111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression
Day 68: Creativity Prompt #10 (Winter)
Winter Lights
Create a piece of art (writing, sculpting, painting, music composition, etc.), using the image above as inspiration.
I’ll post mine on Monday. Please stop back and tell me about your experience. 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 43 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 67: Sailing with MayMa (Part 1)
Ginny swayed back and forth. The tightly-wound curls bouncing on her bare shoulders. Never before had she felt so free. With her manicured hands grasped tight to the railing, she recalled the last time she’d boarded a ship like this one. “Too long,” she murmured. “Much too long.”
In the moment, she needed to embrace every sensation. The crisp winter air bit at her rosy cheeks, but she couldn’t care less. Not once did she suppose her actions would draw attention towards them.
“MayMa,” a young voice called, “the mean men are coming.”
Ginny’s eyes flashed open, and her hands reached for those of her grandson.
“Come, Travis, let’s not dally.”
She guided them back towards the steel frame entry and down the cruiseliner’s corridor. She kept her pace brisk yet not rushed for fear that she’d alert onlookers to her distress.
“MayMa, I need to go potty.”
“We’re almost there, love. Almost there.”
She repeated the words to herself and wished she could believe her own claims.
**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 44 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 66: In Wrinkle in Hobbit’s Time
The last of the three films in THE HOBBIT series opens in theaters today across the country. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy and both THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY and THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG, so I’m very excited to see THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES. If you read my post on Day 59, then you know that I never read THE HOBBIT. It’s true – I admit to this gaping hole in my childhood.
However, I believe very strongly that we gravitate to certain novels or short stories for a reason, especially as children. Why does one move us when we can barely get through Chapter One in another book? My collection of favorite childhood books consisted primarily of fairy tales. I enjoyed the magical element and the characters depicted as kind, brave, hopeful, and moved by an unwavering belief in love. Yet, there was one novel in particular that resonated with me on an entirely different level – one I couldn’t fully explain during my juvenile years.
A WRINKLE IN TIME by Madeleine L’Engle held my attention, kept me reading, and sparked my creativity. I could visualize all that she described and relished the fantastical and magical elements that drove the story. At the same time, it’s a story about love of family and love of self. I haven’t read this story since my teenage years, and I am curious as to whether my perspective will change two decades since the initial read. Whether it changes or not, the fact remains – if young girls treasure my fantasy novel as much as I did Ms. L’Engle’s, I will be quite proud.
First things first, I’m off on an adventure to see THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES. Then, I’ll read the novel it’s based on followed by a journey back into Madeleine L’Engle’s inspiring novel.
*DISCLAIMER: No endorsement by anyone associated with the above-mentioned works implied!*
Tell me about your favorite childhood books? Was there one that stood out more than the others? Has your perspective changed when you read it again as an adult? Commence discussion…
**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 45 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 65: Crashing Against the Rocks
Anger, hatred, and violence infiltrate our world
Attempting to spread misery to all
Actions taken by few do a disservice
To not only us but them as well
Spirits diseased by the malicious actions their owners choose
End up tattered, torn, and ailing
For every act of violence, their spirit feels the pain
Each spout of hate-filled language adds another tear
Denying hate, gives it strength
Acknowledging it, gives you truth
Choosing to react without it, starts the healing process.
**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 48 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 64: Marathon and Business/Personal prompt results
Day 55’s Creativity Prompt was as follows:
Step after step
You just passed the halfway mark of the marathon for which you have trained for months. You are tired, thirsty, and your body hurts in ways you didn’t know it could. What do you do next?
MARATHON
Fatigue overwhelmed every muscle, inching closer and closer to my resolve.
“Keep going,” I demanded. “Just focus on each step.”
The need to look behind was so powerful, but I instructed myself to stare straight ahead.
“Move forward, not back.”
It’d be so easy to rest – to succumb to the pain, doubt, and exhaustion.
“Isn’t that what you’ve done before? How’d that work out for you?”
One step…and another…moving with intention and determination. No good will come from giving up once again.
Day 61’s Creativity Prompt:
Is business personal?
It’s not personal; it’s just business.
Do you agree or disagree with the above statement? How does it affect you on a creative level? Use your artistic skills (painting, writing, baking, sewing, etc.) to best represent the above.
Is Business Personal?
Protected by bubble wrap
You make business decisions
When “we’re letting you go” is driven by disregard
One more POP of a bubble weakens your shield
With your heart on your sleeve
You show that you care
Dedication, passion, and love of what you do
Doesn’t equate to job security
Business strive to survive in a rollercoaster economy
While we thrive to succeed both professionally and personally.
**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 48 days, I’ll delve into how all of the above strengthens my spirit and has saved my life on more than one occasion.**
She’d finally convinced the last well-meaning loved one to go home, giving her the much-needed quiet she longed for.
His presence was everywhere in the house. The ashtray he kept though he hadn’t smoked in years. The suits that hung in their closet, ones he insisted on pressing. He used to say, “You have your own clothes to iron; why would I make you do mine?” She loved that about him – his non-chauvinistic personality and the smile that could melt her hear every time.
She shook away the nostalgia and refilled her glass with the wine that his mother bought them as an engagement gift last year. She opened the French doors to the wrap-around porch and made her way to the glider they’d picked out together. Pulling her feet close to her side she gazed at the painted sky set against the sparkling ocean. The setting sun left a stream of red, orange, and purple across a canvas of blue. She raised her glass towards the sunset background.
“Cheers. Here’s to a new start first thing tomorrow.”
**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 49 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 62: Land and Sea
Ashore?
Limitless possibilities
Out of reach of these hands
How to navigate calm waters
With uncertainty at the helm
Mountains in the distance
A new start in tinted view
Is the destination within reach
Or will the journey prevail
Water heals yet water takes
Never doubt her power
Work with her not against
And find an ally to help guide you ashore.
**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 49 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 61: Creativity Prompt #9
It’s not personal; it’s just business.
Do you agree or disagree with the above statement? How does it affect you on a creative level? Use your artistic skills (painting, writing, baking, sewing, etc.) to best represent the above.
Is business personal?
*I’m a week behind on posting my CREATIVITY PROMPT result, so this Monday I’ll post two – the marathon one from last week and today’s prompt.*
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 50 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 60: Creativity in Lights
Season’s Greetings
Shining bright for all to see, the holiday lights welcome young and old. Families take it in by foot, stopping to buy hot chocolate and popcorn from the residents.
Cars of various shapes and sizes parade down the neighborhood streets. Camera phones hang out passenger windows as the vehicles drive by nice and slow.
“Wow! Look at that one! This one’s my favorite!” – Exclamations from kids and adults, alike.
Feeling grumpy, glum, or more like Scrooge than Cratchit? Then load friends and family into a caravan of vehicles and tour through the Sleepy Hollow section of South Torrance, CA. The stunning photos posted here don’t do nearly enough justice to seeing this stunning show of creativity in person!!
SoCal Winter Wonderland
**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 51 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 59: My Unexpected Journey
“I’m going on an adventure,” Bilbo Baggins declares in the film THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY. That declaration struck a chord with me the first time I saw the movie (Yes, I admit that I never read the book on which the films are based. Bad English major, bad!) and left me slightly jealous of the fictional Shire resident.
While in the midst of my own adventure into a world of fantasy, magic, and unique characters *waving hi to Los Angeles* I stumbled upon a moment of synchronicity – the LA premiere of the third and final Hobbit film: THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES
Setting up on the Walk of Fame
If you’ve been following my blog for some time, you are aware of my employment path towards an artistic career. If not, here’s a brief summary: I am a creative writer, seeking full-time employment, with a strong passion for and interest in the film/TV/theatre industries. This recent trip to the West Coast was not only an opportunity to spend time with family but also to do to some career research. As such, I took a studio tour in Burbank and chose to spend my last non-busy day in a place that’s entertainment focused – Hollywood & Highland.
After shopping, tourist picture-taking, and having lunch with my sister and her two young boys, we decided to wait around for the premiere. I mean, when would I have an opportunity like that again? In the near future, that is. Once the time got closer, we found a spot along the barricaded black carpet to watch the arrivals as they approached the long steps that led to the Dolby Theater.
A Journey Up
By 6 o’clock, the film’s stars started down the carpet – most stopping to take selfies with fans and sign autographs. Towards the end of the evening, the highly popular actors & actresses stopped as much as possible before their team and/or security ushered them towards the theater. Elijah Wood and Orlando Bloom did their best to sign and take pictures while being pushed along. As the last person to walk the carpet, Orlando went halfway up the staircase, stopped, turned, and waved to the onlookers below.
The highlight of the evening and the award for most generous celebrity goes to…Andy Serkis. Beloved among the fans for his brilliant portrayal of Gollum and Smeagol, Serkis took the time to walk up one side of the carpet then come back around the other side. He approached my nephews and smiled, reaching out a hand to the youngest boy. “What’s your name?” he asked. He then shook the hand of my elder nephew and asked the same question. The moment was brief yet memorable, hopefully not only for me but for the boys too.
The day was busy and much longer than we expected when we left the house earlier that day. The boys were tired but very well behaved and my oldest nephew declared genuine excitement in the event.
Being part of such an exciting adventure was a fitting way to end my California trip and re-invigorated my goal of working in the entertainment industry!
A Moment to Remember
*No endorsement by anyone associated with the film 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 52 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 