Satori Vibe

2012 - The Year of Change

2012-01-23T15:12:00.003-06:00

Here we are in the first month of 2012.

What does it mean? Is the world going to end this year?

Nope.

I have noticed this year that I do seem to be much more introspective, and I don't think it is related to just the beginning of a new year and all that resolution stuff. I can sense some type of difference in how I am viewing my life now and going forward.

The interesting thing is... I have seen it in what other people are doing too. It feels like we are at a critical mass for change. There are old beliefs and "old ways" that are struggling to hold onto control - i.e.: the Tea Party beliefs, ultra conservative viewpoints, and those that look to suppress.

It is an amazing time we are living in right now. I see a lot of good in the world and the critical mass of like minded people wanting to make a change in the world for the better. Maybe it is because we are all more connected now through the likes of Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites or maybe most of us have just had enough of old thoughts and stagnating. I think it is a little of both. I find myself thinking more, and more about sharing my thoughts with the world whether through written word or art. I have seen this also in several postings by my friends and family lately. It is pretty awesome.

Our world is changing, no matter how hard some people try to control it. That is what I think 2012 is about - change. I am looking forward to the ride.

Sabatical from Writing

2010-02-08T13:17:00.003-06:00

I feel that my pseudo-sabbatical from writing is now finally over. It is hard to believe it's been about four months since my last post, but a lot has gone on since then.

The holidays, were busy, busy, busy. We hosted a Halloween party, which was a total blast, then Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years festivities... I'm finally recovered.

So back to the creative "grindstone", which to me is really not a grindstone, but enjoyable efforts. I have a couple projects in mind right now. I am a Unitarian Universalist, and over the years I have really discovered that I love doing UU themed artwork. So, that will be what I am going to concentrate on in 2010. Plans for new designs for my "Studio Mira" Cafe' Press store is underway. Also, some original artworks to have available on Etsy.

The old creative juices are a flowing, which is a beautiful thing my friends.

Artistic Medium - Top 10 Rules

2009-10-21T16:31:00.004-05:00

I struggle sometimes with focusing myself on an artistic medium when I have an idea for a project in my head. Will I get my message across better in a beaded piece of jewelry, a photograph, a drawing, etc....?? Being a project manager by day, I make lists and think about steps that will help me move a project along. The same can go for when I am creating.

Top 10 items to consider with figuring out your medium:

What medium "speaks" to you at the time and for the message you want to convey?
What is your mood at the time? Do you need something that you get your hands dirty to help you enter the artistic creative state?
Do you want to enjoy the process as much as the outcome? Some mediums are "quicker" for an outcome than others.
Is the artwork for you or someone else? When it boils down to creating art, it is mostly for the artist, but are you choosing to give as a gift or such?
Is there a type of medium that gets your creative juices flowing more than others?
Do you want to try something new? Are you willing to learn something new?
Is cost a factor? You don't want to squelch your creativity with trying to create a piece of artwork with wanting to do it in a medium that you can't afford to do it in.
Durability - that may sound weird, but do you want the piece of artwork to be touched, handled, worn?
Have you considered your audience? If you are creating something for a child for instance, you may create in a different medium than you would for an adult.
When you think about creating, what do you think of using as your medium? This is pretty simplistic, but I know when I think about creating art, I have visualize myself doing it.

Now go forth and create!

Realization in Life

2009-09-26T20:00:00.002-05:00

I have come to realize that the 2 floods Lynn and I experienced one year apart from one another is still affecting me. Labor Day this year was the 3 year anniversary of the first flood. Just like any disaster, natural or otherwise, it is hard for those outside of the event to fathom the long reaching impacts. Post traumatic stress is real - I know.

I think back to that day 3 years ago and even though a lot has occurred since then, my life kind of stopped. It is hard for me to describe what I mean, but it really sums up to the PTS. Before the first flood, I was very involved in my community and church, and that day - it all stopped.

It is hard to write about, but I think it is important to get it out there for healing reasons. It has taken me 3 yrs to do so, but I feel it is time. Moving on is hard, and it really has been slow deliberate baby steps for me. I want those steps to change to strides. So, I am forcing myself to read more on topics that I think will help. And, the next step is involvement. I think it does not help I work from home. Once I get nested in my office for the day, it is hard to leave. That step needs to be taken. I miss volunteering - I miss meeting new people.

Steps into strides...

Where Am I?

2009-08-09T16:07:00.002-05:00

I recognized today that during the last month or so, I have been so preoccupied with work project matters, that I have not taken care of my creative and spiritual side. I have kind of broken a vow to myself to be cognizant of when that happens because I was so engrossed with work matters, it was hard to think of anything else. Thankfully, today I had a chance to just "be still" and think. I relish that I was actually able to do that and recognize that work has been overwhelming things lately.

I have a full week off on vacation this week. I am hoping to regain some of the momentum I have lost on beadwork, cooking, writing, and doing other creative endeavors. I also hope to get over to the Zen Buddhist center just right outside of my town. I have been wanting to visit there for quite while now, and I have not taken that step. Just like anything new, it takes me a while to get up the nerve to try it, but I know it will be worth the trip. And, it might open up some new doors for me.

Happiness

2009-07-06T21:54:00.002-05:00

A quote I stumbled on today:
"Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections." ~Unkown

I have to say, I agree with this for the most part. I think in an a relatively stable existence, with no major life altering situations, this does apply. Thankfully, I am at that point in my life. I feel I can deal pretty well with most of the stuff that is thrown at me. The being happy with where I am at is the part that has to consciously be worked on on a daily basis. I grew up in a household that wasn't necessarily conducive to cultivating personal happiness. The old term "walking on eggshells" really did apply. Now I realize that. It is amazing what maturity can do for someone. I don't look at stuff the same way I did in the past. I can alter my perception and move on the mundane influences.

This is a good thing to remember when being creative. Alter your perception, be happy with where you are at, and don't let the mundane drag down the creative process. Do I beat myself up mentally when I am not being prolific with my creative ventures? Yes. Do I need to or should I? No. It is a matter of moving beyond.

Do As I Say, Not As I Do

2009-06-28T16:32:00.003-05:00

I know I have written about this before, but I struggle with other people's bad behavior. I think that most bad behavior stems from control issues. I try to be cognizant of my actions around children especially. I don't understand how a parent can have numerous bad habits or addictions and not see how that may affect their children sometimes both physically and mentally.

I grew up in a household of parental mind games and bad habits. I know for a fact it had an influence me. That is why I think I may write behaviors often because I am hypersensitive to certain behaviors. Both my parents had good qualities like the love of creativity, trying different things in life, lapidary, boating, and rockhounding, but also the shadow side. It was not always peaches and cream growing up. Infidelity, divorce, passive-aggressive mind games also were in the picture. And the "wonderful" Catholic guilt mentality. I have to constantly be cognizant of the passive-aggressive and guilt stuff myself. As I get older, I am even more conscious of it and I work to not do those bad habits myself. So, that is why it tends to come up as a topic sometimes. I think writing about it gets it out there where it is not hiding from reality.

Reality is that yes, bad habits and behaviors are the part of everyone's upbringing, but we have to look at what is the lesson. I learned the behaviors I did not want to follow in my adult life. And, I find myself pondering why people fall into certain habits. Especially those that are hurtful to others or counter-productive in life. To me, that is one of the mysteries of behaviors in the human race.

The draw of beadwork

2009-06-14T01:48:00.002-05:00

My drafting table in my office is now cleared off well enough that I can actually do some projects. I made it level, so I am able to do beaded jewelry. I had forgotten how much I enjoy making my own necklaces and bracelets that express my own taste.

And, its different now with making jewelry, when I first started doing bead-work I had very poor supplies. Over the years, my inventory has grown exponentially, and I now have the proper findings and tools to create some quite lovely pieces. I am proud to wear what I have created. I think it helps me express my individuality, which sometimes I feel like I have lost in some circles.

I am glad I found some of myself again.

What to say when someone tells you they are dying?

2009-06-03T13:40:00.002-05:00

I have had people say shocking things to me before regarding health, but I have never experienced the type of situation I did today. In my day job, I am a project manager for a major wireless telecommunications call, and I joined a weekly conference call held on Thursday's about a pretty mundane topic. The call leader kicked off the meeting with sadly informing us that her cancer has come back and it is now in her lungs and liver. She stated that even though she was taking rounds of chemo, the prognosis was not very good and her doctor told her to get her affairs in order. Then explained that one of her co-workers would be taking over the series going forward, and then proceeded through with her normal action item updates on the call.

What can I say to a virtual stranger that I have never met in person in a situation where it is a very personal tragic situation being shared in a public work forum? I was speechless and shocked. I mean, what could I even say on the call that would have come across as heartfelt and compassionate as I wanted it to be? I am still at a loss for words. I am in at awe of people being able to share such personal situations with others. I don't know if I could do that with co-workers, but I think it depends on the person and the immediate situation. My co-worker needed to express this to us, and I commend her for her courage to share it. I try to look at situations on what is the lesson I should learn from them, and I don't know if in this situation that has more of a lesson for me than "just being there" on that call at that time. I just don't know...

Clear the Space, Clear the Mind

2009-05-20T23:41:00.002-05:00

I must admit, I have been overwhelmed with the thought of cleaning my garage. Over the winter "stuff" just accumulated in my workshop / studio space in my 2 car garage. It is FINALLY cleaned out. It took a good mental nudge to get it going. When I first started the endeavor, it took me a while to snap out of just staring at the mess.

But, I did eventually get going on it, and now I have my primary creative space back. I feel a great weight has lifted from me. I think a lot of people run into this, we just get so overwhelmed with the material junk and stuff in our lives, it takes away from us focusing on other things. It is good that that is now addressed, and I can start working on some gourd carving this coming weekend.

The next step for me is to clean my home-office. That will be a significant task, but I know that it will make me even feel more centered.

What I learned

2009-04-23T23:27:00.004-05:00

I found out recently that my high school art teacher is retiring this year. I want to make a consorted effort to go visit her before the school year ends, and I hope I will be able to do that.

She was a very special person, one of those teachers that truly cared about her students and tried to inspire them to have faith in their own creativity. I thank her for that. She was the one person in my teenage years that told me I was "good enough" to pursue art and creativity in whatever form suited me.

I believe all of us have the potential to be a mentor to someone. To inspire another individual with believing in themselves. All of us have worth and all of us have a place in this world. While you may not completely understand someones chosen path or lifestyle, it is a part of them, not the whole package. I think it is our job as reasonable and responsible adults to see past the cover story and help others.

So how do you inspire? It does not need to be a grand gesture, it can be as simple as living consciously with a soul of a citizen. It may be where you are consistent with your pursuit of an interest, and becoming an expert on it. Or, it could be where you just listen to someone, and support them with their decisions at the time. Its our job to be open to the possibilities that we may have impact with our actions and words.

Life Lesson:
"Value those that have come into your life as a mentor or teacher. These individuals are wise and can help you see beyond your current viewpoint, and help you believe in your true potential."

There You Are

2009-04-19T17:38:00.002-05:00

I have been thinking a lot about the saying, "No matter where you go, there you are" lately. I know several people that all they have to say about anything is negative, and they think that they will be happier if the "just" did this or that, whether it is their pining to move from where they currently live or changing jobs. I used to have that same perspective, but that changed.

What changed my perspective is experiencing two major floods that were less than one year apart. With experiencing such life altering events can either change your outlook on life or it can break you. I chose take the more positive route. I have extreme gratitude life and appreciate where I am at at this moment. Yes, I want to grow further personally, but I am not disappointed or critical of where I am now.

I feel at peace with my where I am right now, but it took a long way to get here. I don't want to go back to how I looked at the world before, because I personally found it to cause needless tension.

W.I.I.F.M.

2009-04-15T07:47:00.003-05:00

In my day job, I am a project manager for a major wireless telecommunications company, and one of the terms that we use in the corporate world is W.I.I.F.M. (What's In It For Me). Business wise, it is a very, very useful concept to always have in mind because it keeps you grounded in always considering the benefit of the end result with how it affects your internal and external customers.

In "real life" W.I.I.F.M. can be good, and it can be bad.

Good W.I.I.F.M.: The good can be very good such as personal gratification of a job well done on a piece of artwork, or seeing the personal benefit of what you are doing and how it affects others. Let's face it, as artists, we would not create unless we saw a benefit.

Bad W.I.I.F.M.: This type is where you are always looking out for "# 1" and not considering how your decisions or actions can have negative impacts on other people. Narcissism is main flavor of bad W.I.I.F.M. The problem with the "bad" is that usually the person that has this perspective does not understand this or does not "want" to take a step back to understand the negative impacts. It is a sad case in this instance.

I personally strive to embrace good W.I.I.F.M. because I want what I create and do to have a positive impact. Life is way to complex and short to not consider the good.

Chaos and Drama

2009-04-13T00:19:00.004-05:00

In this 35th year of my life, I have come to realize that I have so much more to learn about human beings and human nature. I have this one nagging topic that rears it's head that is related to how people treat others. I KNOW I can not change anyone's actions or thoughts, even if I see them as hurtful and just plain wrong (in my opinion), but I wish I could.

I know for my own sanity, I need to step away from the situation that is causing frustration, and just let it take its own course since it does not have to do with my immediate family. The problem is, I hate seeing well meaning people get hurt. That I do have a problem with, but I think most individuals with a conscience do also. So what do I do? What can I do? Nothing. I need to accept that. I need to realize that I am really an outsider to the situation. I can't be in another person's head, though it would be interesting to be.

Please note, the issue is NOT one of direct physical abuse or any other type of major abuse, it is about human relations, and how different two or more people could look at the same situation. If it was about abuse, then yes, I would take proper action.

For myself, it is a realization that thinking about an issue that is not directly impacting my immediate family or myself is really a waste of my emotions and mental energy, both of which need a break.

It is so easy to get caught up in drama. I think as a society, especially the American society, a lot of us thrive on having constant drama in our lives. Why? Are we so afraid to have peace, stability, and quiet that we need constant chaos? I do not know the answer. All I know is that I don't want it in my life anymore.

When drama comes into life, it takes away the focus of the important things: love, warmth, understanding, creativity, and being true to one's self. I don't want to lose focus on those things anymore. I value myself, my family, and my time way too much.

Time Slipping Away

2009-03-15T22:37:00.003-05:00

I am amazed how long it has been since I have last posted. Ironically, I thought I was back into the swing of things with blogging. As you can see this has been an experiment in my own commitment to taking care my creative self. It is not to say that I have not done creative things over the last month, but I have not written to share them.

So what have I been doing since the last posting? Well, a lot of finally getting my house in order. It is amazing how good it makes you feel when you have accomplished simple house re-organizing. Even the simple act of moving a couch sometimes is enough to breath an appreciative sigh with the revelation on "why didn't I think of doing that before". I feel that the home Lynn and I have together is ours. It has our taste and like predominately showing. We are not scared of the use of color or hanging art on the walls. It is us, and I love it. When I walk downstairs now in the morning, I instantly smile because I know our home has character.

The Brave Artist

2009-02-17T22:45:00.003-06:00

So, here I sit pondering what to write. It has been a while... This last month has had a lot of activity. I had to travel for work, Valentine's Day was upon us, and I somehow lost site for blogging. I think I am back into the swing of things now.

Sometimes, it is hard to write about creativity. Who am I to give anyone my opinion or advise in the realm of creativity? -- I think that sometimes, but I remember that my unique perspective may be insightful to others or help you with inspiration.

Life Lesson:
"Life takes courage every day. It is a personal choice to live to one's full potential."

It take courage to write, it takes courage to put paint to canvas, or pencil to paper. Have I personally lost my nerve? Yes my friend, I have. I remind myself though that one has to be brave to face the world, and try to have an impact on ourselves and others in a positive way. What I may do artistically may seem small beans to others, but if I do it consistently and take those small steps, it is fulfilling. That I think is the goal to life: to be fulfilled. I am getting there.

Where to find inspiration....

2009-02-01T19:58:00.006-06:00

Well... you can find inspiration pretty much anywhere that stimulates the senses. Today, Lynn and I went to Madison for just a simple trip to run errands, and just stopping at a couple of the places on our excursion kind of inspired me. I love seeing other's artwork, no matter how small the venue. For instance, were were at Whole Foods today, and there were some original artworks being displayed on the walls of the cafe. They all were by the same artist, and they were whimsical and quirky. I find it inspiring that the artist had the courage to display her works.

Courage inspires. Courage is what all of us need to have in order to take those glorious steps with our own creative course. I know that I have to work on having courage continuously when I start doing a work of art or even getting to the ball rolling with a project.

Big and Little Appreciation

2009-01-21T23:33:00.002-06:00

I was transfixed on the Inauguration yesterday. I am so thankful that we are starting a new chapter in our American history, because we just did not need another 4 to 8 years of the same. I feel renewed and energized with the change! I think this is the shot in the arm that our country needed to start to get out of the ills we have been feeling. I appreciate this big change, and I relish the fact that I was able to watch it all unfold.

On the flip side, I am trying to make an effort to not forget about appreciating the little things also. In a way, it is a forced appreciation, because of the economy. Everyone that I know has had to tighten their spending belts since before Christmas, and I don't really see that changing in the near future. But, I think this tightening has been a good lesson for me. I am not just appreciating things anymore out of necessity, but also out of true appreciation. I love a good Bing cherry and a good orange. I appreciate being creative in my cooking and not relying on boxed or restaurant food so much anymore. And, mostly I appreciate the fact that right now I really don't "want" for anything. Sure, there are certain things that are needed to be purchased for the house this year, but as far as personal items, I feel content right now.

Awareness My Friend...

2009-01-14T23:38:00.007-06:00

My poor body has been in a state of neglect regretfully for sometime. Part of it was due to post traumatic stress after going through two major floods within a year, and part of of it was being depressed about that on top of the stress. I can thankfully say that I think I am coming out of the funk that held onto me for a good couple years. It amazes me how I let myself forget how good I feel when I take my vitamins, eat healthy, and get some exercise!

It was not a new years resolution that spurred me to get healthy again, it was more like it was enough is enough! I know how to be healthy; I know what makes me feel good - Just do it darn it!

This also goes for healthy actions and thoughts. It is a very Buddhist concept "right thought and right action". Both stimulate my creativity. When I clear my mind and not have negative thoughts, then I tend to be more fruitful in my creativity. I like that, as a matter of fact... I love it.

Life lesson:

"Be aware of what is being put into your body both mentally and physically. Quality thoughts and quality food nourish the body and soul."

Fear the Greatest Obstacle

2009-01-08T22:53:00.003-06:00

I know I have written about fear before in the blog, but I believe this topic never gets old as far as discussing or thinking about it. In creativity, I think that fear is the biggest obstacle that any person faces. Whether it is fear of starting a project, fear of failure, or even fear of success, all artists or creatives have fear. For me, I fear success more than I fear failure. I am not sure why that is, but it tends to rear it's head when I get going on a project. I have to backburner those feelings in order to actually complete what I started out to do.

If you search the web about fear and creativity, you will get a lot of hits. I think it will always be a hot topic, becuase it happens to all of us at one time or another. But, why do we fear, is it how we are wired as humans, is it a basic instinct, what is the root? I think a lot of the reason I fear things is becuase of my experiences growing up. It is something I know that I must work on daily to move past it. The best thing that I have found for myself is to read about it. I think the more one learns on how to cope with it and mechanisms to help, the easier it gets to manage fear, and even in some cases see that it can be a good thing.

Holiday Inspiration

2008-12-24T01:12:00.002-06:00

This week is going to be filled with traveling back and forth to northern Illinois. I don't mind that because all the trips are visits to family for the holidays. Now that I am officially off on vacation the next week and a half, I am starting to feel more inspired, and it also helped that I got over my fear of using my sewing machine again. I have not used it since about this time last year, but it felt good and very familiar when I got to sewing some gifts for friends. I am also sewing pet pillows and toys this year. I did that last year, and it worked out really good; the cats are still playing with the catnip toys I made them, and this year's batch of cat toys will be more potent because we grew our own catnip this year.

I am so thankful for the time off from my "day job". Although work slowed down, I desperately needed a break. It is good, very good to have this time around the holidays. I am long overdue with seeing my sister and her family and I am excited about seeing Lynn's side of the family also. It is always good to reconnect with those you love.

Too Much in the Details?

2008-12-18T22:22:00.004-06:00

Lynn and I were talking tonight about a recent print she picked up to be framed and hung in our dining room. A comment was made that it would be my job to cut the picture down to size and frame it because I am so detailed when I do things. I really never thought of myself as being detail oriented, or at least I have not accepted that in my nature for the most part. I think this stems from the creative drive and thinking that to be creative, I also need to have a free spirit all the time. The more I think about that, the more I realize that being detailed has its place in the artistic world and in my creative world in particular. When I create, I like to be detailed. That may be why I like to do bead work and embellish items.

In the broader scope of the creative world, being detailed really is the nature of a lot of great artists. For instance, Georges Seurat's "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte". It is one of my favorite impressionist pieces. The whole very large painting is made up of dots of paint. It took him two years to do. It truly is a masterpiece of patience and persistence.

Listening to Your Muse

2008-12-12T07:00:00.004-06:00

When I am still or have time to myself to just "think" it always seems to be about art and creating art. I usually think about the process of creating a piece, the concept of something I want to design, and what I want the message to be. I find this to be for the most part a blessing, because it entertains me and inspires me. It is nice to think and daydream about the creative process. Where there may be a problem is if all the daydreaming and thinking about the process does not ever lead to anything.

Life lesson for today:

"Listen to your inner muses. Great thoughts should lead many times to great actions. In-action is your enemy."

In-action is your enemy in the sense that if you have some awesome creative stuff running through your mind, and it never comes to fruition, it is a shame. One's creative voice should not be suppressed. All of us have a right to be creative. Embrace it.

Free Resource to My Readers

2008-12-10T00:03:00.002-06:00

A Free Creativity Resource courtesy of Artella:

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From the Heart

2008-12-09T23:43:00.002-06:00

I have been doing a lot of thinking about the goodness in people lately, and I was talking to one of my friends about one of the most heartfelt gifts I received in my life. It is a simple plaque that was given to me by my godson, Sam, about 8 years ago. It basically states that it does not matter what car you drive, the house you own, or how much money you have, what matters is that you were in the life of a child. He was about 7 or so when he picked that gift out for me for one of my Birthdays. When he gave it to me, I was so taken aback all I could do was hug him tightly and cry.

So my point is, that small gift has meant so much to me over the years, that other more expensive gifts I have received pale in comparison to the how heartfelt that one was. The plaque has a place of honor in my home office where I see it everyday as I leave the room.

This leads to this posting's life lesson:
"Your social status or monetary wealth are not who you are personally. Both status and wealth can go away in the blink of an eye. Our inner strength and character are true measures of what makes us who we are."

No matter how much money you have or don't have does not define you as a person. I have gotten to know many truly amazing people in my life, and I don't look at their social status or wealth, what I look at is how they "are" deep in their hearts. I find that those that come from a genuine place are those people I want and need to be around.

The Holiday Spirit

2008-12-03T16:04:00.002-06:00

So this year's holiday season kicked off quite well. Lynn's parents and my brother and his family all came to Thanksgiving. Note to anyone who EVER considers rotisserie-ing a duck on the grill... DON'T DO IT! 700 degrees later we had a very charred bird (that greasy, fatty, little duck...) ! But, we did have a smashing success with the Turkey. I followed the "Good Eats" Recipe, it was great! Everyone was in great spirits and the dinner went quite well. I was so glad we had the time together.

For Christmas this year, Lynn has to work that day. Unfortunately, she works in the telecommunications tech support industry and she is one of the low persons on the totem pole. But, thankfully she gets off work at 3:30 that day, so we will be able to have a nice dinner that evening. Neither of us are too upset about her having to work, other than (hopefully) having to schedule another day to get together with her family. We put it in the perspective that Christmas is more than just ONE day, it really has to do with the whole season. The tree is up, the house is decorated for the most part, and we have been watching a ton of holiday movies. We are in the holiday spirit.

This coming Saturday there will be a lighted parade on the square. We only live about 5 blocks away, so I plan to walk up town and meet Lynn after she gets off work for the parade. We are really looking forward to it, and I hope to get some good pictures.

Treating Others With Respect

2008-11-17T22:11:00.005-06:00

The 2008 presidential elections made my passions flare. I did not agree with the opinions of the Republican party on most, if not all, of their political stances. I became very passionate about defending my opinions to a fault. Lynn had to reel me in quite a few times and remind me that even though other's opinions may vary or be drastically different than ours, we have to allow them to have an opinion and treat them with respect.

It goes back to the golden rule, which really spans most major religions. That is why I think one of the life lessons that I wrote has to do with respecting others:

"Treat others with kindness and respect. All of us have value and worth, even those that have differing opinions or are from different backgrounds. "

I learned on Saturday that it is very similar to one of "Eight Verses of Thougt Transformation" -- the verse is: "Determined to obtain the greatest possible benefit for all sentient beings, who are more precious than a wish-fullfilling jewel, I shall hold them most dear at all times" (Composed by Langri Tangpa Dorje Senghe). You will see in later postings that this verse also applies to some of the other 21 life lessons. I wrote the lesson a couple months ago, well before I knew anything about the 8 verses.

I think treating other's with respect / the golden rule is one of the core concepts to the meaning of life for most of us. I know for me, it is very important, but is a struggle when it is someone who has a different opinion than my own. I need to keep it as something I am cognizant of and practice to the best of my ability.

In the art or creative world the concept of respect also applies. When I was in high school, I had a friend whose mother was taking photography classes. Her class term paper about a famous photographer was on Maple Thorpe. Thorpe's work is very controversial, but as a budding artist my friends mother came to respect Thorpe for his innovation. She did not necessarily like any of his work, but she respected him as an artist. This is something in the creative world, we should all keep in mind -- even though we not like someones work, we should respect them for their vision and also getting themselves out there for others to even have an opinion on their works.

Much to learn...

2008-11-16T23:35:00.004-06:00

I experienced something this last Saturday that I never did before, I went for a day retreat at a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Madison. The retreat was on mindfulness and meditation, I have MUCH to learn.

First off, sure... I have meditated in the past, but not for a full hour before breakfast, again for an hour after breakfast, and then did walking meditation. I learned that there is much more to Tibetan Buddhist meditation than just quieting ones mind. That is the first stage of learning to meditate. No... there is more... there is meditating on a question or a teaching and trying to figure out what it means to you. I think that is beautiful, but I was no means prepared for the day or that kind of concept. It was intense -- I did not make it through the full day.

After the walking meditation we had an hour of teachings by one of the monks, during that teaching I learned that the topic of the retreat, "The Eight Verses of Thought Transformation" regarding the 8 key attributes that a Bodhisattva embodies or has attained, was considered to be an advanced topic. I was not "there" with my understanding of Buddhist teachings. I did meet some very nice and extremely interesting people during the small group discussion, but I left after lunch. I took in a lot that morning, and I know I have much to learn...

The topic and the day was slightly intimidating, which I think is a little ironic because I have never found anything about Buddhist teachings as intimidating, but my exposure in the past was only what I did through reading or other types of self-discovery. To actually be physically at a temple and with others to learn about teachings is a whole new ball of wax. It was a beautiful experience and I am glad I did it.

Complicating Life

2008-11-14T16:43:00.007-06:00

This week has been pretty dreary as far as weather wise in SW WI. I am trying to adapt to shorter days. It is taking me a while to adapt, and I feel really tired most days, but with that said... this week has been rather good overall.

I promised to post my 21 life lessons that I have identified in the work of fiction I am writing about a spiritual journey of 7 individuals. Here is the first lesson I would like to share:

" Life does not have to be complicated. We are the creators of our own complexity through the daily choices we make."

This lesson is really resounding with me this week. In my "day" job, I have been working on a project a couple months now. The project has gone full circle, and the route we originally intended to go with it is back in the scene. The point I want to make with this, is that I "over thought" the whole project from the beginning. I should have kept it simple and straight forward like it was at first. I tend to make things more complicated than what they need to be. The work project showed me that if I would have stuck with the original plan, I would have had better outcome when presenting it to others. My advise -- keep it simple, and listen to your gut -- it will let you know most times if things are going to get too fussy.

In the creative process we can see complexity creep into it where it really should not be. For instance if you want to do a drawing - dive in! Don't stare at the paper and ponder if you are using the right weight or at the pencil that you are using and wonder if it is the right hardness. Sure... the outcome may be slightly different if you used different mediums, but there should be a freedom and fun in creation; we should not let ourselves get caught up in the weeds of complexity.

B&B's

2008-10-29T15:25:00.004-05:00

B&B's are a wonderful thing. Lynn and I along with our friends Lynn and Ted all spent this last Saturday night at a B&B. We stayed at Fargo Mansion Inn in Lake Mills, WI. It was a gorgeous old place. The structure was built in the 1800's, and it was decorated in every room with antiques. It felt like we were stepping back into the past to a grand old time.

Going away to a B&B usually helps me reflect on life. I thought a lot about the projects that I have been working on, and some other creative ideas. I think it helps to be somewhere where there is not a TV or a computer readily available. I need more trips like this. Over the last year, I have hardly taken any "real" vacation time. Thankfully, I have a week and 1/2 off around Christmas this year. I have been so busy that I forgot that I even put in for that time until I was checking my time off requests from earlier this year!

I mentioned in the previous post that I will be sharing my life lessons, those are definitely to come, but I will also be sharing with you articles about creativity that I have found and also some inspirational creativity quotes also splashed along the way.

So, for today: we have an article from the jpb.com website: 10 Steps to Boosting Your Creativity.
Enjoy...

Direction

2008-10-23T22:58:00.003-05:00

This last weekend was spent at a retreat in Williams Bay, WI. My friend Debby followed her dreams and started her own business instructing NIA dancing and organizing retreats. The retreat was her first that she formally hosted under her new business. I had a fabulous time at the retreat, which I was grateful for because I have been really stressed with work and finishing up school in the last couple months.

The whole week before the retreat I pondered if I should even go, I thought it would be new ground and that I would not hardly know anyone. It was like the anticipation of the first day of school in a new school. I am glad to say I was wrong, I did know almost all the other women that attended the retreat, and I also met a couple new kindred spirits. It was refreshing to be in a space where everyone was free to express themselves and explore new things. Our retreat was centered around a concert on Friday night and a morning workshop on Saturday by Jennifer Berezan. I have been to workshops taught by Jennifer twice before, and she is always phenomenal.

The weekend helped inspire me to get a bit more serious about the writing I have been doing. I have been working on a spiritually themed work of fiction now for a couple years on and off. I think I have a good concept and a good foundation to continue on with developing the story. I feel that I more direction and focus on the project. The center of the work is around seven individuals that are pulled together that all have to learn three life lessons each. So, scattered in future postings I will be sharing the twenty-one life lessons. I think writing about them in the blog will also help me with progress on the project. It is both exciting and scary that I will be putting my "lessons" out there for others to read, but I think it is the right thing to do.

In closing, the photo above was taken at the retreat. I found the weather vane for some reason intriguing. More than anything, I think I was looking for direction that weekend, and this image symbolizes that.

The world of the Rockhound

2008-10-22T20:10:00.003-05:00

When I was young, my parents would take us (my 2 brothers, sister, and myself) rockhounding. I still remember that my sister and I would sit in a pup tent and eat lemons with salt. I think the whole salt with lemons is a family thing because I don't know really anyone else that eats lemons or limes that way! (I digressed a little bit... now back to rockhounding...)

I loved it, but I was very, very young, and it was a very longtime before I did it again.

I did not go rockhounding again until my early 20's. Kind of picked up where I left off years earlier with the love of the search. With one of the geode finds, I popped it open during a "geode" cracking party, and inside of the geode was liquid -- proverbial primordial ooze. It was amazing, becuase there was cracks in the rock that would have allowed the liquid to seep in.

Geodes are one of the earth's amazing geological creations. They are literally formed out of gas bubbles that occured millions of years ago in mud and ooze. The bubble solidified, and over millions of years, the crystals inside formed.

I love rockhounding becuase when you find a crystal or a mineral, you are the first person EVER to find it. I think that is amazing... it took millions of years to form, and YOU were the first one to hold it in your hands.

The Secret to Creativity

2008-10-13T00:57:00.003-05:00

I watched "The Secret" the other night again. I think I have seen it about four times now, and I find something new in it each time I watch it. I truly believe in the law of attaction. I have seen it work in my own life.

As far as the law of attraction when it comes to creativity, just like anything else ... if you apply the law and believe in the law, I think creative influences are attracted into our lives if we allow them to be, and one is open to receiving.

Unlocking The Creative Mind

2008-10-11T03:42:00.002-05:00

I have written several times in the blog about the struggle of being creative. I will be starting a series now regarding how to unlock creativity and the resources that are available to all of us either on the web, in books, or podcasts.

I feel that it is important to share what I have learned over the years and what I continue to learn about when it comes to creativity.

So, here we go... my first resource - a on-line video from the Video Jug folks. This video explains how to improve your creative thinking. Enjoy...

The Struggle

2008-10-09T01:03:00.003-05:00

I love art and the creative process, but I struggle with it. I think the reason that I do is that I am scared to share what I can do artistically. Its the most ironic thing to say sometimes becuase I value creativity so much.

So this is what I have decided to do... I have to be creative (outside of blogging, writing, and other "computer stuff") for at least 1/2 hour a day to start out with. I need to get my hands dirty and my mind stimulated. Once I get going, I should be fine. It's just taking that leap into the process with both feet.

I'll post how I am doing on this endeavor... (wish me luck)

The Burning Need to Go To Burning Man

2008-10-08T00:09:00.000-05:00

I have a dream or rather a wish. I want to go to Burning Man in the next couple years. According to those I have shared this with, it is right up my ally being the "oobie-joobie" person that I am. I love the idea of Buring Man, and what it stands for. Thankfully I was able to find a group in WI that goes to Burning Man every year. I have hopes that everything will work out where I will be able to fullfill my own wish.

Degree Completion!!

2008-10-06T16:46:00.001-05:00

It has been a long, long road to this, but I am finally near the end of taking classes for my Bachelor's degree in IT. One more week left!

So you may ask how can someone that is majoring in IT be so interested in the creative process? Well, the answer is that I see creativity in all facets of life. You have to think creatively in order to build a website or design a program as much as you need to think creatively to write a book or do a painting.

Creativity affects all apects of life.

Quote for the day:

"Creativity is a lot like looking at the world through a kaleidoscope. You look at a set of elements, the same ones everyone else sees, but then reassemble those floating bits and pieces into an enticing new possibility. Effective leaders are able to” ~ Rosabeth Moss Kanter

Drawing Inspiration

2008-07-31T23:32:00.000-05:00

It occurs to me that I suffer a good portion of the time with a creative block, and this blog is an avenue to slowly get myself out of that state. I have wanted to start a blog and eventually a podcast for a very long time, but I always seemed to come up with an excuse not to. The culprit behind the excuses? FEAR. When you read about the creative process and those that create in one way or another in their lives, fear is almost always behind the block or delays in creating. What do we have to fear? Well, for me it is getting myself "out there". I have had this in the back of my mind since I was a child that my art or writings may not be good enough to share. But really, I think not only do I possess some type of artisitc talent, but I think all of us do.

So, my goal this week is to at least create one original work whether it is through adding to the fictional story I have been writing on and off now for a year or so, or doing some type of visual piece of artwork. All of us have to "just do" what we want to creatively, and not be afraid of our skills or what others think of our creations.

Satori

2008-07-27T23:03:00.000-05:00

So, why the term "Satori" you may ask? This is a word that has had a special meaning to me for a good number of years now. Ever since I read "Way of the Peaceful Warrior" by Dan Millman, the word has stayed with me. How I define satori is really being in the moment or in the zone. I long to have satori consistently in my life, so I think that is why it always comes back to me.

When it comes to creativity, satori fits... be in the moment, be one with your art and the process. That, is the essence of the living a creative life. When I was in high school and college, I always wanted the end result, I did not understand that the process is the most important part of creating. Now, 10-15 years later, I am finally starting to get it. Sure, I slip up sometimes and rush through the good part, but I think a lot of us do that. When we recognize that we are rushing, we need to take a step back and breath.

Sunny Southwest Wisconsin

2008-07-27T02:05:00.000-05:00

Welcome to those who are reading my new blog. I come to you from sunny, and beautiful southwest Wisconsin. I just recently moved here at the beginning of the year, and it was the best move I think I have ever made with my family. It is a lot different living in a small town of 10K opposed to where I moved from, Rockford IL, which is about 150K. I feel more at peace with life and myself since the move. This blog, and a future podcast has been a long time coming. It feels really good to take this step.

What is Satori Vibe

2008-07-27T01:38:00.000-05:00

Satori Vibe is a new blog dedicated to the creative process whether it is through all the different ways we experience it in our lives, whether it is through our hobbies, passions, or jobs. I truly feel that everyone has a creative spark, it is up to us all to recognize this and learn to embrace it.