Train - Calling All Angels

Quote of the Day:  I need a sign. from Calling All Angels by Train

I was part of a discussion the other day on seeing signs that a Higher Power is at work in our lives.  People say that they pray that they will see a sign, maybe a ray of sunshine on a gloomy day, or a phone call, or that they'll get an affirmation for their work or art.  I've often said, It would be helpful if God would just send me an email. (If you have God's email, please forward it to me, thanks!)

Signs happen every day.  The problem is we aren't always open to seeing them and experiencing them for what they are.  Whatever it is that you are hoping for, dreaming about, working towards, put it out to the universe.  Write it down.  Name it. Claim it.  Then, be open for the signs that it CAN happen.  People will walk into your life who can help you.  Ideas will flow.  The words of affirmation will come from supportive friends.

My artist date this week is two-fold.  I sent in an application to a writer's workshop held by Highlights Foundation (remember Highlights for Children with the hidden pictures).  They put on workshops for aspiring writers.  I signed up for the one on writing novels for young adults.  Here's the link if you're feeling inspired to spend a long weekend with your novel and a nurturing teacher.  They have other workshops, too, just browse around.  I'm living in a small-ish town that doesn't have a traditional city center/post office.  So, I made a trip to the gas station which is also the post office, and sent off my app.  (applause!)

Here's the second part of my artist date.  I made a new journal for myself.  I started with a composition book, covered it, and voila!

Front cover

back cover

Choose a pen and dig in!

It will be quiet here at Play off the Page for about a week.  Time for me to Play off the Page in real life and spend some time with family and enjoy all that summer has to offer.

Journey on!

Journaling Prompt:  As you're watching for "signs" this week, jot them down.  See what amazing power is working in your life to make all things possible.

Artist Date

Quote of the Day:  The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity.  The creative mind plays with the objects it loves. - C. G. Jung

I found that quote in the book The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron.  I recommend this book to anyone who has ever been blocked, frustrated, or suffered self-doubt in their creative lives.  I first looked at this book in 2004 with my writer-mama-pal Roxane.  We worked on it and checked in with each other regarding our progress.  I am revisiting this book now with her and artist friend JeMA.  This goes along nicely with the Business class for Artists that I'm taking.

Julia Cameron encourages us to share what we've learned in this book.  Two basic tools for unblocking are journaling and the Artist Date.  She has some specific ideas about the journaling.  I believe any journaling is helpful.  I love encouraging people to write out their stories, feelings, expectations, fears, etc.  That is the purpose of my blog.

For the Artist Date this week, I bought myself a new camera.  The above photo is the first image on this camera.  JeMA took it while we were having our weekly check-in at the coffee shop.  Here's another one of me having fun...

So, I took a picture of JeMA laughing at me acting silly in a coffee shop.

Then, I went home and made good use of the rain.  Look, free water to wash the deck!  And, good little worker boys who don't mind working if they can get wet!  Plus, a neighbor boy who'd rather help us clean than go home.  He doesn't have any brothers, just one older sister who's hardly ever home.  I served them hotdog mummies and fruit for lunch.  You gotta pay the help!

Would you like to join me on the deck for iced tea, creative conversation, or a good read?

Some Artist dates might be buying yourself tools for your creative work.  Some might be taking a walk, looking at art, being inspired by nature or music.  It's taking time to nurture your creative child.

Journaling Prompt:  What would you like to do on an Artist date?