December FREE Check List Artist's Birthdays

Demember FREE Check List             Artist’s Birthdays
1. Maya Lin   October 5
2. Eric Carle   June 25
3. Frederic Remington   October 4
4. Grandma Moses   September 7
5. Vincent Van Gogh   March 30
6. Fancisco de Goya   March 30
7. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
8. Wayne Thiebaud   November 15
9. Janet Fish   May 18
10. Claude Monet   November 14
11. Rembrandt   July 15
12. Michelangelo   March 6
13. Jim Dine   June 16
14. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
15. Dale Chihuly   September 20
16. Mary Cassatt   May 23
17. Akiane Kramarik   July 9
18. Henri Matisse   December 31
19. Rosa Boneur   March 16
20. Grant Wood   February 13
21. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
22. Salvador Dali   May 11
23. Piet Mondrian   March 7
24. Albrect Durer   May 21
25. Beatrix Potter   July 28
26. Benjamin West   October 10
27. Leonardo da Vinci   April 15
28. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
29. Paul Cezanne   January 19
30. Winslow Homer   February 24
31. Louise Nevelson   September 23

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am so very Thankful for each of you as you follow along, reading this blog as we travel together embracing a Creative Life.

Enjoy your friends and family today, I will be back tomorrow with some tasty ideas for your Thanksgiving Day leftovers.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gobble Gobble

November FREE Check List Art Careers

November FREE Check List                        Art Careers

1. Graphic Designer
2. Architect
3. Typographer
4. Set/Stage Designer
5. Toy Developer
6. Art Therapist
7. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
8. Floral Designer
9. Interior Decorator
10. Special Effects Designer
11. Animator
12. Museum Curator
13. Potter
14. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
15. Sculptor
16. Product Designer
17. Painter
18. Landscape Architect
19. Photographer
20. Illustrator
21. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
22. Printmaker
23. Game Designer
24. Advertising Director
25. Fashion Design
26. Cake Decorator
27. Media Communications
28. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
29. Jeweler
30. Art Dealer / Art Conservation

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

October FREE Check List Famous Art Works

October FREE Check List                Famous Art Works
1. Broadway Boogie Woogie   Piet Mondrian
2. Mask of Agamemnon   Ancient Greek
3. Pieta   Michelangelo  
4. The Last Supper   Leonardo da Vinci
5. Monticello    Thomas Jefferson
6. Night Hawks   Edward Hopper
7. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
8. Impression Sunrise   Claude Monet
9. Starry Night   Vincent Van Gogh
10. The Thinker   Auguste Rodin
11. Falling Water   Frank Lloyd Wright
12. Mona Lisa   Leonardo da Vinci
13. David   Michelangelo
14. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
15. American Gothic   Grant Wood
16. Balloon Dog   Jeff Koons
17. The Little Dancer of 14   Edgar Degas
18. The Sower   Vincent Van Gogh
19. LOVE   Robert Indiana
20. The School of Athens   Raphael
21. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
22. The Kiss   Gustave Klimt
23. The Sistine Chapel Ceiling   Michelangelo
24. Café Terrace at Night   Vincent Van Gogh
25. Stonehenge   Neolithic Artists
26. Campbell’s Soup Cans   Andy Warhol
27. The Baptistery Doors   Lorenzo Ghiberti
28. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
29. The Artist’s Mother   James Abbott McNeill Whistler
30. A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of LaGrande Jatte   G. Seurat
31. Prince of Peace   Akiane Kramarik

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

September FREE Check List American Artists

SEPTEMBER:                 AMERICAN ARTISTS

1. Winslow Homer
2. Mary Cassatt
3. Edward Hopper
4. Dale Chihuly
5. Wayne Thiebaud
6. Harriet Powers
7. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
8. Georgia O’Keeffe
9. Norman Rockwell
10. Ansel Adams
11. Mark Rothko
12. Louise Nevelson
13. Maya Lin
14. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
15. Jasper Johns
16. Romare Bearden
17. Frank Lloyd Wright
18. Janet Fish
19. Frederic Remington
20. Eric Carle
21. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
22. George Bellows
23. Grant Wood
24. Alexander Calder
25. Jackson Pollock
26. Helen Frankenthaler
27. Andy Warhol
28. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
29. Thomas Cole
30. Andrew Wyeth

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

August FREE Check List Art Vocabulary

August FREE Check List               Art Vocabulary


1. Color
2. Balance
3. Charcoal
4. Kiln
5. Fiber arts
6. Collage
7. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
8. Line
9. Perspective
10. Acrylic Paint
11. Ceramic
12. Assemblage
13. Photography
14. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
15. Vantage point
16.  Hue
17. Pencil, pen, brush
18. Glass blowing
19. Printmaking
20. Graphic Design
21. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
22. Sculpture
23. Harmony
24. Focal plane
25. Architecture
26. Portraiture
27. Installation piece
28. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
29. Horizontal
30. Oil pastel
31. Easel

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

July FREE Check List Art Trivia

July  FREE Check List                              Art Trivia


1. Mary Cassatt rewarded children with candy for sitting still.
2. Vincent Van Gogh sold only 1 painting during his life.
3. Leonardo da Vinci wrote many notes in mirrored image.
4. Paleolithic artists painted with mud and ashes.
5. Grandma Moses began her art career at 78 years old.
6. Andy Warhol had 25 cats and most of them were named Sam.
7. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
8. Claude Monet’s painting named the Impressionist art movement.
9. Scribbles and Doodles are forms of Art.
10. Art sometimes is displayed incorrectly in museums.
11. Artists are normal people with an excess of ideas.
12. Is it art? Did a person create it? Were you inspired? Yes, it is art.
13.  Not all artists are famous.
14. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
15. Vincent Van Gogh worked as an artist for only 10 years.
16. Leonardo da Vinci never went to school.
17. Art works are frequently stolen some even multiple times.
18. Rumors state Picasso’s works are stolen most often.
19. Red, Yellow or Blue combined can create the world of color.
20. Art is what you ‘think’ it is, different for each individual.
21. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
22. Artists are curious by nature always asking questions.
23. Artists have created works for political and military revolutions.
24. Fame is not a requirement to be an artist.
25. Look in the mirror~ You are an artist too!
26. Artists leave room for the viewers imagination in their art.
27. You do not have to understand the artist to enjoy the art work.
28. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
29. American Gothic by Grant Wood is a painting of his dentist!
30. Michelangelo did not like signing his name on his artworks.
31. American Artist Grandma Moses lived to 101 years old!

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

June FREE Check List Collection of Art Galleries or Museums

JUNE CHECK LIST      ART GALLERIES OR MUSEUMS
1. Portland Art Museum Portland, Oregon
2. The Van Gogh Museum, Netherlands
3. Whitney Museum of Art, New York City, New York
4. The National Gallery of Art, USA, Washington, DC.
5. The National Gallery, London, England
6. The Louvre, Paris, France
7. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
8. J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, California
9. North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh, North Carolina
10. The Prado, Madrid, Spain
11. The Hermitage, St. Petersburg, Russia
12. American Folk Art Museum, New York City, New York
13. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco, California
14. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
15. The Tate Modern, London, England
16. Smithsonian American Art Museum & Renwick Gallery, DC
17. The Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy
18.Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Texas
19. Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
20. Lascaux International Center of Art, Montignac, France
21. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
22. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
23. The Museum of Modern Art, USA, New York City, New York
24. Rijkmusuem, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
25. RISD Museum, Rhode Island
26. Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio
27. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, New York
28. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
29. Solomon Guggenheim Museum, New York City, New York
30. The Vatican Museums, Vatican City, Italy

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

MAY FREE CHECK LIST : ART MOVEMENTS

MAY  FREE CHECK LIST                               ART MOVEMENTS

1. Post Modern
2. Rococo
3. Impressionism
4. Paleolithic and Neolithic Art
5. Pop Art
6. Realism
7. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
8. Art Nouveau
9. Ancient Greek
10. Cubism
11. Early Christian
12. Contemporary Art
13. Gothic Art
14. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
15. Early Renaissance
16. German Expressionism
17.The Baroque
18. Photo Realism
19. Neoclassical
20. Post-Impressionism
21. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
22. Regional
23. Modern
24. Ancient Rome
25. Fauvism
26. Romanesque
27. Abstract Expressionism
28. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
29. Mesopotamian Art
30. The High Renaissance
31. Naturalism

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

April FREE Check List Famous Artists

APRIL CHECK LIST                              FAMOUS ARTISTS

1. Leonardo da Vinci
2. Henri Matisse
3. J.M.W. Turner
4. Caravaggio
5. Paul Cezanne
6. Elisabeth Vigee Le Brun
7. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
8. Michelangelo
9. Claude Monet
10. Artemisia Gentileschi
11. Diego Velazquez
12. Marc Chagall
13. Peter Paul Rubens
14. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
15. Vermeer
16. Paul Gauguin
17. Thomas Gainsborough
18. Berthe Morisot
19. Albrecht Durer
20. Hokusai
21. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
22. Edgar Degas
23. Sir Christopher Wren
24. Pablo Picasso
25. Gian Lorenzo Bernini
26. Cave artists of Lascaux
27. Georges Seurat
28. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
29. Rembrandt
30. Vincent van Gogh

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

Friday Night Feasts~ Gluten Free Tuna Salad

Basketball Regional Semifinals are the topic of most every conversation around town. I am curious, is your team still in the hunt?

To go along with all of the wonderful game foods this weekend at our house there will be at least 1 healthy choice...Gluten Free Tuna Salad. It's never too early to start working on a healthy diet. Now don't start feeling sorry for my friends and family, there will be a well stocked kitchen overflowing with delicious Gluten Free game food...Brownies, pizza, wings, meatballs, chips, cheese, dips, salsa and possibly a veggie tray.


Tuna Salad
How many different ways do you serve Tuna Salad? By the scoop on a bed of lettuce, stuffed in the cavity of Avocado or Tomato, on toasted bread as a sandwich, in a croissant, on crackers, as a dip for vegetables, baked?

Basic blend or mixture can easily increase or decrease volume as needed.

3 large cans of Chunky Tuna in water, drained removing as much water as possible
1 small sweet Onion, minced
½ cup minced Celery
1 small jar of diced Pimento Peppers, drained removing as much liquid as possible
¼ cup Pickle Relish, drain slightly
1 teaspoon Black Pepper
Mayonnaise

In large bowl break apart Tuna chunks before adding Onion, Celery, Pimento, Pickle Relish, and Black Pepper. Blend these ingredients well. Slowly add Mayonnaise until lightly coated, you do not want the mixture to be dominated by the Mayonnaise to the point the colors change or appear milky. Place in tightly covered container and store in the refrigerator.


Variation:
* Use Dill Pickle Relish
* Add 1 teaspoon Hot Sauce
* Add 1 teaspoon Dill
* Omit Pickle Relish
* Add 1 tablespoon fresh Lemon juice
* Add 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest
* Top with crushed Cashews


https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheARTArt in the Kitchen A Starving Artist's Survival Guide A Gluten Free & Time-Saver Cook Book
amazon.com/author/carollanefleming
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

Friday Night Feasts~ Gluten Free Chocolate and Popcorn

Who can think about eating a real meal at the start of tournament season? All I have is visions of junk food! Corn is a vegetable and chocolate is plant based so the way I see it is this is a perfectly healthy junk food! hahahahaaaa Seriously though, this is delicious! Slightly salty, crunchy, sweet and chocolate! If you are expecting a large crowd you will want to prepare an extra batch or two.

Chocolate and Popcorn
2 – 3 servings of Popped Plain Popcorn, more if serving in large group
3 cups of melted Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Place prepared Plain Popped Popcorn, [no salt or butter] in a large bowl. Slowly drizzle melted Chocolate Chips over Popcorn toss and allow to cool until chocolate sets.

Variation:
*Also add melted White Chocolate Chips and drizzle over Popcorn
*Add melted Dark Chocolate Chips and drizzle over Popcorn
*Add mini Chocolate Chips once chocolate has cooled and set

Enjoy the games!


https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheARTArt in the Kitchen A Starving Artist's Survival Guide A Gluten Free & Time-Saver Cook Book
amazon.com/author/carollanefleming
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

17 Syllables An Alphabetical Collection of Haiku is Available for Purchase!

Hot off the press! My latest book,  17 Syllables  An Alphabetical Collection of Haiku .Why Haiku? A simple rhythmic collection of words quickly captivates your attention. Perfect for reading pleasure, ideal for inspiration for Doodles or other creative pursuits. Haiku adds a mysterious element. How can three lines and only 17 syllables pack such a punch? Haiku eliminates distractors and streamlines the reader’s focus which allows for the audience's imagination to complete the message. Words, their sounds, the memories they evoke, the rhythm, their meanings all communicate on an individual and corporate level. 17 Syllables is more than a simple collection of Haiku,182 original Haiku, 182 prompts to launch your creative flow, 182 thematic pages waiting for your Doodles, 182 Haiku filled with images from A – Z. [Yes, you can write, Doodle and draw within the pages of 17 Syllables, space has been provided for just that purpose!]

You can grab a copy of 17 Syllables  An Alphabetical Collection of Haiku at Amazon.

My author page:
amazon.com/author/carollanefleming


https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART#17Syllables

amazon.com/author/carollanefleming
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

2019 NCAA Division 1 Men's Basketball Championship AKA My Quilters Challenge

My 2019 Quilters Challenge has begun! Hope you have your supplies ready! And are well rested there will be several challenges throughout the Championship.

First Challenge.
Choose your teams and fill out your bracket! Always hard for me...do I fill it out with teams I know will win or do I fill it out with teams I want to win or do I fill it out by the colors of the teams! Keep reading, you will understand more about the team colors.

Challenge 1:
Using only the colors of your teams selected in the 2019 NCAA Men's Championship Bracket create your creative project. {Quilt, table runner, mug rugs, beach totes, painting, flower garden, spring wardrobe, cookies...}

Here is a link to the 2019 bracket, once you select your teams, research and use their team colors as your palette.
https://i.turner.ncaa.com/sites/default/files/images/2019/03/17/ncaa-bids-2019-bracket-march-madness.pdf

For Challenge 1 I will be creating a basic 9 Patch Quilt top / picnic blanket and using a low contrast neutral sashing between the blocks.

Happy Spring! So thankful Winter has gone and the flowers and bird song has returned to my corner of the world.

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART

amazon.com/author/carollanefleming
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

Oh Happy Day~ It Is the First Day of Spring!

SPRING!
I hope that the weather is delightful in your corner of the world today.
CELEBRATE!

Song of Solomon 2:11 - 12
See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.

What have you been anticipating with the arrival of Spring?
I have had Spring Fever since January, I am excited with the arrival of Spring and my return to the Garden, creating Art En Plein Air.


https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART

amazon.com/author/carollanefleming
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

Selection Sunday~ Let the Games Begin!

March Madness begins today, Selection Sunday and St Patrick's Day. Looks like a full day of exciting adventures awaits!

Now time for a confession. I am not a huge basketball fan, that is until the tournaments begin. Years ago, I even had a 'career' keeping stats for all of the basketball teams at my school. I was raised in the heart of the SEC where Football is King and where basketball was a sport to 'fill in' the year until Baseball / Softball season and the return of Football.

So why now do I print brackets, watch the games and follow the hype during tournament season? I relocated a while back to the heart of the ACC / Basketball World. So, to be fair, during tournament season, I become a fan of Basketball. And what can I say, tournaments are a great excuse for Game Nights and Game Food celebrations. Watch for Gluten Free Snack ideas throughout the tournaments, as I will be posting recipes for tasty treats.

Also, just because the tournaments will be beginning soon in earnest it is NOT the time to neglect your creative efforts. There will be several creative challenges posted to carry you through the season.

As for St Patrick's Day~
Do you wear Green or have other traditions to celebrate the day?



https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART

amazon.com/author/carollanefleming
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

National Quilt Day!

Ready. Set. Quilt!
Truly an exciting day. A day set aside for all of your quilting pleasures. Are you a quilter or a quilt collector? Or...a fabric hoarder? I can personally answer yes to two of these questions. I collect quilts and create quilts and I also collect fabrics to create more quilts. You can insert hoarder her if you want, however, a hoarder never uses their fabric stash.

Seriously though, quilting brings much pleasure to so many. In creating quilts out of need or for gifting with every stitch love is sewn into the quilt. We all recognize the world could use more love. Which is comforting to those of us who feel there is always room for one more quilt... There is always room for love.

Were you aware that currently in the USA there are over 10,000,000 active quilters? Quilting is no longer a hobby or recreational activity for the retired! Research and demographics indicate quilting has been embraced by a much younger crowd. Long live quilting!

I hinted at a quilt pattern a few days ago. I'm going to keep it simple...who am I kidding...I am sharing one of the most versatile patterns I use. The humble 9 patch. 9 squares to create 1 block...I have yet to reach the end of the possibilities with this pattern!

Dust off your templates or create a new set, gather your scraps or raid your fabric stash, sharpen your scissors, clean your machine and prepare your work area for my 2019 Quilters Challenge. You will need the following templates: 5 inch square, 4.5 inch square, 2.5 inch square, 1.5 inch square and 2.5 X 4.5 rectangle.

I am excited, keep a close eye here for all the details concerning my 2019 Quilters Challenge.

Happy Quilting!

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART

amazon.com/author/carollanefleming
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

Friday Night Feasts ~ Gluten Free Pulled Pork BBQ

This is going to be an adventure filled weekend! We have tons of events planned and tonight's feast is perfect for providing leftovers which can be easily transformed into tasty time saving meals. I'm going to make a large batch of Potato Salad and Fresh Coleslaw to have on hand, freeing myself from the kitchen this weekend.

Pulled Pork BBQ
3 – 6 pounds Boneless Pork Shoulder
½ cup Water
¼ cup Dark Brown Sugar
¼ cup prepared Yellow Mustard
¼ cup Worcestershire Sauce
¼ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
¼ cup fresh Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon Celery Seeds
1 teaspoon ground Cloves
2 cloves minced Garlic

Place all ingredients in slow cooker on Low Heat setting. Meat will easily shred apart when fully cooked. Great as is or on Gluten Free Buns or Rice.

Variation:
*Use your favorite brand bottled Gluten Free Barbeque Sauce
*Omit Pork and use Chicken instead 😊 for Pulled Chicken BBQ
*Omit Pork and use Beef instead 😊 😊 for Pulled Beef BBQ


https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheARTArt in the Kitchen A Starving Artist's Survival Guide A Gluten Free & Time-Saver Cook Book
amazon.com/author/carollanefleming
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

Youth Art Month

March is Youth Art Month! An exciting time for youth to have their creative efforts acknowledged and encouraged by the communities in which they live. It is great to have dedicated an entire month for this purpose however as an artist I long for the time when everyday is Art Day! 

How will you be celebrating Youth Art Month? Need ideas?
1. Take an adventure and visit as many art galleries and museums as you can visit.
2. Purchase art supplies and invite the neighborhood children over for Art Day.
3. Donate art supplies to a local school, the art teacher will thank you!

Below is a teaser from my recently published book, Hidden in Your heART to encourage you to embrace your inner artist as you celebrate Youth Art Month.

16. Psalms 1:3 Like a tree planted by the rivers of water
     Like a tree planted by the rivers you too are receiving from those around you, you are maturing, growing and becoming a creative individual. Consider your family: are there artists or creative individuals known to you within your family tree? What about your coworkers? Who inspires you to excel? Where do you gain inspiration throughout the day? Like a tree, you have deep roots which are supplying resources of creativity. You are multifaceted, consider the limbs of the tree how they provide shelter, shade, oxygen. You also bear fruit of your labors and your creative force within stands out, you are unique in your presentation of life.


https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART

amazon.com/author/carollanefleming
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

This is a Reminder

The return of Daylight Savings Time.
This is the day we lose one hour of creative adventures...
Did you remember to Spring Forward One Hour?



https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART

amazon.com/author/carollanefleming
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

Friday Night Feasts~ Gluten Free Broccoli Salad

Winter weather is still hanging around our corner of the world but I've decided to start preparing for Spring! Tonight's feast is brought to you by one of our favorite salads! This recipe along with other Gluten Free salads can be found in my recently published cookbook, Art in the Kitchen A Starving Artist's Survival Guide a Gluten Free & Time-Saver Cook Book.

Broccoli Salad
1 large head of fresh Broccoli or several large crowns
1 large Red Onion minced
1 cup chopped Pecans or ½ cup Roasted Sunflower Seeds
1 cup Dried Cranberries
1 cup thinly sliced Carrot disc
1 small can crushed Pineapple, Drained
½ - 1 cup cooked Bacon crumbles
1 bottle Sweet Onion Salad Dressing, there will be dressing left over for other salads

Wash and prepare fresh Broccoli into small bite size pieces, you may discard the stalk if preferred. Place all ingredients into large mixing bowl, tossing with Sweet Onion Salad Dressing.
Cover and chill. This is a crowd favorite, make extra if you are counting on leftovers. 😊

Variation:
*Add 1 cup small Cauliflower florets
*Add Golden Raisins
*Exchange Pecans for other nuts: Walnut, Almonds, Cashews

Enjoy!
And remember, Spring is just around the corner!

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheARTArt in the Kitchen A Starving Artist's Survival Guide A Gluten Free & Time-Saver Cook Book
amazon.com/author/carollanefleming
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

A Whole Month to Celebrate Quilting!

March is National Quilting Month, as well as National Youth Art Month and Crochet and Knitting Month along with many more celebrations. Today's focus will be on Quilting. Brace your self, I could talk for hours about Quilting. Mark your calendars~ March 16th is National Quilt Day!!!

Quilts, quilting..... what comes to mind?
Are you a quilter or are there quilters in your family?
Have you always wanted to quilt but were not sure where to begin?

I know, questions questions questions....

Quilts are magical in a way. Quilts can warm or comfort us in a time of need as well as, transport us into a world of fantasy where the quilt draped over furniture becomes a cave or a castle. Or wrapped or tied can become clothing for royalty or even a magic carpet. Quilts are also gifts of love, an investment of time and creative flow most often given to those loved dearly by the quilter. Quilts can be a record of events and keeper of the past guarding memories cherished of those we love. Quilts range is size from quite small to enormous! They can be used as decorative installations or more utilitarian purposes, bed coverings or picnics come to mind. And the saddest quilt of all, is the quilt boxed and placed in storage out of sight. Quilters intended and intend for their quilty creations to by used frequently.

March 16th, National Quilt Day I will be sharing more about quilts in today's society. Quilts have come a long way from their roots in many ways and still remain 'traditional' on other aspects of the process. There will also be a FREE quilt pattern available for you.

Happy Quilting!





https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART

amazon.com/author/carollanefleming
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

Pancake Day!

Celebrate! Today is set aside for the humble Pancake. I encourage you to think out of the box and experiment with flavors and toppings for your Pancake Feast. Yes, it is possible to eat Pancakes and maintain a Gluten Free lifestyle. Thankfully today's markets carry a wide variety of Gluten Free Flours and Grains to help make this possible.

Decisions. I am considering a Pancake Bar for Dinner tonight to include savory and sweet Pancakes and Toppings. And no Pancake Celebration is complete without a huge stack of children's picture books about none other, Pancakes!

5 Children's Books about Pancakes to inspire your Pancake Celebration

Pancakes, Pancakes!  Eric Carle

Pancakes for Breakfast  Tomie dePaola

Curious George Makes Pancakes  Margaret and HA Reys

If You Give a Pig a Pancake  Laura Numeroff

Green Dinosaur Pancakes  Kat Pigott


Possible toppings to consider for your Pancakes.

Gravy, Fresh Fruit, Cheese, Sour Cream, Whipped Cream, Salsa, Grilled Vegetables,
Bacon Jam, Sausage, Bacon, Canadian Bacon, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Maple Syrup, Honey, Cinnamon Sugar, Chocolate Chips, Pumpkin Spice....

Then the batter...so many options! Sweet or Savory?

It appears today is going to be filled with many creative experiments in the kitchen!
Just a reminder, cooking is a form of creative expression.

What is your favorite Pancake and Topping Combination?


https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheARTArt in the Kitchen A Starving Artist's Survival Guide A Gluten Free & Time-Saver Cook Book
amazon.com/author/carollanefleming
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

March FREE Check List Art Supplies

MARCH CHECK LIST                           ART SUPPLIES

1. Pencils, Graphite, Colored, Watercolor
2. Oil Pastels, Chalk
3. Free Day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
4. Paper: Drawing, Decorative, Tissue, Watercolor
5. Fibers, Yarn, String, Thread, Rope, Hooks, Loom
6. Markers, Pens
7. Clay: Modeling, Earthenware, Stoneware, Porcelain, Air dry
8. Scissors, Hole punchers, Shredders, Die cuts, Pencil Sharpeners
9. Tape, Glue, Staplers, Tacks, Nails, Screws, Nuts and Bolts
10. Free Day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
11. Wire, Pipe cleaners, Tooth picks, Twist ties, Paperclips, Zip ties
12. Canvas, Canvas Paper, Canvas Panels
13. Crayons: Waxed. Oil, Conte Crayons
14. Oil Paint, Paint Thinner, Linseed Oil, Brush Cleaner
15. Glitter, Sequins, Sparkle, Fairy Dust
16. Ink, Pens, Ink Pads, Stampers
17. Free Day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
18. Water based paint: Acrylic, Latex, Watercolor, Gouache
19. Fabric, Cloth, Ribbons, Buttons, Snaps, Needles, Zippers
20. Wood, Carving tools, Sand paper, Saw, Hardware, Files
21. Rulers, Compass, Yardstick, Tape measure, Protractor
22. Art Books, Artist Biographies, More Art Books, Craft Books
23. Easel, Smock, Frame, Table, Drying Rack
24. Free Day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
25. Brushes, Rollers, Sprayers, Screen, Rags, Newsprint
26. Buckets, Storage, Shelves, Broom, Mop, Jars
27. Art Journals, Art Notebook, Sketch pads, Portfolio
28. Foil, Waxed Paper, Plastic Wrap, Bubble Wrap, Sip Plastic Bags
29. Water color paint: tubes, boxes, pencils
30. Stencil, Light boxes, Stands, Windows
31. Free Day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART

amazon.com/author/carollanefleming
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

Friday Night Feasts Keeping it Simple

Some weeks simple is best. You know the weeks, when every second of the day has been filled with a month of tasks and exciting creative adventures. The week you forgot to go to the grocery on the way home. Keep it simple, left-overs can be a wonderful base for a creative tasty Friday Night Feast.

Our family has been known to enjoy comical dinners and interesting combinations of delicious Left-over Wonders. For example, green beans, potatoes and summer squash make great pizza toppings when you are not in the mood for vegetable soup.

Today I challenge you to Keep It Simple. Working with your weekly left-overs be inspired to explore and invent a delicious Left-over Wonder for your next Friday Night Feast!
I can hardly wait to learn of your new recipe and your guests reactions.

Happy Friday! Grab your apron, empty your refrigerator and get creative!


https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheARTArt in the Kitchen A Starving Artist's Survival Guide A Gluten Free & Time-Saver Cook Book
amazon.com/author/carollanefleming
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

Are you Ready?

So hard to believe today marks the end of February 2019! Did you accomplish all of your creative adventures planned for February? Did you test the waters and try something new?
You have less than 24 hours which project are you going to complete or work on today?

On the topic of creative projects~
You do know it is perfectly acceptable to walk away from a work in progress and begin other projects? Most of the time, this is when you will discover the creative energy and solutions to complete the first project...even if it is a few years! before you return. Today I am giving you the keys, the freedom to walk away from your current creative adventure to explore other options. Seriously, it is okay to walk away for a time, your creativity will not let you abandon the project forever, you will return and complete the work.

Quick teaser for March: Creative Adventures are on the Horizon! Are you ready? Spring is coming!!

Enjoy your day!
Release your Creative Voice!


https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART

amazon.com/author/carollanefleming
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

Friday Night Feast Gluten Free Spaghetti Sauce

This recipe calls for a tiny bit more time invested in the kitchen but worth the effort knowing you have a large batch of homemade Gluten Free Spaghetti Sauce which will be cooking for most of your day in your trusty slow cooker. This sauce is versatile and can also be used as a Pizza Sauce for Saturday Night Pizza.

1/2 cup Olive Oil
3 large Spanish Onions, diced
6 Cloves fresh Garlic, minced
2 Large Green Bell Peppers , seeded and diced
1 pound fresh Mushrooms, chopped
Cook the above ingredients on HIGH in your slow cooker stirring occasionally until Onions are translucent.

Add the following ingredients to your slow cooker and continue cooking on LOW Heat setting for the remainder of the day. You may add 1 15 ounce can of Chicken or Beef Stock/Broth for a thinner sauce.

2 cans of Tomato Paste
1 large can of crushed Tomatoes
1 tablespoon granulated White Sugar
1 tablespoon Celery Seed
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
Dash of Cayenne Pepper

Variations:
Add 2 pounds of cooked ground Beef
Add 2 pounds of cooked ground Beef and ground Pork Sausage Blend
Add Meatballs


Serve over your favorite Gluten Free Pasta

Enjoy!

PS
This sauce freezes well, plan ahead for busy weeks.

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheARTArt in the Kitchen A Starving Artist's Survival Guide A Gluten Free & Time-Saver Cook Book
amazon.com/author/carollanefleming
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

And the Answer is.......

I have been asked, "Why there are no photos, no images, no art posted on your blog?"

I suppose it is strange for an artist, creative individual to write a blog without visual illustrations, photos or art. The reason? The purpose of What Box? Living a Creative Life is to bring you small bits of inspiration to assist you in embracing Your creative life. I find photos or visual illustrations to be limiting at times. GASP! An artist said that?! True. When trying to capture ideas I have found it best to begin with thoughts, a blank canvas or slate and later during the process images. The lack of images also is freeing by allowing multiple ideas and not the anchor from the work of another artist's creations.

You are Creative and have Fantastic ideas! If you are uncertain or unsure if the world is ready for you to share your Creative Masterpieces, Doodle. Keep an art journal, a diary, sketchbook anything to record your thoughts and drawings, projects, experiments. However, do not keep these to yourself for too long! The world has need of your Creative Expression!!

"Will there ever be photos on your blog?" Possibly. I have learned never to say never, especially when the Creative Process and artists are involved.

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART

amazon.com/author/carollanefleming
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

Friday Night Feast Corn Chowder

Corn Chowder is one of our all time favorites! A large bowl of Corn Chowder curled up in front of a fire is a wonderful ending to a busy week.

In your slow cooker you will be adding the following ingredients.

1 pound Italian linked sausage, cut into discs and browned
1 1 - 2 pound bag of frozen cubed Hash Browns
1 12 - 14 ounce package of frozen Creamed Corn
1 10 ounce can of Sweet Corn, drained
1 medium Onion, minced
1 teaspoon Celery Seeds
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
1 14 ounce can of Chicken Stock/Broth [if you desire a thinner broth add an additional can or two of Stock/Broth

Cook on Low setting. Enjoy your day!



https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheARTArt in the Kitchen A Starving Artist's Survival Guide A Gluten Free & Time-Saver Cook Book
amazon.com/author/carollanefleming
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

Happy Valentine's Day!

Thanks for following along and sharing the journey embracing a Creative Life.
My Valentine's Day treat for you~

A FREE copy of my eBooks available TODAY  February 14, 2019, on Amazon.

Hidden in Your heART

and

Art in the Kitchen  A Starving Artist's Survival Guide  A Gluten Free & Time-Saver Cook Book

You can find the FREE eBooks here today, Valentine's Day 2019:

amazon.com/author/carollanefleming


https://whatbocacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddeninYourheART
(C) 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

Friday Night Feast White Chili

Chili is perfect for Game Nights! This White Chili recipe is a fun twist and great for Chili Bars with a large selection of sides and toppers.

Using your large slow cooker, you will be adding the following ingredients in order as presented below. Suggestions for sides and toppers will also be included.

2 tablespoons Olive Oil
2 cloves minced fresh Garlic
2 large Onions, petite diced
1/2 cup petite diced Celery
1/2 cup thinly sliced Carrot discs
1 teaspoon Celery Seeds
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon Cumin
3 - 4 cups cubed cooked Chicken or Turkey
3 15 ounce cans of Cannellini Beans, rinse and drain
1 15 ounce can of Chicken Stock/Broth
1 12 - 15 ounce jar of mild Chili Verde Sauce

Cook on Low setting.
Suggestions for serving: Over cooked Rice or Baked Potato
Possible Toppings: Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream, Hot Pepper Rings, Bacon Crumbles,
Green Onions
Side Options: Cornbread, Tortilla Chips

Enjoy!



https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheARTArt in the Kitchen A Starving Artist's Survival Guide A Gluten Free & Time-Saver Cook Book
amazon.com/author/carollanefleming
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

National Haiku Writing Month

Haiku. Are you familiar with this form of poetry? I think that it is fitting we celebrate Haiku during February, as Haiku is known for being 'contained' to 3 simple lines and a set syllable count.

Haiku doesn't have to rhyme. A plus for many testing the waters as they begin writing poetry. The basics: 3 lines. First line has 5 syllables. Second line has 7 syllables and the Third line has 5 syllables.

Here is an example of Haiku which will also be in my soon to be published book of poetry.
Sneak peeks are always exciting.


 Blue Haiku

Navy, Royal, Sky
Turquoise, Indigo, Cobalt
Lapis Lazuli


Looking forward to reading your Haiku!



https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART

amazon.com/author/carollanefleming

© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

February FREE Check List: Art Quotes

FEBRUARY CHECK LIST                   ART QUOTES

1. In the beginning, God Created.
2. Art is an adventure that never ends.
3. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
4. Inhale possibility, exhale creativity. L.J.
5. You are so smart!
6. Creativity is intelligence having fun. Einstein
7. There is always room for more happy little trees. Ross
8. Creativity takes Courage.
9. Art changes everything.
10. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
11. You were born to create art.
12. Art is never finished, only abandoned. Leonardo
13. Art is not paint. Art is love. P.H.
14. Follow your heART
15. There is nothing more artistic than to love people. Van Gogh
16. An artist is an explorer. Matisse
17. Free day! Res. Relax. Create as you desire!
18. Sometimes all you need is a little splash of color.
19. Mess-terpieces are also works of Art.
20. Art is what you make others see. Degas
21. It is never too late to be creative.
22. Make time for art.
23. Every child is an artist! Picasso
24. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
25. Think outside the box!
26. Do something creative every day!
27. Every artist was once an amateur. Emerson.
28. YOU are CREATIVE!

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
amazon.com/author/carollanefleming
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

Friday Night Feast Beef Stew

You will be using your large slow cooker for the Beef Stew.
Ingredients are presented in order of addition into the slow cooker.

3 - 4 pounds of fresh Beef [ Roast, Flank Steak, London Broil] cubed
3 large Onions, diced
3 Celery sticks, diced
4 large Carrots, cut into bite sized pieces or 1/2 inch discs
3-4 large Potatoes, cubed
3 Garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Black Pepper
1 teaspoon Celery Seed
1 teaspoon Parsley Flakes
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 cup of Water

Cover and cook on Low Setting.

Enjoy!

If you have any left overs, this make a great addition to homemade soups!



https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheARTArt in the Kitchen A Starving Artist's Survival Guide A Gluten Free & Time-Saver Cook Book
amazon.com/author/carollanefleming
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

#HiddeninYourheART The Companion Art Journal

                            #HiddeninYourheART The Compantion Art Journal

Consider this book as your travelling Art Studio, a dedicated space to record your creative thoughts. Ready at any moment during your day, easily tucked within your purse or tote, no longer will you need to rely on tattered pieces of scrap paper to record your thoughts or Doodles.

Experience has taught many to hide their creative thoughts, skills and talents. However, this need not be the case. Each individual has a unique creative voice, a set of  creative solutions which they are destined to release. Hidden in Your heART was written to assist you in further developing your creative voice as you overcome any negative thoughts or past experiences. #HiddeninYourheART The Companion Art Journal is designed for use by those seeking a dedicated space to record your inspiration and thoughts as you journey through Hidden in Your heART. Small and portable to carry with you an a daily basis, when time spent in your studio is limited. Remember your creativity is not bound by the confines of an art room or studio. Your creativity is the driving force behind every question, exploration, discovery or trial and error preent within every segment of your life. You are creative! You are an Artist!

The formatting is simple. The prompts are provided in order of presentation found wiithin Hidden in Your heART. One prompt per page, which allows creative space available as you are led by your inspiration and available prompts to Doodle, draw, sketch, write notes, add photos...

This book as well as others I have published are available on Amazon to purchase.

amazon.com/author/carollanefleming

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

Friday Night Feast Homemade Tomato Soup

Cold Winter nights call for the ultimate comfort food!
Homemade Tomato Soup and Gluten Free Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.

You will soon learn that my slow cookers are my go to kitchen appliances! I have multiple sizes from 3 cups - 1 1/2 gallon capacity. Place ingredients into your slow cooker in order of appearance. And as always, read, Read, READ the labels of the ingredients to verify they are Gluten Free. Industry changes frequently, brands in the past which were Gluten Free can suddenly contain Gluten if there are changes during processing.

1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 tablespoon Butter
1 15 ounce can of Petite Diced Tomatoes
1 15 ounce can of Tomato Sauce
1 15 ounce can of Reduced Salt Chicken Stock/Broth
1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Blend

Cook on Low Setting
Serve with Gluten Free Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. For a change of pace, use two slices of different flavored cheese and grill using your waffle iron.

Enjoy!


https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheARTArt in the Kitchen A Starving Artist's Survival Guide A Gluten Free & Time-Saver Cook Book
amazon.com/author/carollanefleming
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

Art in the Kitchen A Starving Artist's Survival Guide A Gluten Free & Time-Saver Cook Book

A Truth about Starving Artists
by Carol Lane Fleming

Artists are peculiar people creating night and day
Forgetting when to eat or sleep.
Exploring lost in another world.

Artists are peculiar people creating night and day
Taking breaks.
Rushing off to purchase more supplies.

Artists are peculiar people creating night and day
Dreaming, working, adding more constantly.
Dreaming, working, eliminating constantly.
Starting over, starting over and starting over again.

Artists are peculiar people creating day and night.
The need to make, produce and try is strong.
There will be time to sell when the ideas no longer flow.

Artists are peculiar people creating day and night
Forgetting when to eat or sleep.
Wait. What did you say?
How is it possible to forget to eat?
The thrill of creative adventure
Silences the hunger and the growls.

Artists are peculiar people. Creating night and day.


The above poem is a comical perspective about the reality of artists and how sometimes eating food is overlooked. Starving artists some times are starving because we forget to eat!

Seriously!
Our creative adventures take over, they are time consuming and quite honestly, we would rather create works of art than take the few moments needed to cook, consume food or in other words, eat.

I took the much needed time away from the studio to develop recipes and create Art in the Kitchen. I experimented with a variety of time saving methods and produced solutions to meet the needs of the artist and family concerning meals.The recipes included are Gluten Free. Here's to more time in the Art Studio and to well-fed artists!

Art in the Kitchen  A Starving Artist's Survival Guide A Gluten Free & Time-Saver Cook Book is available to purchase on Amazon.

amazon.com/author/carollanefleming




https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheARTArt in the Kitchen A Starving Artist's Survival Guide A Gluten Free & Time-Saver Cook Book
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

Friday Night Feast Chicken Dinner

Let the fun begin! Starting this week on Friday's I will be sharing one of my Gluten Free Recipes with you. These are time-savers, freeing you to explore other options for the day: lunch with friends, shopping, gardening, hobbies, reading, time in your studio, preparing for game nights. You get the idea~ less time in the kitchen and tasty Gluten Free meals.

This week~ Chicken Dinner.
I throw this in my slow cooker in the mornings and by Supper a tasty meal.

Layer in your slow cooker in order of appearance.

2 tablespoons of Olive Oil
3 Cloves of Garlic in the center
5 Chicken Breasts
1 cup diced Carrots
1 large onion sliced in rings and quartered
1 teaspoon Italian Herb Seasoning
2 cups Broccoli Florets
1/2 stick of Butter sliced and spread evenly across the Broccoli
Sprinkle lightly with Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Cover with Lid
Cook on Low

Goes great with Wild Rice and a tossed salad as side dishes.

Enjoy!

What is your favorite side dish to serve with Chicken?


https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheARTArt in the Kitchen A Starving Artist's Survival Guide A Gluten Free & Time-Saver Cook Book
amazon.com/author/carollanefleming
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

Hidden In Your heART

Hidden in Your heART was written for creative individuals and for those who believe they do not have any creative abilities. Every individual is a creative being. My task, through Hidden in Your heART is to assist you in the discovery of your creative voice.

You will find the encouragement needed to take the steps and activate your creative abilities. You will be challenged to explore, experiment, exhausting every possibility as you embrace and thrive living a creative life. Daily prompts and artistic challenges will assist you in your journey. Who benefits from your creative life? We all do! Every segment of the global population exists and is driven by creativity and by leaders willing to think “out of the box” beyond the status quo. Would you like to know a secret? Being creative is not the same as being an artist or even artistic. Creative individuals allow their self the freedom to explore all options, to experiment, to ask questions, to try new things that may not work. Becoming artistic or being recognized as an artist is often a benefit of being creative. Just as becoming a leading scientist, an expert in a medical field, a concert musician, a ballerina, an architect or engineer each of these leaders were willing to explore creative avenues. Creativity takes courage. Be bold. Be courageous! Experience has taught many to hide their creative thoughts, skills and talents. However, this need not be the case. Each individual has a unique creative voice, a set of creative solutions which they are destined to release. Hidden in Your heART was written to assist you in further developing your creative voice as you overcome any negative thoughts or past experiences. Creativity is not bound by the confines of an art room or studio. Creativity is the driving force behind every question, exploration, discovery or trial and error. Creative individuals are present within every segment of society. You are creative!

One of the methods I find most useful when assisting others in releasing their creative voice is by using the art of Doodling. Doodles are not 'threatening" as a form of art and allow many possibilities when developing and discovering creative skills and talents. Hundreds of creative prompts have been provided within the pages of Hidden in Your heART.

This book as well as others I have published are available on Amazon to purchase.

amazon.com/author/carollanefleming


https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

Do you have January-itus too?

I'm currently pinching myself! Quite possibly I have found my groove for writing or at least until the weather turns warmer and Spring returns to my garden. The first light of day and the following 2 - 3 hours are delightful in the garden. There are days, I wander out bare foot, in anticipation of the sunrise, to enjoy the increasing light and listen to the morning. But not in January.

It's not a true cabin fever, more like January-itus. Waiting on snow, the emergence of snowmen through out the neighborhood, lazily reading by the fire and savoring snow days.
January-itus is a time for mapping and planning vacations, spring plantings, exploring local galleries or museums, baking, reading seed catalogs, sewing, painting basically anything to create a distraction as I wait for the first icy crystal snowflake to fall in January.

Today I will continue to write, the book is coming along nicely. I will paint, well maybe not, as it is a painting of a snowy winter street scene. Possibly I shall quilt, I need a new Spring Picnic Quilt, dreaming of warm sunny days is certainly a distraction from snow. Disclaimer, there is no snow in our forecast for today, however, this weekend we may have Snow! I'm just hoping for long walks in a snowy winter wonderland. Maybe, I should Doodle snowflakes.

How do you anticipate the arrival of snow?
Do you gather Art Supplies, Books, Movies, mountains of Snacks and Comfort food?
Are you constantly checking the weather on you phone or social media contacts?




https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

A Lesson from a Squirrel on Winter Survival

                                The 3 S's : Squirrels, Snow and Supplies

This morning upon investigation I discovered a Squirrel in panic mode, rapidly gathering additional items for insulation for it's nest. The nest tucked high in an oak, swaying in the wind and honestly looking quite cold and unprepared for the approaching winter storm headed our way. The squirrels may soon be covered in snow. So how does this relate to your Creative Voice, Your Artistic Expression?

Take a closer look. The squirrels have been busy all summer and fall raiding my garden, consuming and hiding my apples and pears but very little effort has been spent reinforcing the nest. They have played and feasted for hours on end and have even napped on the back porch! And now today, they are searching for nesting materials. Very few choices are available this time of year, a few dried leaves here and there blowing in the wind. Snow and Ice are expected later this week.

Don't be like the squirrels. Be prepared for when your Inspiration Strikes. Maintain an adequate supply of Resources, Art Materials, Studio Space which is ready at a moments notice to be called for or secured for a sudden Creative Adventure. Consistently work towards your goals, honing your skills, strengthening your creative voice as you explore options and possibilities daily. If your time is limited, Doodle. If you are saving up for a large purchase of Art Supplies, Doodle. Doodling is an economical method of recording and exploring Creative Expression. Doodling can be 'controlled' in a small journal or notebook, or randomly released upon scraps of paper or fast-food packaging.

You are Creative. You are Artistic. Be prepared to release your next masterpiece and avoid being like a squirrel! Are you prepared for Cold Winter Days, are you prepared for Snow and Ice? Do you have your Art Supplies ready and waiting for 'action'?


https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

January FREE Check List: Doodle Prompts

JANUARY CHECK LIST     DOODLE PROMPTS

1. Embrace YOUR Creative Voice in 2019!
2. What is your very first Creative Adventure tat you can remember?
3. Doodle the same image 4 times, using a different art supply each time.
4. Who was your first Art Teacher?
5. Explore an area of your hometown, take pictures! Then Doodle.
6. Free Day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
7. Doodle with your eyes closed or not looking at your paper.
8. Using your favorite number as a reference, create a pattern.
9. What have you always wanted to create but were afraid to try?
10. Create an imaginary animal.
11. Play with your food! Create decorative edible garnishes!
12. Visit a local Art Gallery or Museum.
13. Free Day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
14. Without searching how many types of Art can you list?
15. Snowflakes are the theme, ready, get set SNOW!
16. What was your favorite art project in school?
17. How many pieces of art do you own? How many did you make?
18. Design an abstract pop up to go inside your art journal.
19. Try out a New Art Supply.
20. Free Day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
21. Bake cookies and decorate them. A sweet creative adventure.
22. Doodle and fill your journal page with stick people.
23. Once upon a time there was _____________________.
24. How many ways can you create your name in 3 minutes?
25. Doodle, using only your favorite color, can use various shades.
26. Design greeting cards using idioms.
27. Free Day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
28. Research a famous artist. Be inspired by their work. Doodle.
29. How many different items can you create with a paper clip?
30. Illustrate/Design a new cover for your favorite book.
31. Create a collage illustrating your art goals for 2019.

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

Ready? Set. Go!

Ready or not 2019 is here! May your year overflow with wild adventures and creative explorations! May your hidden skills and talents spring forth as you embrace your Creative Voice. Remember, creativity is not confined to the titles of Art or Artist.

2019 shall be filled with goals, plans and dreams to be accomplished. Opportunities, adventures and the unexpected delights hidden within each day. The arrival of the New Year is an exciting time anticipating the possibility of the unknown. I'm probably one of the few individuals who can say, I do not make or declare a New Year's Resolution, instead I look forward to embracing each new day with as much creativity as possible. Some days there will be paint, others a shovel and tons of dirt, possibly fabric, pens and pencils, baking or developing new Gluten Free recipes and yes, at some point daily I will be at the keyboard writing, working on a new book to be released later this year.

I am beginning 2019 with a large blank canvas on my easel which is waiting patiently in the studio. A new art journal and a set of pens for my Doodles and Sketches. As I tie up a few loose ends remaining from 2018 I am looking forward to 2019 and the grand adventures to come!

Happy New Year! May 2019 be your BEST year yet!


https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming