Day 78 of the Artistic Spirit Pledge

111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression

Day 78: Gifts That Melt the Heart (Creativity Prompt #11 – result)

Friday’s Creativity Prompt was as follows:

Snowman

Use the photo above as a starting point for your artistic exploration this weekend. Write a story, paint a picture, create a new holiday song, or make a craft that would fit in one of the colorful gift boxes. Have fun creating!

*ORIGINAL WORK OF FICTION*

The packages arrived, of varying shapes and sizes, much sooner than I expected. We weren’t ready yet…the house still needed decorating. “Don’t complain,” I murmured. “The community was so generous when we asked for help. I should’ve known they’d go above and beyond our request.”

I concentrated on the task assigned – triple-checking the table settings and confirming the playlist. Director of Children’s Entertainment was a title I embraced, and on a big night like this one I wore that label proudly.

My childhood consisted of comfort and stability, something I thought every child knew. It wasn’t until I opened my eyes that I saw the reality: not all kids are surrounded by love, supported unconditionally, or have their basic needs met. I did and so did my children. I can’t change the world or the minds of those who reside within it, but I can use the gifts I embrace to help create a special night for as many kids as possible.

I gazed upon the beautiful scene created by the dedicated volunteers and smiled. In just a few hours, the children and their loved ones will arrive. Much work still to do and no time to dilly-dally!

 

**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 33 days, I’ll delve into how all of the above strengthens my spirit and has saved my life on more than one occasion.**

Day 77 of the Artistic Spirit Pledge

111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression

*My “Nanny Kelly” services were required last evening, so I did not get this posted in time. It WAS written, just not posted.*

Day 77: Looking Ahead to the New Year

Endless Possibilities in 2015!
Endless Possibilities in 2015!

The calendar year approaches a change

And so too does my life

Both personally and professionally

I’m motivated to step forward

Without the self-tied strings that hold me back

 

2014 consisted of choices made

Some rash, some needed, but all added movement

I look ahead to 2015

With the my head held high

And a pen in my hand

 

I’m excited to write my own path in the coming year!

 

Was 2014 full of challenges and hardships, joys and achievements, or a combination? What are you most looking forward to in 2015?

 

**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 34 days, I’ll delve into how all of the above strengthens my spirit and has saved my life on more than one occasion.**

Day 76 of the Artistic Spirit Pledge

111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression

Day 76: Friends in High Places

My Friends Know Me So Well
My Friends Know Me So Well

Today’s entry barely made the self-imposed deadline of midnight, and it’s all my friends’ fault! No, it really is…but for good reason.

While my level of belief and involvement in the religion that united us in friendship has all but faded, I know without question that the six of us are bonded in spirit. For you see, I knew my friends long before I met them.

I can’t explain how or why, but there are certain people I’ve met in my life that I recognize on a spiritual level. I feel an immediate connection with them, am comfortable in their presence, and sense a shared understanding of life itself. Our paths were always going to cross at some point, I’m just glad that the five friends I spent time with tonight crossed my path so many years ago.

Friendship forged over a decade ago, the six of us meet during the holidays for our annual gift exchange. The evening typically consists of good food, great company, and tons of laughter. We thoroughly enjoy spending time with one another, which makes time fly by. Tonight was no different, hence the late hour posting. As I opened each of the gifts my friends chose for me, I smiled and thought, “They know me so well.” A beach tote and writing journal branded with the name of one of my favorite TV dramas (ONCE UPON A TIME), a book about screenwriting and one about Warner Bros., and a beautiful new handbag (image not shown) to carry the money I’ll make once I venture into the world of dramatic writing. *Glass half full, everyone. Glass…half…full*

We’ve laughed together, cried together, and shared in the excitement as four individuals became two wedded couples. No matter how much time passes or the distance that may separate us, our friendships will remain and strengthen through the years.

*DISCLAIMER: No endorsement by any of the shows, authors, or studios mentioned is implied!*

**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 35 days, I’ll delve into how all of the above strengthens my spirit and has saved my life on more than one occasion.**

Day 75 of the Artistic Spirit Pledge

111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression

Day 75: Creativity Prompt #11 (Holiday Gifts)

Snowman

Use the photo above as a starting point for your artistic exploration this weekend. Write a story, paint a picture, create a new holiday song, or make a craft that would fit in one of the colorful gift boxes. Have fun 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 36 days, I’ll delve into how all of the above strengthens my spirit and has saved my life on more than one occasion.**

Day 74 of the Artistic Spirit Pledge

111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression

Day 74: MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I hope the last few days provided you with much joy and love…and plenty of artistic inspiration.

I hope you had a Merry Christmas!
I hope you had a Merry Christmas!

 

**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 37 days, I’ll delve into how all of the above strengthens my spirit and has saved my life on more than one occasion.**

Day 73 of the Artistic Spirit Pledge

111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression

Day 73: Christmas Eve

For those of you in the blogosphere who celebrate Christmas, I hope this holiday is filled with love and laughter. I wish you much joy for the coming year!

Mr. and Mrs. Bear
Mr. and Mrs. Bear

 

I can “bearly” contain my excitement

For night to pass and morning to arrive

Mr. and Mrs. Bear keep watch for the jolly one

They promised to wake me in time

 

I won’t keep him long

As I know he has places to go

I just want to say “hi” and give him a hug

And wish him a “Merry Christmas!” 

 

 

**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 38 days, I’ll delve into how all of the above strengthens my spirit and has saved my life on more than one occasion.**

 

 

 

Day 72 of the Artistic Spirit Pledge

111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression

Day 72: Connected to Music

With a sinus headache and congestion greeting me at first light, all I wanted to do was snuggle up under the covers and sleep the day away. However, I had too much to accomplish this Pre-Christmas Eve.

The foggy, rainy weather was apropos to my mood today, though I attempted my best sunny disposition when out and about. What calmed me when stress threatened to send my blood pressure skyrocketing? Why, music, of course!

Striking a chord
Striking a chord

I put on one of my favorite Broadway musical albums and drove from one errand to the next, blaring the music and singing along. My frustration subsided, replaced with introspection. “Why give so much energy to stress and anger? Knock it off,” I demanded.

My mezzo-soprano voice reached for the high notes and belted in the lower register, all the while sending spiritual shock waves through my every being.

 

**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 39 days, I’ll delve into how all of the above strengthens my spirit and has saved my life on more than one occasion.**

Day 71 of the Artistic Spirit Pledge

111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression

Day 71: Un-Bridled Emotion (Part 3)

The Creativity Prompt on Day 68 was as follows:

Winter Lights
Winter Lights

Create a piece of art (writing, sculpting, painting, music composition, etc.), using the image above as inspiration.

 

(The original piece of fiction below is a continuation of the story written on Day 38 and Day 63 of the pledge.)

Six months later and the pangs of remembrance sprout up at the most inconvenient of times. Like now, when she should be focused on the beauty around her but instead all she can think of was strolling this neighborhood with him just last year.

They’d talked about their summer wedding and joked about whether his 5-year-old niece would make it down the long aisle without getting distracted. She missed seeing his family, because in the four years they knew one another, his family became hers. She adored his nieces and nephews as much as her own and looked forward to the craziness that their first Christmas as husband and wife would bring.

“Aunt Shari, can I get a hot chocolate?”

She smiled at her sister’s youngest child and replied with a wink, “Yes, but don’t tell your mother.” The simplest of moments can take your breath away or knock the wind right out of you. Holding that little boy’s hand as he pulled her towards the makeshift concession stand in the neighbor’s driveway, she felt immense love once again.

Lost in her memories, she looked ahead only to run smack into a passer-by. The bag of popcorn flew from his hand and snowed down on her tan-colored, waist length coat. As she shook off the buttery treat, it was the cologne that invaded her senses.

Thankful for the dimly-lit sidewalk, she attempted to hide her emotion when her nephew exclaimed, “Uncle Malcolm!”

**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 40 days, I’ll delve into how all of the above strengthens my spirit and has saved my life on more than one occasion.**

Day 70 of the Artistic Spirit Pledge

111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression

Day 70: Lady Winter’s Arrival

Greeting Lady Winter
Greeting Lady Winter

Whispering through the chilled night air

Winter announces her arrival

Stars fill the evening sky

To greet their beloved matriarch

 

She’ll cover the earth in fresh, soft snow

And create ideal settings for Valentine’s Day

With a freezing bite, she reminds us all

To wrap up close with those we love and stop to enjoy a nice cup of cocoa

 

She’ll leave us again in a few months time

And return when Fair Autumn passes the mighty leaf to Lady Winter – changing to a sparkling snowflake.

 

**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 41 days, I’ll delve into how all of the above strengthens my spirit and has saved my life on more than one occasion.**

Day 69 of the Artistic Spirit Pledge

111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression

Insurance Needs All Around!
Insurance Needs All Around!

Day 69: A Healthy Discussion

Our country is currently engrossed in health insurance discussions, issues that are of vital important to us every single day. We don’t just think about them during enrollment periods or at the start of a new year. They affect so much of our existence that it’s nearly impossible for us NOT to think about these topics.

In considering my position regarding our country’s medical dilemmas, I realized that whether employed or unemployed we all have health insurance needs that are worthy of our time and attention. The fictional exchange below sprung from that realization.

 

PERSON 1:

I leave the house before the sun rises, deal with one crisis then another before lunch, go to meeting after meeting, and haven’t been home by dinnertime in weeks. I’m overloaded with work, struggle to pay bills, and count the days until my retirement. Plus, I have kids in daycare, sports practices I frequently miss, and dance recitals I race to make it to on time. My career doesn’t excite or fulfill me, but I gain strength in the knowledge that I am providing for myself and my family. As much as I complain, I am fortunate to have a job and one that offers benefits. I need those perks for all the therapy, stress tests, and medication.

 

PERSON 2:

I’m at a crossroads in life, one that I didn’t anticipate. I must swallow my pride to accept help from others, I spend a typical work week tweaking my resume, putting together a portfolio, scouring the internet for jobs, finding one that looks perfect then  discover I’m under qualified. I pound the pavement, applying in person at local retail chains only for them to politely tell me that I must apply online. At this point, I am cutting costs and relying on generous rides from family or public transportation while my bank account dwindles with each passing week. I’ve been told that now’s the time to pursue that “dream job,” but I flounder between believing in myself and doubting that I’ll ever find employment in said field. I’m overwhelmed, stressed out, tired, and anxious, but I can only afford the most basic insurance plan, which means low monthly premiums but high deductibles and co-pays because my doctor and closest hospital is considered “out-of-network”. I need anxiety medicine to help focus and the counseling services bring clarity. At least I have some health coverage to pay for the therapy, stress tests, and medication.

 

**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 42 days, I’ll delve into how all of the above strengthens my spirit and has saved my life on more than one occasion.**