Squam Art Workshops Day 1: Pitch Perfect

Something shifted in me at S.A.W. this year (S.A.W. does that to you). It's as if my soul saw an opportunity to make itself heard in the silence by the lake, but I just can't put my finger on what it was trying to tell me yet.

apples, lake and the morning sun, Squam Art Workshops 2011

In the meantime I offer you a summary of the workshops I took; I enjoy the process of recapping each one. Here goes with Day 1...

~~~

Workshop: Pitch Perfect

Teacher: Christine Chitnis

What I learned: how to structure a query letter; how to brainstorm and come up with ideas for articles that could be submitted for publication; that magazines have sections for which they want short paragraphs & photos and that it might be less intimidating to pitch those than feature articles; that we all have unique stories to tell, sometimes it's just a different spin on a common subject; that I like structure

~~~

Despite choosing to attend a predominantly right-brain art retreat I loved this class and all the left-brain activity it garnered. As soon as I saw the detailed workshop schedule in our handout packets I knew I was in good hands. And if that wasn't enough, Christine followed through with practical, tangible how-to's mixed with generous sharing of her own experiences and one-on-one support as we worked on our individual query letters. I'd have to say the day was pretty damn perfect.

Up next, Day 2: Painted Icon...

Between Rhythms (Back from Squam Art Workshops)

morning view from Brae Cove porch, Squam Art Workshops 2011

I'm back from Squam Art Workshops and taking my time returning to my normal day’s rhythm - a rhythm that doesn’t include loons on the lake, sitting under the moon on the dock or busting a gut laughing by the fire with eleven other women.

The normal day’s rhythm includes sleeping in my own bed, movies on the couch with D. and re-sinking into the warmth of home.

They’re different rhythms and it’s important to allow in-between time. It makes for a gentler transition.

Off to Squam Art Workshops

view from Eldorado porch, Squam Art Workshops 2010

It's starting to feel like an annual pilgrimage. Each year I try to reset my expectations since no year is the same really.

Each year brings its own experience. But the woods, the cabins, the lake and the loons, those remain. And the food, oh my, the food.

And then there's the people - magical creative kindreds, each one on his or her own journey. Each year I am humbled at witnessing life-altering, personal transformation before my very eyes.

There's also play, and paint, and creative discovery.

And did I mention the food?

I'm off to the woods of New Hampshire a few days. I feel good about unplugging for a while and settling back into my senses and my soul. My head needs a rest.

I'll see you on the flip side.

Creative Inspiration

I feel open, taking in so much information and possibility that it's sometimes overwhelming. I'm experimenting (though not always successfully) with ways to quiet the mind and ground myself, with sitting with possibility and gently exploring where it may lead.

Here are a few things, people or spaces that have been inspiring me these past few weeks...

1. Resonate by Nancy Duarte. I'm completely geeking out on this book. The graphics, the analogy to the hero's journey and the concept of being of service to the audience by guiding them through this journey fascinate me. I want to create a presentation from scratch just to try it out. Oh, and the author's design firm worked on the slides for Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth. 'Nuf said.

2. Connie Hozvicka's (of Dirty Footprints Studio) interview with Selina Barker. Selina has spent the last six months travelling Britain in her camper van, Beryl, running her coaching business and cooking up a 30 Day Challenge come October. You may choose to trade the camper van for a cabin in the woods or a cottage by the sea, but after watching this there will be no more excuses - it can be done.

3. My friend Judi's new Credible Edibles Cooking School workshops. I love watching her business evolve and grow. It inspires. Period.

4. Goddess Leonie's Business Goddess e-course. Because it's full of practical information and possibility. It makes me want to create value, community and healthy income streams.

5. This TED talk by Shea Hembrey (thanks to Miss E. of Squam Art Workshops for passing it on!). This man makes me want to go on an art-making blitz and try installation art:

The Truth Is...

What She Seeks, 9x12 (2009)

... I'm preparing for a change of work, but not quite sure which route I will take yet.

... I am at once exhilarated and terrified at the prospect of trying something new.

... I am at once grateful for and overwhelmed with the options before me.

... I haven't painted in several weeks. My studio and office are in the midst of organizational chaos while I purge the old to make space for the new.

... I cannot wait to escape with creative kindreds to the woods of New Hampshire next week to laugh, cry and make art.

... I believe I can be financially successful via multiple streams of income.

... I believe I will need to adjust several of my internal scripts in order to do so.

... my head is full of ideas and posts and projects for this space at Creative Living Experiment.

... I don't know where or how to start putting them into action. But I know I will.

... I am excited and nervous.

... I am supported and loved.

... I will be more than OK.