creativity

Reunion.

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Flickr, Thomas Tolkien

As a wanderer of the Tolkien ilk (Not all those who wander are lost), the trip that perplexes me is returning to my childhood home.

It’s a long strange trip, full of forgotten emotions … and anxieties – depending on current circumstances. Many times, the town itself is dark and used, old and frail, rundown.

Not this time, though.

My hometown is looking spiffy.

Seeing my family again is heartwarming.

Reconnecting with good friends after quite a few years is making the difference.

 

Feel your lips.

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Today is Thanksgiving Day 2010. I am so grateful we are together, celebrating with friends, enjoying the fruit of our labors in peace … at least for a little while.

Here’s what Rumi has to say on this 25th day of November:

When you feel your lips becoming infinite

and sweet, like the moon in a sky,

when you feel that spaciousness inside,

Shams of Tabriz will be there too.

Turkey lips and rose hips. Thank you.

Ramona, CA was once known as a turkey capital. A group of lady turkeys roamed my old neighborhood. Here, you can see them on my friend's roof. These ladies provided a bit of wonder to my sanctuary.

 

Creative glee.

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“Snowflakes, of course, are the ultimate exercise in sheer creative glee…

The crystal from the water exposed to the picture of cherry blossom.

…looking at God’s creation, it is pretty clear that the creator itself didn’t know when to stop. There is not one pink flower, or even fifty pink flowers, but hundreds…no two alike. This creator looks suspiciously like someone who just might send us support for our creative ventures.”

-Julia Cameron, The Artist’s Way

The Seattle, WA area experienced an early first snowfall yesterday. After some folks were forced to spend the entire night on I-5 in their car or walking across the West Seattle bridge to get home (for some, about 10 miles) or sliding into parked cars or finally arriving home at 3 AM (like my husband did) – all, because no city officials were prepared for a storm forecast well in advance … today, the sun is shining.

The copyright of the water image is owned by Office Masaru Emoto, LLC.

Accomplish now.

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THE START OF SOMETHING. A satisfying place to be. All anticipation and lightning. Until compromise comes up.

Where did this word get such a negative connotation? NO COMPROMISE – Movie trailers. Ad copy. It’s actually inherent in the word’s definition; settling differences by concessions, giving in – exposed to vulnerability. Mutually, of course.

If the tree doesn’t bend, then it cannot live completely, in harmony so close to others. Accommodate. Connect. Debate. Pool resources … Mind meld, work as one, creative partnership, give and take, simpatico.

Look what we can accomplish now.

 

Haiku you.

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A human feeling

stands naked before critics

without tact for dress.

As Dorothy waved,

she bid the thoughtful Scarecrow

a special farewell.

Laced with fine design

glazed and fired and glazed again,

our vessel stands tall.

The treasures of Tut

rested patiently, waiting,

as man groped in sand.

My haiku is 32 years old.

Inspiration visual.

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Check out my new logo, designed by fabulous art director and good friend, Maryl Lavelle.

It’s inspired by the shape of trees (!) – one special tree in particular: a live oak that lives on the right side of San Vicente Road heading into the San Diego Country Estates in Ramona, CA (my sanctuary). I mean, this tree holds out its arms in welcome! One of my favorites.

With letters as leaves, the words “Sageland Creative” seat comfortably at its formidable roots  – and creates a place for my name, too. Burnt orange and golden maize bring to mind the fall season, and it’s no wonder – nature inspires us, too.

Interesting to look at. Unexpected. Many, many thanks, Maryl!

Kind words.

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Feel-good feedback on my From the Editor letter in the July 2010 issue of HUDSON’S Childrenswear Review, as well as my weekly HCRSourceBook blog posts, fresh on Wednesdays.

Here’s the original page, if you’re interested: FromTheEditor_HUDSONS072010

How to do more of everything.

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I start my day with this:

I need to get more of everything done today.

Not a good sign.

Re-group. Move forward. Let it go. Let it grow. Kinder. Gentler. Flow.

Better.

Now, I can get more of everything done today.

 

Season of the witch.

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When she was young, my girl-cat Sofie liked to steal this soft, creamy knit throw from the bed, grabbing it with her teeth and running away to her cat-cave place – all angora and white billowing behind her. It looks like a little ghost is following her – this is how she gets the nickname Boo Cat.

For me, dressing up for Halloween can mean revealing where my nickname comes from: Janet from Another Planet. This one day of the year, I tell the back story … explain the electric blue aura, the Q-tip earphones, why I’m here in the first place.

Not many know the tale of Janet from Another Planet – those that do know who they are. It’s kinda personal and requires a trick or a treat.

Happy Halloween, everyone!

Fear is the mind-killer.

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Prayer for today:

I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing…

Only I will remain.

-Litany against Fear, Frank Herbert‘s DUNE