Spring is here in the northern hemisphere.  There are vibrant bursts of color everywhere!  So, we all need to take some time to observe…because these colors are fleeting.

Preparing for the bursts of “color” in our creative lives can be like this. If we take the time to plan out our priorities each week, we are able to slow down and enjoy the changes that take place right under out noses.  Also, we can begin to prepare for the “creative fire” that lights up when we see the beauty around us and want to share in it through our art…whatever form that might take.

What are you noticing around you today?

Out in the yard!  Gardening…digging up the dirt, raking, taking time to be in nature…and the plants look so happy!

Here is my trusty wheelbarrow.  Dirty, well-loved and dependable.  I use it to haul the dead leaves from last fall over to the strip of woods by our house.  Consistent hauling.  Consistent work.  Consistent moving of debris.  Until the task is completed.  I have gone out each day for an hour and done the work.  I decided to work on two garden beds and planned just what it would take to work them until completion.  Satisfying work.

I find that consistency in any project (big or small) is what it takes to see progress.  Then, we eventually get to the end of the task.  We choose when the task is done.

My article below goes into detail on another daily routine I follow.  Let me know what you think.

Found this heart on the sidewalk while walking from a meeting.

Just sending you some love today!

Look at all of that silver!  I have silver show up in my dreams a lot.  I love this image with the amazing craftsmanship and ingenuity that someone had who created these amazing bits of beauty.

The human mind fascinates me.  The ability to create something from the gifts of the earth.  To see what is hidden within a piece of metal…and create something exquisite.  To dream and build that dream into a new reality…amazing.

What do you create in your life that is exquisite?

Each morning I enjoy a cup of tea.  I write in my journal.

This is sacred time.  I schedule in time every morning to honor this ritual.

What are the “habits” you have created in your life?

Read more…

 

Look at all of those “bulbs” in a jar!  Many ideas just waiting to happen!  This image gets me thinking of learning…how one tiny idea can turn into a project or bring a dream to life!

What are the ideas you have swirling around in your head?  Like this jar, I “capture” my ideas on paper each morning as I write.  Some of the ideas go places…some just sit on the page waiting to be re-read…some are forgotten.  But all of them are my ideas…so I am glad to have them stored somewhere for the future.

My article this week asks the question, “How do you like to learn?”  And I would love to hear from you after you read it!  (read more…)

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It takes great mentors to support our dreams… Christine Kane has been a mentor to me as I continue to grow Inner Creative Voice Her program… Uplevel Your Business Starts April 1, 2013 ! is open this one time only for 2013. This is the course that has supported me in creating systems and structures which allow me to create my life and work. Then, I am able to to share it with all of you! My own creative journey opens up with the support of great mentors.  That is why I am sharing Christine’s program Uplevel Your Business with you.  It is life changing for more then just business…truly. Click here to learn more! Enjoy! Susan

I dreamed a few nights ago of a friend of mine (who happens to be highly intuitive…an astrologer). She said in the dream many things…but the one thought that truly stuck out was about a frozen mouse at the top of my animal totem.

(I love to interpret my dreams…and many of my morning meditations are around dreams and tarot).

I drew the mouse in my journal and created the image you see above based on that drawing. I also did some looking around to learn about mice. The key thoughts that resonate with me about mice were…

New beginnings (Native American South quadrant on the medicine wheel)
Giving Birth (mice are prolific…I am also creatively prolific)
Resourcefulness
Determination

There are other thoughts that “mouse” bring up for me.  However, the ideas above stand out as resonating with where I am right now in my life.. Mouse will be my totem for a while as I move into my new “story”.  As my life shifts and changes with the seasons.

What is your animal totem?

I have to remind myself that it is important to do one creative thing each day.  It can be something as simple as having the camera along on a quick walk with the dog.  This can be just the thing to inspire my creative mind.

Noticing how the light shines.  Noticing how quiet it is.  Noticing what it feels like to breathe in a big breath of fresh air!  All of these small moments shift my busy mind and calm it down.   To notice.   To feel.  To reflect.

What is one simple thing you are doing today to inspire your own creativity?  To shift your busy mind….?  (read more…)

Creating my schedule  with a family allows for a lot of time waiting.  I try to locate a great place to plop myself when I need to be “on call” for picking up and dropping off…and those 45 minutes in between get put to good use.  Usually, I read.

There are many ways I can spend this time…but reading seems to give me the boost I need to re-connect back with myself.  To learn a bit…or to go off into another world, reading does this for me.

How do you plan out your “waiting” time?