEFGAiOE4y98W9NvL-3jq89ucEVE-G1dVv7rvzEcPQy6eTvLybw54d03APp6G-SJvOOnchnmQ/s200/Peony72_3632.JPG" width="200" /></a>Sometimes. With Papyrus. I keep my Papyrus in a plastic pot that I can bring indoors and snug into a copper cachepot to carry it over the winter (see <i><a href="http://loisdevries.blogspot.com/2007/12/papyrus-prolonged.html">http://loisdevries.blogspot.com/2007/12/papyrus-prolonged.html</a></i> and <a href="http://loisdevries.blogspot.com/2008/07/papyrus-daydream.html"><i>http://loisdevries.blogspot.com/2008/07/papyrus-daydream.html</i></a>). By the end of last year's unusually rainy summer, the roots extended six inches beyond the rim of the pot, so I had to cut them back a second time, in order to be able to bring the plant back into the house. Papyrus was not a happy camper and sulked all winter. The one remaining stalk died off in early January.<br />
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New growth usually starts in February, when the sun shines hot and fierce through the long narrow window where the Papyrus stands. This year, nothing. March. Nothing. April. Nothing. I knew my dead plant needed to go out on the compost heap, but fortunately for us both, the spring rush had overtaken me (<a href="http://loisdevries.blogspot.com/2010/04/spring-gardening-rush.html"><i>http://loisdevries.blogspot.com/2010/04/spring-gardening-rush.html</i></a>) and I just didn't get around to it.<br />
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One morning in early May, I was astonished to see a new, two-foot tall sprout. Since then, two more have appeared. With nighttime temperatures predicted to remain above 50ºF, I finally put it outdoors. It's not a horticultural practice I normally recommend, but sometimes neglect can be a good thing.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Lois de Vries' thoughts on gardening and environmental issues run the gamut from gardening in her own back yard to promoting land management practices that reconnect people to the Earth. To discover how to express more of your personality and creativity through your garden, or how body/mind/spirit can play itself out in your gardening activities, visit: <a href="http://cultivatingtheinnergardener.blogspot.com/">http://cultivatingtheinnergardener.blogspot.com</a> or contact me at l<a href="mailto:oisj7@gmail.com">oisj7@gmail.com</a>. </i></div>Lois J. de Vrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06406972093676416909noreply@blogger.com0