Creative Thursday

watching this made my week

How is it sometimes, when you could really use a smile, the perfect thing comes along and does just that. 

I cannot wait to see this film. 

together :: 2 Perspectives :: a new E-Course

For as long as I can remember, I've been a seeker. The girl with all the questions, yeah that's me. The girl with all the questions that a lot of people don't always want to answer ~ also me. I want nothing more than to have a full and honest understanding of this life. And more than that I want to live a life I truly want. The more clarity I get, the more I realize that the opportunities for each and every one of us to live a life we truly want is growing exponentially every day. 

You already know that along with my passion for living, is the passion to share my story with others so that they know it's possible to pursue the life of their dreams, {i.e. podcasts before I knew where I was headed creatively, blog posts that often turn into thoughts on living,  and now e-courses}. I hesitate to use the word "dreams" because it feels ethereal and overused these days. But it still all comes down to this. Everyone of us imagines our life out ahead of us and everyone of us has a vision for how that will look. And while we may be happy with our present situation, refining our vision as we move forward is a natural evolution. It is no exaggeration that we live in a time where that vision can become our reality. And I'm not just saying this because I heard it somewhere or read it in a book and decided it was truth. I'm saying this from a place of proving it to myself. If I had given up at any point along the way, forgoing my dream, my vision for my life, I wouldn't be writing this post to you now. You wouldn't be visiting me here at this blog getting the chance to see my art and creations every day.

While I'm finding the answers through my own experimenting and awareness, the only way I believe one should come to their own conclusions ~ I wouldn't have even known what was possible if it were not for the stories of others.  I've always found inspiration and solace in hearing other people share their experiences in traveling a similar path. 

So in this e-course, that we are officially announcing today! there will be two of us leading a discussion, offering two perspectives, on traveling this creative path.

Sean and I are creative individuals who share the belief that real success is the living of a creatively fulfilling life, accompanied by financial freedom. We believe in living life by your own rules. We share a passion for creativity and teaching. And that's why I'm excited to announce that we are teaming up to bring you this e-course together. 

And right about now you may be wondering why I've decided to have Sean join me? Well for quite a few, obvious, reasons. Aside from years of experience in acting, writing and teaching, he is a daily inspiration to me. 

His bravery and commitment to live a creative life, long before I was ever a part of it has inspired me to continue on this path every day. And now the support and encouragement he continually offers me  in our life together is one of the biggest reasons my creativity flourishes in the way that it does. 

Also with so many of us bravely stepping into the life that was meant to be ours, it is a time for those who are willing and inspired to share the steps they've taken with those coming up. I'll be honest and say that in my online world that I frequent I only hear the creative voices of women. I feel it's time that we also hear from more of the men on this journey.

You can learn more about the e-course here and register for the session beginning Tuesday, January 12, 2010.

And to get to know Sean a little better you can listen to his thoughts on committing to the creative path by clicking on the audio player above.

We hope you'll join us, if you feel inspired to, not only for the support, encouragement and years of combined knowledge we can't wait to impart to you, but because it's going to be super, super FUN!

Speaking tonight!

Very excited about this! {I ask you ~ and when am I usually not excited about something I share on this blog? ~ well fine, when someone steals my art, otherwise, darn excited.} I know the use of exclamation marks is getting out of hand in all of my online correspondence and communicating. 

So here's some more exclamation points!!!! This sounds like a great event!!! First, I've been invited to share my thoughts = talking = something I love to do. Second I'm very excited about this topic and hearing just how it will unfold with such an interesting panel of creative women. We'll be talking about the digital age and "keeping it real". You KNOW I have a lot of thoughts on this topic.

So if you're in L.A., Venice to be exact, come by {exclamation point}

my first apron

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned completing a first-ever sewn creation that I managed to "pull-off". An apron it is! 

While I have sewn off and on my whole life, an expert sewer I am not. And never before have I even come close to sewing something I could wear. So THIS apron is a very exciting accomplishment for me. I bought most of the fabric I used, and the gold super size ric rac, at a great little fabric store on main street in Ashland on my trip there earlier this month. I practiced and learned more of the 100 or so stitches available on my sewing machine. I tried different threads and ways of sewing on pockets. Crazy fun, I tell you.  And I also have to credit Liz Elayne for the inspiration on this one. She makes the most beautiful aprons. She sold them last year at Squam and this year everyone had their aprons in tow. Every chance I could I tried to borrow/steal someone's apron because they are especially great for teaching and keeping your supplies at hand. Plus they are just so pretty~  a fashion statement all on their own. 

Turns out aprons are also great for wearing to the farmer's market. Many pockets equal keeping your cash organized and easy to get to. I don't know about you but by the time I leave the Farmer's Market what's left of my cash is always rolled into a ball.

So I love, love, love my apron and wear it every chance I get. In fact I usually have it on at home. OK, I wear it every day. I wore it to Trader Joe's and the checker complimented me on it, then proceeded to make fun of my intense enthusiasm when I practically shouted "I MADE it myself!"

My apron also makes me want to SEW MORE. How did I miss the joy of sewing my whole life? I think sewing has always felt like one of those skills "that other people have", but the truth is that it is much like any other form of creating. You just sit down and start making something.

*Edit* October 29. Jen over at Indie Fixx invited me share a peek inside my home, something I've been meaning to do for ages, invite you all in for a little tour, and the post is up today! And you should totally check out all of the homes in Jen's blog feature, A Peek Inside: Indie Home Tours. SO inspiring.

colors of Ashland

Seeing as how I've been somewhat of a "chatty cathy" on this blog of late. I thought I'd share a pictorial of my recent trip to Ashland to visit with my mom. Whenever I'm asked what inspires my creating. This would be it. The world around me, where ever I may be.

 

 

 

 

happy {fall} Sunday.

one of the best teachers I know

And I'm not just saying that because I live with him.

My introduction to Sean came as my Improv teacher at The Groundlings.  Completely intimidated but brave for just long enough to register for my first Improv class, I chose Sean as my teacher not knowing anything about him other than the headshot staring back at me from the "theatre company" wall of photos. One of the best decisions I've ever made, and one that changed the course of my life forever. Not only because I credit Improv for being the key to unlocking my creativity, but because I also had the pleasure of spending 15 consecutive weeks with one of the best teachers I've ever learned from. Oh and several years later Sean also became the man I am spending my life with. 

So this isn't going to be the post where I gush on about Sean the man that I live with, although I'm sure Sean would approve ~ { those posts are usually saved for anniversary days} It will be the post where I will gush on about Sean as a teacher ~ however in honor of Sean I will keep it brief, as he is a man who appreciates brevity especially in writing.

As I continue to expand into my new role as a teacher these days, defining and refining the kind of teacher I want to be,  I can't help but reflect on the teachers in my life who had the greatest impact, the ones I most admired. And Sean is always one of the ones at the top of that list. {Well fine, he's at the top of the list}

Improv is not so easy to teach, because believe me when I say everyone shows up feeling mostly awkward and nervous to this first day of class. Since speaking in public is up there in people's top fears, you try performing with no "net", meaning no script, in front of a live audience on stage and you'll know what I mean. Oh and do that while hoping to get laughs, because it is comedy after all. But one of Sean's greatest gifts is his ability to completely support you, to make you feel utterly safe and accepted while you try this completely scary, yet exhilarating art form. 

Not to mention, he is a genuine, thoughtful, wise, kind teacher who brings inspiring ideas and intelligent comedy to each and every class. And sometimes he is also quite funny.

And why exactly am I writing all of this? ~while still teaching Improv over at the Groundlings, Sean recently launched his own private sketch comedy writing classes, and well, quite simply, I'm super proud of him and his entrepreneurial spirit. 

Having just opened registration for a new session beginning September 15,  I'll let him explain all the details over at his brand spanking new web page. Right now he is teaching locally here in L.A. but he is planning on expanding this class to one that will also be online...so if you've had dreams of writing comedy, don't know where to begin exactly and probably aren't going to move to L.A., Chicago or New York to attend some of the best schools to learn it, or maybe you are but you still want to learn from one of the best, this might be your chance! 

more beauty in the world + an e-course giveaway at SouleMama

"I'm sorry, but I don't know who you are", I said. "That's ok, I don't know who you are either," she said with a smile.

And this is how my introduction to Amanda Soule came to be.

Seeing as how almost everyone attending Squam Art Workshops in June could not wait to meet Amanda. It became clear that I was in the minority of not knowing this inspiring woman and her beautiful blog SouleMama.

I have to say that one of the reasons I looked forward to teaching at Squam in June, where the creative focus was more on fiber arts than visual arts, was the opportunity to meet an entirely new circle of creative people ~ one that up until June, I had no prior introduction to via the internet.  Since my bond with many of these creative women was instant, it became glaringly obvious, just how much I had narrowed my internet world and community to one that was small and all too familiar ~  (something you don't even think is possible online)  It's all too easy in life, whether in person or online to become so focused on your world that you forget to look up once in a while to become aware of a new world and the new people that exist outside of your present line of sight.

Amanda was one of the people, among many, who entered my awareness. And on the days when I wonder if the world will accept and embrace a consistently happy and positive family spirit during a time when so much of the cultural reference to marriage and family is one filled with cynicism, rudeness and apathy ~ all I have to do is visit Amanda's blog to know that ~ yes, genuine beauty, joy, love, appreciation and continuous exploration and encouragement of creativity do exist in American families today. While my love affair with the city I live in, called Los Angeles is slow going, it is growing ~ still there are days when I think the people with whom I share this city have completely lost sight of  the simple beauty of  life ~ and this is even in a city by the ocean where it's gorgeous and sunny almost every day ~ go figure.

So why am I bringing all of this up today? ~ Well one is to let you know that as a sponsor of Amanda's blog this month, I am giving away one spot in my e-course. To those of you who have already registered, please feel free to enter as well and if you win, I will refund you the course fee. To enter, leave a comment in Amanda's post over at her blog right here. And and as she suggested, if you are so inclined, tell us a creative dream you have right now - big or small! The giveaway ends tomorrow, Sunday morning at 9 am EST. {*UPDATE* AUGUST 23. The winner has been chosen and the e-course is nearing capacity, so if you've been waiting, register soon}

I also want to introduce you to Amanda and her family. If you need more reminders of beauty in the world, you should visit SouleMama as often as you can.

speaking of beauty ~ here's me wishing you an especially beautiful weekend. I am now returning to my "quiet" days away and will see you back here next week.

{photo via SouleMama}

a little impromptu gardening

At my favorite time of day; just before dusk on a summer evening. No video today ;) ...instead a little visual inspiration. When asked the question "what inspires you?" I always forget to answer, FLOWERS, FLOWERS, FLOWERS. Love them.

happy Creative Thursday!

One of the many reasons I do what I do

Apparently I bring a lot of joy to the babies out there, and honestly, I couldn't think of a better audience.

wishing you a happy weekend & happy father's day to all the dads!! xoxo

{thank you to Stephanie & Kerri for letting me share the adorable Lucas & Koko with you}

I will never again believe anyone who says they are not "creative"

by Cheryl

Or that they cannot "paint".

Seeing as how it's Creative Thursday, there's no better day than today to share a bit of what my students created at Squam. 

I've spent the better part of today deep "in the fish bowl" as it is also the official start to my e-course ! ~ so my words are limited ~ and I'd also love to let the creations speak for themselves.

by Marianne

What I will say is that never before have I been so moved by a class and so in awe of my students. I've attended many art classes in my day and none have ever felt like this. I'm sure the fact that I was actually teaching or as I like to say guiding this class plus the beautiful location made a difference, but truth be told these creative women were amazing all around, in creativity, in kindness and in support of one another that was generous and pure of heart. I just kept walking through class, saying in "my usual way", "you people" or "you ladies"  are AMAZING me. :)

by Ali

by Maggie

Some of them had never painted a painting before, EVER and everyone left the end of class with a finished painting if not two.

by Kristin, Lucie & Helen

One of the best parts for me was when by accident some of the paintings ended up resting on the window sills to the studio. I decided to start photographing them when I realized that they looked so good together, that lining them all up next to each other would be a perfect way to showcase them. And voila we closed out class with a little gallery show of our own! 

by Maureen

by Laurie May Coyle

It still makes me sentimental to think of  how proud everyone was of their work, even those that had to overcome their own inner critic to "finish" their creations. You can see it best in the photos above that  Laurie May captured.

Thank you again to my students. It was an honor share the day(s) with you. 

{And a special thank you to Laurie May for graciously sharing her photos with me. Sadly, I realized I did not get nearly as many as I'd hoped ~ too busy ooohing & aaaahing over my students, I guess.}