creativenachos.com Blog

Anyone can start a creative project but what happens when you are right in the middle of it and you lose your motivation or worse, your Inner Critic comes over for tea and tell you that your work is no good?

The Storyteller’s Village will help you fight that battle and see your project through to the end…while having loads of creative fun! It will also help you to climb higher and move further forward than they ever dreamed they could, and remember your“true” self, the self that has been forgotten or lost due to a build up of societal debris.

Why am I sharing this?? Because the Village is growing and will be re-opening in July with MUCH more…so, I invite you to enter our  ” I am…” contest and win a free Month in the Village!!!!That’s right an entire month of creative goodness!!!!

Please visit the Village Voices blog for more details!!!

COME ON Join in on the fun and win 1 month of play!!!!

One evening when I was 17, I went to dinner with an Aunt who was considered “the expert” in our family about college. I remember sharing a random thought.

“You know I’m really interested in yoga.”

“Yoga is a fad. People try it and then tire of it. Move on,” she responded.

I felt stupid for even mentioning it. I had been so inspired by it when I tired it, so eager to share but in that one moment, I allowed her to crush that excitement. It would be years before I would practice again.

In response to her question about what I was thinking of majoring, I remember sharing my love of marine biology.

“You don’t like blood. You won’t like it. Move on. Do something more practical,” she said and in that instant, I packed up my dream and locked it away feeling like a foolish child.

Years later, a new college graduate I applied for a job in the NY Times. The agency representing the company I was interested in called me in for an interview. After scanning my resume, the woman said, “They won’t be interested in you. I have something else.”

Though I was discouraged, I hid it and went on the other interview. It was ok and I knew I could land the position but it wasn’t what I really wanted.

The next day, the woman informed me that the company I originally applied for wanted to see me. So, I went on the interview and was offered the job that evening.

Why was it that I was so willing to hand over my power, my self belief to others? Why did I trust that they knew what was better for me than I did?

If you trace the roots back to find the origin of this mystery you find that after a family secret was revealed when I was in my teens, I didn’t believe I knew myself at all. And realizing that this secret made me “different” from my family members, I did not fight for the bits I thought I did know. Instead, I looked to others for answers and hoped that in being who they wanted I would be loved.

I am not going to sit here and place blame for the mistakes of family. Though some were hard to swallow, the good, bad and ugly have helped to make me the person I am today – and I don’t think I’m that awful

The only thing I can change is the present. So now, I listen to myself. When I hear that voice, the little one inside that gets excited over things, I trust it. I write reaffirming “I am …” statements because I am always something new. I splash paint across paper without judgment or worry about the outcome.

I remember that girl at 17 who knew some of her heart far better than she realized and when I do, I return to my yoga mat. For yoga was far from a passing fad for me. It is a place I return to when I need centering, love, belief, hope. I practice because practicing isn’t a fad it’s a lifelong journey. I practice yoga, writing, creating art, living and I remind myself that I know my heart.

Then I smile remembering that it’s ok to be me, to be all that I am because I love me and that’s the most important thing. Loving me means I can love others well. Love isn’t conditional; it’s unconditional just like our intuition. Our intuition isn’t conditional, it’s an unconditional voice of love meant to guide us along our way!

Who do you or have you given your personal power to? Why? Are you listening to you now?? Do you trust your own heart?? It’s scary but I believe in you!! Remember we are SO much more!

You know who I mean, right?  The “they” that everyone is always talking about.  The “they” that says all manner of things.  “You know what they say… [insert statement here].”

Are “they” wise beings?  “They” must be because so many of us take their advice so readily, sometimes even overriding our own intuition on the matter.  It’s a fact that – at least in my own experience – can lead to certain complication of things.

“They” are powerful beings.  “They” have to be, given all the personal power each of us gives them so much of our adult life.

So, are these, then, “the experts” that I hear so much about; that are so often referred to?  Are “they” one in the same?  Doctors?  Government officials?  Teachers?  Scientists?  Heads of religions?  Our parents?

How many times do we give/have given our personal power, our power for free thought  and will to others outside ourselves because we think they “know better” than we do? (Doctors “practice medicine”.  Why??  Because they haven’t gotten it right yet?)

Yet, what do all these people have in common?  They’re human, just like us!  They don’t have god-like powers of perception that we don’t, do they?  No, and they are not always wiser than we are.  So, why do we allow them to make such important decisions for us?  Why do we allow them to shape and mold us, our actions, our dreams, and, sometimes, without question?  What are we, if we do not question?  Lemmings?  Sheep?  Sheeple?

One of the biggest steps that must be taken, I believe, in embracing and becoming our true, authentic self is the first step away from a herd-like mentality.  It is also why getting away from personal labels is so important.  While the act of labeling ourselves separates us from the greater herd, it only succeeds in placing us in a smaller, sub-herd. It’s akin to taking a flock of sheep and separating them into groups based on what day you plan to eat them.  It’s just one more group with which to identify ourselves.

The problem with that is that each of us is a unique individual with different qualities, traits, experiences.  No two of us is alike.  So, why should we try to force ourselves into what equates to nothing more than a box, which limits our movement.

The same can be said for always following what “they” and “the experts” say without question.  What is true and “right and proper” for one is not necessarily the case for another.  So, why do we allow the thoughts and perceptions of these people limit us, our thoughts, and our perceptions?

Is there some bit of “wisdom” from someone else that you are holding onto that is no longer serving you, your circumstances, your loved ones?

The Thursday Sweet Treat (TST) has been a part of my life for several years now. It is something that I LOVE doing.  Each week, I marvel at the works created by recurring artists as well as new ones. However, over the course of the last several years I have changed considerably as a writer and artist. When I started the TST, it was a reflection of who and where I was in life. Since that time, I have gone through so many revolutions that it only seems right that the basic idea behind the Thursday Sweet Treat go through its own revolution.

So after much thought and careful consideration, I am bringing this weekly experience to an end. Though I use the word – end – this is really a new beginning.

About a year into the TST, an idea was born that I have not given life to and I believe now is the time. I am currently in the process of growing this idea and will unveil it in the Fall 2011.

For now, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for every submission, every word of praise shared in the comments, every cheer from those who chose to share as well as those who simply chose to watch from afar. Thank you for the beautiful friendships that have blossomed in my life as a result of this experience.

The works of art, the motivation, the dedication to each theme has been inspiring. YOU have all changed my life for the better and know this. Please remember this may be the end of this format but it is not the end of the idea of the Thursday Sweet Treat. I like to think of this as a growth spurt. Sometimes growth is painful but it is always necessary and without it, we wouldn’t have the beauty of the butterfly.

Thank you from my heart to yours.

I will see you for some new magic in the Fall!

Special Note: The Storyteller Village now has its own blog, Village Voices. Please pop over to read posts by Dawna and me and enter an amazing blog contest!

Serendipity.

When I say that word what comes to mind? For these spectacular artists, it was beauty beyond imagine. Please join me as we celebrate there gorgeous, professional works.

Trina, the creative mastermind behind Woven Chains Jewelry, created this unforgettable piece.
 
“My Serendipity this week was finding beauty in a time of great difficulty,” said Trina. ” A little over a week ago, my dad had a minor stroke. Thank goodness, he is doing amazingly well — if you hadn’t seen him directly after the the incident, you wouldn’t know anything had been wrong. This was the bracelet that I made sitting in his hospital room, hoping for that recovery. This piece will always have a special place in my heart.”
 
http://wovenchains.etsy.com

 
“Hello to all my creativity-lovin’, joy-making, smile-inducing, earth-shaking buddies! says Amanda. ” My submission looks a little different this week, but I couldn’t not share this moment of serendipity. Today my husband and I enjoyed our first bike ride in years, and it was such a wonderful experience to share–so freeing, flying along on this gorgeous summer day. A few moments after we returned home, I looked down and found this sweet feather at my feet: flying and free, just like us.”

My friend Julia said one word – “seek” and my mind has not stopped racing. I am seeing something right now…but what?

I seek ….to let go of things and relationships that only bring me unhappiness

….to be MORE me!

….to have more peace within

….to PLAY sooo much more

…..to swing on a swing set on moonlight

…..to FULLY unleash my wild child

…..to hear what YOU are seeking right now!!

Part of my soul is quite wild and restless. That’s something I wasn’t aware of until I started to peel away layers of labels and years of packing truths away. It rises to the surface like bubbles in champagne and makes my pulse quicken. It longs to explore, connect, discover and rejoice.

Though we live in a society that does not always seem to value Nature, I wondered what my inner restlessness, my “wild” might look like. When I close my eyes and turn this energy into something it is more than winds blowing, it is a creature. It is a dolphin.

Dolphins are playful explorers of the unknown who live between two worlds – the water and the sky into which they  soar. I, too, live between two worlds – the world where I am a Mom, etc. and the other where I am merely a playful spirit exploring all there is with hungry eyes and fingers itching to create.

As wanderers of wildness, dolphins discover vast seascapes and leap out of the water to kiss the sky. That is what the wildness feels like within me. Instead of silencing it I am going to celebrate it, see where it leads me. What might I let out upon the page in words or images if my focus was simply to explore the landscape of feelings and thoughts? How far might I travel in search of new adventures and people if I let myself seek whatever my heart longs to seek?

Letting the wildness free to play will allow me to kiss the sky, make love to the stars and embrace the moon. It will open my heart to give thanks and prayer for what’s been brought to life within me and all that I am lucky enough to be able to share.

Instead of packing wild away, I look at the dolphins and think – if I can celebrate it in them, I can celebrate it in me.

What calls to you? What does wildness or restless in your heart look like? What would it look like if it was an animal?

Special Announcements: I am SOOOO excited to share this interview that I was invited to do with Jeniffer, creator of Joyful Arts Studio! She is an amazing, warm, talented, creative artist with a BRAND NEW site that ROCKS!! Please stop by, check out our interview and leave some love for her awesome new web home!! http://www.joyfulartsstudio.com/artist-interview/inspiring-artist-natasha-reilly/

When you have finished reading this stellar post by Dawna, come on over to Village Voices and see our new blog!!! Yes, the Village is growing and new things are happening…come and see!!!!! Much more to come tomorrow YAY!!!!!!

Self Care: Battling Your Inner Gremlin To Save Your Inner Queen

In my past posts, I’ve addressed some deep subjects.  I’ve talked about the starting point of my own journey toward self re-connection, as well as those self-defeating habits that I’ve battled along the way.  This time, I’d go a little lighter and discuss… self care.

What did your inner meanie… your gremlin… say when you just read that?  “Oooooh… there’s just not enough time in the day”?  Or “how selfish is that”?  Well, that’s just fine.  Let the Inner Gremlin say what she (or he) wants to, but part of this journey is learning to take care of Numera Una.  Because, if we can’t do that… then we cannot take care of anyone else to the best of our abilities.  So, in the end?  We’re not being that selfish…

Now, for starters?  I’m going to ask you to close your eyes.  I want you to imagine yourself sitting on a large, ornately decorated throne.  It can be gilded.  It can be wood, intricately carved and encrusted with precious gems.  Really feel it as you run your hands over the arms of this richly beautiful chair.

There you sit.  Feel your spine straighten in a most regal manner as a crown of diamonds is placed upon your head.  You are the monarch… the Queen of your kingdom.

“Oooohhh… your royal highness,” one of your servants (who just happens to closely resemble your spouse/significant other/partner of your dreams) asks as he/she bows low, “what is your wish?”

Now, I would like you to answer that question in all honesty for me.  What is it that would bring you peace and joy in this moment in time?  A mini-spa treatment?  Sitting outside, on the grass under a tree as you write in your journal?  Snapping a few photos while you’re out there?  Or playing in paint for awhile?  What would lighten your spirit?

I was poking around Facebook the other day and I saw where the Mommyologist posted a quote from one of her friends.  I thought it was absolutely fabulous and goes right along with what I’m trying to get you to do here…

”If you’re not being treated with the love & respect you deserve, Check Your “Price Tag”. Perhaps you have marked YOURSELF down. It’s YOU who tells people YOUR worth by what you ACCEPT. Get off the “Clearance Rack” and get behind the glass case where they keep the Valuables. Bottom line – VALUE YOURSELF MORE”.

We are Queens of our domains… of all we survey in our own little pieces of the world.  We deserve to be treated as such, however, until WE start treating ourselves in the manner that a Queen deserves, no one else will.  Once we do…  Once we exert our royalness, and, first, treat ourselves with the love and respect that we deserve… others will notice and follow suit.  And, even if they don’t?  You’ll still feel FAB-U-LOUS because you are taking care of YOU!

Okay.  Now, I want you to think back and remember what it was that you asked for as you mentally sat upon your throne.  Do you have it in your mind?  Got it?  Good!  I want you to promise me that you will do that one thing between now and the next time we meet here on Creative Nachos, and if you want to share it with me in all its deliciously “hedonistic” wonder, nothing would make me happier than to read it!  Feel free to email me at dawna AT village-voices DOT com and share!

And if you don’t want to share… that’s okay too, but I ask you to please, PLEASE do this for me.  But most of all… do it for yourself because you ARE loved AND deeply respected.

Until next time, dear friends, TAKE CARE!

Sooooo, one of the things I LOVE about teaching and blogging is that I get to meet the most fabulous souls from around the globe. I get to read their amazing works in class or with my blog I get to bask in thought-provoking comments. Once upon a class, I met a super creative, radiant, fabulous writer/artist named Fran with an equally fabulous, creative site, “Inspiration Station.” Don’t you just love that name?? Like you could take your creative train to a super artsy stop, Inspiration Station!

Well this stellar woman asked if she could interview me ….what an honor! How could I say no?? SOOO, please pop over to Inspiration Station for an interview with moi , leave a little love and let me know what you think

Oh and just a little reminder – the TST theme this coming Thursday is Serendipity so you have time to submit!!!

Also…PSST come a little closer, I have something to tell you….I have a surprise for you next week….yup! A really cool one so come on back ok???

Special Note: The TST has been postponed this week. The Serendipity theme will be revealed next Thursday. Thank you!

This week, I would like to bring you a very different, very special type of art collective. Lynna Goldhar Smith, a talented, exceptionally creative woman I consider myself lucky to call friend, has been working on a play that she will be bringing to the Vancouver Fringe this year. I have watched as Lynna as put her blood, sweat, tears, heart, soul and passion into this  “… dark comedy about how life in the City of Dreams can be a bit of a nightmare for some folk.”  How can you not be inspired by that??

Currently, Lynna has put together a fundraiser to make this dream become a reality. Please visit Wet Ink Collective if you would like to make a donation to the project. Each person who donates will receive a beautiful archival quality art prints, and be listed in the program as a sponsor. Yours truly donated two prints and I am so thrilled to be in the company of some of the finest artists around the globe – from New Zealand to New York and beyond.

Even if you are unable to donate right now, take a moment to read about Lynna’s work and view the amazing artwork that has been shared in support of Lynna’s fantastic project!

Lynna, thank you for being an inspiration by making your dreams come true!!