Two Creative Contests from Lexington Studios
August-31-2010
Winners will be chosen September 24, 2010
On the heels of Exploring the 'New Wisdom' of Doodling, I found an inspiring fun-portunity for parents (and their relatives) from Lexington Studios in my inbox — two different contests with a treasure box prize.
The essence of each contest is noted below — if you're interested visit the Lexington Studios links for complete details. (FYI: They're coded referral links so Lexington Studios knows I sent ya).
Free the Fridge (Cutest Doodle)
"Submit a a copy of a doodle/sketch/artwork produced by your child, niece, nephew, or grandchild that you are most proud."
"Hippest Kid" Contest
"Submit a photo image of your child, niece, nephew, or grandchild — decked out in an adorably hip outfit."
“It may sound esoteric, but I really rely on my intuition. It’s my strongest source of guidance,
and is truly always right.” — Terri Conrad
Terri Conrad Designs® Interview & Product Giveaway! August-31-2010
Giveaway Ends September 8, 2010
Have you ever wondered where scrapbooking companies and the like get some of the designs printed on their products? Welcome to the world of commercial art licensing. Get an inside peek at how one artist, Terri Conrad of Terri Conrad Designs® works her creative magic into popular craft and home decor designs while maintaining balance in her personal family life.
BONUS: Respond to Terri's question (see interview for details) by September 8, 2010, for a chance to win some fun creative stuff in her exclusive Creativity Portal product giveaway! •
Molly Anderson-Childers' List of '101 Ways to Delight and Inspire Yourself' August-28-2010
How to Be Your Own Best Muse
I'm enjoying Molly's list of "101 Ways to Delight and Inspire Yourself" from her latest Multicultural Muses feature. Three I especially like:
#10: Find a park or playground and play outside. How long has it been since you were on a slide? It’s fun, even if you feel a little silly and awkward at first.
#27: Try reverse psychology. Forbid yourself to write anything more creative than a grocery list for a few days. Soon, you’ll be full of ideas, and chafing with impatience to write.
#56: Write a list of your creative dreams on a small piece of biodegradable paper. Plant it in a pot, along with some seeds for your favorite flower or herb. As the seeds spout, grow, and bloom, so will your dreams blossom and bear fruit.
It's been about 15 years since I've been on a slide (I always think I'll break it or me), and I just adore Molly's suggestion on how to become "chafing with impatience to write." Number 56, though, really struck me as a rich, symbolic opportunity for focusing and cultivating an intention. As I'm currently enjoying a summer harvest of cucumbers and tomatoes, I know how exciting it is to nurture a seedling into a full-grown plant, and when you add the element of metaphor into the tangible, well, doubly good!
You too, can be inspired by Molly's list (part 1 & part 2) and by responding to her invitation to create your own list. Don't be overwhelmed; write a smaller list, say of 5 or 10. How's that for a writing prompt? •
Creative Use, Reuse Of An Experience August-25-2010
Cutting more trails in the water ~ ~ ~.
Oh no, that solitary row I took on the lake last month isn't over yet. Well, what I mean is that the brainstorm which came out of it still drags behind me like a net full of squiggling fish needing release. Creative release, that is. More »
Kristi Tencarre's 'Under the Same Moon' August-17-2010
Free Printable story workbook for kids with deployed parents
Generally, my private thoughts about politics and war are kept offline, but I am very well-aware how military matters going on anywhere in our world affect us all. Children especially, are lost in the conflicts and families are often forced into unsettling arrangements when one parent is deployed.
This is why I appreciate Kristi Tencarre's compassionate creative action towards helping children cope with their feelings of grief when a parent is absent in the wake of military duty in her printable story workbook Under the Same Moon now available for free on Creativity Portal. Kristi says, "My hope is that this story and workbook can help children work through their feelings while their Mom or Dad is deployed." •
Nurture Your Creativity #18: Row a Metaphoric Boat August-14-2010
... in the water, by yourself.
Embedded within our own lives are rich metaphoric nuggets. If you pay attention to the deeper layers of your experiences, you can see metaphors at work all the time. Use them to your advantage to learn more about yourself and grow in discernment. They will enrich your creative life. More »
P.S. Here's the Mind Map I created for the Row a Boat article mentioned in Using Tony Buzan's Brain-Stimulating, Creativity-Enhancing Mind Maps.
365 Pictures July Collaborators August-14-2010
Last Round of Shout Outs: Web Sites & Blogs
Creativity Portal's 365 Pictures Prompts perpetuates pixels daily, changing every 24 hours as long as the electricity's plugged in. If you're inspired by photos and writing prompts, be sure to check it out!
Last July I began listing names and Web sites of participants of this feature by month to show my appreciation for their creative collaboration. This posting marks an official completion of the yearly cycle, so I hope you enjoy this last round of alphabetical shout outs, this time for the month of July.
Don't worry if you missed anybody: all participants will remain credited by month on C-P for their participation. Thank you again, everyone!
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