111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression
Day 98: A Writer’s Dance
I must write
I must, must, must
Yet what will be the result?
Will the words make sense
Once assembled, or
Will they jumble together
In a haphazard mess?
My fingertips kiss the keys
Waiting for brilliance to send them into action
They ache for movement,
To dance across the letters
With a tap, tap, tap
The writing reflects the writer
Creating a draft strong enough
to open doors and windows.
**I am an Artistic Spirit! For most of my life I’ve used the creative arts as a source of spiritual exploration and healing, even though I didn’t always do so consciously. Sometimes I was the instrument creating the art and other times I was on the receiving end. The connection between art and spirituality is so significant in my life that it’s infused into everything I do. I love music, theatre, television drama series (daytime and primetime), and creative writing and find fulfillment in artistic expression of various sorts: singing, acting, and jewelry design. Throughout the next 13 days, I’ll delve into how all of the above strengthens my spirit and has saved my life on more than one occasion.**
111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression
Day 97: Lessons Learned at the Local Library
Yesterday, I took my 4.75-year-old niece to our local public library for some free entertainment. It got us out of the “sit on the couch and watch a princess film” rut, sparking imaginative play for her and creative inspiration for me.
My local library features lots of fun activities for kids. From a wide array of Easy Fiction and Early Reader book selections to pre-school computer games and even a tablet for the technologically advanced child.
Though she started with music and coloring apps on the tablet, she quickly moved to an actual color-with-crayons station. She seemed to enjoy the latter more than the prior, as she could take her time and even pick out cool stickers for her creation.
While adults can sometimes be rather closed off in making new friends, I noticed how easily kids recognize kindred spirits. My niece quickly befriended another almost five-year-old girl and they spent the next 30-45 minutes playing together. They laughed, followed each other from spot to spot, played with the hand puppets, and gave hugs when it was time to leave. I gave her space to play while keeping her in clear sight at all times; I was inspired to watch two children who knew only one another’s name play with such joy and excitement. We could learn so much from young ones who recognize the similarities among us instead of the superficial differences.
I’ll bring her back there again next week, not only for the educational exercises but for the social interaction. Though I chose the library to help stimulate an already blossoming love of reading, I ended up learning more from watching her than I ever anticipated.
**I am an Artistic Spirit! For most of my life I’ve used the creative arts as a source of spiritual exploration and healing, even though I didn’t always do so consciously. Sometimes I was the instrument creating the art and other times I was on the receiving end. The connection between art and spirituality is so significant in my life that it’s infused into everything I do. I love music, theatre, television drama series (daytime and primetime), and creative writing and find fulfillment in artistic expression of various sorts: singing, acting, and jewelry design. Throughout the next 14 days, I’ll delve into how all of the above strengthens my spirit and has saved my life on more than one occasion.**
111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression
Day 96: Creativity Prompt #14
Create a piece of art (story, painting, sketch, sculpture, quilt, comic, jewelry, interpretive dance, etc.) using the three words above as creative inspiration.
I’ll post my creation on Monday. Happy creating!!!!
**I am an Artistic Spirit! For most of my life I’ve used the creative arts as a source of spiritual exploration and healing, even though I didn’t always do so consciously. Sometimes I was the instrument creating the art and other times I was on the receiving end. The connection between art and spirituality is so significant in my life that it’s infused into everything I do. I love music, theatre, television drama series (daytime and primetime), and creative writing and find fulfillment in artistic expression of various sorts: singing, acting, and jewelry design. Throughout the next 15 days, I’ll delve into how all of the above strengthens my spirit and has saved my life on more than one occasion.**
111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression
Day 95: “Childish” Moments
A Moment to Love
The moments that matter most
Are those that touch the heart and the spirit
Most of them occur thanks to my nieces and nephew
Children’s laughter sends my spirit soaring
While their cries tear at my core
They smile and scream my name when I walk through the door
And latch on for dear life and wail when I head for the exit
They cuddle up next to me on the couch
As we watch a movie, they each rest their head on my chest
And I feel love in its purest form
No adequate poem could ever do justice
To the gifts my beloved nieces and nephews give
I love them all and treasure each moment I get to spend with the little loves.
**I am an Artistic Spirit! For most of my life I’ve used the creative arts as a source of spiritual exploration and healing, even though I didn’t always do so consciously. Sometimes I was the instrument creating the art and other times I was on the receiving end. The connection between art and spirituality is so significant in my life that it’s infused into everything I do. I love music, theatre, television drama series (daytime and primetime), and creative writing and find fulfillment in artistic expression of various sorts: singing, acting, and jewelry design. Throughout the next 16 days, I’ll delve into how all of the above strengthens my spirit and has saved my life on more than one occasion.**
111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression
Day 94: Digging For Words
The words are stuck behind an impenetrable layer of goo. That’s a technical term, by the way.
They bounce around, flopping and floundering like fish out of water. I want to rescue them, save them all, yet which ones do I grab onto first?
I reach in and pull out a few; the saved terms now scrambling to be useful and show their appreciation. They stick together, so rearranging them into a cohesive thought doesn’t happen easily or quickly.
I keep reaching for more, stretching farther and deeper towards the scattered remnants. Some are hidden within the layers as their light dims with the retrieval of their siblings.
Slowly, I retrieve each one until the cavity is left empty and ready for cleaning. A new batch waits behind the automatic doors, waiting for the “Entrance” sign to turn green.
The collection I rescued smile up at me in thanks, and their finished assembly shines bright on the screen.
**I am an Artistic Spirit! For most of my life I’ve used the creative arts as a source of spiritual exploration and healing, even though I didn’t always do so consciously. Sometimes I was the instrument creating the art and other times I was on the receiving end. The connection between art and spirituality is so significant in my life that it’s infused into everything I do. I love music, theatre, television drama series (daytime and primetime), and creative writing and find fulfillment in artistic expression of various sorts: singing, acting, and jewelry design. Throughout the next 17 days, I’ll delve into how all of the above strengthens my spirit and has saved my life on more than one occasion.**
111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression
Day 93: Valuing My Own Opinions
Raise your hand if you are a “People Pleaser”! *waving mine towards the sky*
I don’t know when it started or why, but I have this annoying tendency to seek other people’s approval – sometimes valuing their opinion more than my own. I surround myself with intelligent, open-minded, and creative individuals; my FANDS (family & friends) are always there for support and advice.
I seek their counsel regarding spiritual and emotional situations and value their input. However, I’ve noticed a dangerous trend; there are times in which I start to believe that my original idea was not as valid or that flaws exist in my opinion. Then, I scold myself for even thinking that way. “You’re stronger than this,” I say. “You know and understand your strengths, interests, and abilities better than anyone.” All very rational and motivational words of encouragement, yet I end up exhausted from the emotional struggle.
Does that mean my opinion was flawed if it could be so easily swayed? Is my self-confidence severely low in that I permit others to define my actions? Am I so concerned with what the general public will think that I second guess my instincts? I suspect that I am not the only one on this globe who contemplates such questions, but why discuss this now and during a time when I am pursuing a new career? Because bringing it to the surface means that I must address it as a hurdle to my success – both personally and professionally. Besides, admitting your flaws instead of hiding them can inspire change in you and respect among others.
Pondering my career – Pic taken at Terranea Resort (Rancho Palos Verdes, CA)
I am an artist, a proclamation I will proudly declare to anyone. My affinity for and deep passion in the creative arts motivates me every single day. I’ll burst out in song at a moment’s notice or take to social media to comment about my favorite TV shows. I go to the stage door after a Broadway show to meet the show’s cast and say, “You did a great job!” I write dialogue with ease and enjoy creating fictional characters that are flawed yet in search of growth. I know, without a doubt, that these artistic skills and entertainment knowledge are calling me to share them with others. I just haven’t figured out a way to earn a living from them, as of yet.
I need a “day job”, as I’m frequently told. I need to be able to earn money so that I can then focus on the career that I actually want to pursue. Seems kind of warped to me, but then again, my current state of underemployment isn’t working (pun intended) out very well for me. I enjoy my part-time job and the occasional income I obtain as a freelance writer, but neither pays my bills. As I struggle with this day job versus preferred career dilemma, I’ve realized just how much I’ve absorbed others’ opinions on this subject instead of clearly and passionately stating my own. *I value the support and perspective of my FANDS, but I must give more value to my own insights.*
It hasn’t been an easy eight months, that’s for certain, primarily because I pulled the reins back on my own life. I stopped trusting my instincts and believing in my artistic abilities. As such, I watched my confidence fade and my dreams float out of reach. Not anymore!
I am strong. I am brave. I am kind. I am passionate. I am open-minded. I am spiritual. I am a friend. I am a daughter. I am a sister. I am an aunt. I am a writer. I am a singer. I am a jewelry designer. I am an actor. I am a TV viewer. I am a theatre-goer.
I am an Artistic Spirit and that’s a title worthy of an office nameplate!
**I am an Artistic Spirit! For most of my life I’ve used the creative arts as a source of spiritual exploration and healing, even though I didn’t always do so consciously. Sometimes I was the instrument creating the art and other times I was on the receiving end. The connection between art and spirituality is so significant in my life that it’s infused into everything I do. I love music, theatre, television drama series (daytime and primetime), and creative writing and find fulfillment in artistic expression of various sorts: singing, acting, and jewelry design. Throughout the next 18 days, I’ll delve into how all of the above strengthens my spirit and has saved my life on more than one occasion.**
111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression
Day 92: A Golden Menu
Day 89’s Creativity Prompt was as follows: This week’s theme…film and television.
Enchanted stories
Get inspired by your favorite film or television show. Write a fan fic story, make fan art, or create a necklace (as shown above). What will you come up with?
***
Prompt #13 added an extra dash of creativity to my award show party plans this weekend!
As I stated in the first entry of my entertainment blog, film/TV/theatre award shows are to me what play-off games are to sport fans. I watch the nomination announcements, invite friends over to watch the main event, and prepare food for the party; I create a menu that’s themed according to the nominees. For example, the image below shows a selection of snacks themed to celebrate the 72nd Golden Globes Awards – which aired Sunday, January 11, 2015.
Food for Thought!
I served white bean hummus (INTO THE WOODS), chicken salad and crackers (BIRDMAN), apple chips with dip (THE IMITATION GAME – if you’ve seen this incredible film, you’ll understand why I chose apples), along with orange-flavored, miniature-sized sodas (Orange is the New Black & Fargo – get it, mini-soda!)
My dear friends, Cate and Colin, hosted the party (of three) and even bought golden cookies and gold-colored plates for the festivities. I’m lucky that my friends always join in on the creativity year after year.
My mind’s already cooking up ideas for February 22nd!
*DISCLAIMER: No endorsement from anyone associated with the films mentioned above nor the award show is implied!*
Were you inspired by this week’s Creativity Prompt? If so, what did you create?
**I am an Artistic Spirit! For most of my life I’ve used the creative arts as a source of spiritual exploration and healing, even though I didn’t always do so consciously. Sometimes I was the instrument creating the art and other times I was on the receiving end. The connection between art and spirituality is so significant in my life that it’s infused into everything I do. I love music, theatre, television drama series (daytime and primetime), and creative writing and find fulfillment in artistic expression of various sorts: singing, acting, and jewelry design. Throughout the next 19 days, I’ll delve into how all of the above strengthens my spirit and has saved my life on more than one occasion.**
111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression
Day 91: ONE…ONE…ONE
It takes ONE moment to shine
To stand apart from another
Embracing the spotlight
And acknowledging your achievements
It takes ONE person to make a change
To stand up for another
Embracing our differences
And acknowledging our similarities
ONE after another
We take our turn
Embracing our strengths
And acknowledging the needs of others.
**I am an Artistic Spirit! For most of my life I’ve used the creative arts as a source of spiritual exploration and healing, even though I didn’t always do so consciously. Sometimes I was the instrument creating the art and other times I was on the receiving end. The connection between art and spirituality is so significant in my life that it’s infused into everything I do. I love music, theatre, television drama series (daytime and primetime), and creative writing and find fulfillment in artistic expression of various sorts: singing, acting, and jewelry design. Throughout the next 20 days, I’ll delve into how all of the above strengthens my spirit and has saved my life on more than one occasion.**
111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression
Day 90: A Mighty Pen
The words flow freely
Making an imprint on the page
To last for generations to come
Communication…expression…discourse
Connecting in a positive way
To move us forward,
Not hold us back
The ink seeps into the paper
Leaving an impression on us all.
**I am an Artistic Spirit! For most of my life I’ve used the creative arts as a source of spiritual exploration and healing, even though I didn’t always do so consciously. Sometimes I was the instrument creating the art and other times I was on the receiving end. The connection between art and spirituality is so significant in my life that it’s infused into everything I do. I love music, theatre, television drama series (daytime and primetime), and creative writing and find fulfillment in artistic expression of various sorts: singing, acting, and jewelry design. Throughout the next 21 days, I’ll delve into how all of the above strengthens my spirit and has saved my life on more than one occasion.**
111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression
Day 89: Creativity Prompt #13
This week’s theme…film and television.
Enchanted stories
Get inspired by your favorite film or television show. Write a fan fic story, make fan art, or create a necklace (as shown above). What will you come up with?
**I am an Artistic Spirit! For most of my life I’ve used the creative arts as a source of spiritual exploration and healing, even though I didn’t always do so consciously. Sometimes I was the instrument creating the art and other times I was on the receiving end. The connection between art and spirituality is so significant in my life that it’s infused into everything I do. I love music, theatre, television drama series (daytime and primetime), and creative writing and find fulfillment in artistic expression of various sorts: singing, acting, and jewelry design. Throughout the next 22 days, I’ll delve into how all of the above strengthens my spirit and has saved my life on more than one occasion.**
Kelly Deeny 