The Journey of Words: Rediscovering Flow in Writing

The impish author I’d grown to think an impostor starts to perform again.  The magical mystery befuddles me. How can a once prolific practice abate when I paint? I wonder. Then the stirring starts. I’m enamored with the flow and cadence of thoughts transforming into words. With passion and purpose the prose progresses. I’ll never figure …

Step Away to Create: Managing Overwhelm as an Artist

In creativity as in life, sometimes feelings of overwhelm call for us to step away. To get fresh perspective. To see our art or circumstances through new eyes.  The online Collins Dictionary defines overwhelm:  “If something is overwhelming, it affects you very strongly, and you do not know how to deal with it.” The antidote:  “The task won't feel so overwhelming if …

Embrace the Creative Stirring: Tips for Artists and Writers

The creative stirring starts.  Sleep evades me, so I rise early to write.  The Creative Stirring This sense that something is missing. There's more to come. God has other opportunities on the way. My mind mulls over what I read on  https://janefriedman.com:Is It a Book? 5 Ways to Test Your Nonfiction Book Idea by Bethany Saltman and …

Fostering Creativity: Art Experiences to Infuse Your Soul with Inspiration

When was the last time you felt creative joy? Merideth Hite Estevez presented this question to her Artists for Joy Creative Cluster I recently joined.  "Fuel your creative well-being with our supportive community!" A promise Merideth not only makes but supports with what she describes as a "...15-week adventure to experience joy in our creative practice …

Discover the Symbolism Behind ‘The Rose’ Oil Painting by Jodee Luna

Artist and writer, Diane Bailey, posted a painting on Instagram of a woman with angel’s wings, holding a red rose. The descriptor read: “The Soul of a Woman - and when she believed she was loved, she began to bloom.” When I read this, I instantly remembered a promise the Lord had given me when …

Embracing Fearlessness: Finding Strength in Art and Business Challenges

"Fearless!" The word swirled in my thoughts for weeks before I dared to claim it as my word of the year. Then the painting came: a fierce tiger and determined woman nestled next to one another. The woman draws strength from what the tiger intrinsically possesses, fearlessness! Watch the progression of the painting: https://youtu.be/ouEfRx9MqWM Next …

The Knowing

I sit and write with Christmas lights twinkling around me. The Christmas trees’ reflections in our picture window reach to the sky, giving the appearance of doubles on the embankment. All is still, so I listen and wait.  Tasks for today creep into mind. Hopes for tomorrow aren’t far behind. I love Christmas with its …

The Power of Words

Recently, I came across a post I'd written back in 2016 called "The Power of Words." Former posts often show up in my blog stats when someone, somehow finds them online. There's always a reminder in them for me. I've been missing my writing. My passion for art as well as just living life had …

Bluebird Song and Painting Published

Bluebird is finally published. Deborah Hanson's song is the perfect match for my painting. Her song starts soulful and ends joyful. Bluebird is on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube. https://youtu.be/k5fwejh4ie0 Bluebird envisions hope, faith, and perseverance amid hopelessness, despair, and depression.  Bluebirds are known for their joyful songs, tendency to fly long distances, …