The Art Journalist

Pebbles In The Pond Is Now Available

Upcoming Book: May 2012

My chapter entitled Creative Power: Putting Passion Into Action will appear this May 2012 in an anthology called Pebbles In The Pond ! I am so excited to be part of this movement of amazing transformational authors.

Here is a sneak peak of the back cover:

" Can your most difficult moments be the ones that shed the greatest light in your life?  These 44 courageous visionaries say "yes!” 

 Join best-selling authors Sonia Choquette, Robert Allen, Arielle Ford, Marci Shimoff, Christine Kloser and dozens more transformational authors as they share their own touching, amazing, and deeply inspiring true stories of their trials, triumphs, and their ultimate transformations.

You’ll connect with these authors immediately as your friends because they hold nothing back. They’ll share their 'straight from the heart' stories and invite you to discover how to transform your toughest times into the greatest gifts and blessings in your life, even if you don’t think it’s possible."

Add your name in the box above to receive a free bonus for this compliementary E-book: Art Journaling A Simple Practice. 

 

Collages Allow You To Play With Colour

 

New Leaf

My Small Collages

These small collages feature my digital pictures as collage elements.

Garden Walking Tour

 

What Do You Find In One Of My Art Journaling Kits?

Inspired To Decorate: Gluckstein Home Paints By Benjamin Moore

" I want to do a room by room revamp today!"  This actually made sense to me:  to go through each room and list what I would do if I had alot of extra time and energy. This was at 9:00am. Well it's about 2:45pm and  what I am inspired to do is create from colour first. I am espically inspired by the fan deck of piant colours given to me by GluckstienHome at BlogPodium. In the end, the colour of the room for me is the base of where I start decorating because it is the most permanent. I can move furniture in and out but in our house the wall colours stay the same UNLESS they are NOT choosen by me.

The situation to date, on our home renovation that took a nose-dive due to "contracting difficulties". You live and learn is all I will say aboutt that. But what I am left with is a house that has been chopped up as my in-laws have taken less rooms and we as a fmaily of four have taken on more. That is the only way I can describe the transformation. While I am gifted with many, many rooms to "oversee" my ultimate goal is to conduct flow. That means keeping the peace between many difference ages and interestes that sometimes over lap. It does not help that my husband is a design organizer whose flow is not always mine. Ok it is almost never mine. The one colour set we can all agree on is creme.

While we have containers left over of creme paint that is for our downstairs area, our upstairs area has different light which requires different paint colour. I am playing with the Gluckstein Home fan deck of colours to become inspired to muster up that energy that lasers through me to create something beautiful when I create anything. 

Here's what I recommend:    

1. Start with a longterm overall base colour  and theme for your design vision:  

Flow, calm colour and continuity.

2. Next consider a neutral  colour family:                                                                              

 I chose: Buttermilk/ Light Yellow/Linen Sand: From Gluckstein Home's Paint Collection.

 

3. Test the colour:                                                                                                                          

Some people tape up the paint chip of their choice to see what the colour looks like in different lights. I am an artist an am therefore admittedly picky about colour. I hold the paint chip up to places and items in the house that are already in my favourite creme colour family.

 

4. Create with your favourite coloured rooms based on the chips that speak to you:                                  

 The Art of Arrangement is what you can use to play with colour.  

Remember that you will be "married" to this colour for a significant time period. If you have huge wall spaces like I do, you need to think about how those vast spaces will look a yera form now. will you say; "Yes, I love that colour because it is a welcomed part of my daily experience?"

I am happy to say that Gluckstien Home is already speaking my colour language.

Public Lecture Series on “Relationship to Self - how to fall in love with ourselves”

Only one more week before the public lecture series on “Relationship to Self - how to fall in love with ourselves”.

If you have not already register, please do soon.

This is a special occasion to explore the one relationship that is “guaranteed” for a lifetime.  

How do we make the best of it?  How can this be the fairy-tale love affair?

Please join us and let’s explore together. 

The details of the event are in the attached flyer.

We are fortunate to have Philip Shepherd joining us on that evening as well.

Philip is an author of book titled “New Self, New World” where he explores how our self is formed by the society we live in.

Philip offers his workshop on the following weekend, Saturday June 9 and June 10, where we have opportunity to explore our “Self” in a very tangible way.

Please see the attached flyer for more details on Philip’s workshop.

-  Blessing From Eva Greff

Download Krow_RelationshipToSelf - 1

Speaker's Think Tank Presents Darren LaCroix

WHO: SPEAKER/INSRUTOR DARREN LACROIX

In 2001, Darren LaCroix, the World Champion of Public Speaking, out-spoke 25,000 contestants from 14 countries to win that title. That was just a benchmark. Since that victory, Darren has traveled the world demystifying the process of creating a powerful speech.  He has roused audiences in faraway places like Saudi Arabia, China, Oman, Malaysia, and Taiwan with his inspirational journey from first-rate chump to first-class champ, proving anything is possible if you are willing to work for it.

WHAT: Mini-Boot Camp

What could you learn from someone who quit their day job and survived on product sales alone? What if he tracked every product sold, at every presentation, how many attendees, and the dollars earned per head for the past five years?  Currently 70% of Darren LaCroix's income is derived form product sales and does NOT sound like an infomercial while on stage. He is also the 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking. You’ll discover Darren’s 12 Marketing Musts, his two “they don’ts”, and the one “they want to.” His ideas will change how you think about product and how it should be an integral part of any professional speakers business no matter what level you are at! Some ideas will earn you money, some ideas will save you money, which would you prefer? 

HOSTS:   The Speaker's Think Tank holds bi-monthly meetings and has become the leading source of support and encouragement for both existing and new Professional Speakers in Ontario as they build their speaking business or as they work towards membership criteria in CAPS.

The Speaker's Think Tank provides ongoing education, resources and opportunities that enhance each member's professional and personal development.

For more information regarding this event or the Speaker’s Think Tank please don’t hesitate to contact Susan Lamb-Robinson or Merri Macartney at  admin@speakersthinktank.com 

COST: $30.00

WHEN: Date: Thursday, May 31, 2012 Time:   7:00 pm until 9:30 pm 

WHERE: Toronto Marriott Airport Hotel, 901 Dixon Road (in The Dixon Meeting Room)                

Toronto, Ontario M9W 1J5   (1.5 km from the Pearson Airport)

Studio Design: The Before Shots

Garden Design: Gravel & Wood

 

 

Garden Designs: Photo

BlogPodium, Toronto, Canada

BlogPodium is a new event put together by two Canadian bloggers, that took place in Toronto in May 2012. Jennifer Flores and Lindsay Stephenson are thought leaders who attended a similar event in Utah, and then created a similar experience for us here. Two hundred people made up of designers, bloggers, artists, decorators and other creative professionls gathered to hear a panel discussion that later become a Q. & A session on the business of blogging.

The main question on the minds of everyone was: How can a you make money from blogging about deign brands? To anaswer this question the event planners put two well known Canadain bloggers, together against a brand representive from Gluckstein home, Cheryl Kozoriz and a PR representative who works with brands seeking bbloggers . The faciliator of this discussion was one of the spokespeople from Benjamin Moore, Lianne  who asked the right questions to get to the heart of exactly how much bloggers can expect to receive for a sponsored post. While industry standards are important, the conclusion that the blogger's authority, context and reach were noted as the keys to making a good fit for a brand/blogger relationship to flourish. 

Two lovely bloggers that sat at my table. Discussing our personal creative blog creation process was particularly interesting over lovely finger foods was a treat. While I have blogged for seven years, I have never been to a blogging/speaking/design event before.

Meeting Nerina F. and her bright smile brought a friendliness to the event for me. It was great to be in a room full of people who get blogging!

 

 

The Art Of Arranngement

Artwork Recently Published

My Jar Lid Art angel is in the top right corner.

Know Where To Go: Local Artisans

Local artisans are people in our own neighbourhoods that are masters of many handmade crafts. I have a deep respect for these artists whose work has spanned over their life time and their craft has become second nature to them. I have this flow within my own work and I connect with it when I see the joy of craft being expressed. This can be spotted when you see a table full of handmade scarves each in a different colour. You know that someone had so much fun that they couldn't stop making these items. In this case addiction boils down to passion. That is the kind of scraf I want to be wearing!

Buying local is not only an honour of local artisans but also encourgaes the idea that people are making things out  of sheer pleasure and joy. 

This scraves were handmade by a local ladies' group at my local seniors centre. These ladies were thrilled that I was an artist also. When I said I wanted to wear my scarf as a wrap for an upcoming formal event, they were even more happy. Now thhat scarf is going to be my extra special artsy scraft that says I am not only proud of being an artist but of the artists who made it.

TO PURCHASE SCARVES: 1pm-2:30pm Wed. BRADFORD LADIES CRAFTERS AT THE DANUBE SENIORS CENTRE, Bradford, ON Canada

Are You An Art Journalist?

 An Art Journalist is someone who translates life into art by recording it with paint, pen, ink, camera and words. Images with words that express what the soul needs to bring forward is what it is all about. Art journaling was a powerful healing tool for me during my time away at university when I needed to fortify my strenght of heart. I continue to use this method of recording inspiring quotes, moments and prose and then allowing the soul artistic expression. Access to colours through many media is wat we all long for unknowingly. The need for colour balancing is universally important as is the need to express our hearts. When we are in love we are aligned and generosity spills out of us, as the creative play that we all long for. I suggest taking a creativity break at lunch time to get re-aligned and let colour do the rest.  My art journal is a source of collected wisdom I can draw from when I am down. When I am inspired I can capture the essence of the moment through abstraction. This means translating what you see into something new. For me it is colour balance that I am on the look out for. These visual treats then become part of the colour family for my paintings and collages.

My Workshop: The PAINT & PAGES Expression Experience

WHAT can you learn at a PAINT & PAGES Expression Experoence workshop?

WHO can attend?

WHEN 

WHERE

I Am Co Founder of A New Group About Heart

 

Conversation

From the Heart

WHAT:  Inspired by the writings of Neale Donald Walsch, Conversation from God Part 1 will allow us to journey together through life questions that will bring us closer to our own truth. Everyone of us, so unique, so powerful and so loved, but many of us feel disconnected from ourselves from our communities and from nature. Our journey is to reconnect with our own self through the art of silence, affirmations, questions through conversation and art journalling.

COST: N/C

WHEN:  Group  every 3rd Friday of the Month  from 7:30pm until 9:30pm

WHERE: The Postmaster's House, 150 Old King Road, Nobleton, Ont. Canada ABOUT THE FOUNDERS: My friend Marsha Field and I recently started this group to bring people together of like mind and heart. I bring in the art journaling component by introducing attendees to my process behind my own art journaling practice. Guests are all welcome to dooddle, draw and journal with the materials provided. We ask that you bring along a favourite joournal if you have one to add the idea of art and colour as a technique to enhance your written recordings. Last meeting I shared how the chakras relate to art journaling. Marsha provides a mediaition and faciliates the reading portion of the evening. FUTURE CONTENT: I will be speaking on vision boards. Marsha will arrange the meditiation and faciliate the book reading. CONNECT: Keep up to update with us on Facebook.

 

Upcoming Art Journaling Workshop

 

 

PAINT & PAGES 

An Art Journaling Experience

For The Quiet Kind 

WHEN: Tuesday, June 19, 2012

TIME: 7:00 PM till 8:30

WHERE: ShyBusters, Lions Gate Banquet Center, 386 Blake St Barrie, ON L4M 1L3 

COST: $20 Including Art Journaling Kit

WHAT: Art Journaling is a self expression and strenghtening practice. Building our own personal collection of quotes, writing and words coupled with colour is the goal. This practice creates a keepsake journal that can be drawn upon in rough times and added to in inpirational moments. This introduction to quiet expression with colour may just what you need.

..

 

Mother's Day Creative Wrapping

Speaking: Be Well Red

Update: My Books Are Here

creativity prescription: Attend A Toastmaster's Conference

 

 

 

 

 

creativity prescription: Creative Action With Passion

Annette Lavigne is my friend and recent public speaking champion at the District Level of Toastmasters. I am in deep admiration of her speaking style which has blossomed in my time of knowing her first as a Toastmaster and then as a friend who has encouraged her along her competitive public speaking journey. Having the courage to speak about herself candidly with a grace and honour I hope to bring through in my own speaking, makes her a mentor I will always treasure. Her business ShyBusters is a place where the "publicly petrified" can go for one on one or group coaching to minimize their anxiety.  

I hope to see more people like Annette make their message bigger by speaking to larger target audiences who need to hear a message from the heart with a dash of truth. 

Affirmation: Always aim higher.

creativity prescription: Saturday Morning Paint Out Party

 

A Paint Out otherwise known as a "Happening", is a joyful event when kids get toether as a group to paint and express themselves. The result is joy and is usually followed by dancing espeiclaly when there is music is in the background.

This morning I had one with another Mom, my friend Corianne. We helped the small group of boys and girls combine paint, glitter, glue and more to create a mixed media experience for the kids that was also multisenory in nature. Colour does have an erengy with the capaicty to heal and generate love. The result was particularly rewarding for me becuase my daughter who had been practicing drawing one main design in pencil and marker decided to try hers in paint. The eveloution of six years as an "Artist Mom" shows as Chloe is developing the skill of synthesis. This is an important part of creativty. Saying let's take that idea and apply it's concept over here is a valuable skill that all kids can be learning through hands on experience. Having a group of kids making art and seeing the joy it brings them when I am teaching a technique is joyful to me. As kids are sharing materials and their ideas, they are also interacting in a respectful way towards each other that gives me hope for them as the adults of tommorrow. 

Try This: Have A Paint Out Party      

Gather unsed supplies and combine what you have and encourage sharing amongst the different ages and sexes. This is practical way to redirect any jealousy or tension between kids who do not know each other that well. There is a special creative intelliengce, that engages energetic beings who get together to sit in circle to create somehing. This is a call back to our ancestors who sat in circle in tribal live from which we all share from our history.

 

creativity prescription: Living Your Own Brilliance

Living your own brilliance to me means speaking out when necessary to protect those who don't have a voice. I've been learning when to "but in" gracefully because I do care and will redirect behaviour when necessary. One example, was when two huge black dogs came out of no where and jumped up onto the kids at the lunch table in the woods. I found myself speaking out to the woman who was responbile for the dogs, pointing out that they should be on a leash as the signs in the conservation area indicate. She simply said, "I know..." indifferently. Sometimes children become tramatized by dogs who are out of control. It was my responsibilty that day to laser in and say in a meaningful way: You are dishonouring both the children and the animals under your care here today to the woman. This is somehting I would not have normally have done that before I joined Toastmasters, which is an ongoing educational public speaking group that promotes the practice of approporaite communication.

Try This: Find more information on the Toastmasters website to find a group near you that complements your own practices to live your own brilliance.

creativity prescription: Create A Power Zone Office

 

In light of Feburary being Time Managament month, I am offering the following free bonus gift:

Claim your free bonus e-book Creative Power Tools: Office Makeover Checklist.

Part of time management is creating an office that space that keeps your vision on track, helps you to be your most productive,  and supports your planning.  A cluttered office subconsciously distracts your mind and steals precious productivity. The solution is to make your office actually activate your creative power. Please enjoy my bonus gift: my e-book which comes from The Creative Power Tools Collection.  You'll  discover the secrets to setting up an office that kicks starts your productivity daily.

 You, and anyone you would like to pass this message along to, canget lots of FREE information and resources on time management from time management experts all across the country.

Go to http://www.TimeManagementGiveaway.com

Where you’ll be able to sign up for free resources such as e-books,
tip sheets, audio programs and more, all on the subject of time
management! Many experts in this field have contributed, so
everyone will be able to find material that fits their personal
productivity and time management needs.

creativity prescription #22: Fill In The Blanks

The new year is a great time to fill the blanks of our lives and get clear about what we want to create in the upcoming months. This past December I won a contest for the best head start idea for 2011 on Darren Hardy's  blog. He was one of the speaker's I saw in San Franscisco at Brendon Burchard's Live Event. I won an autograghed signed copy of the Compound Effect and a subscription to Success Magazine which I gave to my two main miracle motivators as holiday gifts.

My winning idea was to create a massive target board with a linear road map to follow through the months of 2011. The creative mind wants to do everything at once and we all know that this can lead to a path of frustration. The above is a mini planner for creating your own massive target board. Don't forget to include the main project for each month and the sub tasks you will need to get done to pull it all through. What are you going to create this year? Print out the planner above and have fun filling in the blanks! I was happy to see that in one of Brendon's lastest training he suggests a similar calander planner so you know where and how you are adding value each month.

Another way you can kickstart your new year into action is to purchase my new ebook:

Cassandra Russell's: Creative Power Tools

{33} Fast Track Strategies To Activate Your Power Potential

For the past 5 years I've written my blog filled with what I call Creativity Prescriptions. These creative techniques, ideas and prompts are designed to embellish and empower your life. This e book of 33 techniques will bring out your best.

If you are ready to bring in your bliss this year, then this book is a must for you!
 
This eBook gives you a step by step guide to creative living! These book is for anyone ready to be creatively empowered.

It is written so that beginners can get started and seasoned pros can easily add it to their personal development repertoire. With 33 strategies, ideas and instruction and over 30 clear color photos, you will have no trouble applying these simple yet profound insights. 

creativity prescription #21: Capture The Juice - Reviewing and Revisting

   

Shooting video of the moments you feel the most juiced or creative is one of my secrets. I have included one that I made on the second day of my trip to San Fransisco to attend Brendon Burchard's live event called Expert's Academy. It is in these open moments we have to seize that realiztion of exactly what we are actually cpapble of doing. Our minds and entire beings are ready to step into the unknown of the creative process. It is excitng and daunting to go into this space, not knowing what we will find. In the end we are the creators and make it what we choose.

One Juicy Tip: Capture the presence of your own creativty with video and photos to remind yourself of the greatness that lies within.

$ Saving Tip: Boost your energy naturally by using the NLP anchoring method of evrythime you feel outrageously creative, note it in your mind and give it an association. For example after an vent that totally reprograms your entire nervous system, say to yourself, "I feel so creative!" If you did this at peak creative times repeatedley, this phrase would become linked up in your brain to your peak creativity. Saying the phrase would evntluslly beome your anchor or trigger for your peak creative state.

 

TRY IT: Make a list of the times in your week when you are in a high creative peak state. For me it is most natural for me to create in the morning. Start anchoring this creative ease with a key phrase or word. You can start simply, by using the color red which is often associated with creativty.  One week two test it. When you are feeling creatively sluggish, repeat the word red and see it in your mind. The desired effect of this anchor is to access your creativity. Anchoring can be used in many other positive ways. I first learned about this at one of Tony Robbins' talks and have been using it ever since.

creativity prescription #20: Breakthrough Your Fears

I am back from my recent trip to San Fransisco aka "My Breakthrough". I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone by travelling alone. Usually my husband and I travel everywhere together and he does everything. This was my chance to really step out of my element and meet myself. I admit I was a little nervous at first as I have never been to California before. But it my hesitation was the perfect example of (F.E.A.R.) false evidence appearing real. Travelling alone was part of my anti-shy girl mission (now accomplished).

Sight seeing in San Francisco was outstanding. Buidlings looking like wedding cakes lined up in a row, seemed good enough to eat. I wish I had more time to take pictures and video, but I was busy. I went there for another reason, also part of my anti-shy girl mission, to go to Brendon Burchard's Live Event called Expert's Academy. Four days of super content and hands on practical instruction peppered with Brendon's animated speaking style were the mix for a highly creative event. On the second day, I had a huge awakening where I realized that I could be creating so much more with my perosnal message. By the end of this life changing event for me I had broken through all hesitations and was juiced to begin a part of my creative journey. There is nothing like four days away from your normal life,  alone to reset your senses. For now, I am off to create, write and sculpt a new vehicle for my creativity prescriptions.

One Juicy Tip: Be willing to re-evision the containers for your work and message. This is not only a creativity key but the path to self fulfillment.

$ Saving Tip: Be strategic in your creating. If you paint a poorly done drawing, the finished work will always look bad. I am a firm believer in crafting a viable plan.  It is too easy for us as creators to begin an overwhelming bunch of projects. "Slow and steady wins the race"  is my new mantra.

 

TRY IT: Take some time to retreat and step out of your usual element. Create a new game plan for the areas you want to create in. For example have you ever considered writing an ebook or making video? Practice a media you haven't tried before to enhace your own personal message. You may create your most effective content yet.

 

creativity prescription #19: Invest In Your Creative Tools

I think the "economy situation" has made me more mindful of what I am suggesting you buy for your art materials. For my paper crafts and art journaling, I am trying to use what I have already. I also recycle so much from my home into collage papers -- which I actually prefer because they are less commercial looking. Some of my work is here on my blog.

I am currently working on a grouping of paper crafts for an e-book I am putting together. I have been mixed media paper crafting since I was child. Along the way I have learned so many ways to save time and money! I want to share them so that your art dollar can go farther.

One Juicy Tip: I collect recycled papers like colored envelopes, gift papers, notebook papers etc. to alter. I organize them by color into baggies. When I am ready to alter them I grab a baggie and start stamping on all the yellow papers for example. They dry and go back into the yellow section.

$ Saving Tip: Invest in tools that you will use over and over again. I use a pair of vintage barber scissors to cut small papers with precision. (Very sharp!)

TRY IT: Use recycled papers, pressed leaves, mail papers, foil etc. to create your journaling pages. If you have never tried art journaling, make a trial page. This is a place to record your DIY ideas, design your daily creative practice, inspirations, favorite quotes. Try making your own sacred book filled with innovations that speak to you. This is your time and space for creative play!

creativity prescription #18 : Stumped? Trust The Problem

Try It: Identify an area you are feeling stumped or stuck in. This could be the one piece that is holding back from a plenitude of creative energy. After writing it down and fill in the reasons why you are not moving forward.

According to Patricia Sun, we must Trust the Problem to lead us to some deeper learning, hence the name of her radio show of the same name. When we shift our thinking to look at ALL challenges as learning opportunities, our frustration levels go down. Being angry, frustrated or stuck doesn't seem to make sense anymore. Of course this is something that requires practice, and using this list exercise can help you see what you are up against in a new way. 

I can not help but wonder how different the world would be if a small group of us started thinking this way and eventually it caught on. These are the little shifts in consciousness that need to take place before evolutionary mind shifts can take place. It starts with a few of you to trust the problem. 

TRY IT: Explore this new self help lens when you are stumped on anything related to creativity, art, craft, home decor, DIY, innovation, and especially designing your daily creative spiritual practice.  How can you incorporate trusting the problem to make you daily living a more inspired experience?

Affirmation: I trust the problem to deliver me to higher ground.

creativity prescription #17 : Embracing Your Unique Abilities

I have been writing my blog now for 5 years with the intention of illustrating the power of creative daily practice. What ways do you fill the well? I believe that as we use creativity as a tool for accessing the intuitive mind, we become connected with source energy the same way that meditation does this. BUT it must be done mindfully. There is a difference between just painting and painting to accesses a deeper level of consciousness. Throughout my artistic journey of the past ten years, I have practiced this unexplored idea of creative daily spiritual practice.

I am often asked just how I have maintained this daily tribute to creative living. Through two pregnancies  and now life as a busy Mom of two making a habit of carving out that time in my studio has not always been easy. But this technique for aligning self with source can become addictive especially for people with busy minds. It is a wonderful way to let go and feel fabulous ---fast. We are all creative beings, of creation, so the idea that "you are not creative"  is simply impossible. I invite you to explore your personal journey through my other Creativity Prescriptions as I continue to create them. 

Try It: I have set a goal of making my Creativity Prescriptions into an interactive workbook by the end of 2010. Make a list of how have you have successfully used your creative power to embellish your daily life?

Affirmation: I am open to embracing my unique creative abilities.

creativity prescription #16 : I Can Do It Event Toronto - Hay House

Today's Creativity Prescription is about the I Can Do It Toronto Event by Hay House Publishing I just attended. 4 days of outstanding speakers and authors sharing some amazing content. One of the main "take aways" for me was that most o the speakers emphasized the importance of maintaining a regular spiritual practice.

I listen to these author/speakers regularly on Hay House Radio but hearing them live was phenomenal. I left the weekend feeling completely fabulous, revived and better than any vacation I've ever been on.

Carolyn Myss

Cheryl Richardson

Marianne Williamson

Doreen Virtue

Brian Weiss

Bruce Lipton

Jonathon Ellerby

Robert Holden

Wayne Dyer

"There is a voice in the Universe urging us to remember our purpose for being on this great Earth. This is the voice of inspiration, which is within each and every one of us. "

Greg Braeden

creativity prescription #15 : artistic authenticity

creativity prescription #14 : practice public speaking (with friends)

 

If the idea of public speaking scares you, try practicing it with friends. I joined Toastmasters International two years ago to over come my fear of public speaking. In the process, I met some amazing people who have now become friends. The first pic above is of my awarding winning mentor/pal Annette Lavigne who also teaches communication skills through her business Speak With Ease Now.

It was because of her push for excellence that I attended Darren LaCroix and Craig Valentine's workshop which is proof that we can learn so much from the people who are really good at what they do.  Both are TM World Champions of Public Speaking - yes that means in the world.

Try It: Consider joining a Toastmasters  club near you. Visit the nearest clubs as a guest and decide which one is the best fit for you.

Affirmation: I speak my truth. I have a story that need to be heard.

creativity prescription #13 : Getting Outside Of The Box: women's retreat with Crystal Andrus

I recently spent the day with Crystal Andrus at her Women's Retreat in her yoga studio which is a converted church beside her home. The day was amazing complete with a delicious and healthy lunch cooked by her daughters and husband. It's transforming when you go outside of the box that is your life and do something completely different. The theme of the retreat was release and Crystal told the story of the Golden Buddha to remind us of that we always remain Golden inside.

Try It: Investing in yourself and releasing emotional baggage frees us up to create beautiful possibility at light speed. Investigate Crystal Andrus's website to discover her various programs and products designed to empower.

Affirmation: I am remain golden on the inside regardless of what happens to me.

creativity prescription #12 : have your cake and eat it to

Sometimes we can feel guilty about our success, especially when we are not totally comfortable with the idea of shining  or winning. The art work I created below is reminder to sparkle with grace. When we learn to accept how wonderful we really are, our winnings seem like the obvious icing.

 

Try It:  Be open to the idea that you deserve to enjoy the wonderful things that occur in your life.

Affirmation:  I am entitled to have my cake eat and to eat it to. 

creativity prescription #11 : raw food rethink

At times, we need to repackage what is good for us ie. the idea of healthy eating to sell it to ourselves. Dessert at my house is always creatively served and healthy. Here's a lovely idea that gets my mismatched antique tea cup collection out of the china cabinet especially when I am feeling the need for fine things. using berries instead of chocolate covered truffles allows me to stay aligned with healthy eating. 

 

 

In the empty chocolate box above I placed various berries and took it as a hostess gift so that a healthy dessert option was available even if the she had overlooked it.

Try It:   Be open to new things to get the results you need. Repackage the concepts you need that are optimal for you by re-framing it in a way that really appeals to us.

Affirmation:  I rethink old ways and repackage them into new ones that serve me.

creativity prescription #10 : walk in the spring rain

A rainy spring walk through one of my favorite places in my home town always revives me. Unionville Main Street is a place I hung out with friends and ate ice cream cones with boys. These delicious places hold great memories and creative energy for me. Interestingly, we all have an individual blueprint of what inspires us.

Try It: Walk in the spring rain ( with an umbrella) an observe how mother nature forcefully pushes us to create. 

Affirmation:  I let the vigor of spring infuse my current creative projects.

creativity prescription #9 : creating to give

Easter morning for me as child was all about the packages. Yes, I was seduced by the shiny foil wrappings of the eggs and bunnies that arrived from Europe via the fine food import business my father worked for. (Alas it wasn't the Easter Bunny after all!) I loved the packaging of one particular bunny that I decided to “save” from being eaten. Instead, I would keep him as an art piece to admire year round on my book shelf. Soon the spring weather became increasingly warmer. While I did not notice the smell of melting chocolate bunny, an army of ants did. They marched in and began to devour him! My mother was horrified by the whole scene and promptly discarded him. I was left “bunniless”...

Today as a Mom, I admit to enjoying shopping for Easter treasures for my children based on the best packaging ideas. (Yes, I did survive:) But because my children have both been creatively nurtured from birth, it has become our tradition to make handmade gifts for every occasion. This year they made stickers from labels for their classmates. The stickers were stamped and they wrote their names out fifteen times - challenging for kids 6 and under. It was an exercise that left them feeling proud of what they had accomplished. They are already learning to tailor their artwork based on who they are giving it to. “This one is for so and so...” In the collage below I have included pictures of the paper crafts I give out at Easter. It is amazing what creative pathways can be discovered when you start with the intention of giving. 

Try It: Think of someone you adore and create a card personalized just for them, based on their favorite colours and styles. Pay attention to how much easier it is to evolve your project when you are creating with giving in mind.

Affirmation:  I create to give so that both unexplored pathways and my heart easily open up.

 

Next: If you are thinking of becoming an expert in your field, I can’t say enough about this creative individual, Brendan Burchard. Viewing his innovative ideas are a creative experience on their own. Check out his free blog posts here at  Expert's Academy .     

creativity prescription #8 : Make A Fresh Start

“Each one of us has our own “tipping point” - our own perfect equilibrium but most of us are afraid of the edge, afraid to fall. We fear contrast!” Crystal Andrus

 

I have spent the past few months doing some major shifting and clearing. I did not know what would fill the new space. This can be a scary thing. But sure enough right when I was ready my buddy Marsha sent me a link to Crystal Andrus’ website. As I delved through Crystal’s website I found her new S.W.A.T. Institute that trains life coaches ”to integrate all aspects of health, fitness, relationships, finances, and spirituality.”  I also found out that she is a Canadian and lives less than an hour away from me here north of the city!

That same night, Marsha and I went to The University of Toronto and agreed that Crystal is an outstanding speaker! The Toronto Power Group of which I am a member had invited her to speak. Afterwards, we got to meet and talk with her personally. Crystal brings a degree of glamour and genuine passion to her empowerment message that I have not seen before. Her personal story makes us want to play full out. She even gives us a blue print on how to get control of our own lives so that we can get more of what we want. Her new book, Simply Empowered is a practical, down to earth guide that helps us to clean up our act along with a how to on executing our plans.

 

 

Try It: Yes, I have read Simply Empowered and recommend it especially to us artistic types whose lack of structure does not serves us. Think of ways that you use your creativity to distract you from addressing the nuts and bolts that must be in working order for an empowered functional life to occur. Meet Crystal on her website to listen to her personal message.

Affirmation:  I am ready to embrace the changes which have been brewing inside me. I am ready to make a fresh start. I choose health and the better life that is waiting for me.

  

creativity prescription #7 : Step Into Your Flow

Some how the flow led me to find Summer McStravick whom I absolutely adore because of the richness her Flowdreaming technique of has brought to my life. I have always been aware of my own flow. Yet Summer has a way of articulating what flow is to that we can all navigate it easily. Flowdreams are like extended affirmations that can be use to pre-act or pre-program what we would like to see manifest in our lives. I have been Flowdreaming for three months now and I have seen a huge shift in the stagnant areas of my life.

I am a naturally lucky person, but mindfully putting out what I desire using her technique has recently helped me find a personal growth buddy, training for where I want to take my career, help with driving and overall ease. It’s just a new mind set. When I now approach that “dangerous turn”, I no longer make me kids be quiet and turn down the radio as my heart races, instead I just trust go with the flow. Amazingly I almost always get a green light, or it is clear for me to go, and when it is busy someone let’s me in no problem. No more people honking at me -- yeah!

Another way I know I am in my flow is the carrot trucks.. yes, my kids and I agree that when we see a carrot truck stocked with abundant crates of orange treasures fresh from mother earth, we know that luck will follow. OK, this was a tongue in cheek game I created to make the drive to school more fun. But then on days when my world is blue, magically a carrot truck appears reminding me that everything is cyclical and that I should step back into my flow. This would be a good time to proudly mention that I do live in Bradford Ontario, the carrot capital of the world! LOL. Let’s just say my chances of seeing a carrot truck are pretty good!

Try It: View my new body of work: Flow Painting in the first photo album at the right. I actually listened to Summer McStravick’s Flowdreaming talk radio show while I painted this last series of acrylic mixed media paintings. They are directly from flow. I recommend you investigate Flowdreaming for yourself and see how it can help you with getting into your own creative flow.

Affirmation:  I open my eyes to the signs of flow all around me. I know I can access my creativity anytime I want to, in the flow.

 

creativity prescription #6 : Opening Up To Share

Attending a drumming circle and then painting for two days straight was a wonderful recent opening up experience. For me, this means accessing a clear channel for creativity, which is always accompanied by love. There is a quality of energy that allows for sharing with everyone that presents it self in this state of consciousness. Blocks are eliminated in a completely natural way with the drum. Singing the the Native American medicine songs in circle has been a healing of my throat Chakra.

 

TRY IT: Yes, a drumming circle is a safe place to singing as loud as you want. It is not really about quality but expression of the heart and soul. The first circle I attended was by fireside two summers ago. Definitely something to try, especially if you are a soft talker like me.

 

Affirmation: When I am open, I make a point of taking the opportunity to share with others, the good energy I have been blessed with access to.

Product Review: Christmas came early for me this year as I opened up the Vessel Fusionware™ Flask and Eight Cup Set.  Since then my little family has enjoyed both hot and cold beverages with simple flair. My 4 and 5 year olds adore the organically shaped 5 oz. cups and have taken to drinking their nightly warm milk in them. All of a sudden healthy smoothies have also taken on new interest.

I never thought I would be using this set this much, but I find my self constantly reaching for it. It is so versatile, from serving drinking to small finger foods like nuts and grapes, the possibilities are endless for those appreciative of minimal modern presentation. The pitcher is perfect for our green veggie drinks made with the VitaMix blender. It can also be used as a vase with a single bloom or a collection of twigs. I have plans for some boxwood as they are the only thing I can cut right now. 

 

Links: CassandraRussellDesign; allmodern.com; Photos By Adrian Fernandez

creativity prescription #5 : Make A Power Path Manifestation Board

I woke up this morning feeling very light. The usual weight of power draining issues had left me after synthesizing the info I read in Robert Ohotto's newsletter on powerlessness. As a highly creative person and an idealist, his words are the authenticity tug I need to keep it real. His last talk on Hay House Radio helps us sort out what exactly we have power over and what we do not. He also highlights why identifying our powerlessness can be useful. So, so enlightening. Yes, Robert, also the author of Transforming Fate Into Destiny (wrapped up and under my tree...yes!), refreshingly speaks my language, inventing terms and using expressions like "that rocks". It's like listening to the big brother, I always wished I had.

His words also triggered an idea for me. As I was planning a vision board workshop today, I though why not make it a power path board class instead? Instead of having people manifest "stuff" and/or an ideal mate, they could create a board that keeps them on their power path. Imagine connecting daily with a board that has all of your power triggers anchored in it? Wouldn't this be an optimal place to begin each day and in pursuit of living out our soul contracts. This could only be a good thing. I will say that my past vision boards have always been about shaping my identity roles or archetypes as Robert calls them.  I believe I first saw Robert during Caroline Myss' Sacred Contracts book tour where she first spoke of these archetypes years ago. Perhaps, I subconsciously created a vision role on my board for each the archetypes...

For this new year, I am suggesting an evolution of the common vision board into the power path board. This will involve being honest with yourself about what holds and leaks power for you. As Robert Ohotto says,"There is a freedom in saying I have no power here...Surrender to powerlessness to get power."    

 

TRY IT: Make an active list of where you have power in your life. Ask when and where do I feel most powerful? The answers will lead to you carving out your power path aka your spirit quest. Try to use active verbs instead of putting material"stuff" on. The purpose of the board is to revitalize by reminding us of where and when we are empowered.

 Affirmation: I go into identifying both my places of power and powerlessness as a mindfully loving act to keep me on my power path.

Stay Tuned: I will write about Robert Ohotto's Holiday Survival Strategies On line Event - December 17th, 2009 6pm PST / 9pm EST. I am looking forward to hearing how I can make it through gracefully, during this online workshop. 

 Links: robert ohotto ; lisa jennings ; tammy ratcliff ; gilt groupe

 

creativity prescription #4 : Clearing Space For The New Year

One way I make space for the upcoming year, begins for me one month before the New Year begins. This is when I finalize my goals for the New Year and also brainstorming ways to make them more viable. With two kids, two dogs, two cats, a great husband and my unceasing creative passion, I have to give myself a leg up or my best intentions will dissolve in the turmoil. With this strong need to focus, I have to visualize what I want to realistically accomplish in my mind, in order to make room for new ideas to flourish. Actually, this is a family tradition from Trinidad. Annually at year end people go through a major cleaning of their homes for mainly for Diwali (the festival of lights) and then when Christmas follows everything is already in order. I have made clearing clutter apart of my decorating. As I am putting up wreaths, I am recycling countless bath products with that tiny bit left in them. I also go through my closets, donating clothes and food to charity.

 

TRY IT: It is also a great time to "pass it forward". I make little bags of things I am not using, I know certain people could use. Before I start thinking I live in a library, a basket of books I have been filling will be finding a new home very soon. But the main space I must clear is my studio aka my creativity zone...I promise to post some before and after pictures...yikes...  

 

Affirmation: I mindfully make space for the energy behind my goals of the New Year to begin to come through.

 

Stay Tuned:   I will be doing a product review for allmodern.com in an upcoming post...

Image links: Modern Bedding,  Cassandra Russell Design - Web Shop

creativity prescription #3: body talk

“If my life is for rent, then nothing I have is truly mine.” - Dido - Life Is For Rent Lyrics

When I finally got what this song meant, I loved it even more. What ultimately becomes impossible to ignore: we will not have these bodies forever. They are on loan to us for a short period of time and just how do we treat them? Not as a precious gift from nature, but instead we pick them apart, never quite being fully happy with the one we are stuck with. We are in a time where the pursuit of health and holistic work is more popular than ever, yet I believe our intentions in these areas still remain a little suspect. To be truly whole we need to be aligned to what our bodies are telling us, which means listening and then acting accordingly. To do this I suggest a re-introduction to our physical bodies take place.

 

TRY IT: Start a dialogue with your body. Pick a time where you can talk to your body in peace. Not in front of the mirror, as you the temptation to edit may drown out any valid conversation. Gratitude is always a wonderful place to start. Simply say,  "Body, I love you  just the way you are." You can also mention a few things you love about your body: "I particularly love the way my eyes are shining lately." Can you imagine the creative realm of possibilities of what positive things have yet to be said to our bodies. How about a call to work together to create optimal health and generate positivity. Why not share your fitness goals directly with your body? After all your body is your vehicle for travel in this life. We have all seen people who talk to their cars. All in all, I am sure you and your body will have lots to discuss.

Affirmation: I love my body the way it is. I am healthy. My cells are charged with creativity. 

References:Krow Fischer - Here On Earth

creativity prescription #2: meet your creative reflection

“Poetry spills from a broken heart, but flows from one that is loved.”  - Christopher Paul Rubero

 

Who do you see when you look in the mirror? The truth is that YOU are the only person on the planet who truly knows what your creative potential is. You are also the only person in control of it. Or maybe even you are unaware of the beautiful potential gifts you have hidden inside. What lengths will you go to create the changes you wish to see in this world?

 

Creativity is a gift that has always flown easily from me, maybe because I have always been very well loved. (Even though I didn’t  always acknowledge it). Looking back now at my brilliant creative journey, I want to share my discoveries with you. You see, I believe that creativity is one part of the holistic model that is often neglected, forgotten or simply unacknowledged. How often do we wait until we are burn out, before we realize we have to "fill the well".

 

When we are energetically aligned through proper exercise and nutrition, there is also a natural part of us that longs to create that emerges. When we bring our bodies into balance, they are ready to do what is natural, creative expression is one of these things. To embrace this is area of holistic health,  I welcome you to read my prescriptions which are suggestions for triggering your own creativity, flow of vision and inventions in waiting. This your guide to becoming one step closer to discovering your creative authentic self other wise known as your creative reflection.

 

Try It: Create an image collage of the "artist you" and then reinvent yourself by wearing a symbol or similar dress from the collage. What does your creative reflection look, dress and feel like? What are your signature colours, symbols and attitudes? When I look at my own collage above I see my own romantic/ practical/ understated/ dramatic self. Look inward and then try to find images that both symbolize and resonate with what you see. Do not limit yourself to just images, try using symbols, colors and/or words to enhance your persoanl creative reflection.

Affirmation: Today, I see the creative light in my own eyes.

Image links: Kim Hargraves, Ralph Lauren, Gilt Groupe, Nordstrom
 

Free Tutorials: Collage Can How To

Altered Upcycling Sneak Peak

MATERIALS:

1 tin can

rose acrylic paint + brush

white tissue paper

glue

collage papers and images

TECHNIQUE: Clean can thoroughly by running through the dishwasher. Squeeze top of can to get a more flattened shape. Paint can with rose acrylic paint. Let dry. Cover with white tissue paper. Add collage paper elements. Let glue dry. It can be used as a catch all, small vase, and/or pencil cup.

More free tutorials for altered upcycling projects can by found in the photo album on the right. To view and purchase even more of my altered upcycling creations, please visit my etsy.com shop.

Greencraft Magazine

See my latest project in this new magazine from Stampington & Co. It features 50 upcycling projects and I was honored to be asked to submit my work. 

"Finding creative uses for old items is nothing new to artists, but the spirit of preserving the planet is more important than ever before and GreenCraft Magazine is here to honor and inspire those who find artistic applications for normally discarded resources.

GreenCraft Magazine will provide ideas for repurposing trash to treasure by showcasing projects where waste is repurposed into ecologically chic creations. Last, but not least, to maintain the theme of recycling, the entire publication will be printed on recycled paper. The premier issue of this semiannual publication will hit newsstands August 1, 2009." - www.stampington.com

Bradford Toastmasters At Canada Day

Happy Canada Day

"The question is not "can you make a difference?" You already do make a difference. It's just a matter of what kind of difference you want to make...- Julia Butterfly Hill activist

Pictures of me with my fellow Bradford Toastmasters on Canada Day.(Annette Lavigne, Cynthia Stanley Witzig and Annette's daughter Stevie Lee. thanks to Doug Armstrong for the taking the photos.) Annette is my mentor, is an amazing speaking coach and is also a wonderful speaker. Thanks for all of your guidance Annette! Annette Lavigne can be seen and heard here.

 Our Bradford club Speak For Success, won the highest award a club can win in Toastmasters International: Club Distinguished. If you are interested in self improvement and/or public speaking please some out as a guest to see how great becoming a better speaker can be.