Friday 6 January 2017

The Pages are Turning ~~~

Hello Friends!

Yes, the brand new brave new pages of a brand new brave new year are turning again with each new day bringing a fresh, clean page for us to fill with our imaginings and ramblings ~~~

Over the last few months there has been a recurring theme in words and sentence fragments I have read in many places across the internet, in letters, in conversations, from books, and so many other sources, and some which have even uttered forth from my own lips, quite uninvited, and in the last few days of December the urgency, the number of occurrences that continue to shout this message are now gaining such proportion that I can no longer ignore them ~~~ I must "NOURISH" my "CREATIVE SOUL" ~~~


I mentioned it a short while ago, so you may recall me saying that I will not be taking as many photographs and instead I shall be using my words to paint pictures for your mind's eyes to develop for yourselves; I believe this to be the catalyst, for since then I have been writing more and, although not yet published, and I have started picking up my art more and more.

It is fascinating how, once you open a door in the right direction, more doors, and more opportunities seem to start flooding in ~~~

I also noted that continuously, as the one behind the camera lens, I find myself missing out on the moment, and this year it is my intention to live in the moments rather than be so lost in capturing a digital image.  Living in the moment will Nourish me too ~~~

But, I hear myself argue {oh, boy! there's no one like my inner voice at times such as these} you love photography! Well, yes, I do, but this year is going to be BRAVE and NEW for me as I try to strike some fresh, new balance in my life, and that must start with some balance over my photography and it's connection to other aspects of my creativity.

Seed Head

Oh, before I forget, I don't particularly make New Year resolutions, but do feel it is necessary to do so this year. I resolve to replace caps on pens and to retract ball points immediately upon finishing using them. From this, I think you may gather that there have been a few inkcidents recently. Do you like my new word?

Without going into detail why, I have neglected to feed and satisfy my creative self for far too long a time, whether in writing, painting, sewing, and more, but the time is right to return to feeding my creative self, right now, no time like the present {it's a gift, don't you know?}, I am giving myself the gift of creativity, this is the time I reclaim my creative self ~~~

The pages are turning on my new tool to a more creative me "Morning Pages" A good while back a dear friend recommended I read The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron, and like so many other recommendations it made it's way onto my bookshelves only to languish. Now, if there is one thing I believe in it is everything comes in it's own time, and now is the time for me to start working through this book. There are a few other books that have arrived at the cottage recently too, namely Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert and Draw Every Day * Draw Every Way Sketchbook.

Each morning, hopefully before the day begins in earnest, I am working on my Morning Pages, three pages of writing which does not have to be creative, but a stream of conscious thought. There are some interesting pages developing!

Each day, at any point where I can squeeze it in I am going to draw something. A doodle, a zentangle, illustrate a single letter, or work on something more intensive that might build up over a number of small bites of time, even over a few days.

I am making myself pick up something to create that involves fabric or paper as often as I can manage it, daily if possible. It may be something small and simple, such as a greeting card, a note card or a book mark, or it may be something that, again in bite size nibbles, goes on to create a larger work. I've ordered some crochet hooks as that is something I've always wanted to try, and I've pulled out some old embroidery hoops too ~~~

To all of the above, it isn't important what I write, or draw, or make, the important thing is that I am doing something creative, to feed and Nourish my creative spirit in some sort of pattern daily ~~~ the worth of this to my creative spirit is immense.

Please, don't worry that I have abandoned my photography entirely, for I know how so many of you love to travel along with me as we stride out across the byways and bridle paths of the Shire ~~~ on the contrary, I have signed up for an online course, "A Year With My Camera".  I know this is starting to sound contradictary, but this is not about taking photographs as such, it is about getting to know your camera and improving the quality of the images you take by knowing your camera ~~~ you know all those buttons and icons that most of us ignore and opt to use 'auto'? Well, soon I'll be learning what they do and the way they can be used to give back control of the image to me not to the camera.

Some of the other ways I am nourishing myself are, briefly, through healthy eating and walking. I'll share more on that in the future, but you know what this means, don't you ~~~ recipes and outings coming in the future, along with updates to my progress on The Artist's Way and other art and creating ~~~

Until next time ~~~
~~~ Deborah xoxo

22 comments:

  1. How wonderful, Deborah, the artist in you is stirring to come alive! That voice that whispers to us will not be silenced. And that is a very good thing. The same books are waiting to be read. Let this be the year, my friend, that we listen to the voice that calls us. Enjoy every moment that nourishes your soul, dear friend. xoxo ♥

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    1. Thank you, Martha Ellen. Yes, I've noticed two or three of my Facebook friends are also using the same books, so we are all in this together this Brave New Year! It is quite a serious task, but it should be fun too, fun is important! XOXO

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  2. I've thought about taking a pottery class or even a watercolor class...just for me. My thoughts are with you, my friend, XOXO

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    1. "Just for me" is the best reason ever to do something. I'd make 2017 the year to do at least one of those. Go for it, Susan! xoxo

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  3. I find that taking photos makes me appreciate what I see more than feel that I am missing out. We find that when we visit places we stay much longer as we search for little interesting details to take photos of. When we visit bird reserves often we can't 'see' the distant birds clearly enough to identify but when viewing a digital photo on the screen later 'invisible' detail is revealed.
    I have often thought 'still do' that I should use the dials on my camera more but often my sort of photography needs to be opportunist and to fiddle with settings would be to miss the chance shot so instead I tweak exposure etc on the downloaded image instead. I so look forward though to seeing how you fare on your course.

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    1. Yes, I understand what you are saying. When I'm taking macro shots, for example, I often find those invisible details too, but I remember when Princess Diana came to my village and I was so busy taking photos that I missed capturing the moment in my heart, the emotions of the crowds, as if I was detached from it all; it has happened since on other occassions I'm so busy trying to capture a good photo I miss out on the feeling and emotion. There's going to be a time and place for both sorts, so it's another way I have to strike the balance!
      Also, as you say, we can miss the shot if we have to set everything, so some shots have to be 'of the moment' with no time to fiddle with settings, but I'm starting to feel that I've paid for all the buttons to give me the control and I've relinquished it to the camera. I'm going to be interested, too, to see how this progresses!

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  4. Julia Cameron's books started me on my writing journey 20 years ago. I did it with a friend which made it doubly enjoyable. I wish you the very best!

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    1. Thank you Cathy. It's obviously worked well for you!

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  5. Beautiful writing.. waiting read more from you.. It is more difficult to write than pictures.. But I love to write and to read others writing.. Keep it up..

    Happy new year..

    Please visit: http://from-a-girls-mind.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you Krishna, Happy New Year to you too!

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  6. Looking forward to reading all about your journey. It sounds like this is going to be your Year. Yay!

    Love and hugs,
    Darlene

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    1. Thanks ~ you know you are welcome to join in ~ hint hint!
      Love, Deb xoxo

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  7. Oh, this will be a grand experience for you, and it's a brave move, indeed. [My own creativity has been stifled for decades, so your posts are always inspiring and uplifting. I'm going to try the Morning Pages along with you!] Can't wait to see how your creativity sparkles, thank you for bringing us along on your journey. jen

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    1. Thank you Jen, that is really kind of you to say. It isn't easy to find the words that express the feeling of freedom that comes through rediscovering creativity when the wilderness years have been a long, drought ridden time. It has to be experienced to better understand it, and it sounds as if you know it personally.
      Welcome along on the Morning Pages!
      I've also now bought the companion book of Julia Cameron's "It's Never Too Late" which is aimed at the audience of which I am now a part ~ the 'older person' ~ lol ~ I don't think of myself as one of those at all, but facts are facts!
      ~~~Deb xoxo

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  8. Hi Deb: I'm late to the scene! I've been totally consumed with Gene's fall and leg injury on Dec. 27th. I'll spare all the details, but we have him signed up with the medical association that his doctor is part of -- a "gulp" moment as it is pricey, but I have greatly relaxed at knowing I now have my "ally" back in Gene's care. He is improving day by day under this doctor's care. What a relief!! I know you understand this. And he saw his cardiologist on Thursday. All is well there, thank God! Now about your blog! This is magnificent, and where I am, too, in my thinking. I have pulled back some, though at times just must jump in and comment and enjoy my online "friends", but I am working more on our book (sketching and preparing illustrations -- Gene is painting & finalizing them); and lettering the text. There WILL be photos of those in due time! But I, too, must discipline my trying to post every "jot and tittle" of what I'm doing. I've enjoyed Christmas and decorating and we "laid low" (not sure I used the right word there) over the holidays, but enjoyed being together and taking care of our own little world. I read Julia Cameron's work several years ago, and have greatly benefited from the "Morning Pages" -- in fact, writing them helped me get started on my book writing. I highly recommend it!! She has written another book you would greatly benefit from, too. Some easy, less time consuming exercises, especially beneficial to being a writer. It is titled, "The Right to Write" -- excellent book!! I wish you great success in your new plan, and well done on all of your thinking and research! I shall be interested in all you have to share in the days ahead!! Also, praying for you and your Mum, as always! Best of success and Happy New Year!! Love, Jane xoxo

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    1. Dear Jane ~ yes, I was happy to read your email sharing the news that things are improving for poor Gene. He has been through it, hasn't he? I hope his recuperaton continues smoothly.
      I agree, that is another area where balance must be struck, between our precious online community and the real world that pays the bills! You won't be seeing me online nearly as much from now on.
      Hoping you aren't having snow, which can complicate travel to and from appointments for you I know, but the last I read was that Florida was the only contiguous state without snow!
      Much love to you and Gene, Deb xoxo

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  9. I read your comments on mum's blog about flour, I have issues with refined white flour, and since I have cut out any process foods, I now find I can eat occasionally made home made bread, we buy locally milled flour which is not processed, so I get to eat pastry and cakes. I still can't eat these every day, I hope this helps.

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    1. Thank you Marlene. It has taken me a very long time to winkle out the culprit and I'm still fine tuning because some things affect me really badly and others, different brands, do not affect me at all which is why I think it may be down to additives rather than the actual grains. I am convinced our farming and processing methods are doing us more harm than good. This week I start experimenting with Spelt and Rye products. I'm glad to hear you can still enjoy an occassional treat. I miss real bread more than anything else.

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  10. Oh, I cannot wait to see the fruits of your creative cultivation!! I am sure that your new daily goals will pour forth a river of beautiful things. Create away, my dear friend! And, thank you for allowing us to come along on your new adventure! Hugs to you from me across the sea ~ Donna =)

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    1. Thank you! It is coming along ~ I'm loving getting up early and putting pen to paper while it is still dark outside, sipping my coffee inside
      Deb :)

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