the shape of trees

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.

I made this.

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Late bloomer. That’s what I am. I’m late to the party when it comes to YouTube, probably because I can see myself wasting time – watching videos all day. Sometimes, though, I find my own work posted – like these promos I cut and animation package I produced for WPIX/New York (now known as PIX11):

… It makes me want to find all my old tapes and re-post this stuff at a better quality! Good times, though. Hours and hours of creative partnership. Telezign created the animation package – it won an Emmy. Cut one of the promos at National Video Center. Shocktober was one of the first promos cut in a new digital edit suite at WPIX. All of these places … don’t exist now. But the legend of them lives … on YouTube.

I made this? No, WE made this.

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

Pay attention.

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The Wave, Paul Gauguin

 

My art teacher at university urged his students, “draw what you see, not what you know.” It is the one concept that encompasses the entire class, always the central theme of all his classes.

Draw what you see, not what you know.

You know sand covers the beach, even under the surf – the ocean floor – yet you see water wash over sand at the beach – the deepening color, the disappearing.

“I shut my eyes in order to see,” says painter Paul Gauguin.

Draw the beach by seeing its nature.