Guess Where I am Today?

On the lovely Lillie McFerrin's blog! No I didn't hijack it, I promise. I'm there totally legitimately.

The Lovely Lillie

Lillie - the sweetest lady EVER - asked if she could interview me. Naturally I accepted because it is such an honour to be asked, and well it's for Lillie (see comment above about how awesome she is!)

So if you'd like to know a bit more about me, check out her blog. She asked the most fabulous questions!

22 Things Update

So I've been following my 22 Things list for a couple months now. Taking small steps towards my creative life.

When I look back on my original list I see that I've already accomplished a lot! I did in fact register for school - I start my Coaching course June 5. I bought art supplies and had fun - so much fun that I plan on opening my very own Etsy shop! As you can see from my last post, I'm reading more and continuing to edit my novel. I'm almost always singing and dancing - even if no one else sees me!

I've accomplished other things as well. I'm taking more chances, trying new things and keeping the faith that this is all bringing me closer to my goals.

So how about you? Have you been stroking items off your list? Is it helping you overcome that overwhelmed feeling that life has a way of making us feel?

I hope so!

This month - if prompts are your thing - I'd like you to think about your career. What small steps can you take to help you achieve the career you've always wanted? Or maybe you have that career already, so what can you do to enhance it?

Sign up and share your creative 22 Things journey with us! There's nothing better in life than a support system, and that's what this blog is all about!

Copy & paste this link to share everyone's lists!

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Take a Picture... It Lasts Longer.

I must admit, there are days when life looks dull and unwelcoming. Days when my impatience and sense of unease overtake me - pressing me under their angry thumbs. I dislike those days - who doesn't? It's in those gloomy moments that I search for beauty.

I mentally step outside of the nastiness that threatens to pull me under and look around for something that will brighten my spirits. It's not always easy, but if done right, it can change my whole attitude.

Since becoming the proud owner of a lovely iPhone, I've found this a tad bit easier. The first thing I did when I bought my iPhone was download Instagram. I'd heard others speak of its awesomeness and I wanted in!

Now I spend all my time thinking.....

What can I snap a picture of? What small loveliness can I find?

It's been a great way for me to open my creative mind, look at things from a different perspective - and more importantly - have fun! Not to mention the added bonus that those pretty pictures will always be on hand when I need a boost of inspiration.

Sidewalk Joy!

Weeds are flowers too..once you get to know them . -Eeyore

Longing Eyes

Spring Has Arrived - What Are You Clearing Out?

Welcome to April, folks! A time of rain, clouds, sun and warmth. And if you live in Canada, the more than likely chance of snow. It's a fact, in Winnipeg we're never really free of winter until the end of May.

But today it's sunny with a high of 17*C - unusual, but welcome weather - and I thought to myself...

It's a great day to do some spring cleaning!

No, I'm not talking about mops, buckets or any other cleaning supplies. I'm talking about spring cleaning my LIFE.

In the spirit of 22 Things, I challenge you to re-evaluate your lists! Is there something you can add or remove? Have you completed a task? Does it need replacing? Maybe you need to be a bit more specific? Are you struggling with an item? Why do you think that is?

Re-evaluate, people!

For those of you who love a good prompt...here it is:

Make a list of 22 Things you can do RIGHT NOW that will help you feel better about yourself. Perhaps going for more walks, or taking more candlelit baths. Allowing yourself some time to do whatever you want. Giving yourself more treats, going out and taking more pictures, trying something new. The possibilities are ENDLESS, and only you know what they are! It doesn't have to be big, in fact it should be small.

If you're not into prompts, that's okay. Just re-evaluate your list and include what matters to you!

Bling for your BLOG

How do you join? Easy! Blog about your 22 Things and sign up below. This way others can share and support you on your creative journey! Please feel free to contact me if you're having any troubles. I had to change the link (tech problems...don't ask) so even if you signed up before, please sign up again! I'll create a new linky tool each month. Don't forget to grab the 22 Things badge for your blog and use the hashtag #22things on Twitter.

For more information on 22 Things, check out my original post HERE.

Found: Creativity and My Life's Passion

It sounds cliché, but I never really found myself until I hit my thirties. Yes, I'm all wise an stuff now...okay maybe not, but I'm getting there!

It took several major life events, career changes, meditation, good friends & family and a WHOLE lot of encouragement to get me to where I am right now. This magical place called HAPPY.

Though I've made long strides in my life, there has always been something missing. First, I want to start off by saying that my current job isn't horrible. It pays well, the people are great and really I've had much worse jobs...much worse. Yet, I've always wanted to help people while doing something I love. The psychology graduate in me has been yearning for this one-on-one interaction. YEARNING.

If you know me, you'll know that I tend to question...well...everything. I'm not all that content with taking things at face value. I want to know why. Once I understand something, I can move on, until then...there's just no chance.

So you'll understand when I say it's taken me a very long time to just have faith that things will happen, and for a reason. But, I have and it did.

To make this long story short, I've stumbled across something that makes my heart sing (on top of writing, art, music etc) I found coaching. To be more specific, creative life coaching.

Okay, I know what you're thinking. The old me thought that way too.

Seems kinda like artsy-fartsy, hippie tree-hugging crap. Touchy-feely, I want to live in harmony, nonsense.

But to be honest, it's not. My desire to help people, combined with my love of creativity in all its forms, has led me here. With my previous schooling, combined with some additional courses and practice, I plan on exploring a career in creativity coaching. Thankfully, due to the nature of coaching, I can do this in addition to my current full-time job. I'll be working long hours, but I'm used to being busy. In fact that's when I thrive!

My aim is to help clients find and follow their passions. Explore themselves and the world around them. Take chances, make small changes (can anyone say 22 Things?!) and feel encouraged the entire way.

My journey has led me here, and I intend to help others find theirs!

What's Your Passion? What's Holding You Back?

Think Small! 22 Things Update

It's been nearly three weeks since I launched 22 Things: The Creative Change Challenge. With 18 participants so far, I'm THRILLED at the response. A BIG thanks to all you wonderful people for joining and taking that first step. You all ROCK!

For those of you unsure what I'm referring to, check out my original post here. In the meantime I'd like to share some further thoughts on 22 Things.

I recently read some comments from people interested in the challenge, but slightly overwhelmed by listing twenty two things. Fear not, good peoples of the world! 22 Things isn't about forcing you into a box that you don't fit.

Though I truly believe we all can come up with 22 small changes, I don't want anyone to feel excluded. Sign up and list as many as you can! Try listing 15, 10 or even 5. It's not so much about the number of things, just the size of them. And that size is small. I promise, as you make these lists and stop to check in with yourself often, you'll find it becomes easier.

Here are some examples of small steps that lead to BIG changes:

• Want to write a novel? Commit to writing X amount of words or pages every day or every week. The number doesn't have to be big. Start small and work your way up. Maybe you start off with 1 page or 300 words a week, then - when you are ready - increase it!
• Interested in a career change? How about committing to taking one new course. You may not be able to get that degree right now, but you can start with a small step. Too big? How about reading 1 book each month on the career you're hoping to pursue. Google search topics and learn whatever you can.
• Want to lose weight? Think small! Perhaps commit to drinking one less pop a day. Or eating out 1 less time a week. Take the stairs twice a week. Park further away from your destination.
• Want to be more creative? How about signing up for that art class you've always wanted to take? Too big? Okay, how about going out and buying some art supplies and experiment at home.
• Want to be a more positive person? Post positive affirmations such as 'Have Faith' or 'Smile' around your home or office to remind you that life isn't as bad as it seems some times. 
• Want to be a more patient person? Oh man, do I get this one! How about learning to meditate? Create your own mantra and repeat it to yourself when life becomes overwhelming and your frustrated. My mantra is 'This is my journey'. I say this every time I'm feeling stuck. 

Just as we learned to run, we must first crawl and then walk. Don't let yourself get caught up on the end results. Focus on the small steps and enjoy the journey!

Please make sure to check out all the fantastic lists posted by our participants. They're fabulous bloggers and can be found on Twitter as well.

Still struggling? I can help!

 You can find my info under the Contact section of my blog.

22 Things - Creative Change Challenge

Sometimes life seems way too BIG. Sometimes we feel stuck, wishing we could change things, but not knowing how to start. We've all been there, all said things like:

If only... I wish... Some day I'll...

It's so easy to get mired down with every day life. With the I Want It NOW mentality that our society seems to have embraced, it's frustrating when we know what we want, but we are too impatient to wait. Too scared and overwhelmed to take the first step.

I'm speaking from experience here people. Impatience has caused a great deal of stress in my life. I've been spending years trying to run without learning first how to walk. Hell, even before I've learned to crawl. I want to change my life, but I'm paralyzed by the daunting task ahead. 

It was in the midst of this internal struggle that 22 Things was born. Call them baby steps, call them what you like, but in essence it's about focusing on what we can do, not what we can't. So that's just what I did. I made a list of things I can do right now. When a bunch of small changes are combined, they lead to BIG things and BIG changes!

How Does It Work? 
22 Things is a Creative Change Challenge. By signing up, you are announcing to the world - and more importantly yourself - that you are breaking free of the long standing idea that in order to make changes in your life, you have to do BIG things. 22 Things is about making a list twenty-two small steps you can take - right now - to change your life.

How Do I Join?
Easy!

First, sign up using the handy Mr. Linky's Magical Widget at the bottom of this post. Include your blog URL so we can all visit your site. This is all about sharing and inspiring others.

Second, make a list of 22 small things you can do right now. Forget the BIG stuff. Don't worry if you don't have a theme in mind, in fact it's probably better if you don't! Let your intuition dictate what's important to you.

What's Next?
So you've signed up, great! You've got your list, awesome! Now what? Well, three things:

1. Grab the lovely badge for your blog, because BLING makes everything better!

2. Follow my blog for updates on 22 Things.

3. Blog about your experience. I encourage you to blog at least once a month on your small step journey. Each month I will post a theme. Yes, yes I know. I just finished saying forget a theme, forget the BIG stuff and I mean that. BUT, I strongly believe that we need to re-evaluate our lists from time to time. As we accomplish an item, we can replace it with a new item. Life is not static, therefore are lists shouldn't be either. The general themes will help spark ideas. Use them, or not, it's your choice. Use the tag #22Things on Twitter.

Grab this badge for your blog

Below is my list of 22 Things. Notice that they're small things. Instead of listing 'get published' I wrote 'keep writing'. Maybe next month I'll add 'enter a contest'.

1. Register for a university course
2. Buy art supplies and play!
3. Keep writing
4. Keep editing
5. Look for workshops and lectures on topics that interest me.
6. Network.
7. Read more.
8. Have fun.
9. Be self aware and mindful of the world around me.
10. Talk to my supportive friends and family.
11. Enjoy the time I have and be positive.
12. Have faith in the Universe.
13. Sing and dance for no reason.
14. Blog about my journey.
15. Listen and learn more.
16. Have patience and meditate.
17. Take risks to boost confidence.
18. Accept and allow myself to make mistakes.
19. Realize life is all about the journey. It's not a race to the finish.
20. Remember it's never too late to change things.
21. Remember there is always hope. 
22. Try new things without fear.

My hope is that this challenge will inspire you to take those first steps. To overcome that sense of fear and apprehension. Have fun, be creative, share and inspire others and check in with yourself often. Remember it's all about the small things here!

Special thanks to Benji Todd for his amazing artwork for the badge!

Awakening the Creative Soul Within

Like so many people at this time of year, I feel a bit stretched thin. I'd like to say it's an isolated occurrence, but truth be told, this time of year always seems to pull me down. The never ending juggling act that is my life, means I've been trying to accomplish everything without sacrificing quality. Bit of a struggle...to say the least.

But, I'm not here too complain. I don't want to drum up a pity party for one. Instead I'm here to update you on my new game plan.

Recently I rediscovered a passion that I've long pushed aside - art. I have, in part, Leah Piken Kolidas to thank for this. Her Creative Every Day challenge inspired me to peel back some layers and explore.

I've always enjoyed drawing, painting, scrapbooking...basically doing anything that involves using my hands and getting dirty.Somewhere over the years I shelved these passions for later; too busy to enjoy the freedom I felt when creating art. I focused my attention on writing and that...was that. I was a writer. I attached the label and went on my merry way, forgetting all the other creative things I used to do. End of story.

Or so I thought....

If you follow my blog, you'll know that recently I lost a loved one. He was taken from us unexpectedly. Way too soon. This experience forced me turn inward, and take a good hard look at myself. What makes me happy? What am I avoiding? What am I yearning for? The labels I long ago stuck on myself, seem restrictive now. Like rediscovering my forgotten passions, I'm also rediscovering how I see myself.

So that's what I'm doing. I'm shedding those confining labels to incorporate all aspects of creativity. I've gone from being a writer, to being a creative person. This doesn't mean I'm not a writer, I am. I will always be. However now I can see that being a writer is only one aspect of me. I can no longer ignore the voice that says:

Write, Paint, Draw, Photograph, Create, Learn.....


So Angie, what ARE you working on?


Glad you asked!

I'm exploring the world of mixed media and creating lovely pieces of art. I will continue to post these as part of the Creative Every Day Challenge.

Next week I'm attending a course on editing, which I'm looking forward to. I will continue to edit my novel, and chug along with my WIP. Blog updates will be provided.

I'm also in the final stages of launching the first Write Me Happy challenge called,   22 Things. I'm keeping tight lipped about it right now, but I will say this - it comes with a fancy badge for your blog! Awesome, right? I'm working with a close friend - who is an incredibly talented artist - to design the badge. Can't wait!

When the inspiration takes me - which I hope is often - I will continue to participate in Five Sentence Fiction. A fantastic word prompt challenge that Lillie McFerrin hosts. Check it out!

And that, my friends, is the Write Me Happy update. I hope you will continue to stop by and leave comments. I LOVE hearing from all of you!

What are YOU working on?!

Creative Every Day - Drawing

Week two of the Creative Every Day Challenge, and I've found my long lost passion for drawing. Below are two pieces I drew. It's inspired me to keep working at it. I even bought some new art supplies!

Farm house inspired from a how-to draw book.

Kind of faint. I'm thinking of adding colour.

Creative Every Day

Sometimes the Universe is quite clever. No wait...it's ALWAYS clever, it's just that sometimes I'm not paying attention.

Today I was, and it paid off.

While catching up on my emails, I read a post by Cate on her blog CommuniCATE that struck a chord with me. You see, she discovered a challenge called Creative Every Day.

Naturally I was interested, so I followed the link for more info. Creative Every Day is the brainchild of Leah Piken Kolidas and she encourages people to be creative, every day - get it?! Knew you would!

This challenge isn't just for artists in the traditional sense. Leah promotes creativity in a broader sense.

Your creative acts could be in cooking, taking pictures, knitting, doodling, writing, dancing, decorating, singing, playing with your kids, brainstorming ideas, gardening, or making art in the form of collage, paint, or clay...or whatever! - Leah

Immediately I knew the Universe was trying to tell me something. Yes I am a writer, but I am also creative in other ways too. So each week I will post about my creative journey. I'm excited to incorporate this into my blog and my life.

Oh! Did I mention that Leah is an artist? Yeah, she has GORGEOUS works of art that I'm already planning on purchasing for my collection. I mean what better way to get in a creative mood than to be surrounded by art?

So what are you waiting for? Go sign up! Be creative and do it now! Leah's made it so easy, it's impossible to say no. 

*Special thanks to Cate for blogging about it and Leah for being a creative inspiration!

Sanctuary, thy name is LIBRARY!

Some people shop. Others head to the gym to tone up those muscles or lose those pesky pounds. Some gather friends for a good chinwag. But when the clock strikes 12:00 p.m. I head to the library. I grab whatever novel I'm reading, a pen and my notebook and leave the world behind in search of solitude. The library has become my sanctuary. A place I can escape the demands work places upon me. It's here I spend my lunch hour, every day.

Winnipeg's Millennium Library

I work about 10 minutes away from the largest library in my city. The Millennium Library boasts four floors of books, resources, computers, meeting rooms, study areas and comfy chairs. The entire south side of the building is constructed of glass and allows the beautiful sun to shine in. (We get a lot of sun in Winnipeg.) It's a book lover's paradise. A writer's dream too!

I always head to the third floor where the Local History Room is kept. The books inside this space hold all the details of our city's past. They are often fragile old books that require white gloves to be touched. The third floor is also home to newspapers - local, international and archived - magazines, and the microfiche machines that I can't believe are still in use.

It's a spacious and quiet floor, perfect for me. I nestle into my favourite grey chair and make myself at home. Usually I read. Sometimes I write. I always enjoy the atmosphere and the sun shining upon my face. Hundreds of people enjoying the written word in all its forms. It's magical!

I'm not sure when my fascination with libraries took root. As a child I remember going on occasion to check out a resource for a school project. It was still exciting to see all those books in one place, but only as an adult do appreciate it.

When I travel - which isn't all that often - I like to check out the libraries. So far I have visited Vancouver's Central Library and the British Library in London, England.

Vancouver's Central Library.

Inside the main entrance.

 
The Central Library in Vancouver is amazing. Not only is this building beautiful, it has seven levels! SEVEN! There are a variety of neat shops to explore before going into the main library. I've been to Vancouver a few times and each visit I make sure to stop by and walk the countless rows of books. It's just wonderful for me to see all of Vancouver's citizens making use of such a fabulous space!

GEEK ALERT! The following will really reveal what a nerd I am.

When my husband, Brandon and I booked our trip to London this past May, one of the very first places I listed as a Must-See was the British Library. I planned one whole day around stopping into see the rows of books. Images of old leather-bound, first additions, swimming in my head. Oh man, was I excited! I dragged Brandon through the streets of London to see this treasure. Okay I didn't really have to drag him, he was pretty stoked as well. We're both geeks. 

When we arrived I was ready to bust through the doors screaming "I'm here! I made it! Let me see all the amazing books!"

Well, it didn't quite go as planned. 

In the entrance was a visitor booth. We stepped up to get a map or something so we would make the most of our time there. Now, I'm not sure if we were duped or what, but the guy plainly told us there was nothing to see. All the books were held in storage facilities beneath the library. In order to see a book, you had to put a request in and since we were not members, well...nothing to see here.

We turned around, our shoulders slumped in disappointment, and made our way to the only place where there was something to see - the gift shop.

Brandon. Can you see his disappointment?!

It was a very nice gift shop, but just not the same. We did take a couple of pictures of the outside.  The red bricks mark out the storage units below the surface where the books are held. Okay, this is what the Dude told us, I have no idea if he was just yanking our chain. He did say that every so often you'll come across a metal "brick" which is where the fire department would insert a hose if - Heaven forbid - the books caught fire inside. *GASP* I hope they never have to use them.

Funky sculpture at the British Library

I've often thought of taking a library job. A chance to spend my days in my sanctuary is pretty tempting. I think they frown upon their employees spending all their work hours reading and writing. Go figure!

I'll just keep my daily jaunts to the library as my escape. My sanctuary. A place where my creative self can exist for an hour out of my work day.

Don't Forget to Read!

Maggie Smith / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

How important is reading for a writer? 

Seems like a silly question right? I mean of course in order to write, you need to read. That's a given!

Except for some reason when I get caught up in my writing, I forget to read.

Reading, for me, is like breathing. I don't just read books, I devour them. I'm a bookaholic. I set myself goals each year on how many books I want to finish. Last year my goal was 52 and although I fell short, I still managed over 40 books.

You see I'm a huge geek. For the last few years I've been keeping track of every book I've read. I keep special journals where I rate each book out of 5 and write a little review.

After reaching a career reading high last year, I decided that come January 2011 I would focus my attention on writing. I was worried that I was using reading as an excuse not to write. With sheer determination, I stepped into 2011 without a reading goal or a new journal.

Biggest mistake ever!

You see, I forgot how important reading is. I went almost 3 months before I finished two books.  My friends were amazed and worried about me. Yeah, that's how much I normally read. People worry about me when I'm not.

I let my creative well run dry. There's no better way to put it. Great writers read a lot and if I'm determined to be a great writer...which I am... I need to read.

When I'm feeling as though my writing is terrible or that no one cares what I have to say, I know that I've neglected my other passion.

I still don't have journal for this year, I'm struggling to find a novel that captures my attention and I'm doubting my ability.

Needless to say this January 2012 I'll be keeping track of my reading habits.

 Oh, and I'll have a pretty new journal too!