the Artist's Way - Week Eight - Day Three

Actions

Ask yourself what action you can take this year to move closer. What action can you take this month, this week, today, now?


My list of actions:

This year - write and submit more.
This month - write a short story and resubmit old ones.
This week - Write at least a thousand words.
This day - re-edit and submit a story sitting on desk collecting dust
Now - get started editing that story and write at least 250 words

At this point, it is not necessary to follow through on these actions. This is just the first step of creating your action plan.

the Artist's Way - Week Eight - Day Two

You have named your dream; now let's get it within target.

Choose one concrete landmark that signals its accomplishment.

What would signify to you that you have accomplished your dream?

My Landmark: A publication in a print magazine.

Now, I'm not belittling the online magazines. I just feel that holding the story in my hand would really hit it home to me that I accomplished what I set out to do.

That's it for today, see you tomorrow.

the Artist's Way - Week Eight - Day One

Recovering a Sense of Strength

Life is about survival, which usually points to losses. A loss should be disguised as a gain. You should ask yourself, what can I gain from this loss? Ask what's next, rather than why me. Don't take no as a final answers.

It's easier to say I have learned, or I have created. But the artist's focus should be on the process not the product.

Each journey begins with a small step.

Many blocked creators think about their dreams on large scales and the outlook of changing their whole life to fit in to the dream. This form of grand thinking is usually their on undoing. By setting the jump to high and the price tag too great, the recovering artist sets defeat into motion. Break it into small steps and they turn into accomplishments.

This week is going to be a little different. I've picked out one of the exercises and broken it down into seven steps. If you are following in the book, you will notice that my version takes us a little further than the one in the book. Let's see how far we can go in a week with this.

Name Your Dream

What is your dream? Do you want to be in a Hollywood play, write a bestselling novel, or produce a short story? Whatever it is, no matter how big or how small, give it a name, a voice. That's it for today.

My Dream: To become a published author.

the Artist's Way - Week Seven - Day Seven

Take the Day off.

Don't do anything you have to do, only things you want to do. Enjoy life!

the Artist's Way - Week Seven - Day Six

Solitude


Take yourself into a sacred place, a church, a library, a grove of trees and allow yourself time to experience the silence of healing solitude.

the Artist's Way - Week Seven - Day Five

Enjoyment and Relaxation


Give yourself a time out to listen to twenty minutes of music just for the enjoyment.

the Artist's Way - Week Seven - Day Four

Archeology, let's do some digging. This should be fun.

Finish these sentences:

As a kid, I missed the chance to
As a kid, I could have use
As a kid, I dreamed of being
As a kid, I needed more
For years, I’ve missed and wondered about

My answers:

As a kid, I missed the chance to be in group activities.
As a kid, I could have use self-confidence.
As a kid, I dreamed of being a writer, a model, and a dancer.
As a kid, I needed more parental support.
For years, I’ve missed and wondered about old friends.

the Artist's Way - Week Seven - Day Three

Count your blessings.

Finish these sentences:

I have a loyal friend in
Writing my morning pages has shown me that I can
My artist has started to pay more attention to
I’m taking a greater interest in
Possibly, my creativity is

My answers:

I have a loyal friend in Alisyn.
Writing my morning pages has shown me that I can accomplish whatever I set out to do.
My artist has started to pay more attention to the world around me, especially animal behavior.
I’m taking a greater interest in the universe and spirituality.
Possibly, my creativity is growing to bounds I've never thought possible.

the Artist's Way - Week Seven - Day Two

Jealousy is the emotion that points the way.

Jealousy is a map, it tells the territory that you covet. Each of our maps will be different. Do you find yourself envying the success of novelists, screenwriters, or figure skaters?

Jealousy is a mask for fear of doing something that you want to do.

The people on your jealousy map occupy the positions you'd like to fill yourself. You jealousy map will move you into the territory that you desire.

Make a list of those you are jealous of. Try to name up to 20 people. Next to each one, state why you are jealous. Now, state an action that can lead you toward that direction.

This is another activity that I will not be too good at. I'm really don't envy many. I know that if I want to do something, all I have to do is actively do it.

1) My boyfriend - he is capable of focusing on what he wants to do and is not easily detoured - Focus more on what I want to do rather than what I have to do.

If I think of any others, I'll add them to the comments.

Who are you jealous of?

the Artist's Way - Week Seven - Day One

I apologize for the lateness of the next few posts. They are trying to Kill me at work. :)

Week Seven - Recovering a Sense of Connection

Art is not about thinking something up, it's about the opposite, getting something out.

If we are trying to think something up, we strain for something that is beyond our grasp. We get something down, there is no strain. Instead of reaching, we engage in listening. Art is the act of tuning in to the unconsciousness. We do this by listening.

Perfectionism is another enemy. This is the refusal to move ahead. Midway through the process, the perfectionist insists on stopping and rereading, rather than finishing the project. They have no rough drafts. Every draft is meant to be the final. You must learn that mistakes are made and can be corrected, but to succeed a whole must be produced first.

Something worth remembering is anything that is worth doing, is also worth doing badly.

For today, finish this sentence five times: If I didn't have to do it perfectly, I'd try ...

I must refrain from this exercise. I'm not a perfectionist. I don't mind making mistakes. It is the only way to learn how to do something. I have self-taught myself many things, and of course produced many mistakes.

Are you a perfectionist?

the Artist's Way - Week Six - Day Seven

More money madness.


Answer these questions





I’m afraid that if I had money I would
Money causes
In order to have more money I’d need to
When I have money I usually
I think money
If I was not so cheap I’d
Being broke tells me

My answers:

I’m afraid that if I had money I would forget about being broke and I'd spend frivolously.
Money causes grief.
In order to have more money I’d need to work more and spend less.
When I have money I usually buy myself special things.
I think money is harder to get than to spend.
If I was not so cheap I’d pay for writing classes.
Being broke tells me that I've either spent too much or worked too little.

the Artist's Way - Week Six - Day Six

Prosperity

Have you had any changes to your financial situation or your perspective on it? Had any new ideas of what you would love to do?

Pull images around these and add these to your image file.

the Artist's Way - Week Six - Day Five

Communication

Reach out to your friends. Share with them what they mean to you, or just say hello.

Send postcards to 5 friends.

the Artist's Way - Week Six - Day Four

Creation

Creativity does not always have to be art.

Bake something.

the Artist's Way - Week Six - Day Three

Natural Abundance

Explore some more.

Pick 5 flowers or leaves.

Fantasy/Sci fi Blogger Award

This beautiful award has been presented to me by Aubrie. It is an award she created herself. The award is for those blogs who promote Fantasy and Science Fiction, whether it be through author interviews, reviews, your own writing, etc.

After receiving the award, you must state 5 of your favorite fantasy/science fiction books or movies that inspire you.



1)Avatar
2)Harry Potter
3)Star Trek
4)Pirates of the Caribbean
5)The Matrix

Yes, all movies. I would have listed a few of Stephen King's book, but most seem to classify him as horror.

I haven't read much sci-fi or fantasy books although I have been exploring lately. I am currently reading one of Aubrie's books, The Voices of Ire. So far it is a real page turner. Lately I use books to fall asleep, but this one has been keeping me up at night. Thanks a lot Aubrie :)

the Artist's Way - Week Six - Day Two

Natural Abundance.

God created an abundance of natural creations. Let's explore.

Find 5 pretty or interesting rocks.

the Artist's Way - Week Six - Day One

Week Six - Creating a sense of abundance.

We use money has the top excuse to not be creative. Rather than rely on money for security learn to rely on God. We believe God wants us to be happy, yet we continue to work hard at our money job and ignore our true goals in life. We believe that work must be work and not play. We tell ourselves that art is time spent fooling around.

God believes in creativity. Witness his creativity. What could be more creative than snowflakes, each designed in a different pattern. God did not create one type of flower. He felt the need to create many.

We also blame lack of time. We must carve the time out to play, to create. Space is another excuse. Make your space, even if it's at the kitchen table.

Let's do a little counting. For this week, write down everything you spend your money on. You will find that some of your money is being used on items that you could go without, revert this money toward your art. Don't feel guilty. If you are already throwing it away, why not throw it toward your pleasure of creating.

Money Madness: Finish these as many of these sentences as you wish. They are loaded questions, but you will find the answers interesting.

People with money are
Money makes people
I’d have more money if
My dad thought money was
My mom always thought money would
In my family money always caused
Money equals


My answers:
People with money are lucky.
Money makes people live life to the fullest.
I’d have more money if I worked more hours.
My dad thought money was a way to keep my mom happy.
My mom always thought money would bring happiness.
In my family money always caused fights.
Money equals security.

the Artist's Way - Week Five - Day Seven

As we come to the end of week five, reflect on your creative awareness. Are you feeling more open? More receptive? More relaxed?

Let's go on a virtual shopping spree.

List 10 items you would like to own but don’t.


1) The Tarot of Dreams Tarot Deck by Ciro Marchetti.
2) Legacy of the Divine Tarot by Ciro Marchetti
3) Kindle
4) A new car
5) A hot tub
6) An in-ground swimming pool
7) A laptop computer
8) A boat
9) A jet-ski
10) A personal small plane

the Artist's Way - Week Five - Day Six

Back to the Future.


If I were 65 and had money I would ...


List 5 postponed pleasures adventures you would then take.


1) Take a cruise.
2) Go to Italy.
3) Stay home and write full time.
4) Stay home and read tarot full time.
5) Go to New York

the Artist's Way - Week Five - Day Five

This should be fun. Who's up for an adventure?

Finish this sentence.

If I was twenty and had money I would...

List five adventures you would take.


1) Go to Rome
2) Go to the Bahamas
3) Go to France
4) Go to College!
5) Go to Italy

the Artist's Way - Week Five - Day Four

Create your own image file.

If I remember correctly, from listening to the CD the first time through, this file is used in later lessons.

List 5 desires and be on alert for images of those desires.

Honestly, this lesson seems kind of confusing to me. Perhaps if your desire is to learn to ski, you clip pictures of someone skiing. If your desire is to write, clip pictures of famous authors accepting awards.

Do this lesson, as you see fit.

My desires:

To write.
To leave an impression that will last after my death.
To help people through my tarot readings.
To enjoy life with my boyfriend.
To achieve my life goal for this lifetime.

the Artist's Way - Week Five - Day Three

To accept God as the Great Creator and a support to your creativity, the artist needs to believe in his support. To do this, you need to rid yourself of doubt. One step to doing so is acknowledging your doubts.

List 5 grievances you hold against God.

The reason I can't really believe in a supportive God is ...

While this is a good exercise, I'm not capable of completing it. I do believe in a supportive God and have no grievances.

Feel free to acknowledge your doubt freely, and rid it from your heart.

Hope everyone is having a fine day, and God has blessed you with his glories.

the Artist's Way - Week Five - Day Two

Your very own wish list
Of course not every wish comes true, but isn't it delightful when it does.

Make 5 wishes.

1. I wish that there was more time in a day.
2. I wish that someone else could do part of the house chores.
3. I wish that my swimming pool would make itself workable. (It needs a liner and a pump.)
4. I wish that everyone could be happy.
5. I wish that grass would grow to a presentable length and stop, staying green all year long.

Well, I'm off to cut that pesky grass.

Hope everyone's having a great day!

the Artist's Way - Week Five - Day One

Week Five - Recovering a sense of possibility.

We unconsciously set a limit on how much God can help us or give us. We set these limits, but in truth there are no limits to his power.

We pray to catch the bus and then we run as fast as you can. Did you catch the bus because of God's assistance or because of your effort? If you are able to believe that it was an action of both, then you have the faith you need. Some of us chalk our fortunes up to mere coincidence. We send in a story and it comes back accepted, after praying every night for this acceptance. It is true not all prayers are answered, but for reasons we may not understand.

"Sometimes God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers."

Creativity is a spiritual issue. We make progress by making a leap of faith.

Through our morning pages, we reconnect with our true selves, discard physical dependencies, and learn to accept God's generosity.

Forbidden Joys

List 10 things you love or would love to do, but don't allow yourself to do.

1. Dancing
2. Read more
3. More downtime
4. Swimming
5. Water-Skiing
6. Own a cat
7. Do more research on Tarot
8. Connect with my Spirit Guides
9. Enjoy life more
10. Write more

A Very Vampire May Giveaway - Deadline Extended

The contest I blogged about in May has been extended to June 7th at midnight.

A recap of my earlier post: This is an extreme giveaway. Top prize is a signed copy of Twilight, but that's not all. Among prizes are Bram Stoker's Dracula, Anne Rice: The Vampire Armand and more. Plus they are all signed!

Visit:http://babblingflow.blogspot.com/2010/05/very-vampire-may-giveaway-signed.html for more information.

If you've already entered, there's a chance to get more entries in on the contest. Visit: http://babblingflow.blogspot.com/2010_06_01_archive.html for more information.

Good luck!

the Artist's Way - Week Four - Day Seven

As we arrive at the last day of the fourth week, I ask you to share any effect that the weeks have had upon you.

I have begun writing more frequently. I feel more courage in my own abilities. I know that my dream will only come true with hard work and persistence. Not enough time is only an excuse caused by fear of failing. It's time to get in gear and climb that mountain. On the other side are your dreams.

We end this week with an exercise that will reach through to future weeks. Write your own artist's pray.

Mine:
Lord, allow me the courage to push forward in my writing and express myself through my words. Give me the strength to write daily and rid me of any fears that could keep me from doing so. Give me the ability and mind set to finish what I start and then start again.

the Artist's Way - Week Four - Day Six

Let's take a look at your environment.

Everyone needs a place where they can just get away from everything. This breaking away from reality is a must for an artist.

Look around your house. Is there a room you could make into your own private space, where no one will intrude upon your time? This will become your dream area, a place to relax and reflect upon your day.

Supply it with any tools you may need as an artist - pens, paper, easel, etc. You are not necessarily arranging a spot to work, but having your options open can allow a freedom to do so, if the mood takes you.

This doesn't have to be fancy in any way. It could be a single bookshelf that holds only your items or a spot under your stairs to hide away. The main purpose is to remove yourself from your outer life to allow you to enter your inner life.

I've thought on this for most of the week, knowing this lesson was coming. I reflected upon my computer area in my bedroom, but the computer allows access to the outer world.

I've settled on my spare bedroom. My bookshelves are in this room, along with poetry books containing my published poems, and awards for past publications of poems. Add a notebook and pen and I have my own little hide away.

I've also reflected on my bathroom, which contains a garden tub. A nice quiet bath is an excellent way to shrink away from the active world and re-connect with you.

Have fun with this and connect with your inner most dreams.

Winner!

The winner of the copy of Aubrie Dionne's Winter Queen from the Seasons of Fantasy Series is ... drumroll ...

Lynn Andrade.

Lynn, this is a .pdf file. Let me know where you'd like me to email it. You may comment here with the information or email me at cher438lynn@hotmail.com.

Congratulations!

the Artist's Way - Week Four - Day Five

I'm so far behind. I've been putting in a lot of hours at work. I promise I will get to your comments on the other posts as soon as I can.

But, for now let's do some time traveling.

Describe yourself at eighty.

Well, at this point, I have no children, which means no grandchildren. I predict that at eighty I will have long gray hair. Everyone will think I'm in my sixties (I look young for my age). I will have accomplished what every writer dreams. I WILL have been WRITTEN. I don't see a career as large as Stephen King, but I will be remembered by a small group of people. My writings will include a collection of fiction books, a few famous short stories, and a huge success in the way of tarot guidance instructional book(s). Many will remember me for my guiding through the tarot. I will live my last days with a loving man to hold my hands during the day and warm my heart through the nights. On quiet evenings, I will read books by new writers just testing their wings and will find joy with their notes of how I inspired them to give it their all. I will be happy and still lively at eighty, if not in a physical manner, definitely in heart.

the Artist's Way - Week Four - Day Four

Here are your questions for today.

List 5 things you used to enjoy doing.

List 5 things you’d like to try once.




My Lists:

Things I used to enjoy doing.
1. bike riding
2. fishing
3. school
4. swimming
5. playing spades


Things I'd like to try.
1. skydiving
2. deep-sea fishing
3. hiking
4. flying in an large airplane (I've been in a small airplane once.)
5. visit a Medium

the Artist's Way - Week Four - Day Three

How's that not reading going for you? Yeah, me too. Heck, I have to read to put up the post, right?

We are going to go with two lists today.

One -List 5 things that you personally would not do that sound fun.
Two -List 5 skills that would be fun to have.

One-
1. Skydiving
2. Bungee Jumping
3. Hand gliding
4. Deep sea snorkeling
5. Go to the moon

Two-
1. Singing
2. Playing the drums
3. Gymnastics
4. Ballet
5. Pole dancing :)

I don't know about you followers, but I'm enjoying these lists myself. I feel as if I'm learning about who I am. And, well, that's the goal. Have a great day!

the Artist's Way - Week Four - Day Two

I know I'm late, but what's new. It was a pretty busy day, but I managed to fit some writing in. That is saying something for me. :)

Okay, I don't think I mentioned this in Day One's post. These questions are to be answered quickly, as it will bring the answers from your subconscious mind rather than your logical brain.

With that being said, List 5 classes that sound fun.

1.Cooking
2.Painting
3.Yoga
4.Pole Dancing
5.Crafts