I would say I definitely fit into that middle category so I appreciate your addressing the commitment we make to our creative pursuits for the benefits of our souls. I pace myself with my creative pursuits: piano is daily sometimes more, journaling in daily, my illustrated cartoon doodles are daily; my art journaling practice is regular, usually once a week. I’m very much aware of my desire to create more than I do, but I’m happy to have a committed practice, some of which have been going on for many years, if not decades. My Creative/Spiritual pursuits are a LIFELINE for me, so I deem them as necessary, not optional. Thank you for all the affirming words and kindness, dear Jamie. It’s always good to connect with you here.
Dawn, I'm not suprised at all to hear the placee that art has in your life. It is so clearly a deep and meaningful part of you. Thank you so much for sharing your experience!
Soooo nice to see you live! Great, kind, gentle inspiration as always, thank you Jamie ❤️. I’ve been away for three months helping my 85 yr old parents navigate my moms progressing Alzheimer’s, her medical issues on top of it, all through covid, and a frigid don’t-go-outside cold snap that hit the prairies over Xmas. It’s been a sad, hard time. But this right here was a lovely little lift me up. Thank you 🙏 🥰 I’m looking forward to seeing more of you. I’d love to join your Devotion class, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to focus or commit for three months right now. But it’s on the top of my list, once my mom’s health is better. ❤️. For now I’m relocating and rearranging my sewing studio. With this at least I can come and go and just leave it and start again as needed. Big love to you 💕
Debbie, thanks so much for your lovely message. You have really been through a time! I hope that spring is bringing some renewed energy and settling in to your new home. I will be delighted to welcome you into Devotion when the time is right. The next round will be in the fall!
SO happy to see and hear from you again in a BTS video Jamie! My pandemic fatigue seems to have reached a point of almost a constant underlying numb anxiety, if that makes sense, and I can really relate to your words about feeling lack of energy and inability to create during this seemingly endless time of upheaval...like we USED to or WANT to. I am just now starting to give myself grace and permission to just do whatever I feel able to do, with no judgement or pressure but rather gratitude of having the desire to create, and acceptance of whatever that currently manifests as. Thank you for taking the time to share this with us, hope to see more BTS this year! (and btw-you are always beautiful -tired or not, inside and out!)
I knew I wasn't alone in this, Laurie! What a wonderful shift you've made. So much is possible in that place of no-pressure, no-judgment! Thank you for sharing what is happening with you! And thank you also for your lovely words. It's a great reminder that we are who we are - whether we are tired or not, lol! ((bighugs))
I was down with a cold last week and didn't do any writing. But I doodled and collaged in my Studio Yearbook. I rested and read. I didn't beat myself up for not "powering through" because I was giving my body what it needed to heal and filling my creative well. The work wouldn't suffer from a break. Sounds nutty, but those sick days were rather lovely.
"Resting and reading" is such good medicine! You're so right about the work - in fact it is more likely to suffer without a break! Doesn't sound nutty at all
So lovely to see your beautiful energy on UA-cam again, Jamie! I hope you can continue to stop in from time to time this year. Your river analogy reminds me of the Japanese Kawa model that my occupational therapist introduced me to many years ago. Again, so lovely to see you. You voice and words always heal and inspire me. Thank you.
Hi Michelle! I hope so too. I'm trying to find a good rhythm in the studio and for showing up here too! I'll have to look up the Kawa model. Thank you for sharing it - and thank you for your lovely words.
So good to see you back on the BTS. I am also a multi-passionate creative. My intention for 2022 is to, as you so aptly put it, not make myself wrong because I am. I recently got it that "making" is as much a part of who I am as is playing music, and that devoting time to making does not take energy and time away from playing my harp and composing. This year I aim to allow time and support for all my creative activities and endeavors. And to not fall into the trap of thinking I should be doing practicing instead of making if I am going to consider myself a musician. Thanks Jamie for helping me see this trap even more clearly. (harping)Janet
What an amazing revelation, Janet! It will be interesting to see where that takes you. It really is wild how we internalize the idea that we have to demonstrate our 'seriousness' all the time in order to 'prove' that we are allowed to be the artist we are. Play your music. Do your making. Your life - and each of your art forms - will be richer for it. ((bighugs))
What a lovely surprise Jamie. Just what i needed to hear right now. Battling with severe fatigue. I am trying to do a little bit of journaling Each week and a bit of painting now and then and I am working on a piece of slow stitch fibre art. Being gentle with myself and letting enough be good enough. You are looking Gorgeous! 🌟Shine on
Working with our energy instead of against it can be so healing. It sounds like you've found a way to support your energy and your creativity - beautiful. And thank you for your lovely affirmation!
Nice to see you Jamie! your videos are always like a breath of fresh air (something I appreciate in this hot summer in the southern hemisphere 😂). A few months ago I discovered the beauty of the cyanotype and its infinite possibilities, I really fell in love! Since then I try to experiment with this technique even once a week and delight in unexpected textures and colors that recharge my energies.
Yay! BTS! Jamie, it’s uncanny - your topic is always just the thing I needed to hear that day, whether it’s in the newsletter or here on the BTS. Thank you for all you share with us! (And by the way, you look amazing!!)
Thanks so much Jamie. Your videos are always right on time.
Thanks, Terri! I'm glad this had something for you
So happy to see you here, Jamie!! I missed the BTS!
Hey there! Me too. it's so great to be here and connecting ((hugs))
I would say I definitely fit into that middle category so I appreciate your addressing the commitment we make to our creative pursuits for the benefits of our souls.
I pace myself with my creative pursuits: piano is daily sometimes more, journaling in daily, my illustrated cartoon doodles are daily; my art journaling practice is regular, usually once a week. I’m very much aware of my desire to create more than I do, but I’m happy to have a committed practice, some of which have been going on for many years, if not decades.
My Creative/Spiritual pursuits are a LIFELINE for me, so I deem them as necessary, not optional.
Thank you for all the affirming words and kindness, dear Jamie. It’s always good to connect with you here.
Dawn, I'm not suprised at all to hear the placee that art has in your life. It is so clearly a deep and meaningful part of you. Thank you so much for sharing your experience!
Soooo nice to see you live! Great, kind, gentle inspiration as always, thank you Jamie ❤️.
I’ve been away for three months helping my 85 yr old parents navigate my moms progressing Alzheimer’s, her medical issues on top of it, all through covid, and a frigid don’t-go-outside cold snap that hit the prairies over Xmas. It’s been a sad, hard time. But this right here was a lovely little lift me up. Thank you 🙏 🥰 I’m looking forward to seeing more of you. I’d love to join your Devotion class, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to focus or commit for three months right now. But it’s on the top of my list, once my mom’s health is better. ❤️. For now I’m relocating and rearranging my sewing studio. With this at least I can come and go and just leave it and start again as needed. Big love to you 💕
Debbie, thanks so much for your lovely message. You have really been through a time! I hope that spring is bringing some renewed energy and settling in to your new home. I will be delighted to welcome you into Devotion when the time is right. The next round will be in the fall!
SO happy to see and hear from you again in a BTS video Jamie! My pandemic fatigue seems to have reached a point of almost a constant underlying numb anxiety, if that makes sense, and I can really relate to your words about feeling lack of energy and inability to create during this seemingly endless time of upheaval...like we USED to or WANT to. I am just now starting to give myself grace and permission to just do whatever I feel able to do, with no judgement or pressure but rather gratitude of having the desire to create, and acceptance of whatever that currently manifests as. Thank you for taking the time to share this with us, hope to see more BTS this year! (and btw-you are always beautiful -tired or not, inside and out!)
I knew I wasn't alone in this, Laurie! What a wonderful shift you've made. So much is possible in that place of no-pressure, no-judgment! Thank you for sharing what is happening with you! And thank you also for your lovely words. It's a great reminder that we are who we are - whether we are tired or not, lol! ((bighugs))
Great to see you on UA-cam again, I always feel very inspired by your words. Hope you will make more videos soon ☺️
Thank you so much! Me too!
I was down with a cold last week and didn't do any writing. But I doodled and collaged in my Studio Yearbook. I rested and read. I didn't beat myself up for not "powering through" because I was giving my body what it needed to heal and filling my creative well. The work wouldn't suffer from a break. Sounds nutty, but those sick days were rather lovely.
"Resting and reading" is such good medicine! You're so right about the work - in fact it is more likely to suffer without a break! Doesn't sound nutty at all
So lovely to see your beautiful energy on UA-cam again, Jamie! I hope you can continue to stop in from time to time this year. Your river analogy reminds me of the Japanese Kawa model that my occupational therapist introduced me to many years ago. Again, so lovely to see you. You voice and words always heal and inspire me. Thank you.
Hi Michelle! I hope so too. I'm trying to find a good rhythm in the studio and for showing up here too! I'll have to look up the Kawa model. Thank you for sharing it - and thank you for your lovely words.
So good to see you back on the BTS. I am also a multi-passionate creative. My intention for 2022 is to, as you so aptly put it, not make myself wrong because I am. I recently got it that "making" is as much a part of who I am as is playing music, and that devoting time to making does not take energy and time away from playing my harp and composing. This year I aim to allow time and support for all my creative activities and endeavors. And to not fall into the trap of thinking I should be doing practicing instead of making if I am going to consider myself a musician. Thanks Jamie for helping me see this trap even more clearly. (harping)Janet
What an amazing revelation, Janet! It will be interesting to see where that takes you. It really is wild how we internalize the idea that we have to demonstrate our 'seriousness' all the time in order to 'prove' that we are allowed to be the artist we are. Play your music. Do your making. Your life - and each of your art forms - will be richer for it. ((bighugs))
3rd time is the charm... Your inspiration and introspection are thought provoking. Thanks..Dorleen
Hi Dorleen! It's so lovely to connect with you here. I'm so glad this offered something to think about. Happy New Year!
What a lovely surprise Jamie. Just what i needed to hear right now. Battling with severe fatigue. I am trying to do a little bit of journaling Each week and a bit of painting now and then and I am working on a piece of slow stitch fibre art. Being gentle with myself and letting enough be good enough. You are looking Gorgeous! 🌟Shine on
Working with our energy instead of against it can be so healing. It sounds like you've found a way to support your energy and your creativity - beautiful. And thank you for your lovely affirmation!
Nice to see you Jamie! your videos are always like a breath of fresh air (something I appreciate in this hot summer in the southern hemisphere 😂). A few months ago I discovered the beauty of the cyanotype and its infinite possibilities, I really fell in love! Since then I try to experiment with this technique even once a week and delight in unexpected textures and colors that recharge my energies.
Thank you, Maria! Ooh, it's so exciting to discover something new. I hope you are having a wonderful time exploring cyanotypes!!
Seeing your BTS format pop up in my notifications made me smile.😁🐈⬛🌻 I can glean
Yay!!
I hear you Jamie! Pandemic fatigue. All good points.Looking forward to Devotion, see you soon!
I'm so excited we'll be sharing this winter of Devotion! We're almost there :)
Yay! BTS! Jamie, it’s uncanny - your topic is always just the thing I needed to hear that day, whether it’s in the newsletter or here on the BTS. Thank you for all you share with us! (And by the way, you look amazing!!)
I'm so glad! Thank you so much, Meghan! And lol, thank you for the compliment too. Some holiday rest helped
Oops..Continued...I can glean