Pursuit of Creativity Challenge ~Day Six~

Today I looked back on a time when I felt REALLY creative. This was it.

I was twelve years old and I wrote a story about my pet mouse. My Step mom typed it up for me, bound it in this book, and I rediscovered it this morning tucked into my overstuffed bookcase. It was the first story I ever told that made me feel like a real writer.

In memory of Twitchy,

Kimberly

Pursuit of Creativity Challenge ~Day Five~

This little grouping of treasures adorns my windowsill.

A string of beads for Rainbow Meditation~

A bottle I bought just because~

A small pocket mirror I received from my friend Sarah~

A cloth bag I created to hold totems, good luck charms, and copies of prayers I don't want to forget~

And a passport cover, for a yet to be acquired passport, because I'm going to Italy.

Kimberly

Pursuit of Creativity Challenge ~Day Three~

35 mile an hour winds out of the north east busily created this icescape along the western tip of Lake Superior near where I live. While there I saw people climbing over these massive piles into valleys of frozen lake.

 That's the power of creativity.

Where has your challenge taken you?

Adieu from the chilly north,
Kimberly

Pursuit of Creativity Challenge ~Day Two~

Every day this week I urge you to take some time, a minute, five, an hour, and create. Doesn't matter what it is, just create. It does the soul some good. Trust me.

Color crayons. It's been a long time.

Are we having fun yet?

Oh yeah!

Kimberly

Pursuit of Creativity Challenge ~Day One~

I admit, I didn't start this project today. She's been with me for some time. I tuck these little squares in my purse, or pocket. I have them with me when I'm waiting for practise to be done, for the coffee to brew, for sleep to descend. Stitching relaxes me. I feel my Great Grandmother guiding my needle and thread. She made everything her five children needed with her own two hands.

I call my creation Guru Girl. She reminds me of the genuine whimsy in my life and I've made seven of these squares just to bring in a little more joy.

She never disappoints.

In hot pursuit,
Kimberly

Week Eleven ~The Pursuit of Creativity Challenge~

I have never been much of a photographer.

Whenever I'm at memorable family events, you will not find me behind a lens. I'm too busy laughing, talking, eating, or finding time to myself to be clicking pictures.

Couple that with my beginner's knowledge of all things "computer" and I'm not one to download, or post, or attach photos either. I know visuals are a good thing, and in the spirit of grand adventure which is this life, I'm going to go for it this week.

Retreat Time:

This week, I want you to take a creative retreat every day, snap a photo of it, and share it here if you can. I will do the same.

Creativity is the pulse of life within us all. We create the "us" the world sees from the moment we get out of bed. We choose to wear our hair a certain way, don a favorite outfit, pick a cup for our coffee. These things may happen naturally, but if we take a moment of intended creativity, our brains will buzz with thanks. We'll be outside the proverbial box.

Some ideas...

• Water color paints are so much fun to play with because they blend and mix together and make new colors and shapes on their own. If you have some in your cupboard, pull them out and paint. When your creation dries, cut a piece out of it to slip into your wallet or purse. Remind yourself all week of that creative moment.
• Sing on your way to work. Go for it! Really set your voice free. Imagine your on stage in front of millions wearing a fabulous costume and bringing down the house. Take full deep belly breaths to support your belting. You'll feel great.
• Free write for ten minutes about times in your life when you felt the most creative. Tell a story. Or just repeat the phrase "seventh grade science project" if that's all you can think of. No worries. We have all had times of creativity we can relive and who knows, those memories may spark ways we can improve our lives now through long lost passions.

These are just a few ideas to consider. As I said, I will be posting an image a day to show you my own creative pursuits this week. Look for the first one tonight. Wish me luck!

Say cheese!
Kimberly

Time With Friends ~Day Six~

All week I've been thinking about my friends, and planning to have a "girls night out". I had a list of names and numbers in mind, and some possible locations.

Friday night was the big night. 

Well after a very loooong week, I was pooped, and what sounded good to me was staying home with Wade, my hubby.

I never called the girls.

Now before you go thinking that I'm short changing myself, understand that I don't see my husband often enough. He travels for work, we've got two kids, you know the story. And besides, he really is my best friend.

To make this retreat time I tucked myself into the couch facing Wade, with a favorite blanket, my sweet little dog, and a relaxed smile. Then I imagined that the room we were in was the only one in the world. We were completely alone and protected. It was just the two of us. I really focused on him.

It was so wonderful!! We laughed and talked and laughed some more. The kids were both out so we had the whole house to ourselves, but that one cozy room was all we needed. In many ways it was an ordinary night. And it was perfect.

I encourage you to see the relationships right in front of you. Cherish them and celebrate them with a little focused attention. Open your heart to friendship in the obvious places. Blessings abound!

Girls...next time,
Kimberly

Time With Friends ~Day Three~

Just a few images I found to inspire us this week.

Warmly,
Kimberly

Day Two ~Time With Friends~

Getting dressed today I fixed my hair extra special, took time with my make-up, chose an outfit that always makes me feel cute and comfortable, and splurged by adorning my neck with three necklaces from the bottom of my jewelry box.

The first is a ring on a chain. The ring came from an old boyfriend, who was an influential force in my life many years ago. He gave me the gift of forgiveness, opening my life to new possibilities. I owe him everything.

The second is a small medallion that represents my time in local theatre. Wearing it reminds me of the amazing, crazy, vibrant friends who stoke the creative fire. Thanks for all the "broken" legs. :)

The third is a silver star, painted charcoal grey. On it, is the word--FRIENDS. I wore it as part of a Madonna costume when I ran a 5K on Halloween in 2009. I ran with my son, my daughter and Mom cheered me on, my husband congratulated me on the phone. The friendships I am surrounded by from my dear family surpass all.

I am blessed with a heart that is full from the love I've shared with people throughout my life.

Today, every time I want to retreat, I'm going to touch my necklaces, and remember times spent, connections made, and friendships celebrated.

Here's to friendship!
Kimberly

Week Ten ~Time With Friends~

I've had many friends throughout my life. Some have been with me during times of great sorrow, others have been near during my happiest moments. Every one of them has played their part.

This week, I want us to retreat with friends.

Try to plan at least one simple get together with a good friend. Grab a coffee, meet for lunch, plan a dinner or a night out. Talk about your commitment to retreat, and how this is a special time for you to nurture yourself by connecting with the people who mean the most. Really focus on the time you have and the friendship you share. See if you can't learn something new and wonderful about this person who already gives you so much.

If you're unable to physically be with a close companion, take out a notebook, a really good pen, and write for at least ten minutes about someone who has impacted your life through friendship. Take a walk back in time to a year when a best friend made all the difference. Share what you can with me in this blog.

And I will do the same.

The coffee pot is always on,
Kimberly

p.s. Check out the link below to read a guest post of mine on the fabulous website that is Joy Junket. It deals with friendship. Enjoy!

http://www.joyjunket.com/manifesto-musings-time-with-friends-is-sacred/

Hands ~Day Four~

Okay, this is technically an advertisement for a car company, but the video leading up to the plug at the end is unbelievable. Enjoy!

http://www.spike.com/video/what-hands-can-do/2822408

Embracing beauty every day,
Kimberly

Week Nine ~Hands~

Hands are the heart's landscape.-   Pope John Paul II

Think of all we do with our hands.

The miracle of movement in our fingers. How a simple touch can heal a broken heart, a wounded ego, an anxious mind.
This week, I'd like to offer you a retreat for your hard working hands.

I found this self-massage technique on ehow. This video is very simple to follow, and a good technique for hand massage.

http://www.ehow.com/video_4404422_self-massage-techniques-hands.html

To make this a retreat, take a moment for an opening ceremony.

Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and set the intention that the next few minutes are for you.

If you have a favorite lotion or scented oil, use it. You may even want to splurge a bit and buy a bottle just for this retreat. Aromatherapy can be highly indusive to relaxation and calm, and a scent that makes you happy is an added treat for this massage.

Below is a list of scents and their uses to get you started, but don't think of this as the last word on aroma. We are all unique, and if a fragrance speaks to you, that's the important thing.

Basil – Sage - Mint -  Spiritual uplifting, energizing and romance,
                                  relaxation, extreme calming and comfort

Cedarwood - Nervous tension, bronchitis, congestion, coughs and
                    sinusitis

Eucalyptus - Asthma, bronchitis, coughs, sinusitis and throat
                    infections

Jasmine - Mood changing, fear, sensual, romance and confidence

Lavender - Flu, depression, insomnia and hypertension

Lemon - Well being, refreshing, optimistic, fearless and strengthening

Lime - Balance, cleansing, motivation and clarity

Sandalwood - Depression, tensions and stress

Ylang Ylang - Depression, impotence, insomnia, frigidity and stress
 
When you are done, fold your hands over your heart and with a deep breath, imagine a glow enveloping your fingers, thumbs, palms, and joints. Thank your body for all it does, every day.

Be good to yourself. Always.

Kimberly

Day Five ~Strong Foundations~

We're coming to the end of our time with the base chakra. Remember, I've suggested we set the intention to find something red and delicious in the grocery store to support this important energy center. Yesterday I had an experience I wanted to share which is best expressed with brevity. Enjoy.


Long day.

Shuffling numbly into the grocery store for husband requested frozen pizza.

Forgot about my own retreat.

Drifted toward the deli.
Don't know why.
No pizza there.

Was greeted with a rainbow of vitamin packed, antioxidant sporting, "fuel your body with the good stuff" juices.

"Ahhhh. Now I remember."

(smile)

I had found Red Machine.

Yumm. Yumm. Triple yumm.

All better.

Slurp, slurp,
Kimberly

Day Three ~Strong Foundations~

Here's a little inspiration for the produce section courtesy of Linda R. O'Connell.

Succulent, sensual, seeds. Yumm.

THE POMEGRANATE

Posted March 14th, 2009 by lroconnell

• seeds of love

THE POMEGRANATE
By Linda R. O’Connell
Copyright © 2009

Pomegranate,
leather skinned globe
jewels in your crown.
You captivate me
with the fullness of
your form,
your regal beauty
and taste treasure.
Pleasure me,
fruit of temptation,
bleeding juice of
fertility and bounty.
You are not fit for mere mortals,
for it was you
luring Adam
in the garden that day.
Journey me,
lead me away from
the wines
of vineyards.
Surround me in
your scarlet flesh
and seduce me,
as I grab you
and caress!
Coax me on towards
your crimson kernels,
of pearls
that tire me
to death.
Oh pomegranate,
take me.