Category: ELAN Blog
-
On My Sheet List…
A good friend has shared her task-oriented practice of writing goal categories on separate pages. I like the idea of having a stack of paper from which I can intentionally or randomly choose. Here’s the rub; too many sheets, not enough time. Some are neglected in lieu of favorites like writing, family, or music. I…
-
Tenacious D*…
*Determination. I admire all creatives, famous or not. For every Frida, Pollock, Lady Gaga, Steve Martin and Maya Angelou there are unknown artists who create beauty that I will never see or hear. I think that’s a shame, especially considering some of the watered-down drivel that reaches the pinnacle of popularity. I admire the craft, the…
-
Flow No Go…
What do you do when you get stymied? You’re deep in a project, loving the state of flow and bam! something stops you or slows up your roll. Sometimes pushing through is the answer. Other times, you get a sense you are wasting your time and it’s best to move on to something else. What…
-
Make Room for Peace…
Peace is elusive, an intangible concept, yet it needs space. It can’t reside in a heart that holds anger, resentment, fear, judgement and misunderstanding; things that lead to hatred even when disguised as witty sarcasm. I struggle with all of the above. Peace inward first, then peace outward. They both elude my crowded, weary heart.…
-
Guard Your Heart…
This is a love letter to all creatives who exist in a world of wonder; noticing and seeing and hearing and reveling in miracles, coincidences, sounds and patterns. I can’t imagine being in a subdued state, oblivious to surprise. On a recent walk I interrupted our chat when I saw a purple weed shooting up…
-
Fuel Your Passion…
A friend recently retired and we chatted about how to handle that abrupt change from full speed to full stop. I wanted to ask them what they dream about, day or night, for a hidden talent may be buried within. We often dismiss such skills as too easy, but they’ve been implanted for a reason.…
-
Shut Your Ears…
Naysayers love to chop down those who ride waves of creative passion. Don’t listen to their words meant to sink the boat you alone can float. Instead, find or create a community of like-minded, passionate encouragers. Shut your ears to those who try to absorb you into their reality which is fraught with sinking vessels.…
-
One Domino
I’ve just returned from a glorious writers’ retreat in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The days were infused with author talks, book launches, writing time, sharing time and celebrations big and small. I was surrounded with fellow travelers along the same writing path, many of them miles ahead of me. How did I get so lucky? Was I crashing…
-
Thank Your Writers…
My buckling bookshelf is stacked high with novels written by people I am connecting with through writing groups. What a perk to read their words. I make a point of thanking them when the last page is turned, offering specific praise for a job well done. Mostly it is because I’m hungry to read well-written,…
-
More Thoughts About Love…
What pops into your head at the thought of love? Valentine’s Day? Your sweetie? Kitty cats and puppy dogs? Fear can keep us from venturing toward love. If love is given, it can be taken away. Loving our neighbors, all neighbors, is driven by our thoughts about love. If it is too precious to be…
Patty Mayeux Blog 