I will preface this post by saying, I do not have the perfect ingredients for inpiration stew. However, I have been asked several times in the last few weeks, where I find little bits of my own inspiration...
Let's have a seat and talk about this a little, shall we? I bet we have alot in common...
The first thing that pops into my head is that I surround myself with things that I love. Books, sparkly things, shiny things, colorful things, sacred things, cute things, happy things, all the things that bring me joy...
I also turn my sleeping place into my sanctuary. That way, anytime (day or night) that I need an escape, I always know I will have a special place to refuel.
When I was a teenager my mom told me, to make sure that when I started earning my own dollars, to always save for nice sheets and really nice towels. That was some of the best advice she ever gave me...
I had a friend who was getting divorced... She stopped by my house (in town) one day, and she asked to use my restroom. When she came out, she said, I know this might seem weird, but, "your towels" they are so white, and so nice. I told her about my mom telling me to make sure I had nice sheets and nice towels. As it is a small luxury that brings so much joy. Everytime I see that woman, she tells me how after our visit, she went out and bought herself some nice sheets and towels. She said that doing that for herself, made her feel so wonderful during the dark time of her divorce...
Another thing about inspiration (as I am not the inspiration guru, but I know what works for me), is that I never go out seeking it. When I feel like I need a refuel, I just relax, put on some music, play with things I love...
Let them infuse me with their tactile quality, their color, their meaning...
Many times, just sitting down with a simple treat, changes your view... You give yourself time to just be, while you notice its complexities, and it opens doors into your imagination...
And, you know, you really have to be your own best friend. You have to be nice to yourself. You can't bully yourself or be the world's worst meanie, to yourself. I used to be guilty of this alot, until something shifted... Now, I am my own granny who spoils my own self :) (most of the time)
Sidetracking here... Yesterday I had to clean my room. Noone said I had to, but trust me, I had to... I started talking out loud. Saying "I hate cleaning, I am NEVER doing this again, I hate it, I am not doing it, why do I have to do this, I hate it I hate it I hate it..." And pretty soon, I was making myself giggle. I can't tell you how freeing that was for me. To actually say those words. I dunno, call me strange, but it started lifting things from my soul, and refueling me instantly.
I use the word refuel instead of inspire, because, to me, they are vastly different. Sometimes, I know what my heart wants me to create, or where it wants me to start... So, there it is, I have the "inspiration" for what is going to come out of my fingertips next... But, what I have not done is rested myself, filled my heart and soul with pleasure. To refuel I have to take time out. Walk away from the computer. Go outside, take a deep breath. Make some tea, snuggle up, look at magazines... Listen to music, read... Just get peaceful and allow good energy to fill me...
During my refueling, I find myself at the piano a lot.
I have been playing piano since I was a very wee little girl. I still own the piano I learned on, La Pianola (my parents let me take her when I moved out at 18). But, she lives at my house in town. And my Baldwin lives at Mr. Ireland's for now... So, in the country I get to play several toy pianos or a two tier vintage organ. But mostly it is my trusty ole keyboard I keep in the "shipping" room that keeps me sane. This is the one place (while playing music), I am almost sure to find my muse, time and time again...
Although, there is nothing like playing La Pianola. Nothing... Oh, how I miss her... I must go visit her soon... I usually just play my own songs. Or (you'll understand this if you are a piano player) I end up playing those songs you have known your whole life that drive everyone insane :) Today was a black key refueling day...
By the way, the summer issue of Vogue Living is grand!! Lots of pretty flowery things!! Good refueling mags...
Here is a peek...
And, one of my favorite ads right now, I mean favorite, is this, Osborne and Little ad...
Please let me wake up in that forest!!
Oh, one other thing, sometimes, when I play my favorite music, and clean up my studio, a bevy of muses swing by for tea... And, I have to write everything down on my chalkboard just to keep up with all the inspiration... So, I think just being in the studio piddling around allows creative energy to flow...
From the looks of this studio...
If I am lucky, all this cleaning might lead to more creating ;) Anyone want to help?
Before I can even happily tackle that task, I must jump...
So, in conclusion (I feel like a fifth grader giving a speech :) it is safe to say, you have to get out there and dive into your own life, revel in it, eat strawberries (if you are not allergic) and talk to yourself, to refuel :) Watch movies, go out for sushi (or whatever you like). Or just hide under your extra lovely sheets :) Do what you love to do ("but do it now & don't wait for later" is my motto)... And I know, the inspiration flood gates will open... But first, refuel, refuel, refuel!!
I betcha anything, the inspiration is already there, it is the refueling you have not taken the time to do for yourself... Go baby yourself!! Today!
See you soon!! xoxo, V
ps: I would love to hear what you do to refuel, or what inspires you??? I know, others want to hear what you have to say!!! Everyone's ideas are valuable!!
