Published, Three Books in Print and Two EBooks

Writing books has always been on my Someday List, my One Day List, my When I Have More Time List, not anymore. As of December 2018 I am now a published author.

Writing like any other calling, dream or desire requires time and effort. There were days when the writing didn't flow and other days when I sat and wrote for well over 12 hours. The creative process is mysterious as it ebbs and flows carrying inspiration. Most days are productive but there are days when the flow ceases and it is those days I switch gears and clean house, run errands, and tend to neglected chores. You would be surprised how quickly these activities can motivate the creative flow!

The books:
1. Art in the Kitchen
    A Starving Artist's Survival Guide
    A Gluten Free & Time-Saver Cook Book

    Paperback and Ebook

2. Hidden in Your heART

    Paperback and Ebook

3. #HiddeninYourheART
    The Companion Art Journal

     PaperbackThey are written! They are published! They are now available to the public on Amazon!

amazon.com/author/carollanefleming


I will share more about the books in January.
Merry Christmas!


https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

So Close!

So close! We almost had a Christmas Snow! Snow flurries fell late yesterday afternoon. Yes, like so many children I am dreaming of a Snowy Christmas. There are rumors coming forth from the local weather stations we may have another chance at snow, time will tell.

Today, I am busy designing the book covers for the books soon to be published later this month. Long hours of writing, proofing and editing yet, these hours have been inspiring. Notes have been written, ideas recorded for future books and articles. But for now, I must change hats and get busy on the covers!

Let it snow. Let It Snow. Let It SNOW! Still dreaming of a snowy Christmas, maybe this year there will be Snow.

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

Traditions

Holiday season is upon us, ready or not it is time to get busy and celebrate Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas to name a few major events of the season. How do you prepare?
Do you decorate for each of the celebrations or does your decor blend the best of each? When do you begin decorating for Christmas? Before or after Thanksgiving?

Each year the struggle between tradition and new ideas grows at our house. The traditionalist states, decoration have set times, colors and themes. Apples in September, Columbus Day, the World Series and Pumpkins in October, Fall leaves, Veteran's Day, Turkeys, Pilgrims and Harvest in November, and Red, Green and Gold command December as the decorations and lights go up on the 1st day of the month. The traditionalist goes yet further with the same meals, foods and activities. The one with new ideas and alternative possibilities asks why not this, why do we do that. Or even proclaims we are doing something different this year, using different colors instead of red, green and gold.

Neither is right or wrong. Traditions have a place, marking the passing of time, and even building a rich memory bank for each one present. I feel there is room for both schools of thought as we prepare for the holidays.

Holidays are to be celebrated and filled with joy, not silent stressed filled rooms. Be open to new ideas, be flexible to new possibilities, create memories but more importantly share love, spread peace, and express joy. Enjoy the feasts!

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

Hurricane Michael

We survived Hurricane Michael's fury! We never lost power which was a blessing! We had tons of rain and wind yet, No Damage which was a miracle!!! So many individuals and families have lost so much in the Hurricanes this Fall, it is difficult to comprehend the destruction and the enormous task of recovery efforts ahead.

Praying for all may your recovery multiply your losses 100 fold! You shall rise from these storms and be stronger and better than before.

God Bless each and every individual throughout this recovery and restoration.

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

Tree Frogs

I have been busy in the backyard the last few days preparing the flower beds, transplanting and enjoying the Fall weather as I plan and consider possible changes to include a fire pit and patio. In all of the cleaning and preparations I stumbled upon a visitor, thankfully it was not a snake! Tucked down between the leaves of my Banana Tree was a very large green tree frog, about the size of a small chicken egg. I see green tree frogs occasionally but never this late in the year. Which has me thinking, what other wildlife is lingering and hanging on to the last warm days of the year? It won't be long before we have our first frost and the garden and flowerbeds will have their longer winter's nap.

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

Merry Christmas!

I know, a little early this year for my Christmas Greetings. However since Christmas Decorations have been in a local craft store since May, I can only assume I might actually be behind schedule. Seriously though, I have been 'bitten' by the Christmas bug.

Last Christmas one of my smaller artificial trees dropped more needles and small limbs than a real tree. Not wanting to toss it in the trash, I left it outdoors to weather and hopefully drop the remaining loose needles. This week, I have decided to transform the little tree in hopes of granting it new life. The tree is four feet tall and is secured to a basket with concrete, did I mention it is heavy?

Phase One: Using my all purpose heavy duty work scissors I cut off all of the needles down to the artificial tree limbs. The tree now looks twiggy and has a short scrubby limbs. Basically I gave the tree a 'crew cut'.

Phase Two: I brushed and cleaned the tree scrubbing it down and removed yet more loose needles. Ran to the store and grabbed multiple cans of spray paint, disposable gloves, a box of cat litter and a large plastic planter.

Phase Three: I sprayed the large plastic planter silver and set it aside to dry. Then the transformation~ No more Green Christmas Tree. I sprayed the tree Aqua! Three cans of spray paint was used to cover the trunk, the limbs and remaining scrubby needles.

Phase Four: I placed some of the dry cat litter in the bottom of the planter to raise the tree to the desired level. After I was satisfied with the placement, I used the remaining dry cat litter to secure it in place.

I just LOVE IT! I love when what I see in my imagination works and actually looks better than what I had imagined. Now the hard part, waiting to decorate the tree. Only red and white decorations will be used and the tree will be placed in the center of my round oak kitchen table. I can hardly wait!

How early is to early to set up and decorate a Christmas tree?

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

Summer Reading

Summer vacation is a time to reboot, adjust schedules, game nights, explore, day dream, journey into the unknown, escape, feast upon tasty treats, late nights and reading. A tradition for as long as I can remember, I have binged on books, reading for hours upon hours during Summer vacations. The thrill of trips to the library and carrying home stacks and stacks of books. The cozy reading spots shared with a cat or dog and an occasional horse as company as I read. No lists or mandates of what should be read just the pure pleasure of reading by choice. I've read of far away places, fantasy, the classics, romance, how-to's, historical non-fiction, poetry, travel, an entire series, biographies and.... The list goes on forever. And yes, I have a confession, there have been times I have chosen a book by it's cover. Gasp!

Summer vacations were created for binge reading. I'm headed to the library later today to collect stacks of books. I have snacks prepared and meals arranged for the reading marathon. As we all know the #1 Rule for Summer Vacation is No Cooking!

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

Happy Birthday America!

I have only a quick moment this morning to write as I am quite busy preparing for our 4th of July Celebration. Red White and Blue as far as the eye can see, what a wonderful display of patriotism as the nation is celebrating The United States of America's Birthday. The sound of firecrackers are already popping the anticipation of the firework display is growing!

What are your traditions as you celebrate the 4th of July?

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

Famous Last Words

I think it needs just a little more paint, these were the famous last words spoken before yesterday's mess-terpiece happened. I was alone in the studio preparing supplies for a session of Acrylic Pouring which sounds innocent enough, when suddenly out of the blue there was a flash of fur and the angry growls of 2 house cats fighting on the work table.  Somehow between the tumbles and growls, scratching and snarls there were uncontrolled paint spills. Paint went flying, I'm sure I will be finding splatters in unusual places for some time. Paint on my face, in my hair, some on canvases, and yes, the cats too were splattered in paint. Paw tracks across the table, on the floor it was a real big mess. Some days just do not go as planned yet, in the end, the results are similar. I had hoped to have a session of Acrylic Pouring yesterday, truthfully, I did! Just not in the manner or using the methods I had planned. All was not lost, I was able to use the mess to my advantage creating prints of the spills.

Creativity happens occasionally it is messy!

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

Dandelion Wishes

Dandelions are more than flowering plants with a tenacious ability to grow and flourish within hostile environments. Their bright cheerful golden yellow ushers in spring, celebrates summer and is reluctant to leave when the frosty mornings of fall return. The delicate patterns among the petals is worthy of a masterpiece to be hanging in the finest galleries and yet, the Dandelion is considered by many to be a weed! Shocking right? Everyone knows Dandelions are made for childhood fantasy and fairy wishes.

Dandelions have an amazing ability to instantly restore childhood delight to busy adults willing to bend over and gently pluck the wispy wand. Somehow more magical than birthday candle wishes or coins tossed in a fountain, Dandelion wishes are visibly carried upon the wind, sometimes lingering dancing and twirling before silently vanishing into the realm of fairies and pixie dust where they are certain to come true.

As you are out and about today, capture the images of Dandelions. Grab a magnifying glass and inspect their regal beauty and if you are fortunate enough to find a bloom that has gone to seed, by all means, gently pluck and cast your wishes upon the winds.

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

Curiosity and the Cat

Are you a curious individual? Do you ask a lot of questions? Do you actively seek the answers to the silence your curiosity? Humanity could learn by observing cats and their methods of exploring and satisfying their curiosity. Cats can be sly and sneaky, bold and courageous, they are persistent in their quest using many available tactics and even creating methods of discovery when the need arises.

Yes, there are times when satisfying one's curiosity may lead to disaster. As in the case of one curious cat and a bullfrog. Grizzly the Cat was an explorer and great detective and a very curios cat, he had to investigate every thing that somehow caught his attention. On this particular day he had been out in the yard with us when suddenly he bolted towards the spring only to freeze motionless like a statue. It seemed like an eternity frozen in time before he made is unfortunate pounce. Grizzly was quite curious concerning the activities of a giant bullfrog in the spring. You guessed it, when he finally decided to take action he sprang and landed in the water, right where the bullfrog had been. Grizzly swam to the edge, crawled out and promptly returned to the house soaking wet.

And then there are times when satisfying one's curiosity can lead to purring satisfaction. As in the case of one curious cat and a pile of fabric. Sarah Jane has all of the characteristics of a spy. She is observant, quiet, moves about unnoticed, clever and innovative throughout her day and persistent in the pursuit of satisfying her curiosity. Often is the case each time new fabric arrives at the house, she will investigate the packages with a thorough sniff, a taste, a poke and then she quietly follows the fabric to the next destination for the final testing. Sarah Jane knows from her past encounters all fabric is not created equal, some fabrics must be napped upon to determine the quality. She slinks, she waits until no one is looking, and then she proceeds with the final test. Climbing, jumping, crawling or even pouncing to land in the center of the pile of new fabrics for napping. Like I mentioned earlier, not all fabric is created equal in her eyes, there are fabrics she will avoid, others are good for a pounce, her favorites result in long lazy naps.

How curious are you? Do you find the need to uncover all the information down to the smallest detail or are you satisfied with the big picture or possibly a combination of facts can satisfy your curiosity? Are your curious thoughts led by your imagination and solved through your minds eye or do you actively engage in the pursuit of solving the questions, riddles and puzzles of curiosity?

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

Time for a New Umbrella

April showers sometimes require an umbrella when darting about dodging puddles. Sprinkles and gentle showers I can manage and even enjoy the splatter of raindrops upon my face. There are times when heavy down pours of flooding rains fall, I will sing and dance splashing every puddle, but not in 'public'. Out in 'public' I have been seen walking slowly using an umbrella in pouring rain, like an 'adult'. Gasp! Rain is for dancing, splashing and singing, a joyful celebration of delight which is the problem I am facing. Have you seen the umbrellas lately? All dark and drab. So ..............

I purchased the largest umbrella available, along with lots of brightly colored paint, brushes and stampers. Soon the dark drab sad umbrella will be transformed into a bright and cheerful work of art. And my old umbrella will be recycled and presented as a gift to my garden as a new Sweet Pea trellis.

Life is too short to avoid splashing in puddles, dancing and singing in the rain. 

Still Writing But NOT On Paper

Blame it on too much sweet tea or changing seasons or even possibly extra time on Pinterest. [Is there truly such a thing?] Sleepless nights make for happy hours spent in the "land" of inspiration. Actually, it all began with a leaky roof and an extensive restoration of water damage.

After completing the restoration of my sewing studio, fresh paint, carpet ripped out and new painted floors. It became obvious the carpet on the stairs had to go as well. The carpet was not compatible with the new look of the sewing studio. So research began in earnest for possible new looks and I finally decided on a combination of effects for the steps leading to the sewing studio. If anyone ever tells you it is easy to rip up and replace carpet...let's just say they may have left out a few details. It is a dirty time consuming task and carpet is heavy! Then comes the cleaning of the steps, the removal of splinters and carpet tacks, sanding, cleaning, priming, sanding, priming, painting multiple layers of paint, sanding....

Today the steps are finally ready for the next phase. The writing of the quotes! Upon each step will be written an encouraging quote to inspire creativity. If there ever was a doubt before to those who enter my home, it is now clearly obvious that at least 1 artist lives here.

Psssst. It's okay to write on the ceilings, walls and floor. Be bold. Be courageous. Embrace your Creative Voice. And don't worry, I am still writing and working on my book.

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

It's Official!

This will be short and sweet!
I've got to get back to the task at hand but I just had to share the news!

It's official! I have now started writing a book!! Yippie!
I completed the outline last night, and today, the actual writing began at sunrise.

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

Progress Requires Activity

Remember January? When I decided to attempt to set aside a time and place to write each day. A dedication, a commitment to be purposeful and decisive about my writing...Well, this is an update. I am writing daily so that in itself is a plus, however, I am not writing at the same time daily or even in the same place. Making progress, I'm not sure. There are stacks and stacks of drafts, outlines and notes, there are piles of crumpled paper scattered on the floor all are evidence of writing is taking place. There have been days when it feels as of all I have accomplished are hard stares at the blank computer screen. There have been days when two words are all that are recorded as I quickly run to the studio to paint.

Creativity is a wild and untamed beast. Relentless in the drive to flow easily avoiding containment to time or schedule. The drive to write is strong and ever present just as the drive to paint, quilt, garden or develop new Gluten Free recipes. I've not discovered the best time or place to write but I shall pursue the challenge after all it is only March and I have 9 months left to develop a schedule that works best.

One step at a time is still progress!

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

A Date with Destiny

February: Groundhog's Day, will we have Six more weeks of winter, Snow, Cold, Valentines, Love, Hearts, Basketball, George Washington, cherry pie, Abraham Lincoln, the shortest month and sometimes Leap Year and your destiny.

This is it. This is your day. This is the sign you have been waiting for, today is your date with destiny. You are destined to live a creative and purposeful life! How does it feel knowing there is only one you? Knowing you have a purpose and a destiny only you are capable of presenting to the world can take your breath away. Stop. Breathe and pursue the longing, the nudge within, to step out of your comfort zone and embrace your creative voice. You've got this! You will succeed! You will be amazing! You are perfect for the task before you!

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

Trying Something New

Welcome 2018! I love the arrival of the New Year. A  "free pass" to start over, to change directions and experiment with new possibilities, the opportunity to leave behind the past and to willingly embrace a new adventure is exciting. As one with a creative outlook or approach to life, I'm not opposed to trying something that might not work. Simple curiosity takes over and one thing leads to another often to discover hidden talents or skill sets.

However, in 2018 I am going to try something new and different. Something out of character and non-conventional for myself. I am going to try, to attempt, to possibly set aside a specific time to write. I wish you could hear the laughter filling the room as I type. As I know, trying to harness creativity is like trying to herd cats or catch downy feathers in a hurricane.
But the plan is to create a schedule of sorts dedicated to writing and then in December we all can either celebrate the accomplishment or have a great laugh at my attempts to harness the creative flow of writing.

Happy New Year! Be bold and courageous and try something new today!

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming