101 Bird Tales

My Home/Studio Doors are open 1st/2nd Oct & 8th/9th Oct 2016 | come see some #ART

2016-09-30T03:52:00.001-07:00

snippet of new work that will be on display

Hello there,

Deep in the heart of South London, I've been making new work. And so it's time to share some art.

I do hope you can come on down to visit either this weekend or next:

www.wandsworthart.com

I will have collage work, installation work, artists books, projection and 'thoughts' - I always love to see the influences and thought processes of artists so have incorporated elements of this in to the gallery-like display at mine.

Doors open 11-6pm Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd October & Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th October. Tastey, organic cakes and cuppa's too :)

Amelia.x

creative photography in France & thoughts on conscious business ideas

2016-08-24T10:35:00.002-07:00

Hellooooo!

It's been a while I know. (maybe I am talking to the void, but I like talking so that's okay!) ;)

I am weathering the tidal wave of heat that's currently hit London town today (and yesterday), a reminder of the amazing holiday in France that most definitely replenished my busy-working batteries. I love French culture for it's good food, closeness to UK, style, art, laid back approach to life (or at least in the Summer on the Southern coast), and chic style. I simply have an affinity with France I can't quite explain....

And so some images to capture some of the adventures and with my trusty Canon Powershot camera. I took photos that weren't just instagram shots on my iPhone (although there are some on instagram too); a mini snap shot of moments to remember. I love trying to be creative with my camera if I don't necessarily have a working sketchbook with me... ;)

My thoughts on conscious business ideas....

And so this Summer (as I'm beginning to notice with many Summers) my creativity often bursts to the fore. An overwhelming desire to make with my hands, but also the urge to share it too. I know many of us 'creative types' simply want to 'get down and make' and as businesses grow, quite often the 'creative' side can get overshadowed by the other necessities of running a business. The various admin, promotion, marketing, uploading aspects of it. And so I spent my lazy mornings whilst on holiday, researching, thinking, plotting, planning, scheming, dreaming of how I would have it if I am to develop or grow my existing creative businesses and ideas.

As many of you may know (if you've read much of my blog), I enjoy a space where art, life, creativity and general lifestyle meet. I am also realising more and more I do not enjoy spending endless hours sitting working in front of a computer screen (one of the many reasons I joined NYRO too to 'get out there' socialising with people in real time and embrace a more fully organic lifestyle too).

I have looked in to a lifestyle shop that would have all my favourite things for home, studio, and individuals - objects, tools, and tips too that would fuel an all encompassing lifestyle brand/shop embracing ideas as much as objects. Maybe this is a work in progress? A new development along with my many other ideas :) Oh my, sometimes I wish there was 4 of me to get everything done!

But as I looked in to the practical side of fusing both my own creative work with beautiful objects I love and use, I have come across (this Summer) the conscious ethics of running a business. Is it just me or are most things made in China and imported across the globe at ridiculously low prices?

It has made me wonder who is producing/overseeing production of these objects that can be sold so very, very cheaply, so that we over here can charge a fair bit more?

I like eco, ethical trading as far as my own business would be concerned. I would like to make all my own stuff to sell, but am also acutely aware of how much time it takes and how much I can actually charge + so many products can be reproduced so cheaply elsewhere. Is this why it is harder for artisan's to make a seriously good living from what they do? (or maybe it isn't hard for those out there doing it?!) Is it time to for all of us to get more conscious about where things are coming from, who is making them and under what conditions?

Maybe you know more than me.... but as I searched for suppliers or manufacturers of certain things in the UK, it seemed minimal as so much is imported (okay so maybe I have skimmed the surface, but this is what keeps turning up). I started looking at the labels on many things I own and wonder how much I can do, and what my own stance is.

I know I want to be hand-made, ecologically aware (this planet houses us all and provides what we need if we don't deplete or abuse it) and being ethical when it comes to other human beings I don't know and will never meet, who provide the objects and tools I use in order to live a 'good' life.....

Many of the books I read talk about some of the greatest and most successful business people and stories within the western hemisphere, but then if I question some of those great businesses as well as being great financially, what else has had to take place in order for that greatness to occur?

When I was 16 I did a project on the Rainforests at school and spent a lot of time being deeply upset when I realised what was happening to it and which companies/corporations were culprits of its depletion. I wanted to save the entire forest and whilst we have got more conscious (I hope!) there is so much we don't know that we don't know! What is taking place where in order for us to have, be and do what we do?

Do you ever think about these things too?

I know it can be hard to escape from certain things, but it has made me realise that I will have to find a way to fuse what I believe in, my values, and if that means compromise (positive compromise I mean!) so be it, or else I enter the sea that makes me and my bid for 'success' like many others before me and I am aware of the ripple effect for the future and what is currently going on (that needs to change)...

I am so glad there is a growth in fair trade, in better relationships, an increase in crafting and home-made things, in a belief for a better world ('cos we really do need to change things up more!)

I am working on these notions above; reduced time on the computer - which I have been through before, doing work that is for the greater good, utilising/making and objects that I make with materials I can be more aware of where they come from.

So I will share more with you when the time comes, and as I develop ideas.

I would love to hear your thoughts. Do you look at how things are packaged? And where they come from? Think about who makes them?

And finally......

Wandsworth Artists Open House 2016 at MINE!!!

In the mean time, I would like to let you know that I am busy making not just art, but some NEW product ideas too in time for the Wandsworth Artists Open House 2016 that I am taking part in this October - the first two weekends to be precise. Do put the date in your diary and there will most definitely be more to come on that..... :)

Amelia.x

Designing a life and lifestyle: Play & Experiment | Charles & Rae Eames style

2016-07-27T02:09:00.000-07:00

I love the idea of art and creativity as a lifestyle design, not just an act, product and end result. It's a WAY OF LIFE in my ideal world. Some of these elements are intangible. It's about a feeling (or feelings) too.

Lately I've been thinking about lifestyle design and what my own would look like (and feel like). Do you know what yours would look like?

I've worked hard over the years to get my life and the way I'd like to live it, just how I imagine (don't we all dream of that?). Spending years carving time to be with my kids, whilst generating an income and having a house that looks just like my ideal one on Pinterest - yeah, you know the ones, where it's just a snapshot moment of a perfect room, perfectly organised with all the ornaments arranged beautifully, never showing the moment of disarray, or day to day living; the real MESSINESS behind the seeming perfection! And have a fulfilling art career, writing and blogging career, ideal relationship and so on and so forth. And like many of us, sometimes I feel like I do, other times it feels like I'm only just holding it together and it's about to fall apart and something unforeseen strikes, or urgent money needs to be earnt (the up and down of working for oneself with an erratic income - but I wouldn't have it any other way : ) )

However, when in a philosophical mood I realise that without the downs the ups can't truly be appreciated, it takes both to be able to experience the other. And life is always about desire and expansion (think I've touched on this before). Once we attain a dream it can be a feeling of 'is this it?' Not in a bad, negative or ungrateful way, just that life is not static; just look at the seasons, it's a cycle of planting, growing into your fullest, ebbing away and receding to the earth and atmosphere again. I figure life, emotions, feelings, living is like that on many levels.... growing, receding, redefining, ongoing, always.

And so, as I dip in and out of trying to deal with my daily struggles; the good times and the not so good times. I found myself re-reading The 4-Hour Work Week. Oh my, how I love a plan. The thought of getting out that fresh piece of white paper and sitting with pen in hand and writing out exactly how it's going to go; the blue print of the next phase of my life. The specific goals, the what-I-need-to-do to get there, and then when I am going to do it, and how I might do it when I need to be omnipresent so much of the time (you know how it was with motherhood, earning, household management ladies!) But also looking at the 80/20 he refers to; what 80% of stuff causes you stress, time consumption (that isn't always effective in its results), versus the 20% that is most effective with the greatest results and the greatest joy, and the least stress?

I've been doing this recently. Quite interesting. Adding up the hours I spend on things and then ideas-storming about how I might streamline, move forward, delegate, redefine etc. I haven't necessarily got the answers just yet, but this is fun and interesting to do. I love spending time whipping ideas out of thin air - one of my very favourite past times. Give me a problem and my mind immediately goes in to action about how to solve it. Love that.

Charles & Rae Eames:

Lifestyle design brings to mind Charles and Rae Eames who managed to merge art, design, science, technology and ideas so successfully to create a whole way of life. On researching for this blog post, it struck me that they also found ways to combine unusual elements together to get new results. Fibreglass and aluminium anyone? They married practicality with art and design; functional creativity; specialist knowledge with craft; making things and communicating things simultaneously.

Charles Eames dropped out of Architectural College, but still considered himself an architect. I love the concept of being an archi-tect of one's life too. Architect meaning: Master Builder or Higher Crafter - what are you/we crafting for our lives? We are builders of our own existence and it's this thought that keeps me going. There is something I find un-expansive in accepting the status quo - for me, it's about an ongoing pursuit of enquiry. The difference between dreaming and living a life of quiet resignation (and desperation?) dreams and imagination keep us going and maybe Charles and Rae Eames embodied this inquisitiveness in both concept and output/production.

It is the intrigue/result of marrying the two again.

What can you combine from both basic materials (fibreglass & aluminium) to concept and idea that wouldn't necessarily sit together traditionally?

Somehow this takes me back to The 4-Hour Work Week - as we are encouraged to be designers, artists and architects of our own lives. To think we don't have that power is detrimental. Doesn't mean that you don't need to experiment/do/practice along the way. This is where field work is more powerful than theoretical work (you know, the kind found in Schools & traditional educational systems!) What if we simply came up with ideas, tried them out and went 'out there' to see what happened and dismissed the concept of failure, but embraced the notion of learning through practice and that may well involve 'temporary defeat' in our pursuits, (but never failure!)

Get a Fresh Piece of Paper and experiment.......

- what will you design?

- what will you write?

- what art will you create on it?

- what ideas can you scribe together?

- what can you 'make' or assemble (physically/literally) from you piece of paper?

- what can you learn from the process of doing the above without knowing the outcome first?

See what happens and occurs through the process, what thoughts come to mind, what shape is embodied, and how does this all occur?

These are the foundations for discovering and finding creativity and not getting off 'the train' but continuing with the journey even when you find yourself in an unknown land or unfamiliar territory. But this my friend is the fun, where dreams and discoveries give birth. Just pure elementary 'playing' and 'experimenting'.

The image (top) is from here - and it is well worth reading the article too for more interesting thoughts on 'playing' from the duo above :)

Amelia.x

4 ways to Collage & the latest from around here....

2016-07-23T07:54:00.000-07:00

new work in progress, July 2016, postcard collage

1. erasure
2. scalpel
3. cut
4. combine

1. postcard
2. vintage book page
3. magazine
4. paper

Am thinking about process driven art (outcome unknown), my favourite. Techniques versus (or with) materials.

A rare day of creativity. The sun beats down. Blind partially drawn. Table cleared for all but postcards, book pages, magazines and cutting mat. Piling papers. Back in the zone and my happy space after a CRAAAZY start to 2016.

I am doing the Wandsworth Artists Open House this year. I will have new art as that's what I'm working on (first two weekends of October 2016). And a wellness theme too with NYRO. #health #art #creativity #combined #can'tlose :)

It's time for some adventures. How do you get in to your 'happy zone'? Where and when does creativity come to you the most? I'm cyclical for sure. Consistency I struggle with, that's just the way I make. How do you make?

The Summer holiday's are here, the stress of School is released, the sun shines and beaches beckon and along with it comes tidbits of my old self, of creativity and my love of art.

Been thinking recently of art as a lifestyle again. More to come.

Amelia.x

the storyteller

2016-06-20T12:34:00.000-07:00

Tim Walker (from here)

mistake by

an amateur photographer

for me the most

inspiring because

it charms so

brilliantly

...something

that

would

unachievable

if you

set

out

- Tim Walker from Tim Walker: Story Teller. p. 49

Feeling inspired. Let's get snapping!

A.x

Combining creativity & wellbeing - what happens?

2016-05-29T04:13:00.000-07:00

Hello!

It's a perfect Sunday. The sun is shining. I like working. Working on new ideas maybe? The Winter has finally disappeared and like Spring (think I mentioned this before) something has started to spring up in me too. Soooo many ideas.

Where to begin?

What creative project next?

Stitching or collaging?

How can I take that photo spectacularly?

What thought can I delve in to next?

What book is the best one to read?

Do you have ever this? Where there is such an abundance of ideas, things, thoughts, projects, makings that you quite simply aren't sure where to begin?

Where I'm at Right Now & How it Links Creativity with Wellbeing:

Well, I thought I'd share with you where I am at right now.

Getting older comes with restrictions and well certain freedoms too. Do you mind less what others think? Now you can do what it is you are truly here to do without worrying as much as you did about other's judgements of you? I've heard it said and now I'm beginning to wonder if it's true.

I've had so many disordered thoughts about my fine art practice, my blogging adventures, my wellbeing interests - that there's been a little paralysis about where to go with each next, how to balance and where to blend (and not, as the case may be!)

What if what you (or I) thought in the past wasn't 'right' or 'wrong' but just was, and it was we who put those interpretations on that thought?

What if it wasn't for the radical thinkers that had gone before us who paved a pathway of trial and error that eventually lead to new ways for us followers? We wouldn't have had those ideas sparked!

Recently I keep reading that trying out an idea badly is better than never executing a 'brilliant' idea!

I'm thinking that unless I try (and as you may know from reading my blog before now, that it's all about daring to do!) I will never know.

I have spent the years since writing this blog going on such a personal journey.

I have shared so much and yet there is lots I haven't shared too.

You may know that I have two children. One is about to be 23 and the other is 13. I am 43 (just in case you didn't know) and yes, I still feel about 23 sometimes because of the way I think and behave.

I have learnt through dealing with special needs not to 'judge' others so quickly, because no one knows what is going on for another, what they might have 'going on' that isn't visible to the eye.

We are all vulnerable in our way, we all want to be loved, heard and accepted. And most outward behaviour is a reflection of inner thoughts.

In the time since blogging, I have gone from having a 6 year boy who is now a teen. I have spent years living in fear that the beautiful partner I have will let me down like others have (single parenting is not fun, but does come with some of its own individual perks - that's probably in a blog post somewhere in the past!!), and in this time I have also had to address health issues that have arisen, re-educate myself quite fundamentally about how what I put in and on my body affects me (and all of us).

You may have journeyed with me through some of it (that that I have shared) on this blog, and some of the times I've gone quieter are because the tough bits can (and have been) super tough. I have been dealing with an ex partner for years that for want of a better word has caused immense 'stress' through his behaviour. I have come to accept that I don't understand and that I don't need to, I just don't need it in my life anymore because it is not acceptable and that is okay to say THAT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE TO ME (anymore).

The Practice of ongoing CREATIVE development:

I am currently seeing an acupuncturist, who is helping me on this ongoing journey to healing. So, along with reading (oh how I love books to re-educate myself), changing my diet, looking carefully at what I put on my body, developing my own art practice, of (single) parenting (and learning the art of that too), experimenting with ways of being creative in life, art, business, food, relationships - I am keen to develop a way to blend these new found elements to my life and to share it too.

The CREATIVITY and WELLBEING retreat is underway:

So with thoughts of how to blend my experiences and findings with health & wellbeing with my love of art and creativity. I thought I would write openly these changes, my findings and ways of blending them in order to share with you too, without having a total identity crisis!

Oh my, we could all drive ourselves crazy with questions and self-analysis. I intend to enter a period of casting that aside and trying this out so that you can share what I've learnt to, from a place of ENHANCEMENT and POSITIVITY for all.

There is no RIGHT or WRONG in how we do it (something), it JUST IS. I dare you to do, to try, to cast aside analysis and just take ACTION. Why? Because I'm going to try it and I thought it might be fun if you wanted to try it too :)

What if nothing was what you thought it was? And you were able to have a totally different thought about it?

This is where creativity comes in for me...

And what if....

What if, we just did it. Then we can get feedback, refine, hone and change if needs be?

What have you found to be the most important elements to your life, or art, or business, that just WORK because you dared to do in the first place?

If you would like to be first to know more about my (soon-coming) online 'creativity and wellbeing retreat', please remember to subscribe to my e-course mailing list here (or top left) and you will also receive '21 creativity tips and art ideas' e-book.

There is more coming soon.

I have Rosemary burning in my soto diffuser (in pic above), it helps with focus and concentration apparently :) More on that though in the retreat ;) Oh, and by the way there is FREE DELIVERY all this weekend with anything ordered via Neal's Yard + free hand cream when spending over £40 :)

Amelia.x

#creativetuesday | postcard experiments + thoughts from Hockney's Pictures

2016-05-24T10:17:00.000-07:00

Hello there,

Here's playing around with images from books, collage, erasure, all mounted on a #postcard - ready for upcoming postcard fundraiser.

Been considering a multitude of art projects. As life changes, art changes. I find.

And so some thoughts from David Hockney for you:

"How do you represent a changing, three-dimensional world, through which we move, and by which we are moved; and how can you achieve that in a still image on a flat surface? How, indeed, do we see the world? How do we represent it to ourselves, inside our own heads? How can an artist convey that internal representation to others?"

- Hockney's Pictures p. 9

I am definitely intrigued by not only how we perceive and 'see' the world around us, but how and where those inner & outer experiences meet and get depicted.

I've been doing some simple drawings from my immediate environment too. Something about capturing the essence and simplicity of one's life. Slowing down & observing. Something Hockney obviously did a lot of.

Amelia.x

#Cupid #Collage & Creating the 'Online Creative Retreat'

2016-05-11T12:43:00.000-07:00

I'm ever so slightly obsessed with taking square photographs at the moment (thanks iPhone). The challenge of trying to get what I want in to a square frame. I stood for ages trying to get this frame 'right' with people at the V&A not knowing whether to walk in front of me or not! Here is Cupid.

Ran my collage workshop today at Imperial College. What a lovely group. And walked home through the thoroughly soaked streets of London (Kensington). I haven't been out in to central London for so long. I forget what's 'out there', beyond my home and life in South London sometimes.

I bought in some new postcards images to work on some new postcard works.... more to come ;)

I am busy developing a new online idea/project. This one has been bubbling away for a while, and now I'm in full swing on it (the clue is in the title). So if you'd like to find out more, head on over here and join the mailing list and you will be first to know :)

subscribe here (or on the side of my blog too!)

Here is a sneak peak of today's group working hard in Studio SW7. There are drop in sessions on Wednesday afternoons too, with artist Mindy Lee.

Amelia.x

21 tasks in 21 days (art & creativity)

2016-05-08T03:12:00.001-07:00

a photo taken from a Winter Walk earlier this year....

We are celebrating a spring in to Spring and Summer here. With it a burst of creativity always comes. I am busy preparing works for the Postcard Show at Sprout coming up next month & I'm teaching a collage workshop next week at Imperial College - an annual event for the last few years now. I love these lunchtime art sessions.

For you, I thought I would put together a list of 21 creative tasks in 21 days. An adaptation from a friend's art course project. I have tweaked and personalised to suit the experimental angle I always enjoy.

1. Make a canvas stretcher (across four bits of wood of any shape), using an unusual fabric, such as: old piece of clothing, bedsheet, already used canvas that you will re-purpose for this project, super-thick paper even? other? Then create a painting using both water & oil based paints

2. Do a watercolour painting on a typically non-artistic surface - what do you not usually paint on? Create an unusual watercolour of your day today. Paint a feeling (think Rothko), or the sky from your window, or the creases of your bedsheets, or the ripples of a reflection...

3. Collage together some photographs to create a new composition; cut, tear, scalpel parts out and then reposition on a new surface (paint this too if you feel so compelled)

4. Collage together found photographic imagery with text to create a new word and image piece

5. Combine 4 materials together to create a collage or sculptural piece using items bought only from a DIY or hardware store

6. Take a photograph and make a print without using a traditional camera - how else can you take an image? (clue: Solar Paper). See this article for some camera-less imagery inspiration.

7. Take a photographic image in a location and at an angle where the scale is ambiguous

8. Take an image using your camera but make your own lens/filter (non photographic)

9. Take a photographic image without touching your camera - what can you set up? how can you do this? what effects come from this process? through a cushion at the button?!

10. Print an image on a non-paper material or surface.... what can you use? what effects arise?

11. Film a journey to a location you have never been to before? Think of different ways you can film, capture, document the journey and make a mini film

12. Film or photograph the same object or subject many times in different locations or circumstances

13. Create a film work by piecing together 'found footage' i.e. other pre-existing footage. See Christian Marclay's 'The Clock' for inspiration

14. Select a variety of materials to create your own sculptural relief piece

15. Make a simple mould by pressing an object into clay or similar (or other process) and cast it - you could use melted household tea-light candle wax?

16. Create an unusual 'assemblage' by unifying multiples of 2 opposing objects or materials of your choice together

17. Display a found object or 'ready-made' object of your choice in a way that allows for a re-interpretation of the original context/object

18. Re-configure, adapt, modify an already existing object bought from a shop, car-boot, or other to make a 'new' sculptural piece - how can you add to, or take-away to create a 'new work'?

19. Make a negative non-physical space physical... think Rachel Whiteread's work

20. Create an 'accumulative' piece by doing the same thing on a daily basis for a set period of time

21. Make a large poster-sized drawing of items in your everyday environment: you can draw with your eyes shut, by not taking the pen off the paper, by using another part of your body to draw with other than hands - be imaginative in how you could do this large drawing of your every day items/environment

Document all the above tasks and keep together as your 21 tasks in 21 days project.

Enjoy!

Amelia.x

The World Of...... (insert name here)

2016-04-30T01:27:00.000-07:00

In the imaginary world of somewhere else, this is taking place. Who is her creator? And what defines her? Who are you?

I have not been here for a long time. This is because I've been on one helluva journey. It is GOOD, but it has also been tough. When rites of passage hit hard. When realisations of what hasn't been dealt with need to be dealt with hit home. And it can be private. It can be energy consuming, it can feel un-ending and it can sit with the possibility that you (I, in this case) don't know where it is going to end.

However, with Spring new things come forth. There is new birth, renewal, survival. A kind of lifting from the depths of murk that can feel so good.

I am shedding skins and realising the journey is never-ending. But I like the concept of 'mind-movies' at the moment. Remembering as often I can, that I am a creator as well as recipient. Positive focus on where one is headed whilst trying to scatter the thoughts that leap up to hinder and remind, taking us a journey into the past, or to fear. Always a tension between light and dark - the balance is to be found. I am searching.

This piece is in Sprout Affordable Art on show until Saturday 21st May (opening times 11-5pm Tuesday to Sunday). I was invited to put a piece on and this piece is from work done on Mimesis with Evy Jokhova.

something to knit (simple knits for easy living) #creativetuesday

2016-02-16T02:29:00.000-08:00

There is ground frost here, but the Sun is bright in the sky! A frosty February morning in half term.

One day I won't have half terms, just days, weeks, months rolling one into the next. My kids are getting older and I can feel a new lease of life dawning slowly but surely. I'm still young enough (at least I feel) to do tonnes more. Dreams I held just before I started having kids (I started young), are beginning to pop their head back up again - it's quite strange.

This time of year always seems to bring a burst of creative energy and it's when I start dreaming about creating a home built, stitched, created by me in every way. So I've started a knitting project and thought I'd share it's simplicity with you + I haven't had a #creativetuesday in quite a while!

I love looking on Pinterest and getting ideas. 'Chunky Knit' seems to be happening all over the place (now that I'm looking). In my local hobbycraft store I saw this wool and thought yes! It's Rowan wool made with merino (www.knitrowan.com). I intend to knit a large set of squares to make a cosy warming bedcover for my double bed up in my attic room.

Also inspired by this book Simple Knits for Easy Living, I adapted the moss stitch squares to make a bedcover (they suggest a box for bathroom bits). So, this is what I'm working on:

- cast on 19 stitches, then start with a plain stitch (therefore you end with a plain stitch)

- moss stitch is: knit, purl, knit, purl etc

- repeat until you end the square with a plain stitch

- cast off in moss stitch too (i.e. knit one, purl one until you're cast off) at least that's what I'm doing!

- create as many squares as you desire for your project

When you have enough squares for your project, stitch together to make cushion, blanket etc of chosen size. I may still be knitting this in a year's time, but I find having a project like this is a great way to keep me occupied and have something to focus my energies.

I find myself dreaming of country lodgings too these days, hence my purchase of Country Living Modern Rustic.

Some other knitting inspiration for you:

http://www.thetoftalpacashop.co.uk/

http://www.stitchandstory.com/

http://www.woolandthegang.com/

Enjoy and do feel free to share any simply knitting projects you're working on: links, projects, ideas etc....

Amelia.x

10 POSITIVE things TO DO to feel better about the world & YOU!

2016-02-04T05:05:00.000-08:00

on a walk this morning to enquire about ice skating! the Earl Ferrers pub (fabulous!)

Am I the only one that sometimes gets totally overwhelmed by horrendous news of atrocities happening across the globe? I find it gets me down if I'm not careful and feeds feelings of powerlessness and helplessness. Maybe it's made worse by individual personal (tough) circumstances. But I lay awake last night and made a promise to myself that today I would find and do some things that made me feel positive and would help me take a more redeeming view of humanity and an antidote to so much negative news!

I thought I would share with you too. Here goes:

1. Sign up to Positive News, see here: http://www.positive.news/join/

2. Random Acts of Kindness is something I've come across before and probably posted, but here it is again for today: https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/

3. Do something you've longed to do that will make you feel really good about yourself, your body and the world you inhabit. I used to ice-skate as a child & have decided I'd like to take it up again. Feel good about my body, rather than wondering why I have yet another ache or pain ;) Mid life crisis? Who cares. I need some fun! :)

4. 25 Ways to Make a Difference in the World Every Day

5. Start your own local or community garden, allotment or guerilla gardening as a way to say no to GMO farming & environmental destruction. Apparently if you're not a gardener and need somewhere good to begin, lunar gardening is a great way to start: http://www.lunarorganics.com/

6. Positive Affirmations. I've just received my copy of this book: I AM/YOU ARE courtesy of Watkins Books (www.watkinspublishing.com)

All about affirmations: "Affirmations are powerful words or short statements. They are one of the easiest ways to turn negative thought patterns into positive ones." See: http://www.rosemarygallagher.com/

7. Walk. Walk as meditation to clear the mind and channel good, positive thoughts and a time to think up solutions to challenges or problems - one of my favourite things to do!

8. Give a gift. Check out the Git Economy idea. You could start or join a gift economy.

9. Be the change you wish to see in the world (the basis of starting this blog and the quotation has remained at the bottom since the start). Make, create, fund or join something that does amazing, positive things in the the world. See: https://www.globalgiving.org/

10. Stand up and be courageous enough to be the individual you are, and share/live your values daily - even if it goes against the status quo! Go do something you totally believe in :)

Amelia.x

Some creative inspiration for you

2016-01-30T02:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, dear friends, I was walking home along the pretty, tree-lined streets of south london, when this burst of colour in front of a small English house that makes up the residential streets near me, caught my eye! Made me think of Spring, of beautiful things and being creative once more - capturing images with a phone quickly but ensuring the frame and composition is right, because that's what I love doing.

It reminded me of sleeping Winters, when hibernation is at the forefront and creativity can lie dormant too. Or maybe Winter's of the soul where are 'things' sneak in and steal the time that could be best met creatively.... and a little burst came forth of ideas and inspiration. It awoke a little spark in me.

And as a result I thought I'd share a little bit of inspiration with you from across the way:

- Tracey Emin: What Do Artists Do All Day

- I am waiting for this book to arrive:

and simultaneously fell across this site: http://www.nourishbooks.com/

- Not so long ago, I found this blog post: Will Blogs Survive? Def seems different out there these days!

- An artist to peruse: Lucinda Metcalfe

Amelia.x

My Silver Lining......

2016-01-18T11:53:00.001-08:00

Dream & Goals: The power of a goal, date, reward..

2016-01-15T12:18:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,

Yesterday was an amazing meeting with author of this book. We spoke at length, it was inspiring, motivating and gave me lots to think about (all good!). Lots about the status quo and politically activist inspired art, and knowing why you're doing something and not just because everyone else is and society thinks it's a good idea.

I am so happy that this meeting came out of the Mimesis show just before Christmas, and that word gets round. I put my heart in to that project and all good things came back. Like our filmed interview with Studio International - have you seen it? Like lots of interest in what I'm doing and why and even sales - always a great bonus and I'm grateful to be able to support myself like that, as no one supports me to do my art other than me! Feels like an even greater achievement :)

And so I can now say my works are in Jeremy Cooper's postcard art works collection - I'm thrilled! And grateful too.

I have a tonne of personal stuff going on right now that's not the best, but if I remember that every problem is a pro blem (an opportunity in disguise to grow/progress to the next level) then I can see it in a different way.

I had a fantastic (and free!) training day through Neal's Yard Organic on Wednesday also this week. It was so spot on for what I needed to hear that I walked out floating. All about choosing what you see, do, have. How we experience something is up to us. (reminders are always good). Taking a positive perspective and more possibilities and opportunities open up. This is the other way I'm supporting me and my art right now. You can see more on my Facebook page about it.

The thing that really struck me is we were made to state aloud, and write out our goals - and needing to know why we had them. And then write a time frame next to them (date to be achieved) and finally what reward were we going to give ourselves when we achieved that goal by that date. It was powerful stuff making me home in on what exactly I wanted (our overall 'life' goal was asked about too and got me thinking - you know, why are we here kind of thing?)

And so its about making a decision about something, then writing it down - you may not know the 'how is it going to happen', but you've put it out there - and then you write a date next to it and then work backwards - what do I need to do yearly, monthly, weekly and then daily to get to that place? Write it down, tick it off, say it out loud.

And so my friends, I have begun to do this (and always have in one form or another, the above meeting is testament to that, yes, it was a dream I put out there that became reality!) and already (more) strange and weird 'coincidences' are happening. Maybe it's also about being detached from the outcome - something I also hear frequently. Trust.

I leave you with those thoughts. Try it too?

Here's to an amazing 2016.

Amelia.x

8 Things to do in 2016 + A Neal's Yard Remedies Organic GIVE AWAY!

2016-01-03T10:48:00.000-08:00

Welcome to 2016! We made it here! I know there's been mixed feelings about 2015 and so with the start of a new year, I feel it brings opportunity for fresh starts which is exciting.

I have been doing my VISION BOARD book, here's a sneak peak:

So with this in mind, here's 8 things to do in 2016.....

1. Design your own Vision Board or Sketchbook. Mine (above) is an eco one from Cass Arts. Filled with torn pages and cut images from my fav magazines. What do you want to achieve? What would you like 2016 to look like and bring you? Fill your mind (and book) with images of what you intend to have, do, be.....

2. Create a Playscape! I came across this in a book in 2015 and thought it a wonderful idea: Do It Yourself: 50 Projects by Designers and Artists

3. Learn a new skill

4. Throw a party!

5. Read and DO (i.e fill it in) Be a Free Range Human

6. Book a trip to a previously unvisited foreign land

7. Do ONE major thing this year that you know will impact this world/environment positively (make a big change?)

8. Plant a tree. Here are two ways of doing this if you don't have land yourself: overseas or in the UK

GIVE AWAY TIME!

As many of you know. I started my own Neal's Yard Business last year and it is going swimmingly well. I love it. I get to share and help others whilst on my own journey to health. I'm learning, I feel happier and better, and it's all part of an ongoing unfolding it would seem. Fills me to the brim too knowing it's all environmentally friendly and supports other women across the globe.

Therefore I'm starting the new year with a NYROrganic give-away! I'm putting together a gift pack of goodies I love, worth over £50, and will send it to one lucky winner (this is a UK based give-away). It's a surprise so no pics here yet, but I will eat my hat if you don't like them and see an improvement to your skin! I will also announce the winner in a blog post with a pic. That's how confident I am and happy to share!

I am waiting for my own detox kit to arrive - hurrah a helping hand for a healthy new year!

How to win:

you will need to:

- like my Facebook page here

- sign up to my mailing list (if you haven't already), see left-hand sidebar to sign up

- Have bought something through me or my shop since I started

- Email me and let me know one thing that you would like to see improved with either skin or health this year - this also means I get to know exactly who's entering too! ameliacritchlow{at}hotmail{dot}com

If you haven't already bought something you can do so now to enter and it can be as small or as a large as as you like! (+ there's a great sale on at the mo, see here).

Feel free to spread the word to anyone you think might be interested as it's open to anyone in the UK!

Join Me?

I'm also looking for more people to join my team this year (I'm now a 'Team Leader' - can you believe it? All because it is going so well). If you are interested in starting your own Neal's Yard Business, and joining me, please do get in touch. I would love to hear from you. There are no targets, year round 25% discount on all products & only hosting parties if you want. You can find out more here.

See my latest newsletter here, all about detoxing and wellbeing tips for the new year.

I'm so looking forward to this year. There are things that need to 'clear' and to move on, and it's my intention that they do!

Wishing you a Happy New 2016 full of all good things!

Amelia.x

I'm having a party & you're invited!

2015-12-30T07:48:00.001-08:00

It's my Birthday tomorrow! I've been making lots of new year's resolutions, or at least thinking about which ones I can/should really implement.

Ideas:

- buy a plot of land and plant some trees
- travel to a Norwegian Log cabin and experience snow and nature (I miss them both)
- continue my journey of health, exercise and organic living (in every way)
- sort out the difficult situation I have with my ex partner and this house (I will resolve it I am telling myself)
- continue with single large art projects
- spend time with lovely family
- have fun regularly!
- continue to grow my Neal's Yard Business...

Which brings me on to this (and relates to the image above & below!)....... as it's my birthday tomorrow and as the Neal's Yard business has been going so well, I've decided to have an ONLINE PARTY with exclusive special discounts and offers. This is not something you can get in the shops, or online anywhere else! You need to know me, and we need to be friends on FB!

Party Time!

I'm not brilliant on FB but thought this was the best place to do it. I've created a secret group just for the party. If you would like to come, please feel free to send me a FB friend request and I will add you (and you can also bring a friend :) ) It's as simple as that, but it is only for the next 24 hours finishing on my birthday (tomorrow). My Neal's Yard Organic Facebook page is also here (which will have regular offers, promos and updates throughout the coming year) if you would like to join this too :)

- I have 5 diffusers up for grabs with 20% off
- free £25 shopping at NYR for one lucky person who buys today
- 20% off everything else
- 40% off what is already in the sale

It's my way of saying THANK YOU for the support.

Email me or send me a message on FB if you would like to join in.

I hope wherever you are you've managed to have good Christmas tidings and are plotting and planning all good things for 2016.

I'm also considering running a Monday 'art action/intervention' series for the New Year. I am in contemplation stage and will let you know as and when.....

Have a fantastic New Year wherever you are in the world.

Amelia.x

December Reflections 2015

2015-12-26T05:07:00.000-08:00

* Image courtesy of Paperchase via Getty Images

Merry Christmas 2015 to you all! I hope you're having fun, remembering dreams, being creative, doing what you love, resting and spending time with loved ones and planning how to create a better future for one and all!

I haven't been around for a long time (since September!). It's not that I decided to stop writing the blog, but that some things in 'life' popped up and took over. I really wish I could tell you more, but I guess that some things need to remain private. Writing online - or sitting here on Boxing day; with grey skies and the wind blowing hard whilst I tap away on my laptop in the privacy of my own home - gives a false sense of intimacy. It's like writing my diary. But no, in truth I am potentially telling the whole world!

Ok, I know the whole world doesn't read this but I don't know who does. I am bursting to tell you really. Bursting to tell someone because these things that affect me affect so many people and so many people don't talk about it and by not talking about it these things continue on and on....

Since the Summer of 2015 some big realisations hit hard, it meant huge re-assessments and it meant taking action, that action meant time which took me away from things I normally do. It also meant time reflecting too. Changes. So many changes all the time.

But in amongst the hard times and the tough bits there are glimmers of positive changes. Time for a new direction, time to focus in hard on what really matters. What really matters to you? I want to say to you - go do it! That's what I'm telling myself right now.

I'm not sure how easy it is to cram the last few months in to one blog post, but maybe I will summarise what I can:

MIMESIS

- I've spent the last year (since Dec 2014) working toward a great collaborative art-show (project?) I really wanted to realise. I'm happy to say that show opened on December 9th 2015 at the Westminster Reference Library in Leicester Square, London: MIMESIS - it runs until January 2nd (actually it comes down on January 2nd) and you can read more here. It comes with a publication - we had such fun (and boy, it was hard too!) putting this together. The whole show stems around research and key areas of interest. The kind of art I wish to pursue; one where practice is informed by theory. This show has received good feedback, press, sales - making me so very happy.

- I've spent the last few months delving into Neal's Yard Remedies Organic and all that it brings personally and globally. It is going so well I'm happy to tell you. I had Christmas lunch at Sheepdrove Organic Farm on Dec 18th - a great organic Christmas lunch experience and I got to hear Peter Kindersley talk. I wish all companies/people's ethics were like this. The world would be a better place if we all lived in full alignment with our values (or at least I think it would be!) Peter Kindersley's recommended reading:

Poison Spring: The Secret History of Pollution and the EPA. I've yet to brace myself for something he describes as 'chilling' reading.....

However, I do believe it's time to truly step up in terms of environmental care and live by what each of us believes in. Being more informed is a start and this is what NYROrganic is waking me to up. I knew some, loads I do not know, therefore my choices are limited. Information leads to better decision-making. As well as learning more through NYR I've been doing other research and it makes me a little tearful - so much around us is not working as it should. We are all in this together. I watched this recently:

And there's so much I want to do. Go save the forests, go build an eco-hut (which one day I will do). Re-address education, share my passions - which I'm attempting to do through blogging and doing my art, but hey, it goes on. Love and passion and action. I'm dreaming big for 2016.

I intend to write more, but please know I have so much on my plate right now, so stay with me and I hope to be back here soon.

Here is my latest board on Pinterest in case you'd like to have a peak at my dream Christmas: NOEL :)

Image credit: I found this on Pinterest & traced back to here - if there are re-use issues, let me know people! thanks :)

And here's to a 2016 that is full of (good!) dreams that come true!

Amelia.x

PS. I've just found this article and wanted to add it to this post: On Being CREATIVE courtesy of Elizabeth Gilbert

the art of matter special blend and exciting things....

2015-09-10T02:35:00.000-07:00

There's a slight wintry, autumnal feeling in the air at the moment and yet London is so green. Sheets of rain and rapid downpours recently has seen a proliferation of green abundance. Watching the rolling hills on the ride to Brighton and visiting the rich grassy and local spots of nature here in this city is something I love. Always craving nature, greenery and wildlife these days.

This time of year brings news and projects. My talented daughter is bringing forth a project with other young artists as she finishes her final year of BA art studies and is organising/hosting a project at ArtLacuna - see video above that she made and the kickstarter campaign here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/58920418/art-of-matter-special-blend If inspired, feel free to support in anyway you feel ;) (They are doing well!) and it will be a fab and interesting show/event I'm sure, so come on down too.

I have been meeting up with some great curator/artists recently and feeling ready to explore new ideas for curation and art-making, intervention and activism - all words used at the panel discussion I attended at Middlesex Uni the other day. A group of inspired artists who also curate met from all walks of life including galleries, project spaces, art fairs, artist run spaces and we discussed ideas on the practice of curation, what it means, how diverse it can be, and where it can take place and in what form. I love mulling on these ideas.

ideas:

- fields

- forests

- city phoneboxes

- libraries

- banks

- corridor spaces

- billboards

- loos

- window sills

- platforms

- colleges
- edges of the world

- ?

Where else could you visualise your art or some aspect of art intervention taking place?

This coming December I will be running a collaborative show/project in Westminster Reference Library #mimesis - watch this space

Amelia.x

A NYR experiment.... 10 people wanted!

2015-08-29T02:32:00.000-07:00

Big changes round here this Summer. some tough, some good, some for the best. I am looking to build new elements to my future (wish I could say more!). What do you do when building new bridges and futures? What strategies to go about it?

As always, it's about the experiments. Trying something out. Endless trying because without 'doing' it's harder to know what really works and what doesn't:

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”

― Leo Tolstoy

And yet:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

― Margaret Mead

And so it is, I am now officially a Neals Yard Remedies Consultant: https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/ameliacritchlow

I'm passionate about their ethics and what their products have done for my skin and what they are committed to doing for the planet! If only more companies were like this :)

Having my first Summer without a sun rash was amazing (I have had it every year without fail since my twenties!!) and I want to learn more about this and what works for people.

Looking for 10 people!

I would love to find 10 people to embark on this journey with me. Those genuinely interested in seeking better, health & skin (way of life?) - who live locally enough to meet with me in London to discuss what is being tried is working. I figure this is a much more fun way to learn together. And you get to have someone to discuss goals and ideas with. If you can get to South London and want to meet with me - please get in touch (ameliacritchlow[at]hotmail[.]com) and we can discuss if this journey might work for you :) NB. if anyone who lives abroad is interested in doing this with me - maybe we can skype...... (see my PS below).

This is another creative journey alongside my art, and parenting. I love change and transformation and have had to change so much in my own health/lifestyle in the last few years indeedy (some shared in this blog) and hence my interest in it and what it can do.

In the mean time, please know that wherever you are in the world, you can order online and this weekend is free Postage & Packaging (actually this might only be for the UK only, please check): https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/ameliacritchlow

I hope all is well (and healthy and creative!) where you are in the world.

Amelia.x

PS there is a new mailing list (top left) for those who would like to know about future promotions, events and goodies from NYR Organic

PPS it is possible that some of this can be done virtually if there are people interested in doing this with me who are outside the UK (there is no fees btw to this idea - only products you buy of course!)

As A Man Thinketh

2015-08-18T04:46:00.000-07:00

a view from the sea on my trip to the French Riviera

I would live in a world of faded grandeur, of vintage scenes. A setting between this life and that world. I am escaping in little bits from a past life in to a new life.

When leaves fade and leave skeleton skins, we can see through from this side to the other; a new life.

I like see-through, veiled worlds and existences. I dream of creating places that don't exist and then capturing them with the lens, or at least creating the scene within my minds eye.

This Summer has seen discomfort and exquisite pain as I shed skins from old to new. Right in the thick of it. Knowing intuitively it's right, but grappling with the unknown and the fear of my own thoughts about things.

If we are like pieces of clay then the form is changing right now. I like that it is possible, but find myself writhing in the processes. So many processes in life.

I am reading, reading. Still on and on. Like I will never stop at the moment:

1. Go-Givers Sell More

2. Awaken the Giant Within

3. As A Man Thinketh

Maybe like a spider I am weaving, weaving - continuously. Finding my place, but knowing deep down, a static place is never really found, we are part of an ongoing dance and journey in movement and expansion. always.

conditioning ourselves for better results

2015-07-12T07:42:00.000-07:00

Hello,

The last few weeks have been about taking what I don't like, or find hard, and discovering 'new' ways to make things work.

I realise it's not always a new way, but quite possibly (actually, yes) an ongoing process of conditioning ourselves. A bit like re-progamming, and it's built one block at a time, but is most definitely an ongoing process. It does not happen over night and giving up is not an option!

Since asking for help with a life/social skills coach for my son I am glad to report that something (someone) very positive came back to me. Someone, ironically, I'd met through artistic circles and it turns out they are fully trained and teach ASD kids - the power of asking is one key strategy on the journey from getting to where we are to where we wish to be, for sure.

I've had a meeting and prospects and ideas seem exciting. With all the books I read, I keep returning to the same messages and ideas and teachings: everything is a reflection of our mind - but, and there's a but, there are things within that that can help us discover why the things that go through our minds lodge there and keep repeating. Okay yes, I've been listening to Anthony Robbins too ;) I need to know there are ways around, through, and over the obstacles that one faces in life otherwise it feels depressing (for me anyway). I can't change the fact that my son has ASD, but I can change responses and thoughts to it. I can teach him certain things and I can continue in my passion for discovering what makes human's work the way they do and apply some of that knowledge to change things for myself and those nearest and dearest to me creatively. Those I care about.

I have recently been reading Supercoach: 10 Secrets To Transform Anyone's Life by Michael Neill and he discusses three strategies that have been popular for the notion of getting what we want.

1. Acquisition based thinking

2. Attraction-based thinking

3. Creation-based thinking

The last really excites me because it's so very obviously tied in with my love of creativity and art. I'd love to share more, but really it's a whole book of interesting things.

Are we at a pivotal cross-roads in the development of the human psyche and what it's capable of? It's not just about getting or asking for, but creating.

It's an ongoing journey of discovery (or in spiritual terms: remembering). And another message that keeps rearing its head is the notion of giving being the way to getting (but not if you do it for that reason alone!)

I am coming out the other side of some stressful times and reading the books, applying what I've read and talking and learning which all help with these steep curves.

I found a secret moment to visit the Joseph Cornell show, Wanderlust at the Royal Academy - I loved it. I am going to do some more collages and build a structure in my life around this - maybe more to come on this idea ;) I love the section that talks about Cornell's commitment to Play & Experiment likening art and it's processes to being in a laboratory - let's go do that. A bit like 'life' again really; one big experiment to see what works given where we want to go.

The image is a piece of Jim Lambie's work at the RA too.

I hope you're having a good and creative time and finding ways through the rich tapestry of this thing we call life.

Amelia.x

keeping it up

2015-06-26T01:06:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wondered why some bloggers didn't post as often. In my early days I could blog all the time it felt. So much to say. Then there are times when a wall is hit and it's easy to feel like all has been said. And then there are personal times where so much is going on and it doesn't seem right or relevant to share - or maybe it's too painful.

I have been quiet because I care for a child with Asperger's Syndrome. It can be so shockingly hard at times. I guess I don't need to keep saying that, but there are periods when the all consuming entirety of it all leaves me with little or no time to do the other things that I'd like or want, or need to do.

I seek balm for my soul right now. We come to the end of the first year at Secondary School and whilst it started off well it seems that a life-long disability doesn't abate, it just changes. It feels so cruel at times and my heart feels like breaking at times and everything else in life just ebbs away in to insignificance.

I am still plotting and planning and reading my next book. I always have to have one to keep me going, reminding me about staying positive and how it's totally possible to chase and reach goals. In fact, on that note, I would like to ask if anyone has any ideas on where or how I might go about getting a social skills coach for my son? I would like to find a good expert who can work with us to coach my son through the tricky terrain of human social relations. Ideas most welcomed :)

I haven't disappeared but yes, I have been rather consumed by AS.

Amelia.x

so where do we go next & how do we get there?

2015-06-15T11:22:00.002-07:00

Image of works from two art workshops I ran last week with fellow artist Suzanne de Emmony

Dear Friends,

How are you? What is going on in your life at the moment?

I am spending some time thinking through, reading and researching how to progress on to the next 'stage' of things here in my little ole world.

I find I'm a person who loves change, innovation, creativity (of course!), problem solving and finding solutions. A people's person who loves engaging, learning and forging ahead with others.

What kind of person are you, and how long has it taken you to work out, or are you still working it out?

In my working life I've been in many roles from undertaking promotions - yes, this involved such as wearing boiler suits and running around football stadiums handing out freebies, I've run kitchen table businesses doing up furniture and making hand-made cards. I've sold second hand goods, trained myself and others in business start-up, spent 9 years writing CV's for those with 'barriers' to employment, I've undertaken research and administrative work in Art Departments and Training Centres, as well as participated in many art & craft fairs. I've qualified as a community workshop leader in the arts and run art-workshops in museum's, galleries, and universities I've raised children who have special needs and still run/juggle a crazy household - and I've managed to study, make art-work and exhibit. I've set up a blog and launched an e-course business as well set up and run a physical studios/gallery space in London.

And on average I read a book a week in my areas of interest - work, creativity, art, business, personal growth etc. What I learn from books/reading (this can of course include blogs and internet reading) is phenomenal. A wealth of information just waiting to be put in to action.

I have learnt SO much and still I am driven to move on to the next part of the (define-it-yourself) journey. And maybe this is the key: starting somewhere and daring to do, as learning out 'in the field' is the most exquisite learning experience - nothing quite like it in fact, as theory is often only ever that; theoretical and in one's head.

So, lately, I've been thinking about what I like, what I miss and where I'd like to go with all these skills next, whilst juggling the demands of parenting and running a household.

I enjoy sharing what I've learnt, supporting and mentoring others, engaging with others, seeing positive change and tangible results, I like reaching targets and fulfilling goals/dreams (my own and others) - it's such a rewarding feeling.

I am imagining some face to face work; some workshops, some sharing that encompasses the essence of what I set out to do with this blog: dare-to-do, learn, try, experiment (of course!) and discover. Evolve, set my own definition of work, business, play and quite simply live my passion/s. I've done that, I'm doing that and still I am learning about how to develop it. We never reach a stage of static fulfilment. And much of what I do is portfolio income. Different streams and strands that feed in to the whole, that allow me to work around a household and caring for children (and now elderly parents too).

I undertake techniques to combat overwhelm, exhaustion, burn out and frustration. I do the classics like eat well, exercise, be mindful, take supplements, monitor my thoughts - constant, constant, ongoing, never-ending work. I like holistic approaches, alternative techniques, complimentary medicine and creative belief structures I hope will serve not undermine - how easy is it to undermine ourselves with thoughts that don't serve? (super easy if you're in my world!).

When I am feeling philosophical then the work is exciting and part of an adventurous journey, yet at it's worst it can feel like a bus ride I simply want to get off of!

This is a pre-amble to some thoughts I'm having about a next stage that involves sharing practical tips with learnt experience (my own), and blending together all the skills, work experience and training I've ever had - all in a package I can share.

I have spent a while scheming up academy ideas, delivered the workbook series and as I look back over at these things and the areas of my life and desires that fire me up, I can see various strands that may well work blended together in a juicy mix for me to share with others - it is not immediate and this is where 'time' can be helpful (along with exercises, discussions, research and just general 'figuring out').

I like experimenting with art, creativity, business and lifestyle, at times they can seem so different to each, yet I can see links and the usefulness of their existence side by side. This is where my thoughts are travelling next. I'm undecided yet about what will occur. And minds and things change, but that is okay too.

This s-l-o-w time is useful for assimilation and for internal work to take place. The quiet internal work is just as important. I am teaching myself meditation at the moment :) That quiet 'free' space can be such a relief in my mind which is normally tumultuous and super active.

I will write more soon, but just to let you know this is where I am at currently. Re-assessing, re-defining, working on ideas and deciding on what form they will manifest. Re-exploring my values, my passions and the purposeful work I was born to do (and of course reading).

Here's to taking some time out too to decide where you would like to go next in your own journey.

I leave you with some tastey tid bits from Whatever You Think, Think the Opposite:

"When you look back there will be things you will regret. You made the wrong decision. Wrong. You made the right decision. Life is about decisions.

Whatever decision you make is the only one you could make. Otherwise you would make a different one.

Everything we do we choose. So what is there to regret? You are the person you choose to be." p. 31

"Ideas are a matter of taste.

What is a good idea to some is bad or boring to others.

A good idea is a clever solution to a problem, one that I have never seen before.

But if an idea is not taken up and used as a solution to a problem it has no value. It becomes a non-idea. Lying in a drawer it is useless. Worse than useless, it's a complete waste of space.

Ideas have to be applied before they are recognized as good ideas.

Even a bad idea executed is better than a good idea undone.

The longer it is used the better the idea is considered to be.

That is why the wheel is considered to be the best idea ever." p. 90

Take from it what you will!

I aim to be back here soon.

Amelia.x

the go-giver

2015-06-03T08:01:00.000-07:00

It's sunny here in London, UK. So nice. Being s-l-o-w seems to be the word of the year for sure :) What word do you have for this year? Is it coming to fruition?

It's time to mull, plan, consider the next phase here. My new working desk (above) as I prepare to leave ArtLacuna studios.

And a quote to consider too:

"You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have."

- Maya Angelou

As always, I find books I would love to have next - my next two waiting to be read at some point:

- The Wizard of Us

- The Go-Giver

So many things I would like to do in this life-time. It's all about wending a way and constant reminders of values, values, values - what are your values? Are you living them?

Amelia.x