Day 48 of the Artistic Spirit Pledge

111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression

Day 48: Mixed Tapes for TV Couples

While my teenage years involved many hours writing skits, what is now commonly referred to as fan fiction, I discovered an artistic outlet that combined my three loves: music, storytelling, and television dramas. Selecting songs, arranging them in an order that told a story, and creating a finished playlist for specific TV pairings quickly became my specialty.

It wasn’t just a random selection of songs that made this form of creative expression so appealing. The lyrics had to reflect one or both of the characters’ history while also representing the progression of their romantic journey. For instance, if there was a period of time when the character’s broke up then the song choices should reflect the before, during, and after.

Part of the challenge at the time involved piecing together the order of the songs. In the days of CD’s and cassette tapes, you could only fit so many minutes on each side of the tape. So, I would write down the time for each song then add it all up to make sure I had enough room. Technological advances handle that now, but I mastered the art long ago and loved every minute of it.

One of the many GH-inspired mixes I created!

The source of much of my mixed tape inspiration came from my long-time respect and appreciation for ABC’s daytime drama, General Hospital. The pairing of Elizabeth and Jason (Liason, as the “shippers” call them) inspired many playlists over the years, during a time when the relationship was strained and distant. They quickly became one of my favorite couples to root for and their struggles as individual characters and as a romantic pairing endured many ups and downs. I made a few versions of the playlist as their story changed course but the last mix remains my pride and joy. Given the complex history of this pair, I was able to piece together songs that represented the climatic moments in the pairing’s journey through friendship, romance, and heartbreak.

During a meet-and-greet event about seven or eight years ago, I overcame my shyness and gave my Liason mixed tape/CD to Elizabeth’s portrayer, Rebecca Herbst. It was a spur of the moment decision, and my only copy, but I also knew it was highly unlikely that I’d have an opportunity like that again. I was so nervous and only managed to squeak out about half of the words I’d rehearsed while standing in line. I don’t know that I’ll ever stop being star-struck no matter how much I acknowledge that actors are just like any other artistic spirit. I can only hope that she enjoyed listening to the playlist as much as I enjoyed the making of it.

It’s been quite some time since I last created a TV pairing playlist. However, there are plenty of new songs playing on the radio now that when mixed together would tell one intriguing dramatic story!

Have you ever made a mixed tape or playlist based off of fictional characters?

*DISCLAIMER: No endorsement from any of the artists, shows, or networks referenced above is implied or intended.*

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

Day 47 of the Artistic Spirit Pledge

111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression

Day 47: Creativity Prompt #7

FAMILY…TRAVEL…CONNECTIONS

Create a piece of art (writing, sculpting, painting, music composition, etc.), using the three words 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 64 days, I’ll delve into how all of the above strengthens my spirit and has saved my life on more than one occasion.**

Day 46 of the Artistic Spirit Pledge

111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression

Day 46: THANK YOU!

I am very grateful to all of you who have followed along my Artistic Spirit Pledge journey. I appreciate the “likes”, “follows”, and comments but mainly I’m glad that others are receptive to this topic.

I hope your Thanksgiving holiday was filled with good food, great friends, the comfort of family, and loads of laughter.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

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

Day 45 of the Artistic Spirit Pledge

111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression

Day 45: Five Ways Art Can Help During Emotional or Spiritual Struggle

I’ve encountered my fair share of struggles over the course of my less than 40 years of life, and endured thanks largely in part to the creative arts. Here are just a few ways I found art helpful when dealing with emotional and spiritual struggles:

Listen to music – Listen to an instrumental piece if you are highly stressed or play your favorite upbeat tune to give you some extra stimulation and motivation.
Watch a movie that makes you smile – You’ve seen this film so many times that you can recite it almost word for word. If you close your eyes and merely listen, you can visualize what’s on screen without opening your eyes.
Write, write, write – I don’t care if you jot down a string of nonsense or have a severe case of sentence fragmentitis. Just write! Let the thoughts flow from your pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) without editing as you go. Write in whatever style feels most comfortable in the moment. Start with journaling and end up writing dialogue. Write a vitriol-filled essay that turns into a social commentary play.

Get crafty! – Make a necklace, knit a new scarf, paint a vivid picture, sculpt an addition to your pottery collection, etc. Create a work of art that brings you pleasure while keeping you active.
Belief – Believe in yourself and in the significant role that art plays in your existence. Your artistic passion may not pay the bills right now, but its value has the ability to pay your back tenfold!

We all encounter challenges, hit roadblocks, and stumble over the course of our lives. Sometimes the effects are significant to the point of immobilization, and others are mere annoyances. When immersed in the negative emotions that seem to overwhelm the positive, concentrate on the impact that art can have in your life. And know that seeking help when needed can have a lasting positive influence on not only your emotional/spiritual growth but that of those around you.

*The suggestions above helped me, and I’m sharing them in the hope that they are useful to you, my blog followers. Do you have a suggestion that’s not on the above list? If so, please share it below in the Comments section – it may just help someone else!*

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

Day 44 of the Artistic Spirit Pledge

111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression

Day 44: A Native Branch

A spiritual connection without an ancestral link

A sense of knowing yet the facts elude

A family tree with broken branches

Let the rain pour down and heal

Part of a tribe without confirmation

Part of a whole with missing pieces

The spirit speaks to ancestors passed

Let the stories unfold

Fallen leaves and brittle branches need loving care

To make ready for the Native limbs of the family tree.

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

Day 43 of the Artistic Spirit Pledge

111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression

Day 43: The Little Lamb

Don't be "baashful"! — Don’t be “baashful”!

On Day 40, I posted the image above with the following prompt: How does the image above inspire you on a creative level? Write a short story, scene, or essay…capture the moment through watercolor paint…mold the animals out of clay…or compose a children’s song. Be imaginative. Have fun. Happy creating!

“Mama, why is that sheep small and the other sheep big?”

“Because the little one is the baby sheep and the bigger one is the mama.”

“Oh,” the child declares with her eyes wide open. “Is the baby sheep a girl sheep or a boy sheep?”

“I don’t know, Sweetheart.”

“Hmm, I think it’s a girl sheep.”

“Really, why do you say that?”

The inquisitive child merely shrugs her shoulders. “It’s too cute to be a boy sheep.”

While the elder of the two onlookers laughs the little sheep turns towards the curly-haired child and winks.

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

Day 42 of the Artistic Spirit Pledge

111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression

Day 42: RevOnce Sunday

I have unofficially dubbed Sunday night television as “RevOnce” Sunday. If you’re unsure why, allow me to elaborate.

Starting in September and lasting until May, my Sunday evenings are officially booked thanks to two drama series that are very different in theme and topic yet equally enjoyable to watch. Now in their fourth seasons, ABC’s Once Upon a Time and Revenge capture my attention and hold it from opening to end credits. Both feature intriguing characters that struggle with parent/child issues, vengeance versus forgiveness, and walk a fine line between redemption and justification. Revenge and Once Upon a Time (RevOnce) tell stories that keep me entertained while also inspiring the artist within.

I am a firm believer that one art form inspires another. As such, my affinity for these two dramas seeped into my newest creative venture: jewelry design. I created numerous necklaces inspired by the female Revenge characters as well as multiple designs for the Fairy Tale collection.

My intention was not to create pieces that mimic the characters certain styles. Rather, I considered their personality traits, history, and key plot points and designed necklaces from that perspective. For instance, a friend of mine looked at the red “Emily” necklace above and laughed when she noticed I chose an infinity pendant.

With some of the new female additions to each show, I think it’s time to create some more pieces!

*DISCLAIMER: No endorsement by anyone affiliated with either show 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 69 days, I’ll delve into how all of the above strengthens my spirit and has saved my life on more than one occasion.**

Day 41 of the Artistic Spirit Pledge

111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression

Day 41: What Are You Thankful For?

I am thankful for…

FAMILY – Parents, sisters, brothers-in-law, two nieces and three nephews fill my heart with so much love. I am also thankful for extended family – including aunts, uncles, and cousins who live near and far.

FRIENDS – My friends are awesome! There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. They make me laugh, let me cry on their shoulders when needed, come to my award show and jewelry parties, and are all around fantastic people.

ART – I am thankful for the creative outlets that have been my saving grace in the past and those that inspire me today. I am a writer, singer, jewelry designer, and connoisseur of theatre/film/TV.

SPIRITUALITY – My ever-deepening search for spiritual growth motivates, inspires, and moves me on levels that aren’t always visible to the human eye. I am so very thankful for the desire to ask spiritual questions and the openness to reflect upon the answers.

The two necklaces are part of my jewelry design collection.

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

Day 40 of the Artistic Spirit Pledge

111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression

Day 40: CREATIVITY PROMPT #6 (A Little Sheep-ish)

How does the image above inspire you on a creative level? Write a short story, scene, or essay…capture the moment through watercolor paint…mold the animals out of clay…or compose a children’s song. Be imaginative. Have fun. Happy creating!

Stop back on Monday to see what I came up with and share your Creativity Prompt experience.

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

Day 39 of the Artistic Spirit Pledge

111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression

*Due to unforeseen circumstances, I’m posting Day 39 today in lieu of yesterday. I had it written but couldn’t get to a computer.*

Day 39: ART-IN-TEXTURE

Lining the street with color and design

History stands waiting for acknowledgement

Men, women, and children pass by

Focused on their destination not the journey

The architecture tells a story

With its intricate detailing

Straight lines and curves accentuate the frame

Creating art at every angle

Beauty may be in the eyes of the beholder

But does it exist if no one stops to behold it?

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