monday motivation - primp and preen

Do you find the act of primping and preening motivating?  I do.  There is something about finding creativity in one's personal care.   What is one product that gives you that rosy cheeked glow?  Take time out today for a little primping a preening.  It is amazing when one takes care of themselves how the day and the week ahead can be all the more attractive.

I just love this painting.  Don't you think this lady looks satisfied with the results of her primping?

Thank-you to each of you for your kind thoughts and prayers in regard to my parents.  I am so happy I was able to fly down to Kentucky and thankful for my sisters and brothers there.  I will post more about my visit and the progress of my parents soon.

formula un

"F1" - Formula One Car designed by JP van Essche (son of pve)

Last Summer, my sons attended a summer program, "Great Books" on the grounds of Amherst College and had the opportunity to see what campus life is like. The 2 week program was wonderful for them to meet college graduates, to attend a variety of lectures and to have free time to play music, create or toss a frisbee.

The above car was designed and made by my son from cardboard, and a mix of garbage, caps, wire and then painted. Ever since he was a little boy, he has taken great pleasure in building with legos, putting puzzles together and a whiz at engineering. He can figure out most anything, take it apart and put it all back together. I love how we are programmed with a formula at such a young age and that love or passion if nurtured can grow.

Do you have one formula that has stayed with you from childhood or a creative passion that has evolved over time? A little "formula fun" at any age is truly special.

in the fishbowl

Marisa, "in the fishbowl" 

I am so excited about taking an e-course (today) called "in the fishbowl" from Marisa at 

Creative Thursday. This e-course will be the perfect extension of sharing her mission as well as mine, which is to inspire others to live the way they want creatively.

My life is all about learning, as an artist those dreaming and living creatively need an inspiring community.  The June 18th e-course session is sold out but you may e-mail Marisa if you are interested in future sessions.  You may even listen to her "podcasts" which will inspire you to set aside a day, with the intent to "create."  We are all creators and have the power to create.

from lettergirl.etsy

Marisa began her creative day on "thursday" and it soon seeped over into other days.  Do you have a designated "creative" day set aside?

freedom

Typography design by illustrator Penelope Dullaghan (a new Mom)

I have been working on "letting go" of some things in order to gain a little creative freedom.  

After scoring some sound advice from SCORE, I will be letting go of some of the managerial tasks in order to focus more on creativity and my artwork.  Keeping a blog, posting daily and then juggling the demands of a working from home and keeping it all happily humming along can sometimes be daunting.  I think letting go or gaining a bit of help will be a good thing. Today, I have an assistant (a college student on Summer break) on the way, just a few hours so I can let go, and create.  

How do you let go, so you can make room for a little freedom in your life.