I have heard a number of friends and creative people lament that during the pandemic they have fallen out of their creative practice. They haven’t felt the urge to paint or write or play their music. They are sad and confused as to why this is. What artists are going through is understandable. We have … Read more
I have an addition…an addition to taking on too much. My eyes are too big for my schedule or energy level. I am greedy about checking items off my To Do list. I want to do everything. I want it all! I have the expectation that everything I work on will be easy and exhilarating. … Read more
My poem “4th of July Then and Now” was accepted in the Oregon Poetry Association An Anthology of Pandemic Poems. I received my copy yesterday. Can’t wait to read it! The book can be purchased at Amazon.
When it comes to staying motivated in your creative practice or projects, it’s important to celebrate your wins – the small ones as well as the large ones. I often hear clients say that they did not do anything creative since the last time we talked. They focus on what they didn’t do and the … Read more
“I’d like to paint but I’m not very creative.”, “I’d like to learn to play the guitar but I am not talented.” I have heard people say this when I tell them I am an artist and poet. I have heard this most of my life, in fact. And it never felt right to me … Read more
Here is a news story about how medical professionals use music to deal with stress and enrich their lives: https://www.pbs.org/video/medical-symphony-1600461415/ It is a reminder of the healing and rejuvenating power of music.
I am excited to announce that my poem “The Fleas of Life” won 3rd Honorable Mention in the Southern Oregon Poetry Prize under the Poet’s Choice category! Yeah! The Fleas of Life They come biting,crawling up your legs.At first you don’t know that they are there.You see, the fleas are oh, so smalland you are … Read more
When I am feeling low or unmotivated to do my creative work, I look for wisdom from others who have come before me. Many are encouraging and some make me laugh. Here are a few gems I have collected over the years: “It is in playing and only in playing that the individual child or … Read more
Hi all, It’s official! My framed Red City Review Best Non-Fiction Book Award for 2019 came in the mail this week! It also came with wonderful encouraging words from the Red City Review staff. I also received 25 book award stickers. If you purchased a book form me and want a sticker for your copy, … Read more
“Necessity is the mother of invention.” – proverb These days most people are feeling big constraints on their everyday lives with the pandemic and stay at home orders. There is a lot of frustration and angst around not being able to easily do the things we used to do. Artists I have spoken with have … Read more