Creative Type Series - Who Do You Hang With?

Creative Types Hang Out With Creative Types!

If you want to be more of something, immerse yourself in it .Creative types need other creative people to stir them on - some more than others, but EVERYONE needs the community of others to foster individual growth.  It's a human condition!

For over a year I have looked at this photo to remind me you don't need to be complicated to be creative! Its just simple fun, but works for me http://www.wwwearables.com/patterns/wall-hangings/catsville.htm

We all know if you want to keep our kids on a path for success - keep them from kids on a path to nowhere.

If you want to be a football star, hang out with other big burly guys or quick sprinter dudes who like leather balls that go from side to side. :->

If you want to sing in the opera, your spare time won't work for you in the casino.

Where and with whom you associate has a lot to do with how creative you think.

You Are What You Eat! 

 

Creative people foster creativity through association.  The more you read, listen to, talk with and observe other creative people, the more you encourage your own imagination and challenge your comfort zone.

No one is an island and we sharpen our skills through the community of others.  If you are having any blocks or creative listlessness, it often helps to:

• visit an art museum
• take an online workshop
• take a community workshop on a creative topic
• watch shows on TV that teach creative skills or demonstrate others creativity
• loan out some books from the library on art forms in your genre - or those completely outside it.
• call a friend who shares a love for creativity and have coffee, share idea, look at projects, plan to work on something together even!
• grab your camera, go to the park or any public space and let the activities of others awaken your creativity - especially children.
• Really listen to a great series of music - pay attention to the creative use of space, time, and interplay.

Creative types will feel ill at ease, unhappy, depressed even, if something creative isn't happening in their world. If you sense yourself lagging, rev yourself up a notch by allowing the ideas of others stimulate your thirsty soul.

Got some creative inspiration tips?   We only scratched the surface here - what do you do to get your mojo going?

Here are a couple other articles you might find helpful.
Are You A Creative Type?
Creative Types - 30 Seconds to Bliss

Check back tomorrow for TUESDAY TIPS - for resources to help you on your creative journey.
You can Subscribe to this blog for creative inspiration from the subscribe icon on the right hand column.(Either by email close to the top of the page, or by Reader in the middle of the page)

Fabulous Fridays April 28, 2012- Connections

Fabulous Fridays - April 28, 2012 - What make my life so Fabulous?

I can't believe it's FABULOUS FRIDAY already.  I had so many things to post about and then I remembered - It's our day to shout out to the Universe how grateful we are.

In honor of that I think I could summarize my week with a gratitude for connections.

Connections keep me sane.  My name is is Harmony after all, and that implies a connection, a balance, a bridge.

1. So grateful for my connection to my mother.  For many years although I longed for it, we didn't always connect well.  I wanted her to be someone different.  I wanted her to be what I I I  envisioned a mother should be. She was being Helen.  One day, I got it. I received Helen into my world.  NOT MOM. She wasn't born a mom, she was born HELEN. I fell in love with that girl, women, friend, human, person.  I adore her today more than I ever have. My love for Helen is not about what she can give me as my mom.  I love her for being who she is.  Makes me tear up just writing about it.

Petra Hoffman - More than Survived!

2. So grateful for new connections.  New people who appear in my world.  They dance in like ballerinas or elephants.  They appear when I least anticipate them.  And they flavor my world.  This week that includes a MAGICAL woman with an amazing story to tell. Her name is Petra Hoffman and she is a survivor of Hep C and is turning the world upside down!

3. Connections to myself.  I am so grateful to have and hear my own voice.  To be connected to a constant stream of creative bliss.  If I don't sense it immediately, all I need to do is 60 seconds of silence and inner direction, and bam!  There is the flow.  I am so grateful.  I hear directions, ideas, corrections, encouragement, and LOVE.  Love flows in my heart.

Your turn, tell me something making your Friday Fabulous!

Creative People Change Habits

Don't Like Your Habits - Chuck em! Creative People Can Change Habits

Kicking Coffee ...Kinda

There are a series of commercials on right now from some bank here in Canada that says something very simple.  The couple is walking down the street and the she says I wish we didn't have to pay bank fees and someone overhears them and says to them - "If you don't want to pay bank fees, don't pay bank fees."

I thought of how many times we say that in life.

"I don't like this or don't want to do that"

And still we persist...DOING THE THINGS WE SAY WE DON'T WANT TO DO

The cool part is that as CREATIVE PEOPLE, we don't have to stay stuck.
Habits are ours.  YAY.  We own them.

And like a simplicity maven, if we don't want to keep them, we can chuck them.

If you were adept enough to accrue said habit - who is keeping you from ditching the sad slop and moving on....LITERALLY NO ONE.

Certainly not you.  You and I want to change up.  And so we can.

How?

Well I could go through the ...

it takes 21 days to change a habit

 bla bla

OR, I could assume you know that the human brain muscle requires repetition (21 days in a row worth of reps) to retrain your thinking patterns.

SO IMAGINE THAT.  One day, followed by the next, and then another, for only 21 ridiculously short (and possibly painful) days, and BAM - you are rockin new habits.

In the light of blogging transparency - here are a few habits I have changed over the years

14 Cups of coffee a day to 2 (most 3)
3 Cups of Coffee a Day to Decaf Coffee
Decaf Coffee back to 2 dark strong hits of caffeine
2 Cups of Dark strong HITS of delicious brew to 3!!!!

And that's only ONE example. Wink Wink

Seriously tho, habits are ours.  We can adopt them, love them, nurture them,  cultivate them, reject them or outright ditch their sorry bums - whenever WE the CREATIVE PEOPLE decide we want to.

A STRONG DECISION, a bit o' elbow grease, and BAM, we have a new habit.

I love Breakfast!

Right now I am developing, with great care, a habit of chocolate for breakfast. :-)

Breakfast of Champions - 1

Tuesday Tips

#Tuesday Tips - Weekly Tips on Resources for Creative People

I spend a lot of time researching for the work I do. I am constantly coming across resources I think would benefit others.  In fact, I am launching a website shortly for the artistic community that showcases resources and provides a "find what you need" type atmosphere among friends. (Still a few months away.)

Since I have so much access to information, I have decided that Tuesdays at Gutsy Arts will be #Tuesday Tips - just a few links to information I have found that I think readers within the creativity genre may be interested in.  Well, to be really honest, it's links I was interested in. :-)

So here goes for today: #Tuesday Tips 

(No I don't have any affiliation and I don't make any money from the links provided in Tuesday Tips)

1. Heaven is Here - I don't have a clue how I landed here.  It was on my computer this am when I went to it in a window I didn't know I had opened....wooowoooowoooowooo....(twilight zone!)
It is a book just released by Stephanie Nielson about her incredible story of a plane crash, 4 months in a coma, 80% burned body, and her new incredible life.  Lots of vid's on this site to inspire you without even buying the book.  Please don't let her religious persuasion deter you from the story - I think some people miss the amazing gifts we can receive by allowing preconceived judgements to get in the way.
2. Make a Book - I think the possibilities here are endless for a creative soul - or even someone who wants to be creative. :-)
3 Great Info on Creative Life Taken from The Musical World - At 99%.com author Scott Mc Dowell indirectly references Brian Eno (Music Producer for U2 and Talking Heads) t and his tips for creative inspiration. Some really excellent thoughts on the power of consistency and release.

Enjoy!  Let's start sharing.  If you have a tip - resource for the creative juice in all of us, be sure to leave it in the comments.  Please avoid sharing your material for sale - and let's make it all about promoting others - just for Tuesday. :-)

Creative Type Series - 30 Seconds to Bliss

Creative Type #2 - 30 Seconds to Bliss

a work in progress - i am loving the texture tho

Creative types tend to find ways to create, no matter how little time they have.  They must or they shrink. The creative type is always looking for ways to open, to expand, to give birth to something; an idea, a solution, a picture, a design - whatever.

Unfortunately, we don't always have hours to create.  In fact, finding AN HOUR can be challenging.  To keep yourself fit and creatively active - use the 30 Seconds to Bliss technique.

30 Seconds to Bliss Techniques

1. Look at the time on your cell phone - and time yourself.  How many words can you think of that have "able" it it?
2. Take a notepad and pen (or napkin - even toilet paper will do :-), time yourself and write as many names of people as you can think of that you have not spoken to in a year.
3. Take 30 seconds and record on your cell phone as fast as you can the topics you would like to write about on your blog.
4. Turn on the microwave timer to 30 seconds and bend - from the waist down - let your arms drop to the floor - no pressure, just as far as they can go, and let you head hang up-dside down. Don't worry about the outcome.  Just do it. Maybe try doing it several times on one day and notice the result.
5. Look at the time on your computer (30 second segments please) and open notepad. Type out words as fast as you can...no second guessing, any words.  Now take 3 of them and write a sentence using those words. Now...you tell me, what happened?

Okay, try one or more, and tell me how it goes. :-)

I will go first and do the 30 second type word exercise - right in front of you, no holds barred. (its a bit unfair since I have already been writing, but here goes)

giggles, spelling, sincere, happy, job, why not, go there, been there, sad, happy, joyful, distant, girlfriend, lover, single

"I got the giggles when I thought about my girlfriend, her lover and why I am single!"

What's your story? :-)

Fabulous Friday - April 20, 2012

Fridays are Fabulous - Collection of Bliss and Gratitude for April 20th, 2012

I have decided to make my Friday posts about Fabulous Fridays.  A quick capture (or maybe not so quick) of some of the reasons I am thankful AND a few of things I have noticed in others this week. (meaning you will find resources for your ever hungry creative spirit!)

1. I got married on this date in 1974 at the ripe age of 16. That was 38 years ago.  OH MY!  I was married for 25 years- I honor those years, my children, (now grandchildren) and who I became in the loving nurture of that environment.

2. I have lots of work with my businesses right now and I am grateful for the financial provisions.

3. Ginger cannot help but be on the list - she is a blessing to me everyday. (my golden retriever) I think actually I am her human.

4. I got turned on to the idea of Artist Trading Cards this week...I think I might just play.

5. I am bursting at the seams with dreams of my artistic life.  I did not allow myself that pleasure for many years.

6. I have met many new friends on line.  One gal I am very excited to get to know is Natasha May.  She is doing her first online class called "Cotton Candy Girls."  I have watched lots of her vids and am really impressed at her various skill levels - and want to support the class. I am not getting paid to promote (although there is a contest).  Here is the link - check it out: Natasha May Cotton Candy Girls Workshop.

7. I met up with a girlfriend who had been like a sister to me for many years.  We drifted somehow for 5 years and met for dinner and wine for 6 hours this week.  I came home to love.  It was amazing.

8. I have started a Tuesday's Tips series of posts where I am offering great resources for creative folks. I wrote the first version for next week's Tuesday...I am excited to see this blog (I have a few :-), like a painting, beginning to take some shape.  Who knows the journey it will take...what a great adventure.

Okay, that's it for me today, but I would love to hear yours - what's making your Friday Fab???

Inspired by Blessings

Organic Fruit, Strong Dark Coffee and my Healthy Body

Legend in my own mind!

I am inspired almost every day by the simplicity of blessings.  Each morning I enjoy a bowl of fresh cut up organic fruit and a robust cup of Java.  You would think after 30+ years of eating the same thing every am I would be bored or not notice.

But honestly, I think about it most mornings.  How lucky I am, how blessed to have access, how healthy it is for me, how it makes me feel, how grateful I am for the ritual of making it and then sharing it with Ginger.:-)  Every morning it says to me my life is abundant, blessed, simple.

Love doesn`t get better

I think one of the reasons for the incredible sense of despair in our society and the continued editorials about the state of economic woes, is that we forget what it is we do have.

My guess, if each one of us would look into our lives afresh in the first 30 minutes of our day - we could find many things that reflect back to us just how blessed, how fortunate, how loved by SOMEONE we are.

Note the people in your life, gifts in your home, the opportunities for change that present themselves to you, the relative safety you feel in a huge world, and what you have for breakfast.

Give a shout out to the blessings!!!!  FOCUS on what is, forget about what isn`t. Feel the freedom of making a choice to be blessed.  It`s yours for the taking.

Why suffer today with angst?  INDULGE yourself in JOY just for the hang of it.

Today I Will Wow My Clients

My painting was not too happy with me today. She felt I hurried to get to work I think :-)

Okay so today, I am going to do my art - but ONLY A LITTLE.  It is so consuming for me (I ADMIT IT - ADDICTED TO ART), that I neglect my other work - waaaaaay too much and my clients don't deserve that.

I sit down in my office/studio, and look at the computer screen, and then at my easel.
Ah...the choice, obvious.  My ...............................easel of course!!!

It would be okay if I made money from my easel.  But until recently I was too chicken to ever tell someone I had an easel - none the less make money using it.

I know I need to WOW my precious clients today - and I will do it!

(let me just work on one more bit on this painting....:-)

Are You the Creative Type?

Are You the Creative Type?  Check Points to Discover Your Creative Quotient

Like many people you may wonder if you are the creative type - if you could ever create a painting, build a dune buggy without a guide,  start an vineyard out of a field of dry dead looking earth, whip up a meal out of a few veggies, or write a book out of some off-beat inspirations you received while dreaming dreams you don't dare mention in public.

Today we begin a series of posts on Creative Types - helping you identify indicators more common in "creative types".  Just because a person is potentially creative however, does not mean they are in fact, allowing creativity to flourish in their life.

Read it and let it simmer on the back burner of your mind - ask yourself some questions, but don't try to force the answer.  Just listen to yourself when your "self" is talking. Typically this happens when you least expect it - like driving, cleaning, walking, showering, sleeping, napping, etc

Checkpoint #1-Creative Type People May Get Bored with Routine


Creative types usually do something a bit differently just for the fun of it.  They are not always concerned that things be done the way they are always done, that they take the same route they always take, that they use the same ingredients the recipe calls for, or wear the same outfit with the same shoes.
They may change careers more often than most, get bored with sex the same way every time, even mix it up and enjoy a debate - especially if they can represent the point of view they don't personally embrace.


Important Note - Seemingly contradictory are the habits of highly creative people - who by nature often create rituals or routines with which to build the discipline around their creative lives. That is a practice to enhance creative ability and flow and not the topic of this series. Our point today is to recognize the restlessness of people who want to create, and perhaps do not have the outlets to do so, which may result in boredom and an apparent thirst for adventure.

So What About You?

That's it.  Let this simmer on your minds back burner and don't worry about it.  Well talk more next time.

Got comments or thoughts - you know what to do!

Imperfect Perfection

Do You Ever Like Something SO Much That Flaws Don't Matter?  Imperfect Perfection!

That is how I feel about my bowl.

It is far from perfect  The dimension is off on the right.  BUT I LOVE LOVE LOVE the color and texture within it..

So I look past the flaw and see the beauty.

I do that with:

• people who are terrific but have annoying habits
• gorgeous yards with dog poop on the lawn
• furniture that fits just right with scratches
• body size after loosing 3 dress sizes but still have one more to go
• house bound days with homemade soup on the stove
• This is waiting for your comment below.  What do you love in spite of the flaws?

Creativity embraces the act of creation.  Sure - I know a lot of my art needs to stand up to scrutiny.

BUT GUTSY ARTS?  It's about the GUTS and the pleasure, and the passion and joy of beauty...
and flaws.

Pick up whatever you use to be creative, and do something today.  FLAW IT UP BIG TIME...and enjoy.
Enjoy the color, or the texture, or the quick speed you displayed, or the originality, or a new note you couldn't play before, or sound you didn't know existed.  Write a line filled with emotion, even if it's the wrong one for the play...

EMBRACE IT BABY! Love what you got...(love what you GUT!)

What Do You Do On Your Down Days to be Creative?

Creative Juice on Down Days

Down days - low energy in the tank.
Life seems grey
and not much fun.
Loads of expectations
but nothing done

Sometimes I am just painted out
no more "ta daah" in the tank
and that's okay


It's okay to simply work like a bee
Doing what isn't possible, until it is.
Not worried about results or emotions
just riding the wave
along for a ride to grey
Till the blues and greens and pinks and purples appear
And I am feeling the Creative life again.

How to Get Creative Ideas

Creative Ideas -What Are You Looking At?

Birds and Cherries

So many of my students and clients ask me how they can find inspiration for creativity on a daily basis.
My suggestion is always the following: Pay Attention.
INSPIRATION is literally EVERYWHERE.

Anything that quickens you, attracts you, interests you, fascinates you has the power to be INSPIRATION.

Yesterday, besides losing my keys, I snapped things that caught my eye when out walking with my girl.
You can be sure, they will influence my art and creative writing over time.

They represent nature having a conversation with me.

Try taking mental photos of odd things that catch your eye.  Or snap a shot with your camera and look back over a week.  Notice how your eye is being caught by things - be playful, curious, adventurous.

Abundant Trunks

Light on Water

Years of History

Looking For Some Good Advice?

Looking For Some Good Advice - Go For Wisdom Within

There is a quiet place for your soul to listen - Harmony Thiessen

Mini Lesson in listening.

It's easy with so many blogs to read, 24 hour radio talk shows with experts, editorial pages, chatty friends, colleagues at work and handy dandy family members to be caught up in "getting advice."

Your creative genius can in fact flourish with the guidance of a good friend or magazine article.  But don't underestimate the WISDOM FROM WITHIN.

Simple Wisdom From Within Exercise

Write down on a piece of paper:

John (Pick a name different than your own) has a problem with his wife's attitude about money (insert your own problem there, but attribute it to your imaginary friend :-) )  He's asked you to help. What questions would you ask John?

Now, Write down the questions that pop in your head.

Follow up with writing down the answers that pop in your head. 

This simple technique will help you move aside and answer questions with less inhibitions than if you were to to talk directly to yourself.  You are "coaching" someone else.

Biggest Challenge in this Technique

Getting stuck.  Forcing an answer.  If after you sit quietly for 3 or 5 minutes you are not "hearing an answer" - go get coffee, make the bed, take the dog out, brush your teeth.  Now come back, ask again.  Often we just need to move (literally and figuratively) to make room for clarity.

If you have questions or you get stuck, or simply want to tell me if it worked for you...leave me a comment below.  Want more tips - subscribe to this blog!  Thanks for stopping by.

 

Did You Play Today?

The Buddha at my house reminds me to PLAY

Did You Play with Life, Your Kids, Your Mate, Your Troubles or Just for Fun Today?

(Note: I removed with yourself as I just couldn't get past it for the post! :-)

I love to play.  Always have. But darn it.  I am really serious too.
Serious about bills.
About money or no.
About dirt, dog hair, scroungy feet that need a pedi - work.
HOLY COW, I am so serious about work, I forget to enjoy it.

I can forget that honestly, who cares?
Life is so fleeting what I think is C.R.I.T.I.C.A.L is really, just another day, another issue.

I have too many friends dying these days to keep going on valuing the serious so much.

I SAY PLAY.  Play today with anything we can get our hands on (I know, I know - there I go again!)
Play with soap, the pup, dog hair you sweep up, your hair, makeup, paint, words, people.
Play while you think
Play while you clean
Play while you sing
Play while you type.

Play.
Play with guts.

Oh, and have fun while you play!

Picasso's Memo

Picasso's Memo - Legendary Art

Picasso Portrait of Ambroise Vollard

Public Domain as offered by WP Clip Art

"I do not evolve.  I am"

I can hear a raging philosophical debate.
I don't really care about my opinion or yours - as we tend to focus on the words and argue from spiritual "truths" to semantics. The words of Legendary Art are carved in history.

Let's be creative and listen.

What is being said beyond the blocks of our thinking?
How does the message impact your decisions today?
Who are you with the intention of these words?

How do you feel?
What do they convey to your breath?  Did it speed up?  Did you choke?

Dear ones, this is the road to your creative self.  The road as some might say, less traveled. (with all due respect to M.Scott Peck)

I am alive with possibility.

Your comments are welcome.