JoDee Luna's Blog, page 44

Make Dreams Come True in 2012

Often what I enjoy the most wrestles out from under a price tag: the giggle of my grown up girl or the scent of a rose freshly snipped from the stem. Such is the same for my artistic interests—whether designing a wreath or writing a book. Money doesn't matter when sunrays stream through the window of an impromptu photo shoot.

So as the New Year rolls around the bend, I decided to jot down some of the inexpensive ways I make my dreams come true:

Envision your dreams becoming a reality – Find something you'd love to do and then imagine the finished product. I had an actual dream in which I saw a URL, http://refrainfromtheidentical.com. I knew I was to build a creativity website to inspire other artistic multi-taskers that struggle with balancing multiple interests. I've spent the last year envisioning the website and then building what I saw in my mind.
Demote monetary benefit – Sure I'd like to make money from my creative ventures, but the greenback dollar is never a deciding factor. I pursue creative projects for the sheer pleasure of the experiences as opposed to trying to make money.
Promote soul satisfaction – I believe that God made us as tri-part beings with body, soul, and spirit. Creativity cultivates an inner peace and enables soul release. It provides contentment in the midst of this tumultuous world in which we live.
Tear off your dreams in bite-sized chunks – Life may dish us up a full plate, but we can always tuck in a chunk of dream bread or sprinkle what-you-like-spices on top.
Adapt the Twelve-step motto, "Striving for progress and not perfection" – If we remove the pressure to be perfect, then we are patient with our slow and steady progress.

My big dream of 2011 was to self-publish my first book I'd been working on for five years. This dream stretched me like taffy pulled between two metal, rotating bars. At times, I thought the idea was the worst one I'd ever decided to pursue. Yet today, I hold my book in my hands and smile. I dared to pursue my dream until it had a cover and cream-colored pages in between. If I can do something so big (as an overwhelmed, overcommitted middle school teacher), then you can too!

 

 

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MY CREATIVE LIFE: THEN AND NOW

Recently, a friend sent me her creative story after reading my book, Refrain from the Identical: Insight and Inspiration for Creative Eclectics. She decided to do the exercise at the end of Chapter 1:

"Exercise: Write about your creative history. Start with memoires as far back into childhood as you can remember and then work your way towards the present. Does any activity still call to you?"

Her story touched me and reaffirmed one of my purposes for writing the book—to help people connect with their creative identities by retracing their creative histories. Carol graciously agreed to allow me to post her story. I hope this will inspire others to write their own. (I've included some of her poems as visuals for the post.)

MY CREATIVE LIFE

THEN AND NOW

November 2011

Back as far as I can remember, I liked to color with crayons in color books within the lines.  Another passion of my younger years was to cut out and organize my paper doll's clothes although I don't remember doing much in the area of making up dramas or plays for them.  Can those two activities even be considered creative?

I remember having a brownie camera for taking pictures but not anything very special.  Then I moved onto using our "long time in the family" Argus camera and shooting black and white photos because that was all that was available then.

Over the years I did seem to always have a camera in my hand, recording vacation trips and horseback riding adventures with print and slide.  Photo shoots and classes were always fun.  It was an added pleasure to organize them into a book or program to help tell the story of that special event.

Today I remain in love with putting together books by organizing pictures and information.  My photography phase seems to be on hold right now as I came to feel that there was no particular purpose in all the pictures that I was taking.  I am still working on that issue although often I will see a scene and frame it in my mind and imagination.  Things of balance and color continue to catch my eye's attention.

Over 20 years ago we were camping at Pismo Beach, and I happened to wake overly early in the morning and idly started composing a poem in my head and was able to remember all the words until dawn when I could write them down.  That was the beginning of a romance with poetry writing that continues to this day.  Sometimes, I will go months without writing a word then all of a sudden a whole poem pops into my head.  Be assured that my poems are short, usually lines of few words, and only one even approaches a whole page in length.

Photo by JoDee Luna

A friend introduced me to sketching a couple years ago, but I have not done much with it after she moved away.  It is on my list to take some basic lessons to further my abilities in that area in order to awaken some hidden and dormant talents.  A further goal is to one day use my own sketching abilities to illustrate a book of my poems.

In review, my current creativity is limited to making my own greeting cards when I have the time, doing some cut and paste additions to my daily journal, and periodically writing poems; photography and sketching are on hold for now until the Holy Spirit guides me there again with freedom.  In this phase of my life, "when I have time" seems to be the limiting factor for the expression of my creativity.

Slight revision/addition 12/4/11

P.S. If editing can be considered creative, add that to my list as I have read over and made changes and additions to this a number of times over a period of weeks.

*After reading Carol's story, I extended an invitation for her to post photos on this website. Here is an excerpt from her reply: "I have been coming to a realization over a period of the last couple of weeks that I could focus on taking pictures that show some of the handiwork and miracles of God as seen in nature, etc."

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My Best Christmas Gifts

It's Christmas morning and I should be musing over Jesus' birth, but instead I'm thinking about the four books that sold on Amazon.com yesterday. Mom confessed that she bought the first book, and my daughter, Elya, leaked out that she also bought one of the first four. Mom's eyes sparkled as she burst forth with her marketing announcement:

"I sent an email to everyone on my email list and have five people interested."

I watched the woman with the twinkling eyes chatter about the book and her wonderful daughter and what her friends said, and I thought, How fitting that the person I credited as the source of my creative eccentricities bought the first book.

Mom embodies the creative eclectic personality that my book addresses; she oozes with artistry as evidenced in this book excerpt:

"Today, as I spend the afternoon with my parents, I see glimpses of the little girl I used to be in the dancing eyes of my mother. As mom merrily shows me her many projects, my heart swells with gratefulness. So much of who I am has come from her.

Truly a Renaissance woman I think while watching her lift crocheted caps and scarves from her basket.

"These are for the chemotherapy patients, and these for the premature babies," she sighs. "Pink for the girls and blue for the boys."

My mother's world is so pure and simple. In it, girls still wear pink and boys blue. Women welcome homecoming husbands with bow-tied aprons, steaming hot meals, and mitted hands. Homemakers create inviting beauty with enough to share."

Last night wasn't any different. From the homemade salsa, tamales, and chips she brought to our family's Christmas Eve celebration to the blanket she crocheted after dinner when she finally put her feet up, Mom gives in multiple artistic ways.

"This is my therapy." She explained when Elya squished the huge ball of yarn and giggled, "Grandma, this is so big." Elya's chuckle and their conversation filled the room with delight.

I sat around the Christmas tree with the women in our family who grace each other with listening ears, tender hearts, and timely advice. I remembered the candles we lit during Christmas Eve service and the sound of their voices swirling around the sparkling lights as they sang, "Joy to the world the Lord has come." In that instant, faith and family was enough. Book sales paled in comparison to the joy that radiated from their faces.

This morning as I write, I recount how blessed I am to have a family who (although human in every way) loves one another with a passion only the Son can provide. They are my best Christmas gifts, along with those two books that my mother and daughter bought because they believed in my dream.

 

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Christmas Choices

This morning I awoke thinking, what if love were a choice that we made every day and not just on Christmas?

We choose to believe when we are afraid.
We choose to trust when our faith drains away and only hopelessness remains.
We choose to love when our heart fills with annoyance, anger, and hate.
We choose to remember that the Christmas story has an ending.

Recently, I explained to my daughter that there are three Greek words for love: Éros, passion, Philia, friendship, and Agápe, sacrificial. This morning, while reading a Wikipedia commentary by Dr. Sengai Podhuvan, I discovered a fourth, Storge, "natural affection, like that felt by parents for offspring."

Although all four forms of love delight us humans, Dr. Podhuvan explains that "Before agape love there was no other word to express such great love."

In light of this wonderful commentary, how fitting to remember that the Christmas story extends beyond a birth and ends with the greatest sacrifice known to humankind.

So in honor of Jesus, I share this poem and wish you and yours a wonderful Christmas!

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I SOLD MY FIRST BOOK ON AMAZON.COM!

What a rush. I went into my CreateSpace account and there it was "1 December Sale." I cried. After five years of working on this book, I actually sold a book. Words cannot describe the joy that I feel right now. If you are the first book buyer, I would love to hear from you. Believe me when I say that you've made my day and the last five years worth of effort well worth the effort. Thank you! Check out the book's Amazon.com page.

 

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When Art Calls to You

I looked up and noticed that what I thought was a photograph was actually a watercolor painting. I'd admired this framed piece on the wall of the condo where we're staying in Heavenly Valley, Tahoe. It resembled what my husband and I wanted to put on the wall of our family room, a photo from Lake Tahoe that is divided into three parts. Yet even though I've admired this piece for several days, I never noticed that it was a watercolor painting entitled "The Triptych." I looked closely to see that the artist was Bill Jewell.

Water Color by Bill Jewel

This morning's discovery called to me. Emotions knotted in my throat and the urge to cry rumbled from

The Triptych by Bill Jewell

somewhere deep inside of me. I stood before it thinking, I have to do this. Then my next reaction was oh no, not another art form to learn. I've been intrigued by watercolor for years, and even tried, but the results were dismal. So I've told myself that this will be an artistic undertaking I'll pursue during my retirement years when I'm not so busy. Yet the painting I stood in front of made me feel all mushy inside. Then I imagined us having a dialogue:

"JoDee, you know you are meant to learn how to watercolor."

"But painting, I don't have time to watercolor. I've got to market a book, finish a mixed media piece, and continue to write." I replied with a sternness that even surprised me. "Besides, I tried you once and did a horrible job. You're going to take time to master."

Although the painting did not reply back, its presence reverberated through my being. I decided, right there and then, that I will stop my excuses and find the DVD with watercolor lessons I've already purchased. I know from observing my sister's personal experience with acrylics that painting is like raising a child; once you commit, you're in for the long haul.

I have no clue where I'm going to find the time, but I'm determined to pursue this part of my destiny, whether or not I ever dare to post a photo of my inferior efforts.

When art calls to you, you answer…or become miserable in your refusal to respond.

*A special thanks to Bill Jewell for permission to post about his painting and amazing talent!

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A Creative Retreat

Our family excursion to the Eagle's Nest, Lake Tahoe, has transformed into a creative retreat for my daughters and me. Yesterday, my husband and son went to watch football games and us ladies indulged ourselves in a total chick day. We watched Pride and Prejudice while we satisfied our creative cravings.

Elya scrapbooked.

 

Andrea drew…

and then we redesigned her blog. Here is a link to her newest post "sometimes silly is the answer."

I crocheted.

Then we went shopping. The holiday-adorned shops sparked a plethora of artistic ideas and some fun.

The girls got silly and tried on fur hats.

 

This vacation has truly been a creative retreat. One that I will cherish forever. Time with my girls reminds me of how important it is that we set aside special times to nurture our relationships and our creative desires.

Life flows against our longings to stop, visit, and create. We must clear our calendars and ink in an occasional creative retreat.

 

 

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Take a Writer's Break

This morning I'm writing from a top room in the Eagle's Nest at Heavenly Valley, Lake Tahoe. A gift from family, my husband and some of our children nestled into this mountain retreat before Christmas. From where I write, I can see one of the Heavenly Valley ski slopes.

Patches of snow dapple the surrounding mountains and craggy rocks nestle in between willowy pine trees. One would expect feet of snow a week before Christmas but this is an odd winter indeed. The snow makers buzz up and down the hill to prepare fresh powder for eager skiers.

I awoke with words floating through my mind, "Take a writer's break." The statement provoked some thoughts about the benefit of a writer's break.

Call them writers' retreats, vacation excursions, or getaways, a writer's break is when you leave your hectic life and go to an alternate location to write freely, enjoy beauty, and gain fresh perspective. There is something transformative about exiting obligations, with all of the demands and schedules that blur your view. What once seemed so important melts away like crusted snow floating in a mountain stream.

Whenever I go on a writer's break, I look back at the world I left behind and wonder how I let it bind me up and render me ineffective. I gain a new resolve to sort through life's demands and dump some of them.

Although writer's breaks are beneficial, they don't just happen. We have to schedule them, save for them, and fiercely protect them. In order to do this, we must take an inventory of our money wasters, those indulgences we allow to punch holes in our pockets. Then we tighten our financial belt and save those funds for our retreat. We clear the calendar, find a place, and plan the trip. Sure, all of this adds stress, but it is well worth the effort.

I guarantee that you won't be disappointed if you take a writer's break. In fact, your little world that swirls around you as if it is "the whole world," will stop and wonder, How did she pull that off?

 

 

 

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Gina M. Wilson's Newest Creative Venture

When I was a girl my father's sister was a successful Avon executive who filled our Christmas stockings with bubble bath, lip balms, and exciting seasonal products. My sister and I were always delighted to sample and smell the new Avon treats that our gorgeous, favorite Auntie generously provided. Whenever we visited, she would let us sort through the samples and products in her special Avon room, and we always left with armfuls of great smelling treasures. Perhaps that is why I still appreciate products that enhance women's beauty.

My mother is another gorgeous woman who instilled in my sister and I the value of aging gracefully as we grew older. She always took the time to care for herself so she could present her best self to the world. More importantly, she constantly reminded us that "pretty is as pretty does." Her untiring love, loyalty, and prayers are still sustaining three generations of children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren.

Having turned 50 this year, I am now eager to learn the beauty secrets of my mother and my aunt. Now in her seventies,  mom is still a stylish woman who radiates natural beauty and warmth from both her face and her inner life. Like my mother, my 80-something auntie is still beautiful and full of life. Through the years these two amazing women have remained close friends with each other and continue to be true inspirations to all of the younger women in our family.

You can visit my Avon website by selecting the following link: youravon.com/gwilson5070

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Dough Art: A Craft for Kids of All Ages

Dough art, or dough sculpture, is an enjoyable and easy-to-do craft for kids of all ages. I began sculpturing dough when I was but a wee one some 40 plus years ago. When I was a teenager, I made miniature charactertures of my cheerleader friends.

I taught my children to sculpt with dough. In fact, they bring their adult friends home for salt dough craft time.

My daughters, Andy and Elya, enjoy salt dough sculpturing

I also sold salt dough when my sister and I had our arts and crafts business.

My students also enjoy learning how to create dough sculptures and come up with creative ideas.

My favorite time of the year for this craft is during December when the holidays approaches. The recipe is quite simple:

1 cup of flour
1/2 cup of salt
Start with 1/2 cup of water and then add water until the mixture becomes the consistency of play dough

I mix a large bowl of flour and salt together first.

Make sure you leave a few cups of the flour and salt mixture together in case the dough gets sticky.

If you want to mix paint into your dough, mix the paint with some water and then add the flour and salt mixture.

Mix all of the ingredients together.

Knead the dough until it is smooth.

The mixture should be moldable but not sticky. If it is sticky, add more of the flour and salt mixture.

You can roll the dough out and use cookie cutters.

Or, you can sculpt the dough into different shapes.

Create a standing figurine by placing dough around a cardboard cone covered with tin foil so the dough will not fall over.

Most importantly, have fun with all of the different items you can make.

 

 

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