» Coaxing Creativity Tues Tip

Read…Celebrate National Literacy Day – Coaxing Creativity Tuesday Tip, Sept. 7, 2010

mary — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 02:07:48 +0000

Rejoice in this simple act as we celebrate National Literacy Day on Wed., Sept. 8. Whether it’s sitting down with a newspaper or magazine, picking up a novel or biography, checking out a cookbook, or just reading a map, we are constantly reading. Technology has invented a whole new methodology of writing, or should I say “spelling” to speed up the typing of text conversations.While there is some creativity involved in crafting this text speak, let’s concentrate on content right now. I encourage you to give your full attention to an entire article/chapter/section for your own gratification and reading pleasure. Care to join me in learning something new?

Sign up for a class – Coaxing Creativity Tuesday Tip Aug. 31, 2010

mary — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:30:38 +0000

Is it time you signed up for a class and headed back to school? Just about everyone has that phrase on his or her mind these days. Perhaps you have someone going back to school. Perhaps you watch the TV ads of little ones climbing on the big yellow bus and wonder where has the time gone. Now is the time to think about finding a class for you. Take a class at the local college, Community Parks & Rec, your favorite craft/fabric/bead store, garden center, the YMCA, library, your place of worship, or even on-line. Yes, it’s back to school time, and you have the added benefit of designing your own area of study!

Gather school supplies – Coaxing Creativity Tuesday Tip August 24, 2010

mary — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:05:52 +0000

As we approach the last days of summer many of us find ourselves drawn to the back-to-school ads, whether we have students returning to the classroom or not. Now is a great time to stock up on pens, pencils, notebooks, glue sticks, even crayons and other art supplies. Assemble a stash of fresh pens and sharpened pencils ready and waiting for you when the whim to create beckons. I’m excited to peruse the aisles overflowing with abundance in search of just the right size notebook for a future embellished journal project, or a new pen in an exquisite shade of purple. What’s your favorite school supply?

Discover your style at a vintage clothing store – Coaxing Creativity Tuesday Tip August 17, 2010

mary — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 11:54:24 +0000

Visiting a vintage clothing store gives you the chance to try on more than just garments, but to imagine who you could be in those clothes. The great thing about fashion today is that you are in charge of deciding what’s the perfect fit for you and creating a fabulous look for YOU. It’s your choice according to your body type, style, color preference, occupation, and activity. The fashion magazines always carry glamorous back-to-school spreads this time of year featuring the latest hemline and neckline in hues, which sound good enough to eat like eggplant and cotton candy. I love looking at the layouts imaging myself in the different styles and various scenarios: elegant and sophisticated, or whimsical and playful. What’s your story and style?

Live life your way as an Inventor! Coaxing Creativity Tuesday Tip Aug. 10, 2010

mary — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 21:30:46 +0000

Did you know August is National Inventors Month? Did you know you are an inventor? When you tap into your creativity by doing things your way, you are inventing your own life! As unique individuals, each one of us holds the patent on our own destiny. While some become household names and are synonymous with classic chic such as Coco Chanel, the rest of the world must be content in the knowledge that “I’m the one, the only and original ME!” Why not take a few minutes today to write and reflect on what 2010 has shaped up so far, and what direction you’d like it to pursue. I’m in awe of all the wonderful things that have happened to me and can’t wait to see what the future holds. What about you?

Let happiness happen – Coaxing Creativity Tuesday Tip Aug. 3, 2010

mary — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 02:57:01 +0000

August is Happiness Happens Month – are you alert to little shifts you make to embrace the happiness in your life? I’m extremely happy that I received a “peachy keen” report from my surgeon as I near the 9^th anniversary of my first breast cancer surgery. I’m happy and grateful! that I live where I have access to fresh food, clean drinking water and great health care. I’m happy when the phone rings and instead of a telemarketer I hear my Honey (husband) or my Sweetie Pie (daughter) on the phone. I’m happy to be looking forward to discover what another day will bring and writing about it. What about you?

Wander thru family photos – Coaxing Creativity Tuesday Tip July 27, 2010

mary — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:06:38 +0000

Prescott Girls - can you tell we're sisters?

July is Family Reunion month, but we don’t have to wait for a special occasion to celebrate those cherished memories. Family photos are everywhere in my house. Boxes of prints and hundreds of slides reside in my drawers and closets. Now that I’ve graduated to digital, computer files populate my hard drive. Polished and posed for special events – graduations, weddings, and baptisms family and friends return my gaze in my personal gallery along with lop sided grins and bunny ears at family gatherings. Candid moments and orchestrated tableaus tell the stories of my life. How wonderful to be able to revisit what was then with the perspective of who we are now. Happy travels…

Write a postcard today – Coaxing Creativity Tuesday Tip July 20, 2010

mary — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 01:59:21 +0000

I like to buy postcards when I travel, whether it’s other parts of the world, or just a mile away from my house! I choose postcards because of the photography (which I could never capture myself) and the emotion the postcard evokes in me. And don’t discount the fact that postcards have a very small writing area. This is a good thing for people who say they never know what to write. Just the fact that you take the time to write a couple of lines about the weather and the fun time you are having means a great deal to your recipient. If you are having a “staycation” close to home, a postcard is a very personal way to connect with family and friends. Go ahead; send a postcard showing off beautiful downtown Main Street USA. Let’s keep in touch…

Practice social awareness – Coaxing Creativity Tip July 13, 2010

mary — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 03:07:25 +0000

July is Social Awareness Month, which has nothing to do with social media and everything to do with empathy, friendship, and compassion. Today, seek harmony in your environment beginning with yourself: smile at your reflection in the mirror, reward yourself for completing a difficult task, soak up some sun on a park bench, or go to bed early. Be aware of what keeps you humming with harmony and pass the feeling on…

Have a 4th of July picnic – Coaxing Creativity Tip June 29, 2010

mary — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 22:22:21 +0000

Ah the 4^th of July – this mid-summer celebration means parades, picnics, and popping eardrums! I remember parades, church picnics, and carnivals growing up. Our little Coastside town hosts an old-fashioned parade every year where practically the whole town turns out to march down Main Street, little kids decorate their bikes with red, white, and blue crepe paper streamers, and big kids shine up their hot rods. While some light a sparkler or two in the twilight, crowds wait impatiently for the fireworks guaranteed to light up the sky with dramatic displays of color along with the sonic boom explosions. Perhaps you will take a picnic to the beach, to a local park, or to your backyard. I hope you have a chance to spend the day with family/friends expressing gratitude to our ancestors for this Independence Day.