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A Calliope Hummingbird (Stellula calliope) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
One of my other blogs got lonely today. In order to keep it from gathering dust, I wrote a piece that talks of obligation, creation, writing, and put it all in a package that takes its inspiration from the manual on poetry.
Calliope is one of my several personalities. I figure if you’re going to go to all the trouble of having more than one persona, you might as well give each one room to spread out.
So, if you’re bored, have time on your hands and just want to see something different that you get over here, pop over to Calliope. The fare over there has a different flavor than Claudsy’s Blog; at least, most of the time.
Yup, lonely blogs, I know the feeling. It’s so hard to find time to create art and copy for my other two blogs. Heading over to Calliope to have a look.
claudsy said, on 6/19/2012 8:47:00 PM
Thanks, Veronica. I hope you like it.
Gina's Professions for PEACE said, on 6/19/2012 11:48:00 PM
Great post! I look forward to heading over to Calliope now. I enjoy this darling photo too, a great namesake for your other blog. Thanks for the pingback! Cheers, Gina
claudsy said, on 6/19/2012 11:56:00 PM
Glad you enjoyed it, Gina. I hope you can visit often. Thank you.
Misky said, on 6/20/2012 2:58:00 AM
My father always had hummingbird feeders near the window where he often sat. Beautiful little creatures.
claudsy said, on 6/20/2012 10:15:00 AM
You’re so right, Misky. They are, and funny, too. You’ve never laughed hard until you’ve witness the aerial acrobatics of more than fifty of the little darlings fighting over possession of a feeder.
Fascinating creatures, too. Thanks so much for dropping by.
The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Have you ever begun a project only to find yourself on a journey to a place where you discover as much about yourself as you do about the place where you stopped?
If you don’t remember, were you paying attention? This isn’t an idle question: truly. I’ve just found more of myself because of a place where I stopped.
The new site where Meena Rose and I have taken up part-time residence is stretching me in ways I never anticipated. I had my expectations of what would be required of me, and I had dreams of what I could contribute. I think that’s true anytime one launches a new project that will be shared with others.
During the past couple of days, I did necessary research in order to put together a post for this morning in the “Two Voices, One Song” Garden. Research is a normal part of writing. Ask any good writer. What surprised me was not my distraction quotient, but rather the depth of the distraction.
I was looking for a piece of video—my first to be linked on a site in one of my posts—about Julia Cameron. I had no difficulty finding one. YouTube has several available for linking.
Surprise came with the reviewing portion of my research. I admit it; I got lost inside all of those videos. I watched the woman speak to a workshop group, not once, but several times on several videos. I listened and recalled what it was I’d put aside when my copy of “The Artist’s Way” was relegated to the bookcase.
My morning pages had become a thing of the past, no longer creating an advantage to my work and personal understanding. I’d given up that portion of my intent when I got too busy with daily tasks to remember that my inner self was more important than my public one.
Lao Tzu, traditionally the author of the Tao Te Ching (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
When I finished commiserating with Muse concerning this lack in my daily routine, I went on to enjoy watching several videos of Dr. Wayne Dyer as he presented the Tao Te Ching and its use today. I’ve seen Dr. Dyer before and thoroughly enjo
2 Comments on Rolling Down the Cyber Highway, last added: 6/1/2012
Coco, you’re not alone in that. Now if I can only stick with it and make it through without a pause this time, I’ll be doing good. I’m so looking forward to getting past Week 5, even though I need to begin again on page 1.
Small excursions energize me most of the time. Over the weekend Sister and I took a quick trip to Central Washington. This was a trip planned for a couple of months. I could hardly afford the time away, I thought.
I did have numerous projects clamoring for my attention, things pushed aside or in need of initial contact. By Friday I’d concluded how much I really needed time away from computer and familiar surroundings.
I know we just had a break away with the Mountain Man Rendezvous, but what I didn’t need was stimulation and the constant movement of people around me. Instead, the need arose for personal quiet and peace, to allow me to recharge my internal batteries and my Muse.
The five hour drive Saturday morning began the recharging process. I sat back, listening to Sister’s running commentary of locations and wildlife passing by along Highway 2.
Mule deer and whitetail waited politely until they appeared in the rearview mirror before leaping across the road. Bald eagles kept pace with us from above the asphalt. Red-tailed hawks and osprey watched from their sky-scraper perches to make sure we left their territories quickly.
Rivers and small lakes rested in stillness, reflecting the forests lining their banks or the mountain summits that cast massive shadows across the sun-kissed mirrors. Canada geese nested with goslings yards from the blue heron and mallards, while red-winged blackbirds swayed precariously on last year’s cattail stalks.
The Kootenai River splashed along its bed heading back for the Canada. Clear skies colored with the peculiar shade of pale French blue spoke to us a warm temperatures and luscious clean air. The relaxation began, even as conversation flowed between us and the radio played softly in the background. There were no expectations other than our own. We were free for a little while.
Once we arrived at our destination, we had extra time to have a picnic. The city park in Connell was, as always, well-kept and ready for use. Under the shade of cottonwood trees we opened up the stocked cooler in the back and filled our plates. Sesame Garlic Chicken made room for homemade potato salad (a once monthly treat)
6 Comments on Needed Relaxation and Nature, last added: 5/15/2012
I can’t believe how much work you do! My shoulder and muse don’t seem to let me. Getting away from people and into nature is the best recharger, for me. Or somewhere not too touristy, at least. And then there is gardening and playing in the dirt.
Veronica Roth said, on 5/15/2012 6:50:00 AM
Lucky girl! I love that you got the chance to get away for a wonderful writing day like that. What fun. Sometimes I get a chance to have a weekend alone up at my cabin. No electricity and no cell phone coverage means peace and quiet for writing/art/photography. I live in Vancouver BC and love visiting Washington State. Next time I’ll go see Connell.
claudsy said, on 5/15/2012 8:25:00 AM
Carrie, it’s all an illusion, created to fool the eye into believing that my scurrying is impressive. Don’t you believe it, hear? You’ve got more than enough on your plate without looking for more.
Getting away is going to get more and more difficult from now on. Sister is going back to school in June, which means adventures will be short and sporadic, depending on her class schedule in each term. So, I’m going to have to learn quickly how to recharge in short bursts, sort of like my cell phone. But I do have a personal charger attached to the car, which helps a lot.
claudsy said, on 5/15/2012 8:33:00 AM
I don’t know that you’ll be that impressed, Veronica. If you want to get away to Washington, try the Mount Baker area in NW WA–the Maple Falls area, or anywhere near Mount Baker. You’ll find more than enough to keep camera clicking and fingers writing.
I’m with you on the less populated, off-the-grid places of the world. But then, I grew up in the woods and have a backwoods kinda gal at heart.
So glad you dropped by, Veronica. Who’s to say when you’ll see me in person. That day will come, I’m sure.
carrieboo33 said, on 5/15/2012 10:06:00 AM
I hear. Though, not entirely convinced. Do you have a garden or balcony, or nearby park just to sit in and enjoy some nature? It’s nice to have a little time doing absolutely nothing, I find. Quite the luxury!
claudsy said, on 5/15/2012 10:52:00 AM
Our tiny balcony offers cigarette smoke from downstairs, too bright sunshine for burning in the afternoons, and too much noise for hearing yourself think.
We take ourselves to busy, shaded parks to find peace and reflective time. Besides, we have Glacier Park less than half an hour away. Why go anywhere else for those short day trips. I get in free with life-pass.
Small excursions energize me most of the time. Over the weekend Sister and I took a quick trip to Central Washington. This was a trip planned for a couple of months. I could hardly afford the time away, I thought.
I did have numerous projects clamoring for my attention, things pushed aside or in need of initial contact. By Friday I’d concluded how much I really needed time away from computer and familiar surroundings.
I know we just had a break away with the Mountain Man Rendezvous, but what I didn’t need was stimulation and the constant movement of people around me. Instead, the need arose for personal quiet and peace, to allow me to recharge my internal batteries and my Muse.
The five hour drive Saturday morning began the recharging process. I sat back, listening to Sister’s running commentary of locations and wildlife passing by along Highway 2.
Mule deer and whitetail waited politely until they appeared in the rearview mirror before leaping across the road. Bald eagles kept pace with us from above the asphalt. Red-tailed hawks and osprey watched from their sky-scraper perches to make sure we left their territories quickly.
Rivers and small lakes rested in stillness, reflecting the forests lining their banks or the mountain summits that cast massive shadows across the sun-kissed mirrors. Canada geese nested with goslings yards from the blue heron and mallards, while red-winged blackbirds swayed precariously on last year’s cattail stalks.
The Kootenai River splashed along its bed heading back for the Canada. Clear skies colored with the peculiar shade of pale French blue spoke to us a warm temperatures and luscious clean air. The relaxation began, even as conversation flowed between us and the radio played softly in the background. There were no expectations other than our own. We were free for a little while.
Once we arrived at our destination, we had extra time to have a picnic. The city park in Connell was, as always, well-kept and ready for use. Under the shade of cottonwood trees we opened up the stocked cooler in the back and filled our plates. Sesame Garlic Chicken made room for homemade potato salad (a once monthly treat)
0 Comments on Needed Relaxation and Nature as of 1/1/1900
Hello to all poets and poets in waiting. April is National Poetry Month and tomorrow (April 1) begins the annual Poem A Day Challenge at Writer's Digest. If you have ever felt the call to write poetry or if you have heard the whispers of the poetic muse perched on your shoulder, now is the time to put pen to paper or digits to keys.
The Poem A Day Challenge is exactly that---write a poem each day for 30 days based on the daily prompts provided by Robert Lee Brewer on the Writer's Digest poem-a-day page. Here is a link to the guidelines for the challenge: (http://blog.writersdigest.com/poeticasides/2011/03/01/2011AprilPADPoemADayChallengeGuidelines.aspx). You'll get the hang of it in no time.
So, why bother? Well, apart from uncovering your poetic genius, you will end up with a pile of 30 poems at the end of the month, which is no small accomplishment. With any luck, a few will be really good and a few others will at least be a good start on the way toward something really good. Besides, it's not everyone who can honestly say they have written 30 poems in 30 days.
Forget about those who say, "Who would want to?" Hey, it's a challenge and some people just simply aren't up to it. So, dust off the poetic cobwebs and let's get cracking. Robert Lee Brewer's first prompt will be available tomorrow morning and you have until midnight to wax poetic in response... and so on and so forth.
Show us what you got unless, that is, you're averse to it....
0 Comments on April Is National Poetry Month as of 1/1/1900
OMGEE, what a cute little elf!! And I love the term "story lightning."
My lightning tends to strike in the car on the way to or from work. I dash from car to computer to jot down my flashes of brilliance (ahem) for later pondering.
Paula, why does it always seem to strike in the car? That's my problem, too. Thanks for hopping over. Here's to some great flashes of brilliance this winter!
This is going to be a long month. And one in which little outside of challenges gets done. Today I have three separate challenge styles to post.
The first is from Poetic Asides. The poem format used is of my own decision, since no specific form was required—a common occurrence. This prompt was so wide-open that my mind reeled from the assorted immediate mental flashes of subject.
The following is what I selected, purely by Muse. I sat down and just began writing. The results were unexpected. I hope you enjoy the efforts.
April 4, 2012 Day 4 Prompt—100% (blank) Fill in the blank and make title
How can that be correct, when factors flow as water,
During each second of the question’s answer?
Each breath creates new conditions, redirecting life’s steps
Onto paths as yet unseen, unknown until actuality appears,
To add to previous knowledge concerning that path.
Each thought, word, and action take the user
On a joy ride, designed within the user’s response,
Determined by perception and intent as to correctness.
Does consensus decided something’s correctness,
Leaving each person knowing one reality
While others live in separate aspects of it?
Should I believe what you say, knowing I
Have a different reality from your sense of right.
Can anyone be correct about anything in life?
In a short while I’ll post my offerings for Poetic Bloomings. The In-Form challenge for today is: tanka. Tanka is a Haiku form that has five lines instead of three. Those five lines have specific syllabic counts: 5-7-5-7-7. Some of the finest tanka examples I’ve seen tell a complete story in those five lines, containing 31 syllables—no small feat, but breathtaking when done well.
I’ll do my best to not disappoint when I write mine.
These are my efforts in Tanka today. Each follows the proper form of 5-7-5-7-7. Each attempt to tell a complete story in five lines. I hope all will enjoy them.
Poetic Bloomings Wednesday In-Form Poetry Challenge for April 4, 2012—Tanka
Today’s prompt on Poetic Asides was simple. Write a mixed-up poem, no restrictions on subject or how you mix it up.
Again, wide open prompts like this one bring out a creative spark in people who must be seen to be believed. Humor cuddles with inspiration; absurdity takes a swing at nonsense, at the same time that both end with profound observations; teasers dive off the board into a sea of emotive pieces that defy categories; and cento makes an appearance from a pro. You just can’t predict what you’ll find inside the prompt’s comment section.
Take mine, for instance. When I began writing this morning, I intended to write about having been given the wrong directions for driving to a specific location. Not a difficult assignment from myself.
I got eight lines in and realized that Muse was dictating again on a subject that paralleled my intent. It became inspirational instead, surprising me as much as anyone. And I allowed it. Here it is for your perusal. Enjoy reading.
Serendipity waves her wand across our lives on a regular basis, whether we realize it or not. I read Robert Lee Brewer’s Poetic Asides writing prompt this morning and thought, “Yep, I can do that one and had a title immediately.”
It wasn’t an original title; so few really are original. On fill-in-the-blank prompts, Muse either slips you filler quickly or not. I took an unconscious page from my old IBM days and did an “if, then else” statement in my head after I wrote the title. **For those unfamiliar with old programming code, an “if, then else” statement is one which is a prompt in itself. “If X happens, then what will happen next. If X does not happen, the what will happen next.”
For Robert’s Day 20 Prompt—Use “Let’s (blank)” as title. Fill-in the blank with word/phrase, use as title, and write the poem to it, my mind went to an old roommate back in the seventies and how things went from there. I called it–
Along the same lines but with different outcomes, just a couple of days ago, I reconnected with an old friend with whom I hadn’t talked since the mid-nineties. This was a person for whom I’ve searched for years with no success. He, too, had searched for me. Now that reconnection has ensued, life seems smoother than days before.
There’s so much to catch up on, so many personal travel logs to read. As I look toward this acquaintance process, I can’t help but look at this poem as a kind of letting-go of unfortunate experiences and a taking-up of those which uplift and secure.
Serendipity strikes again. Did she see it coming? Were the two events entwined on my star chart under a heading of “Let’s put things right”?
I hope you enjoy this day’s offering. Please leave a comment as you wish. Here’s hoping Serendipity waves her wand over you today.
Thank you, Ann. I think it is the way of life to discard that which is no longer beneficial and renew that which gives peace.
Pamela Smyk Cleary said, on 4/20/2012 3:01:00 PM
Always fascinates me how these things occur. Serendipity? Synchronicity? Interesting, no matter what. Enjoyed this, claudsy!
claudsy said, on 4/20/2012 3:38:00 PM
So glad you stopped by, Pamela. And I’m happy that you enjoyed my poem. Seredipity has been showing up on a fairly regular basis around here for a while. I’m not complaining. It’s usually a very good thing.
Misky said, on 4/21/2012 3:09:00 AM
Claudsy, this is very powerful and potent stuff. I love this “Frankly I outgrew your need to mooch and moan”. Well done.
claudsy said, on 4/21/2012 10:40:00 AM
So glad you liked it, Misky. Glad you could stop by. Thank you. I don’t know about powerful, but it was certainly surprising and delightful.
meenarose said, on 4/21/2012 10:13:00 PM
Claudsy: another chapter closed, a new one beginning… so excited for you… Great poem, my former disco addict
claudsy said, on 4/22/2012 7:36:00 AM
I must be into my 15th volume by now. I’m glad you like my efforts, my friend.
Participants were handed an interesting writing challenge this morning. We were asked to write an “under the microscope” poem; either literal or metaphorical.
I doubt many of us can leap into our labs, scan a few slides and take up the scientific poetic slant, but you never know. I may try one later today; I do have a couple of ideas that travel that path.
My first attempt to satisfy this challenge is below. I’m not sure why Muse took me on this tangent, but it was the first thought to jump up and demand my attention.
Clauds, I tried over and over and over and over and over and over and oh you get my drift to comment at PA, with no success. Just trying to say that your expression is spot on, and exactly how I feel. FABULOUS poem.
Marie Elena
claudsy said, on 4/21/2012 5:08:00 PM
I’m glad you could try. Did your microscope get stuck in OVERdrive? Thanks, Marie Elena. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
meenarose said, on 4/21/2012 10:05:00 PM
Claudsy: right on! it was my original thought for the prompt kind off.. more like “celeb role model” but I settled for internal scrutiny.
claudsy said, on 4/22/2012 7:38:00 AM
Meena, we seem to perceive things similarly often.
Today’s poem challenge is to write about an animal, addressing any aspect desired. Okay, I can do that. Like most people I’m fond of animals. They serve so many purposes within our lives that to have a world devoid of them seems sacrilegious.
Growing up in the country guaranteed that I knew and appreciated the roles of animals in our daily lives. So many years later, I still consider them the gifts of the earth, put on loan to us; teachers to teach us how to be guardians. You can decide for yourselves if we’ve ever learned the lessons.
Some creatures inhabit our dwellings as friends and family members. Others enrich our lives with their colors, textures, uniqueness, and myriad dimensions. The poems I’ve done today for this challenge are from both sides of the animal question; in house and outside it.
As always, I hope you enjoy these small efforts of mine. Take the time to comment; share some of your animal tales with others, if you wish. Above all, take a good look at what your life would be like without the non-human inhabitants in your life.
Always reading your work and liking it too,
These I liked as well so thought I would tell you.
claudsy said, on 4/29/2012 2:30:00 PM
Thank you, strihc. I’m glad that you enjoyed them and that I didn’t disappoint. I don’t get to do this type very often, sow as glad when they came to me with a prompt.
Oh, yay, for summer days. I went on a thirty mile bike ride today, and I am full of amazing snapshots: the little tiny white dog that was sure it could take on a bike, the woman riding her bike with her parrot, and the man who said he knew the secret formula for time travel. I'm always collecting images -- the time travel thing, that's a whole novel.
My friend Katherine Bond has been chatting with me about her need to feed her muse. This is the kind of muse that is the source of an artist's inspiration. I'm going toss out some quotes here because back in the day everyone was into their muse.
Dante Alighieri, in Canto II of The Inferno: O Muses, O high genius, aid me now! O memory that engraved the things I saw, Here shall your worth be manifest to all! (Anthony Esolen translation, 2002) John Milton, opening of Book 1 of Paradise Lost: Of Man’s first disobedience, and the fruit Of that forbidden tree whose mortal taste Brought death into the World, and all our woe, With loss of Eden, till one greater Man Restore us, and regain the blissful Seat, Sing, Heavenly Muse, [...]
William Shakespeare, Act 1, Prologue of Henry V: Chorus: O for a Muse of fire, that would ascend The brightest heaven of invention, A kingdom for a stage, princes to act And monarchs to behold the swelling scene!
Yep, having a muse is something to think about.
My inspiration comes from several things. I like to do something sort of crazy beyond my skill set and experience. My 30+ miles bike ride was just that sort of thing. I've walked on erupting volcanos, jumped out of third story windows (there was a net!), and learned how to throw a set of dishes on a pottery wheel. This sort of buzzing activity jazzes my creative self.
Another big infuser of muse power into my universe is to chat. Oh, how I love a good conversation. I live to hear others tell me their story. I also love a good book or a fine movie -- not as good as a conversation, but pretty good. Yes, surprising really, I'm a writer, but I love a good conversation more.
Yet another muse connection is to play certain kinds of thinking games. I do not know how to explain this but it is true. I especially like Scrabble, Boggle, Settlers of Catan, Backgammon, and Risk. A good game will make me want to stay up all night writing. I'm not sure what games are firing up in my brain, but they are.
I have other muses, but hey, folks, I've got to sleep sometimes.
I talked about a tangential subject to MUSES in a blog entry back in March, Pure Genius. Please check it out if you need more inspiration.
I hope that you take some time this week and follow your muses. See where they take you.
My doodle for the week is "Up in the Sky".
Today's playlist hit is musical madness: "Lonesome Polecat" from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Singing and dancing!
Health is the first muse, and sleep is the condition to produce it. Ralph Waldo Emerson
I never write much in the summer which is why all my books take place in bad weather. My protagonists are always fighting the damp and the cold as I am when I’m working. They never get to lie about in the sun because when it’s sunny I am too busy seizing the day and replenishing my vitamin D supplies to write them into the experience. I write miserable books in the autumn and slightly more hopeful ones in the spring but I have yet to write anything more substantial than a post card in the summer – I have a writer’s version of SAD – seasonal airhead disorder. I don’t need a light box but an ice house in which to work – a few dark clouds and the promise of snow and my muse is pulling on her ugg boots and her woolly tights – the moment the sun shines she is out of here, lazing in the garden or checking on the sales. I like reading other people’s sunny stories but cannot find it in me to write one myself. My imagination likes a minor key and a monochrome palette.
Now that the dark clouds gather over Richmond and the barbeque summer has failed to materialise things are starting to stir, I can visualise my characters shivering in a stiff breeze and I start to feel hopeful – time to begin.
3 Comments on Dark clouds with a silver lining: N M Browne, last added: 7/22/2009
No summer stories - interesting! And quite unusual I think for children's fiction. I have a pet theory that the traditional long summer holidays have been a great shaping force in children's literature. From a purely functional point of view, they provide time in which adventures can take place. It's not relevant, of course, if one is writing outside the context of children at school, or if the action is necessarily in term time (i.e. all school stories!). But there's still a great swathe of fiction whereby the heroes encounter evil to be battled, conveniently between the months of July and September; they dispatch the villain just in time for the new school year (yep - I do it). It makes one wonder how stupid evil must be. All the villains need to do is attack during SATs, and there would be no plucky youngsters around to fight them off.
Anne Rooney said, on 7/22/2009 10:08:00 AM
I really hope you are not suggesting it is now autun - in July! I do my best (or at least happiest) writing outdoors in the summer, and preferably in Italy. But outdoors in the UK will do if it is warm. So far, minimal output this summer...
More busy days with my day-job, so I’m sorry these blog posts are coming slowly. But not it’s Friday night, work is over for the week, laundry is folded — almost — and I’m sitting in front of Becoming Jane, laptop on my lap and glass of wine by my side. Ahhh
Here’s number two of my posts from the North Texas SCBWI conference last weekend. Illustrator David Diaz, who won the Caldecott Medal (and he told us it is an actual medal, that’s quite heavy) for the picture book Smoky Night, talked about writer’s block and what he called, “spanking the muse.”
David’s amusing talk gave some interesting insight in the ways in which writers and illustrators deal with those times when they have trouble creating. Prior to the conference, he did a (non)scientific study on Facebook and found that many creative types use many things to bring on the muse, with alcohol rated quite high.
But from David’s advice from the study, here are a few tips:
Focus - on what you’re trying to achieve
Change your medium – write with pen and paper if you’re used to a computer
Slow down or speed up – too much technique can kill creativity; let it flow
Move your butt – go for a walk or something to change your environment
Feed your head - nurture your inner creative person by providing creative things (David said he spends much time combing magazines for inspiration)
Embrace your inner dinker – allow yourself the freedom to dinker (David’s word for procrastinate) as long it opens you up to let the muse come in
David showed a number of quotes about the muse, and here are my two favorites:
“One reason I don’t suffer writer’s block is that I don’t wait for the muse. I summon her at need.” — Piers Anthony
“I have a wonderful muse called alimony.” — Dick Shaap
I love both of these, and I think they both have the same message: Make your own muse.
I’m going off David’s talk now, but I’m a believer making your own muse. I used to write whenever I had the time, and I got writer’s block often. But since I made the commitment to write every day, writer’s block hasn’t been as much of a problem, and my muse mostly stays close by. To me, the muse will give to you whatever you give to her (him or it). Inspiration comes when you’re living your story, writing every day and keeping the characters in your head as much as often when you’re not actively writing. Do that, and you’ll always have somewhere to go in the story, because your characters will always be taking you somewhere.
Robert McKee, author of Story, said the key to overcoming writer’s block is research. For me, whether you’re actually researching some aspect of your story or simply thinking about your story and actively writing, it’s one and the same. Both keep your muse at your side.
One of the best talks I’ve seen on creativity (as well as David’s, of course) is from Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Love, Pray. I’ve linked to it before, but I think it’s worth mentioning again. And this time I found the code so I could actually embed the video. It’s about 20 minutes, but it’s worth watching; you won’t be disappointed.
How’s your muse treating you?
Write On!
1 Comments on “Spanking the muse”, last added: 10/31/2009
Hi Samantha,
Thanks for this post. I agree that it is important to keep writing for any amount of time consistently. I have a quote taped over my computer from the motivational speaker Barbara Sher that says “Moods are very short, projects are very long.” This reminds me that I can write no matter what mood I’m in.
Come visit me when you get a chance. I’m a creativity coach, yoga teacher, professor and write a blog, ‘The Practice of Creativity’: http://micheleberger.wordpress.com/
Best,
Michele Tracy Berger
Revision update: Couldn’t get up early this morning, so nothing new. Oh well. Must do better tomorrow. Luckily, it’s a holiday.
I read a lovely interview with author Susan Patron today, on author Cynthia Leitich Smith’s blog, and love that Susan originally got her inspiration from a laundry basket. (Susan is the author of the Lucky series.)
Well, not exactly from a laundry basket, but as Susan describes it, when she was young and would tell stories to her sister, she would imagine that the laundry basket was full of stories and she just had to open it and pull them out. It took away the responsibility of having to create stories, because the laundry basket was always full of them. Instead of having to create stories, Susan just had to retrieve them.
This is similar to what The Artist’s Way teaches when it says creativity is a pond and we have to fill it regularly so we can keep fishing from it. (I read the book companion to this years ago.)
Writing can be frustrating when you don’t feel like your muse is there. But turning it around, telling yourself that you don’t have to write or create the next award-winning title, that all you have to do is put pen to paper — or fingers to keyboard — and enjoy yourself, can relax you enough to let the muse in. Like imagining that it’s not you creating the story; it’s already in the laundry basket.
My laundry basket would be an old painted wooden box I got as a kid. Where do you keep your stories?
Write On!
0 Comments on Susan Patron finds her muse in a laundry basket as of 1/1/1900
The part of me that dreams up stories is quite separate from the part of me that goes to the supermarket for food, drives my car, or does the accounts. It is a fragile part, since it needs to feel safe before it emerges. Yet it is also a strong part, because it is always there deep inside me even if it does not feel like coming out. I am talking, of course, of my muse.
Traditionally the muses are young women who appear in Greek and Roman myth. First there were three, then seven, then nine. They had names, and they specialized in poetry, music, dance, history, astronomy. But obviously nine muses are going to be vastly overworked in our modern age, when nearly everyone seems to be writing a book or making music or doing other muselike things. So my muse is not a daughter of Zeus. He’s male for one thing, and he’s a unicorn.
I can tell when he is sulking. In some environments he emerges, delighted and curious and playful. He likes open spaces, mountains, beautiful gardens, candles, sunshine, snow, independent shops, second hand bookstalls, car boot sales, interesting artwork, music, colours, animals, the moon, stars, sparkly things. He dislikes noise, grey streets, traffic jams, litter, crowds, fluorescent lighting, mobile phones, dentists, and men in suits. He likes to be given little treats – a coffee in pleasant surroundings, a walk in a scented garden, ten minutes of sitting in the sun, a candlelit bath with incense and wine, an open fire on a cold day. In short, he has to be charmed.
For quite a while I did not know what my muse looked like and called him vaguely “my artist”. But gradually over the years he took form. He first showed himself to me when I won a short story competition – I went shopping with the intention of spending my winnings on something special to remind me of my success, and came back with two unicorn book ends. They were rather sweeter and pinker than I imagined, but of course they were my muse as a foal…
(I have been wondering if this means he is a twin – does anyone else have a unicorn as their muse?)
Later, browsing around Hay-on-Wye during festival week, I came across a poster of a more grown up unicorn, which I have on the wall of my study. I burn candles and incense on the shelf beneath it if I need his advice. I painted the wall behind him red for inspiration. He watches me as I write peering over my shoulder and breathing magic mist over my computer. Naturally, he is on the south wall for creative development (he’s into feng shui at the moment).
The unicorn is quite an interesting muse to have. He is a shy creature who will only respond to gentleness (the traditional maiden), and yet has potential for aggression when threatened (a sharp horn). Unicorn horn also has magical properties – it is supposed to bestow eternal life in powdered form, and can transform poison into sweet wine. Unicorns have a spiritual connection sometimes associated with the Virgin Mary and the Angel Gabriel, and are also associated with healing. They are usually shown as being horse-like, which means they can be ridden (but presumably not bridled). They are everywhere you look, and yet they do not exist except in the imagination.
11 Comments on Authors and their Muses - Katherine Roberts, last added: 1/21/2010
I loved the unicorns in Spell Fall. It's pretty cool that you have one for a Muse.
Mine is female, has a very large wardrobe, is a few inches tall, with manga/anime style features. She is very vocal, likes to prod, poke, jump up and down when I'm either not doing enough or when her ideas are spilling out faster than I can write them. She's hilarious, and when we cooperate, good work gets done. She can be bribed with chocolate, or video games. She prefers to wear kimonos, but is known to wear skirts and dresses.
Your muse sounds amazing. His likes are my likes. His dislikes are mine... except for mobile phones. I do need to be in touch. I wish I had a muse like your unicorn. Maybe I have but I've not yet connected with him... or her. You've given me much to think about now.
Yunaleska, I love the idea of your muse's large wardrobe! I don't think my unicorn has a wardrobe yet, but on the poster of him as a young unicorn I can see he's wearing a strange symbol around his neck... I must try to find out what it means.
Rosalind, I do hope you get in touch with your muse soon. (Maybe he/she needs a mobile phone to communicate with you...?)
Katherine, I think I've already told you my muse is called Bernard and is constantly skiving. She's such a lazy git I haven't seen her for weeks. Yours is better - get your unicorn to give Bernard a good kicking!
A book about muses would be fantastic - seriously, pitch it!
My Muse? Now you've done it! I know I won't be able to do anything else until I find her, him or it. I may just worry it out into view or scare it into hiding deeper in the darker corners of 'Tuscany', my shed... Oh dear, what a delightful problem.
I'm off to explore... if you don't hear from me for a while, send in the marines..especially if they are tall, dark and handsome and have large, strong wings.
ps Meanwhile I hope no one minds my mentioning my new blog http://writingthebookwords.blogspot.com - I may be hiding there.
Stroppy, I have sent my unicorn after Bernard... when he finds her, he'll march her back to you at the point of his horn.
Linda, your muse is obviously busy writing the book words!
catdownunder... how do you ever persuade your muse to do anything? My real cat (Tara, the black one) totally ignores me most of the time, and only appears when she wants food.
madwippit... a whippet sounds fast.
Nicky... keep looking... when I pitch my muse book, I'll be in touch to see if you've found him/her/it!
It must be exhausting being a unicorn muse. Wippitts are only fast in short and enthusiastic bursts ... the rest of the time they are to be found doing under a duvet or fleece. But please don't ask your unicorn to give them a little nudge with his horn to wake them ... they need their power naps in preparation for the next little burst of energy!
by LuAnn Schindler When I write, I like to listen to music. OK, I usually enjoy listening while I write. Other times, like when I'm on a tight deadline, I prefer the peace and quiet of our farm. Sure, there's the occasional 'MOO'........
Seriously, music ignites my writing muse. My musical choices vary as much as my writing topics. Some days, 80s and 90s rock blares, keeping my energy focused on the page. On Saturday mornings, I need the Kings of Leon and The Fray to jumpstart my morning pages. If I'm working on a creative endeavor, such as poetry or flash fiction, slow tunes by Sara Barilles, Howie Day or Tim McGraw or classical pieces like Moonlight Sonata help me keep an even writing pace.
And some days, I let iTunes decide what's up next.
The rhythm and words formulate the emotional connection between musical rhythm and written word.
It works for me, but does it work for all writers? What artists, music genres or songs keep you connected to your writing muse?
1 Comments on The Music Muse, last added: 2/13/2010
I'm writing the funny to Glee's soundtracks. Something about those crazy kids cracks me up...But it takes me longer to write when I have to get up and rock it out every other song!
This week’s chat was blessed by a visit from @markdavidgerson himself, who was able to give first hand information about his workshops and some retreats planned for later this year.
The reasons you write and the ways you trick your demonic internal editors into leaving you alone long enough to get some words down were entertainingly [...]
Related posts:
Time got away from me before I could enter my poetic post from yesterday. But it was a good day, nonetheless, spent with our grandson's drumline at their final gathering of the season---the annual picnic. Those times don't come often and are their own reward. So, today's post includes the poems from both yesterday and today. And as it turns out, both seem quite a propos.
April 3: Our challenge for today was to "take the phrase "Partly (blank)," replace the blank with a word or phrase, make that the title of your poem, and then write the poem."
Partly Written By Bill Kirk
Some days the best we can hope for as writers Is work partly written.
Try as we might, the words don’t seem to flow. Maybe the muse has left us In search of more fertile fields. Maybe the intrusion of life gets in the way. Or are some days simply more or less creative?
Yet on those days, is it not better to make the attempt Than let the time we would spend writing, Silently slip away unused? Too bad if that happens.
So, write on, even if the work ends up Only partly written.
April 4: "... write a history poem. This could mean a poem about your country's history, the history of an event or a tool, or even your own personal history."
On Making History By Bill Kirk
With each passing day, In our own way, We make history.
Each of us carves out some small or large Piece of meaning in time and space. What did you do today to mark you place?
Did you simply wake up for breakfast And wait for bedtime? Or did you experience A different kind of awakening--- Learning or contributing Some certain thing or idea To give meaning to life, Your own or others?
With each passing day, How well will you choose To use it?
For the day’s relative length grows shorter— A day in the life of a five year old Seems much longer than my days Three generations hence. Why is that?
Perhaps it is the proportional share An apparently shrinking Twenty-four hour clock takes out Of the increasing span of one’s life.
Until its end, that is.
And then we will no longer make history In the doing of things; But only in the affect We may have had on others, Through what we have done or left undone.
Either way, With each passing day, We make history….
1 Comments on Poem A Day For April 3 and April 4, last added: 4/5/2010
I’ve been thinking about time management a lot lately, while watching TV*, spending time online and working on my zombie novel. Apparently all this multitasking seeped into my WIP,** in the form of my subconscious, telling me to get my BIC*** and concentrate on my writing. What’s the line from my WIP?
Unfortunately, things that you want to be real are usually dreams, and things that you hope are nightmares can turn out to be real.
Yep. Even the zombies are telling me I need to concentrate on one thing and work at it to make my dreams come true (otherwise they will only remain dreams and the nightmare will be reality). Not everyone would read the sentence and think it means more BIC time, however, I know how my Muse works. It’s telling me that if I don’t do what it wants, it will abandon me to my Evil Inner Editor, and I don’t want that. Seriously. My Evil Inner Editor is a shape-shifting demon that turns into what currently scares me. He uses that form to bash my ideas and writing skills, which turns me into a puddle of jelly. Nobody wants to be around a blob of jelly with eyes, especially when it’s mint jelly. [Shudder.]
Help, I've been turned into a mint jelly blob! Again.
Is multitasking always such a bad thing? No.****
When multitasking works:
If you’re multitasking and still getting your work done and spending quality time with your family, then congratulations, whatever you’re doing is working! (How do you make it all work?)
When multitasking doesn’t work:
If you’re unable to get your work done because you’re unable to concentrate, or if the only time you spend time with your family is when you’re ignoring them because you’re doing several other things at the same time, it might be a problem.
Tips for slowing down and single-tasking:
+ Concentrate on one thing at a time.
(This could help speed things up, improve the quality of your work, or allow you to finally complete your project. You might even enjoy what you’re doing more, too.)
+ Handle things only once, if possible.
(Respond to emails after reading them, read articles, magazines or newspapers, then file them or get rid of them.)
+ Have a schedule.
(Use each scheduled time for the activity you’ve chosen, so you know you can concentrate on that one thing. You also don’t have to fit in other things because you know you’ve scheduled them for later.)
Tips for times when multitasking is necessary:
+ Use TV commercial breaks to get things done.
(Load the dishwasher, read an article, or write an email during breaks. Try to do activities that can be easily picked up again if you don’t finish before the show comes back on.)
Moo TV.
+ Use multiple updates.
(Sometimes you can update several online things at once, like Twitter and Facebook.)
+ Watch your favorite shows during meal times.
(This doesn’t work for everyone, or for all the meals you eat each day, but it can work. It allows you to keep watching your favorite shows and not feel guilty about the time spent watching them.)
+ Do something that takes brainpower at the same time as something mindless.
(For instance, listen to a book on tape while you clean the house, or have game night with the family while yo
9 Comments on Multitasking and Achieving Your Dreams (plus a WIP excerpt), last added: 5/3/2010
All this is so true, Stephanie. Concentration! Yes!! This is becoming such a precious commodity.
And “remember that writing is easier than crab fishing. Illustrating is too.” Timely thought in light of the catastrophic oil spill.
Thanks for this post. The illos are adorable!
@danaFR
C.K. said, on 5/1/2010 8:29:00 AM
Okay, I know I’m not supposed to like your mint jelly blob with the eyes but it’s adorable – I want to sweep in and save it. So now, following on from our other conversation I’m wondering how you managed to make your mint jelly blob sympathetic, haha!
Balance is hard! You’re so right about making a schedule. And I’m watching way too many TV shows right now too but refuse to give any of them up (how can I walk away from Lost, Doctor Who, 24, Fringe or Spooks etc. etc?) Summer’s coming so many of these programs will be finished with soon but the sun is even harder to resist.
Julia said, on 5/1/2010 8:50:00 AM
Whew! Multi-tasking – I am not so great at it. And, I always feel guilty when I am writing at home because there are a million other things that need to be done. Somehow, I manage – but I need to get better at it. :/
stephanie said, on 5/1/2010 11:28:00 AM
Dana, thanks! You’re right. Concentration as a precious commodity is what I’ve been feeling lately and was trying to convey. It’s hard to keep the thread of a narrative while multitasking (at least for me).
C.K. you can like the mint jelly blob if you want! I don’t know how I made it sympathetic, but I do have a habit (talent?) of making monsters look cute instead of scary. I also can’t draw werewolves (people laughed at the ones in my mini comic; they were supposed to be scary). Don’t give up your TV shows! Summer will be here soon!! When you’re out in the sun, you can think about your stories. If you have a small notebook with you, you can keep notes for rainy days.
Julia, I’m not so great at multitasking either. I actually had to stop multitasking so I could figure out what I wanted to say in this article (gotta love the irony there ). I’m with you on the guilt too. The distractions at home can zap creativity quickly! Wish I had an office outside my house!
“Somehow, I manage – but I need to get better at it. :/”
—Could you pick one thing to work on that will make you feel better and not as guilty? And reward yourself with something fun when it works? (A new book, some chocolate, a couple of guilt free hours to do whatever strikes your fancy at the time …)
Lisa Green said, on 5/1/2010 7:55:00 PM
Exercise that shape-shifting demon editor thingy, PRONTO! He needs to go. Send him in the other room to watch TV with the cows or something.
Nelsa said, on 5/2/2010 6:44:00 AM
Stephanie: Great post! I especially like the last point: Do what you can and don’t feel guilty. Words to live by!
Nelsa
stephanie said, on 5/2/2010 10:18:00 AM
Lisa, Ha! Thanks Will send the shape shifting demon to watch TV with the cows.
Nelsa, Thank you! Guilt is definitely the hardest thing to leave out of it, but if you can, it makes everything easier.
Susanne Drazic said, on 5/2/2010 12:55:00 PM
Multitasking is something I’m not good at. I’m working on getting better, but it’s a slow process for me.
Thanks Susanne! :0) Keep working on it … or don’t if you don’t want to. Multitasking is not always the best way. So if you’re not good at it, only do it when necessary.
This is Kitty. She’s currently residing at my parent’s house. I’d like to find her smaller twin to have at my house. So far, I haven’t been able to find her online or in fabric or vintage stores, so I thought I’d post about it in case someone knows where I can find her. Have you seen her?
Kitty was sold as a pre-printed fabric in the 1960s and 70s that you could cut out and sew to make a toy. There were two sizes of cats, this one and a smaller one. (I’m looking for the smaller one, but I’ll take either or both!) My mom found this one a while back, but they didn’t have the small size and she hasn’t seen them since. I’ve seen them called, “Charlie,” online, but nobody seems to have the fabric or the small version of the cat.
Tweets that mention have you seen this (toy) cat? said, on 5/20/2010 9:02:00 AM
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Nina Crittenden and Nina Crittenden, Stephanie Ruble . Stephanie Ruble said: Have you seen this cat? Looking for a vintage toy cat from 60s-70s http://bit.ly/bAE4B9 Please RT. Thanks! [...]
Deb said, on 5/20/2010 12:13:00 PM
Hey Steph! A no from me, but have a friend who might, will forward her the pic and let you know.
Here kitty kitty!
Deb
stephanie said, on 5/20/2010 12:32:00 PM
Thanks Deb! Fingers crossed that your friend will know.
Every day writers everywhere are yearning for the Muse to open her arms and bestow brilliance upon their verse or story or article. That’s to be expected. But have you ever wondered exactly where Muse might live?
I ask this simple question because I hadn’t seriously thought about it before a few days ago. When I’d rather be doing anything else but writing, I play games on my computer to give my mind a rest. Others, I’m sure, do word games and the like to open the doors of creativity.
I’m not talking about writer’s block, really; just those times when boredom with existing material has trumped the desire to work it.
I found that when I play Mahjong on the computer something odd happens. At least for me. The tileset that I use is a standard one–all Chinese characters. For those who play the game in it’s varied forms it can become as enticing as chess and as addictive as solitaire.
I allow my mind free rein while playing, a kind of mini-mental vacation. But the other day, I heard myself relating verbally to each tile as I clicked on it. That startled me, as well you can imagine. I was actually creating a small fantasy adventure, laden with mystery. Each tile represented a piece of the puzzle. Four scrolls were taken east along with eight bars of gold. The treasure came to… and so on.
Players of traditional style Mahjong will know that those scrolls are a character with the numeric designation–four, east is its own tile referring to wind, and the gold is a tile that has a numeric designation of 8 with a red bar below. In ranch brand lingo it would say Eight Bar Ranch.
By the end of the game, whether I’ve won it or not, I have come away with a new creative surge in my heart and mind. It hums in the background giving me tiny bits of itself in quiet song as I go back to work. The game has allowed my mind to step back a moment to regroup. I now can see the story plot I’m working on in a new light, a more lively light, that can take on new proportions and complexity. Even articles can look different because I have seen a new angle, a new question to be answered.
Psychologists would probably say that the very act of play resets our perceptions and attitudes, which allow the individual a chance to look with fresh eyes at whatever comes next. That’s a good enough theory for me at this time. I don’t have to analyze it so long as it continues to give me something usable.
Speaking of which, I really need to finish one of the projects.
Take care and play with you Muse when she’s not being cooperative. Everyone/thing can use playtime to advantage. Ask any puppy or kitten.
A bientot,
Claudsy
0 Comments on Games For Inspiration as of 1/1/1900
He he. Nice pun, right? No? Well, blame my nano-fried brain. I do want to talk about Muses today though. What is a Muse? Well, technically a Muse is a goddess daughter of Zeus who inspires the creativity of artists. But you've all heard the expression I'm sure. Finding your Muse isn't always easy to do. After all, I'm sure even goddesses are busy.
So how do you attract a Muse? Make yourself irresistible. Be the perfect artist. How do you do that?
1. Don't wait for inspiration. Inspire yourself. You can find ideas anywhere really. A good place to start is a "What if" question. What if someone stole all the color in the world? See? I just did that. Right now. You try it...
2. Surround yourself with the right environment. Don't try to squeeze in a page while balancing a toddler in one hand and a bag of groceries in the other. I'm sure it has indeed been done. But try your best to give yourself a good solid block of time dedicated solely to your art. Make your own special space. Whether that's in an office, a bedroom, outside, or at Starbucks, well, that's up to you.
3. Be a good observer. Pay attention to the people and things around you. You never know if there's a story hiding right in front of your nose. Make up a story about something that seems out of place to you. Ask a question about someone's outfit. Why is that gorgeous woman wearing frumpy clothes? Is she trying to hide something? Protect herself? Low self-esteem?
4. Be nice to yourself. That's right. Be kind to yourself, give yourself space and time. Don't beat yourself up. Don't be arrogant either though. Be gracious if you want to entice the Muse.
And if the Muse still doesn't come? Eh - frankly if you can do all these things for yourself, who needs her???
Great post, Lisa! Sometimes, you just can't force it. But I love your suggestion to be observant and actively inspired. Thanks so much and good luck with NaNo!
I think my biggest muse killer is stress, followed closely by procrastination. I have the time, but can sit for hours in front of the computer and do nothing because my brain is thinking about everything else BUT my stories.
I apparently attract my Muse by sleeping, which is awesome because I'm a champion sleeper. Every book idea I've had has come from a dream--but none have involved sparkly vampires. :)
Marissa - Thanks! Though I've been working so hard on revisions, I'm not even sure I'll actually get to Nano. I kind of wrote that before I knew... He he he.
Christi - Make yourself type. Just type whatever, it doesn't matter what or if it sucks. But eventually something will start coming out of it.
Kristi - I'm so jealous. My muse wakes me up for at least an hour at like four AM to do that. Like every night. Eeek. I never had insomnia before I became a writer.
If the muse doesn't turn up, start without them! So true - I find they soon catch up if I just start writing. Great post. (Haven't quite worked out what gender my muse is yet...)
Great post, Lisa! #2 is especially powerful. (Ha!) But really. Being in the right environment is key. The *wrong* environment (toxic people who discourage you, especially in hopes of propping themselves up) can quickly kill one's confidence in their craft. And in case you're wondering, my muse is asexual, black, and oh-so-sweet (it's coffee).
My muse seduces me in the shower, but she's a tease. By the time I make it to the computer she's moved on. It's a tough date, she's the girl with the dragon tattoo.
Dirtywhitecandy - I'm still liking the whole male muse idea myself!!
Sandra - thanks!! I love the coffee too, gotta have it, but I take cream in mine. ;D In case you're ever buying. And you can't let those toxic people in your head!! Ugh.
Ah muse! That was a sigh. Mine is a fickle little minx with an attitude and swishy hip walk. Why me? Other people get muses that sit quietly and nudge at the right places.
awesome post! Quite honestly . . . I'm surprised that I haven't heard the play on words "A muse me" done before. I like it!!!! :0D
I find that my muse finds me. I don't find it. I have to work and work. Sometimes it meets me. Sometimes it doesn't. I have to keep plugging along anyway.
This cold November rain has had me in the house for most of the day today.
I can't get out of my own way lately, clutter on every surface of the studio, muse nowhere to be found. I'm floundering and doubting my ability as an artist.
I read Mim's post today about decluttering and finding art done from years past and it inspired me to look through some old drawings in the hopes of finding my muse.
I may be getting close.
The above drawing I have shown here once before. It's a pencil drawing of Nastasia Kinsky from a pose in a magazine. I did this in 1978. Look how much it has yellowed.
This is a portrait in pencil of Pablo Picasso. Although I'm primarily self-taught, I did have a very short stint at college and I became obsessed with this artist. I did this same portrait in every medium. The ones that are missing (or are in boxes still) is the aquatint etching and the lino cut. This is also from 1978.
This was my very first ever attempt at painting anything. And this was my only time using oils. I hated painting back then! Who knew that it would become my passion one day?
This wacky portrait made it into a juried show at the Brockton Art Museum in the late seventies and it took Honorable Mention.
It hangs in my studio now with dust and fond memories.
18 Comments on Lost Art, Found Hope, last added: 11/7/2010
These are wonderful works! I love the portrait of Kinsky - the yellowing looks like a wash of honey. Also love the idea of doing one portrait in different media - fascinating!
blogging is truly therapy when you have such lovely friends ♥
LIVE WHAT YOU LOVE
the rest will take care of its self, because it always does :)
have fun finding your muse and uncovering your treasures (beautiful work!!) being tucked away organizing a studio on a cold rainy day sounds heaven to me... :)
I believe you will do your best work if you forget the world, and just paint what you want to, the way you want to. It's the same with writing. I have to kick the editor off of my shoulder (the one with the pitchfork) and just enjoy the ride. Or as a dear friend of mine says, "Stop thinking so much and just write!" I love your art...you keep painting and drawing and doodling!! xox Pam
Holey moley Lolo, these are awesome!! I love each one. I hope you find that elusive muse so you can get going again. Don't you hate it when they disappear!
Oh my goodness, YOU have these feelings as an artist? I thought it was only the newbees like myself who felt this way!!! So I guess it's simply NORMAL.
I too liked seeing your early works that are all oh so good. As I adore all of your art Lolo and am glad you will create to your hearts content!!! Hugs
I'm glad I could help Lo - so glad. I also want to stop myself from working on 3 dimensional items as I have no place to store them, but an assemblage is rattling around in my brain and I have to get it out!! So, I will allow myself to create totally non-sell-able artwork and enjoy the process. For me - showing you all my artwork - it's SUCH a giant step.
Lo - your talent is awesome. Yes, the economy sucks. But you still have to do what you love - be it on the side, or as a major work investment.
beautiful work. your talent shines strong through the years. Create create create. Let go of the questions. Just be there in the creative now, for you, for us, for your spirit and soul. That's why to create.
Dont you think we go through ebbs and flows of creative energy. Im thinking of how Cris stepped away from painting for awhile and now she is back to it again. Those ebbs and flows are natural and to be honored and blessed.
Another rainy day here today and am off to the mammogram. I dont like driving in rain, but had to do it yesterday afternoon too to get my overdue/forgotten car inspection done so I wouldnt get a ticket.
I am not at all surprised that your talent shone through - even at an early age.... it DOES flow through your genes...
All of these early works are wonderful!
I know you will just "let go" and paint, draw, dream.... because that is what makes you - LO! Your gift is huge - and you need to keep using it....the world needs more Studio Lolo art!
lo, what a treat for me to see these early works. WOW! my favorite is the first one, ms. kinsky. how much you've captured in the fallback of her head, her nostrils, her hair...
you have to paint and create lo. you know you do. if $$$ takes away from that, then maybe your day job pays the bills and your universe job paints the mystery and the magic.
i just love this look back. that talent in your fingers, in your heart: GIGANTIC!!!
Holy Cow! If this is the art that comes from NO lessons, then I have a loooong way to go! Fabulous stuff! I like your advice to yourself. I, also, paint for the fun of it. I hate trying to sell my work. All that anxiety and apprehension, ugh! Maybe you could just pile it up and do some art shows next summer. In any case, keep painting, just for the fun of it.
Hey Lo, I am a little late getting here. I can relate, I also have a zillion paintings I need to sell. I am thinking of listing all the ones under $2,000 on my ETSY site, what the hell. I think you could sell for more than you think on ETSY. You have more saleable work than me, abstract it a hard sell in some places. Thank you for sharing all your wonderful older works. I too once was obsessed with Picasso :-). Don't stop painting, I am convinced that doing what you love is the way to go. Kisses to Bliss and Emma. xoxo
I find it odd or cosmic or something that I happen by on this post. Not everything is about making money-and I'm weary of people trying to assign a dollar sign to how I spend my life.
Yes, we have to pay the bills-but I'd rather have a little less stuff and a lot more LIFE than the other way around.
We're trying to lighten the load around here, in case another move should suddenly appear soon. I found a large box stuck in the back of a closet, and there were all the paintings and drawings I had done so many years ago. And you know what...they weren't so bad. I'd last looked at them years ago with a very critical eye.
I'm glad I didn't throw them out...it reminds me of a different time. I rarely paint anymore. But with the finding of this box, I've begun to draw again...pen and ink, charcoal and pencil, pastels.
It's great how we re-find a muse who has hidden herself away all these years. You have such incredible talent, Lolo...keep on painting and putting your art on Etsy.
Just let me know as soon as you put them up, heh...you know I can't resist your art!!!
Wow, scratchboard. Boy that brings back memories. My dad worked in corrections back in the 60s and 70s. He was the sargeant at a conservation camp. One of the prisoners did scratchboard work and showed me how to do it. I think I still have it around someplace. Probably in a box just like some of your old art. I imagine it will surface one of these days.
You have such a special gift dear you simply must paint! But if you get too much paintings for both shops try to find a third one! Maybe I should come to RI and we visit some galleries ;) You remember I said I wanted to be your agent. But I think it is important that you paint and create dear and I think Lori is right. De cluttering is always good for the spirit but so is letting your creative juices flow so tidy up that studio and just enjoy what you are doing. Sometimes feeling pressure works paralyzing...........I know that feeling but getting things done will make things flow again. Fun to see some of your older work! And I have seen that Picasso in real! Yeah!
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Will send the shape shifting demon to watch TV with the cows. 
Yup, lonely blogs, I know the feeling. It’s so hard to find time to create art and copy for my other two blogs. Heading over to Calliope to have a look.
Thanks, Veronica. I hope you like it.
Great post! I look forward to heading over to Calliope now. I enjoy this darling photo too, a great namesake for your other blog. Thanks for the pingback! Cheers, Gina
Glad you enjoyed it, Gina. I hope you can visit often. Thank you.
My father always had hummingbird feeders near the window where he often sat. Beautiful little creatures.
You’re so right, Misky. They are, and funny, too. You’ve never laughed hard until you’ve witness the aerial acrobatics of more than fifty of the little darlings fighting over possession of a feeder.
Fascinating creatures, too. Thanks so much for dropping by.