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

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

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