Loving the Adventure Blog

VINTAGE GYPSIES COLORING BOOK (For Grown-ups)

noreply@blogger.com (Zan Packard) — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 16:00:00 +0000

It’s finally here – the second volume from the Come Color with Me Series:VINTAGE GYPSIES Coloring Book (for Grown-ups)

And here’s a sneak preview of a few of my favorite images inside – can’t you feel the freedom and adventure that your Wild Heart yearns for?

Where Have You Left our Heart?

A Party Full of Gypsy Spirits

I Can Smell the Suntan lotion ~ and I Think I Hear the Blender Whirling!

And this is what can happen when you add your own burst of color:

Can you hear your Wild Heart singing yet?

Brought to you by a Moment of Gypsy Heaven....

YOU HAVE WINGS...USE THEM

noreply@blogger.com (Zan Packard) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 15:25:00 +0000

Don’t fall prey to good enough in your life. If your thoughts and behaviors do not make your heart soar, then they are not good enough to keep. Life is precious and so are you – let go of what isn’t working for you. You have wings – use them.

EXPECTATIONS - FRIEND OR FOE?

noreply@blogger.com (Zan Packard) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 18:17:00 +0000

Dear Adventurous Hearts,

I’m at the end of a major project (Yes, my new coloring book is just days from being available!!!). And as happens soooo often, I am in a period of adjustment – a lull of sorts: The calm before the storm. Quite frankly the first week, I didn’t know what to do with myself. Now I’m in a period of deep reflection….What to do next? Where to begin? What to continue to invite into my life – what to consciously let go?

It's a period of unrest - not unhappiness, per se, but just a period where I look around and see how my life is arranged. Am I still going in the right direction? I find myself evaluating everything....and then there's that fuzzy area of what is not good enough to keep, yet not bad enough to throw away.

The concept of “Expectations” had been with me on my mental journey this last week. I find that they can be a killer of creativity and joy.

I decided to try and figure this out more deeply and I came up with this activity. I’ve created it specifically for EXPECTATIONS, but now that I’m done, I realize that I can use this for many, many things in my belief system that just might need some adjusting. So I created an activity that helped me shed some light on my thoughts and beliefs...hmmm, now that's always an interesting adventure, right?

For the complete step-by-step activity (mine as well as worksheets for you to do your own) go to zanpackard.com

Happy Journaling - it's always and adventure into to Journey Within

JOURNALING PROMPT: FALL

noreply@blogger.com (Zan Packard) — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 15:43:00 +0000

Fall is the season that I wait for, I live for, I love for. This is my time of year . . . and I’ll tell you why: fall brings with it my favorite feelings – excitement, anticipation, energy, comfort, letting-go, and just plain joy.

It doesn't matter much why I feel this way about Fall or why I feel differently about other seasons. To me what matters most is that I know ahead of time when my optimum time of year is (and conversely when my most challenging time of year is). Armed with this information I can plan accordingly.

Last year, I forgot, and planned the final stages of my first coloring book during a time of year when I am my most vulnerable. Silly me, what a struggle that turned out to me. I still got my work done – albeit a week late - but I was a basket case every single step of the way. NEVER AGAIN. This year my next book is scheduled to print by November 1^st and joy of all joys, it came in 1 week ahead of schedule….and even more importantly, I really enjoyed the process.

If you are not aware of the natural rhythms of your inner workings, I would suggest that you begin to keep a calendar of general feelings. Begin now, using a simple month-at-a-glance calendar and write a ONE WORD feeling on each day – at the end of the year you will have a fairly graphic representation of your rhythms.

We all have natural ebbs and flows of our energy and emotions – knowing when they are is the first step to setting yourself up for success - the first step of taking control of your life.

For me, I know I can pack a lot into the Fall season. My energy and emotions can handle the most at this time of year. And that is exactly what I’m planning to do this year – my next book is due to be in print by November 1^st and I’m heading out on adventure…

“Start spreading the news, I’m leaving today (not), I want to be a part of it, New York, New York…”

New York and Pennsylvania are on my itinerary this year….I’m planning and preparing for a glorious time – cuz it’s my time of year.

I'm Feeling the Urge to List

noreply@blogger.com (Zan Packard) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 12:15:00 +0000

Dear Wild Hearts,

Every year about this time I begin to plot out the remaining months with to-do lists, and this year will be no different, but I also feel the urge to begin to think of how I want next year to unfold.

I am happiest when I am working toward a goal, which I admit makes living in the ‘now’ a challenge…but not undoable. I have discovered little ways to take a Here-and-Now Break in each and every day. (Theoretically . . . I’m still working on that when I am on deadline).

Lately, my Here-and-Now Breaks are more about taking a moment and offering up gratitude for the abundance that is currently in my life. I do this because it’s so easy to lose sight of what you have while your focus is on where you’re going….but I’m learning more and more about the unique ways that my mind works with these issues.

But back to my lists….

I begin this morning with a focus of how I want to feel in 2013. I start with feelings rather than actions because that way I am not locked into any one particular way to accomplish it.

Happy - Sounds like a no-brainer, but I need constant reminding. You see I am happy most of the time, I just forget to acknowledge it, so I don’t feel it as much as I’d like to.

Emotional freedom - Which most of the time plays out as not letting fear define me: a ‘Let Go, Let God’ process.

Creative

Adventurous

Loving

Thoughtful - I could do so, so much better at this – and I will place this forefront just to get in the practice of it.

Flexible - I put this one on my list with a bit of trepidation….be careful what you wish for because the Universe will find a way to give it to you…and how do you practice being flexible except with opportunities that call for flexibility – oh my.

So for now, this is a good place to start….in a few days I will make a few other lists – maybe a things I’ve always want to try….Oooh, that could be very fun, because you know what happens when you put something down in writing don’t you? It usually finds a way to happen. (fist pump ‘Yessss’).

My Biennial Journeys

noreply@blogger.com (Zan Packard) — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 13:50:00 +0000

It seems my personal growth has been chunked into 2 year blocks of focus…when I became so stuck that I couldn’t move, I spent two years focusing on freedom and adventure. Which led to wanting more adventure, but my fears were my limiting factors – again, two years changing my relationship with fear so that I can keep moving forward in my life. Then I had this tiny spark of creativity that I’ve spent a year nurturing and blossoming into some sort of reality and along with that has come a sense of joy and wildness. Oh to feel wild and alive!!

During a recent blog consultation to help me define or redefine the direction I am going, the conversation went something like this: “Yeah-but (me) I don’t adventure every day, I don’t Airstream everyday, I don’t sew every day I don’t even create art everyday…I’m very eclectic in my work”. Then I realized that there was a constant in my life…the one thing that I do every day is JOURNAL.

Sometimes it’s creative/artistisc journaling, sometimes it’s pages filled with rambling words, often it’s a combination of both, but it is how I begin my days. I might forget how integral journaling is to me – I might forget its power and usefulness in my personal growth…..but I never forget to journal.

I wake up 2 hours earlier than the world just to have that delicious time to myself and listen to the song in my heart. I switch up my techniques often, so it never gets dull. I get flashes of clarity so I know things are sorting themselves out quite nicely. I have learned to listen and trust my intuition.

But words, while they are my treasures, don’t often capture what is in my soul. I have discovered that some sort of visual journaling can sort things out in my subconscious even better. Draw first, listen second, and understand last.

There is nothing like the feeling of reaching way down into your soul and rummaging around to bring something out into the light. Luckily I am wise enough to focus only on what pleases me (versus what might please you enough to purchase it)…Even more luckily, you have shown me time and time again through emails, comments and your check book that journaling and creativity are the most important to you as well.

All of this is my way of saying that this blog will remain eclectic and you will never know what you’ll find here. But at this time, creative journaling is my focus and passion and I am reveling in letting my wild heart have a turn….

A Bit Out of Focus, But Getting Clearer Every Day

noreply@blogger.com (Zan Packard) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 23:22:00 +0000

I am continually in a state of change….It is exhilarating and exhausting at the same time, but I am learning to manage my energy better and just sit back and Love the Adventure.

I am feeling a pull into a new consciousness – but I can’t seem to bring it into focus yet. Like having the words on the tip of your tongue, but instead it’s having a thought on the edge of your awareness.

Here’s what is floating around inside my head:

Animals – Art – Love – Freedom – and the quote ‘Sometimes things fall apart so that new things can come together’…..

Here’s what I know today:

The more I am around nature, the bigger my heart expands and my compassion grows. I love that feeling. Yesterday I drew the two young bucks that visited me a few weeks back, and I have a fox that has been in my thoughts as well – while this is all fine, these thoughts don’t feel like a path – they just feel like the place to begin a new awareness….

You just know I drew these two in front of an Airstream, right?

Here’s how I am coping with not knowing:

Stay in the now

Let my heart expand with love ( it does quite often I realize)

Trust that I don’t need to know

Keep doing what I love

Celebrate new awareness – even if it’s fuzzy.

I have one more celebration:

My Etsy Store Loving the Adventure with Zan Packard has been open for 30 days and I've have so many positive remarks from shoppers - I've had 285 views, 19 favorites (hands down the favorite is

The Mindful Journey - Color - Create - Journal )

My grown-up coloring book is creating much interest on the web (yay!)

....it is a wonderful beginning. I am thrilled to be part of this wonderful site and know that we will have a fabulous time together - more and more ideas to create are always just a thought away.....

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CELEBRATED?

noreply@blogger.com (Zan Packard) — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:12:00 +0000

I hope your answer to that question was yesterday, or minutes ago, but I had to take a hard look at my answer….because I couldn’t remember the last time. And it’s not because I have nothing to celebrate. Here’s a summary of what I’ve been up to the past 12 months:

Published my first-ever book: A Life Without Limits
Reconnected to my creative energy. I am drawing and coloring every day.
More Than Words workshop was borne…a high energy, fun workshop designed to help others revive their creative juices too.
Published my second book: a coloring book for grown ups called The Mindful Journey ~ Color, Create, Journal.
Continued to color and create and developed a line of art and opened my Etsy Store.
Found and bought a vintage Airstream (AKA Gypsy) that will be my haven and artist’s studio while I’m on the road.
Rekindled my love of fashion sewing and am finally using the fabric I’ve been collecting for 25 years.

In one short year I can truly say that I am a writer, an artist, an adventurer, a vintage Airstream renovator, and a home fashion sewer (again). And I would be heartbroken if I couldn’t be all of those and more.

So as you can see, there have been rich opportunities of things to celebrate. You would think that I would be jumping for joy with all the accomplishments I’ve done (both internal and external). So the burning question is why the hell aren’t I? Hmmm, I’m still working on that one, but until I fully understand it, I know that I can learn new behaviors:

I’ve learned how to define and embrace the adventurous side of me (on my terms),
I’ve learned how to change my relationship with fear so that it no longer defines what I do,
I’ve learned how to let go and trust whatever comes – to actually enjoy the feelings of uncertainty and anticipation.

Now it’s time to learn how to CELEBRATE. To begin, I am journaling not only things I am grateful for, but I am imagining myself as my BFF and what I would say to her (me) about who she is and what she is accomplishing, perhaps even write a letter to myself (oh, I know: write a note of congratulations on one of my note cards and send it to myself)….a simple shift perhaps, but I suspect it will be significant….I’ll let you know.

It’s time to infuse some JOY into my life, and I think conscious celebration will accomplish that quite handily.

In the meantime, ask yourself when was the last time you celebrated YOU as being fantastic, wonderful and good enough? It’s a worthy question and worth a moment to think about.

GRAND OPENING ~ Please come....

noreply@blogger.com (Zan Packard) — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 17:23:00 +0000

New Etsy Shop for Loving the Adventure

I’m am so excited to announce the Grand Opening of my new Etsy Shop. It’s been a dream of my ever since I first learned of Etsy. I invite you to check it out here.

I currently have all my products for sale on Etsy – it’s so easy to sell and buy. I played with the idea of having a ‘shop’ on my own website, but Etsy is such a complete package for the seller and the buyer that it doesn’t make sense to go it alone (see, even loners know when it’s time to join a community).

So here’s a sampling of what you’ll find – these are my favorites:

UNDER THE STARS Wall Art

Under the Stars Wall art - 8x10 image in an 11x14 Violet hued Mat (Comes unframed)

“Bask in the moonlight under the stars and listen to the call of the wild. Breathe in the smells and sounds of nature for that is where your heart resides.” This beauty is only $16 plus shipping (and if you’ve priced mats lately, you’ll know what a great deal this is).

SET OF 4 NOTE CARDS (5X7) from the Vintage Gypsies Series

"Vintage Gypsies" Series set of 4 5x7 Note Cards (blank inside)

One each of the following titles:

“Just Another Day in Paradise”, “Under the Stars” “Airstream Heaven”, “Airstreams and Palm Trees”

Vintage Gypsies Note Card set of 4

Four individual cards created from my original illustrations that have been digitally colored.

Set of 4 - 5x7 Glossy Note cards

Includes white envelopes

Each comes in a protective clear plastic sleeve.

And I can't leave out The Mindful Journey Coloring Book:

There are lots more to see in my Etsy shop (just search LovingTheAdventure if you lose this link).

There are also many, many more ideas that my creative brain is dreaming up (Think Airstream shaped cards - yes I will hand cut them).

While I would love for you to shop with me – think self and gifts, I especially want you to visit my shop and give it the good energy that only you can bring. The more visitors I have, the greater chance of upping my search standing and that alone will translate to sales.

Wish me luck (I know you do), and talk about me – I can hear it whispering on the wind and I love it!!!

DREAMING OF AIRSTREAMING

noreply@blogger.com (Zan Packard) — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 15:04:00 +0000

Happy Friday the 13^th!! This week has been triple digits where Gypsy and I are hanging out. Not much done since I’ve been back from my 2 week visit with my kids. However, I've been crafting in-house, and I finally finished the frame for the medicine cabinet mirror.

Cabinet sans door

Fresh paint - blank canvas

Completed

Close up of corner

Funny, I’ve been drooling over shell frames for decades and I’ve even had a collection of shells almost as long. Thank you Gypsy for being the inspiration to make it all happen. What do you think? Don’t you feel adventurous just looking at it?

I did order some “luxury” items for her too,

Double pancake LED RV lights

The double pancake LED replacement lights are perfect for better quality lighting and low heat output and low energy usage. It was a splurge, but I’m confident that they will be well worth it.

And the Fan-Tastic Vent (with thermostat!!) will be a wonderful edition to the overall comfort as well – it will exhaust hot air out, or pull cool air in – thermostatically controlled depending on the temps. I think I have met my criteria with these purchases: Well lit, well ventilated, and cooler comfort inside. [Of course, I still have to paint the interior to finish the criteria of bright and cheery].

Fan-Tastic Vent fan

I haven’t been pleased with how the cabinet and closet doors have turned out – the paint has cured for 6 weeks or so and it just doesn’t feel good to the touch. I’m going to break down and buy Krylon spray paint and do a final coat just to give it that polished look (and hopefully give it some durability – a small space is no place to have “delicate” paint).

All in all, I’ve been busy trying to move forward, stay cool and take advantage of some in-house down time.

I also have some big news to announce – but that will have to wait for a few days – I will probably do a mid week announcement, so be on the lookout to learn more of what I’m doing.

SOMEONE MOVED THE EDGE

noreply@blogger.com (Zan Packard) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 15:29:00 +0000

What do you think of when you hear Loving the Adventure? Just what is adventure to you? If you’ve been following me for a while you know that I find adventure just about everywhere. It’s all about attitude and perspective. Quite frankly it is my way of surviving the everyday stuff. Some people look for the positive, I look for the adventure.

I used to think that adventure meant going and doing, and I imagine it’s what many people think of as well…but as exciting as going and doing sounds, I haven’t the time, energy nor money to play quite that large all the time.

So while my grand going and doing adventures happen about once or twice a year, I still want to feel adventurous every single day. It’s juicy and invigorating. Feeling adventurous, to me, is akin to feeling alive.

As you know I’m in between adventures now…feeling a bit of a lull, and I've spent the wee morning hours contemplating my life….Am I happy? Am I contented? Am I leaning into fear enough? Am I moving forward? The answer to these questions is a solid YES! (Whew!).

But the edge of my comfort zone isn’t where it used to be: someone moved the edge, and I’m no longer on it. I think I’ve become accustomed to this life of not knowing what is coming next – of letting go of stuff that holds me down – of not wanting any real ties to anywhere. While living this way used to feel slightly uncomfortable and unnerving, it doesn’t any more….the edge has moved further out – which means my world of possibilities has expanded.

The long and short of it is, I am comfortable. Not a bad place to be especially with the imminent new world of adventure that will open up to me when my travel trailer (AKA Gypsy) is road worthy. How long that will take doesn’t seem to be the issue….her restoration process is my regeneration….we are both gearing up to do some wonderful things.

But for now I will be loving life and Loving the Adventure – with freedom and creativity. Life is good.

Puppy Update

noreply@blogger.com (Zan Packard) — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 13:09:00 +0000

It’s pretty funny how exciting normal body functions can be. Yesterday the pup continued to drink water throughout the day – and kept it down. He still wouldn’t take the special food that the Vet gave us so I was administering ½ tsp at a time of chicken soup via eye dropper. Can’t say he really liked that either, but I did this every half hour or so hoping to get some nutrients in him and not overload his digestive system.

While my daughter-in-law was feeding the other dog his kibble, the pup acted really excited. She tried 3 (count em, 3) kibbles that he gobbled down – a quick call to the Vet confirmed that it was OK to let him eat – at this point he NEEDED food.

Yes, he ate a bit more – drank more – slept through the night and this morning a happy and hungry puppy greeted me. I'm still waiting to see how ‘things process through’ him – if you get my drift. Today, I am more hopeful that ever….today is the birthday party – today’s going to be a good day!!!

NB – as with all Parvo cases, it is always a 50/50 chance of survival - and very little hope during the darkest hours. I am filling my gratitude pages with joy this morning. I know we can only breathe easy – not fully out of the woods yet, but right now, my heart is bursting with love and gratitude……I’ll take it.

THE WEEK ON A ROLLER COASTER

noreply@blogger.com (Zan Packard) — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 14:12:00 +0000

Birthday girl and all around magnificent child

I know you’re expecting to hear from me today, but things have been pretty busy and I just haven’t been able to clear my brain to get any writing done. So I’ll make this update brief because many of you have been asking how things are going.

Mr. Hyde - puppy supreme

The week started with a very sick puppy who is not out of the woods yet. He has Parvo and it is a hideous virus that has put us all on an emotional roller coaster. Mr. Hyde is a 3 month old German Shepard ….he had his first round of vaccines and contracted this at the time he should have had his second – the Vet is holding off to give him a better chance of fighting this. Yesterday’s prognosis: He isn’t good, but he isn’t horrible…..we are fervently keeping our fingers crossed and our floors and soles of shoes mopped with bleach solution. This morning he was up and wagging his tail for some attention – I’ll take any positive sign I can get on his road to recovery. Go Mr. Hyde!!

Judd (AKA best dog in the world)

The other dog, Judd, is bigger and over a year – he was a rescue pup so we can only assume he’s protected….his size and age might have given him protection, but he is isolated from the pup (vice versa actually) and he is showing no signs of Parvo so we’re breathing sighs of relief.

Child sized horse

My magnificent grand daughter’s birthday party is (tomorrow) Sunday – I can hardly believe that she will be 5 – they do grow up fast, don’t they? On my way to get her some craft supplies to keep her very creative brain in gear my car decides to die – literally – in the middle of the road. I can see the craft store a block ahead, but I couldn’t leave my car while waiting for the tow truck. So close, but so far away. Because I travel so much, I have the super duper premiere plus roadside towing service, so I got a tow and a ride back to my son’s who just happens to be an ace back yard mechanic…..fuel pump, ordered new one, installed and on the road again – I’ve raised such a wonderful son!!

Multi tasking at its finest

Oh yeah, the internet is a wonderful place to order children’s craft supplies, so I’ve even got that covered – today is spruce up the house/yard day, finish up some odd errands and tomorrow we party!!!

LIFE IS NOT ALL AIRSTREAM

noreply@blogger.com (Zan Packard) — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 14:37:00 +0000

I’ve been playing with my grand daughter this week. She is becoming the most wonderful young lady (she’ll be 5 in a few days) who loves to learn and craft – and she is so good at it.

She’s equally left brain, right brain: She can draw and embellish with detailed flair, and do ‘take-away’ problems too. And she hasn’t even started Kindergarten yet…..

She also loves to go on ADVENTURE. That’s a big word in her vocabulary these days. She’s learning that everything she does can be an adventure. She and I look for ways to make everything just a little more special just by looking for the fun and the good - or maybe just thinking about something differently. It’s all about attitude, as you know, but this darling child is living it every day. Needless to say, her grandma loves every minute of her fully engaged limitless energy.

But Gypsy is never far from my thoughts either. I did manage to find what I think will be the perfect fabric for the bedroom curtains. It’s currently a duvet set, but nothing like a pair of scissors and a sewing machine to repurpose things. I can see the completed bedroom in my mind – It is filled with my favorite colors and textures and smells. I want everything luxurious yet washable,– and I will do that by scents, colors and layers. This travel trailer (such inadequate words to describe Gypsy) will be a haven while on the road – sort of like a boutique hotel on wheels. Not to mention the artist/writer studio in the front room….she will be a huge part of my personal spirit and energy – but she will give back ten-fold.

I also broke down and got an orbital sander complete with a 50 pack of replacement sanding discs. Since nearly every square inch of Gypsy has to be sanded prior to painting, I realized it’s crazy not to get one….so upon my return to the mountains, I will tote the generator down to her, plug in my new sander – suit up in goggles and dust mask and get ‘er done. So far, my excitement is more about being finished, not doing – Maybe I need a little grand daughter magical thinking to shake things up a bit.

Next week I’m IKEA bound before I head further North. They have great (and inexpensive) cabinet hardware that I want to buy – as it all needs to be replaced. I am also looking for more small space organizing ideas which IKEA is brilliant at. It will be hard to keep it simple on this trip, don’t you think?

I left the Airstream in such a positive, good space that I’m able to relax and just dream about when I get back– now that’s my kind of adventure. Hope you all enjoy your weekend…you know mine is going to be good.

EARLY MORNING VISITORS and PROGRESS UPDATES

noreply@blogger.com (Zan Packard) — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:41:00 +0000

I've been heading down to Gypsy early in the mornings because the weather is starting to heat up here in the North State. She's parked on such a beautiful pad that it's almost like rising with the sun during a camp-out, except of course, on a camp-outs the days are usually filled with relaxation....

I always pass a family of deer on the short half mile compute - and the other day the local fox came by to check things out on his way to his rounds. But I discovered something about squirrels that I never knew: They like the cushy life too. One morning, on my front mat was the remainder of a pine cone fest.

Remainder of Pine Cone Treat

The cone itself was over on the gravel. I guess the sharp rocks hurt their little pawsies (and a few bits of cone on the chair. Such luxury seeking creatures!!) But hey guys, I'm not really ready for company.

This week I accomplished quite a bit - physically as well as emotionally. The Gaucho/couch needed to come out and I was positive I couldn't wrestle it out by myself. Shows how wrong I was: This is what was there last week:

Living Room Before

This is how she looks today (I am Woman hear me roar!):

Living Room After

Then there was the bedroom that needed gutting....For that one I really did need help. Here is the before and middle (The after is a loooong way off lol).

Bedroom Before

Bedroom Middle

Here's the interesting thing about this part of the tear-out....I started with an finished layout in mind, discovered that that wouldn't work - had a brief moment of disappointment, then realized another, and even better, way to do it. Isn't that always the way? One road block or challenge turns out to be a blessing in disguise.

I've been ripping out the remainder of the flooring, scrubbing away 27 years of dirt and grime and feeling, all in all, very satisfied.

There's something very personal about stripping things down to bare bones and starting fresh. I still have a long, long way to go, and I'm heading out this weekend for a 2-3 week road trip to visit friends and children.

But I'm pretty thankful to be leaving Gypsy at this stage - I will return with fresh excitement and energy, and get some much needed painting done....

LEFT BRAIN OR RIGHT BRAIN?

noreply@blogger.com (Zan Packard) — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 15:16:00 +0000

RIGHT BRAIN OR LEFT BRAIN – DOES IT MATTER?

There is no one way to think, however there is a balanced way to use your brain. Most of us use both sides of our brains fairly equally – and thankfully so. Our western society values the abilities of the left side of the brain. Those with less than lineal, sequential, detail-oriented thinking are often deemed less capable.

I think it is wise to keep both hemispheres fired up as often as possible. The benefits are many: Better problem solving skills, greater creativity, ability to see the big picture as well as the details. Yes balanced thinkers have the ability to accomplish many, many tasks.

If you are wondering which side of the brain you use the most, you can take this simple (non-scientific) quiz. It’s also available on www.zanpackard.com under the CREATIVITY tab.

I find that I function most often in the left brain mode, but I suspect that I have been conditioned that way. I am happiest, however, when I am in right brain mode because typical limitations don’t exist for me there. So what’s the difference, you ask?

The left hemisphere is where the Ego lives. Ego is a great thing when you have a healthy, strong one. But most of us have a few ego challenges. Our ego likes to keep up a steady brain chatter leaving you little quiet time to just think. Now, if your ego is healthy then the chatter can be beneficial while you’re doing left brain activities. It can help you stay on task and make sure you are doing things in the proper sequence. But if your ego is like mine, and thousands of others, your ego is a pretty tough task master. Rather like the school yard bully – pointing out all the things that you are doing wrong and doing very little to support you when you need it most.

On the other hand, your right hemisphere has no judgment. It’s rather like the flower child of the 60s. It seeks freedom from structure and finds harmony in everything it does. Yes, the right brain is your inner hippy –Your right brain knows your purpose and your value and doesn’t hesitate to tell you. It is the nature of the right brain to be totally accepting, completely free of judgments and expectations which in turn creates a feeling of deep peace and contentment.

Which one do you want to listen to most often?

Keep reading because I’m going to share a technique to get your right-brain-inner-creativity into action. It’s easy, it’s fun and it’s pretty powerful stuff if you stay with it.

Ready to flex your creative muscles?

Sometimes Life's Not Just Another Day at the Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Zan Packard) — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 04:39:00 +0000

Airstreams and Palm Trees

I will tell you one thing, there hasn’t been a day that’s gone by in the last 2 weeks that hasn’t been filled with some sort of confusion, clarity and epiphany. It seems that I am remodeling my inner world as much as I am remodeling my outer world.

Who knew that the process of painting my cabinet doors would give me the opportunity to be thoughtful about my vulnerability? And just what does it mean to be vulnerable anyway? I can put a whole list of labels on it, but the bottom line is that some days not knowing feels exciting – other days not knowing feels vulnerable. But thankfully I’ve discovered that it’s OK to feel vulnerable. It’s not a good thing nor a bad thing….it just is, and that too shall pass.

I always thought I had faith in myself before, but I realize that I always needed to know where I was going. Today NOT knowing where I’m going and trusting that I am going in the right direction means everything to me. It still feels a little amazing to realize that I’m not too unnerved by having no idea of what my future holds – but I’m still walking boldly into it.

My mantra pre-Gypsy was “you don’t have to know where you’re going or how you’ll get there – all you have to do is get the Airstream….then and only then will everything begin to unfold”. It’s been 2 weeks – a drop in the ocean compared to the rest of my life. If I move forward I celebrate it. If I need to pause, I allow it. If I stumble, I get back up and take another step. It is all as it should be, don't you think?

BTW - a big thank you to all who have contacted me with comments and support. Your words bring joy to my heart. Even though I am doing this for myself, sharing it with you is pretty cool too.

There Should Be a Sign on the Door

noreply@blogger.com (Zan Packard) — Fri, 25 May 2012 14:34:00 +0000

There should be a sign on the door “Caution, Woman with Power Tools Inside”.

As you well know, Gypsy was delivered last week and I had some happy tears to welcome her home. The week that followed held more emotional surprises. My Inner Sissy met head-on with my Inner Kick Ass. The first few days were pure terror: Was I strong enough? Was I knowledgeable enough? Did I have enough money to do this renovation? What the Hell was I thinking?

Thankfully it only took me a few days to get my Macho back and one way I did this was to reframe the project. I’ve spent so many years proving to myself that life is all in attitude and perspective – so it’s nice that I had this thought process to fall back on. The first thing I had to do was to stop focusing on what isn’t done and start celebrating what is getting done – no matter how small.

I’m still deciding how to celebrate my successes. Some small daily ritual of self empowerment is in order, but for now, this blog will be my celebration.

So what have I accomplished this week?

The first two days were spent whining and being overwhelmed at the project I’ve gotten myself into – that wasn’t all bad however, I’ve been able to realize just what I wanted to get out of this project (besides a really cool Vintage Airstream). I wanted to get back that feeling of self-sufficiency and blind, can-do trust in myself.

Removed all drapes and the tracks that held them (That took 2 days because they were so filthy that my allergies were raging, and well, there’s only so much that can get done when you’ve got a box of tissues in one hand.)

Learned how to remove the tambour doors (for when I eventually paint them) – and by-the-way, this is no small task: It starts out with a few simple, visible screws, but the real set of screws is sort of hidden and very hard to get to – let’s see, I have 9 doors?

Was able to remove the bed platform enough to see that Yes, I can reposition the bed across the back wall. And, No, I cannot remove the built in dresser by myself – so the bedroom will have to wait.

Finally got the living room credenza out!! That was mucho empowering….

Before - credenza still in place

After - now there's room for my Eames Chair

see the pile of stuff that has been removed?

Stuff going, going,gone!!

And the zillion screws that I’ve had to remove – many by hand because the drill wouldn’t fit it the tight spots.

Don't laugh - this took a lot of time

I have also been chipping away at getting the gaucho couch out, but I think that too will have to wait for some more muscle. My ego has really taken a hit on what I can’t do, but I realized that I CAN do everything above the windows: clean, paint, install new shelf, install new shades and curtains – that will keep me busy for weeks I’m sure.

Also found a source for reasonably priced roller shades during a fact finding trip into town. All windows will have lightweight (washable) curtains but I also need some privacy shades at night. I will eventually redo all shades with some sort of fabric for a more finished look.

I promise, I will post pictures when there is actually a before and after to see – right now it doesn’t look like I’ve done much of anything (Hence the list of accomplishments)….Once the paint, window coverings and new LED lighting is done, I will definitely share the progress with you.

FIRST I CRIED

noreply@blogger.com (Zan Packard) — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Gypsy - hours after landing in her new home

You know that feeling that you get when you want something so badly that it takes over every cell of your existence: you taste it, you breathe and no matter what you’re doing, you never really stop thinking about it? But you can hardly handle thinking about it because with those thoughts comes the fear of not getting it. And you’re positive that you will never, never, never be able to handle that loss. All the other losses life throws at you maybe, but not that loss.

Yet you allow yourself a tiny moment to feel the dream of having it – the joy you will feel; the pride and yes, even the fact that everything in your life will change with this one fundamental achievement. Your entire body is awash with the warmth of knowing that this is exactly what you should be doing, and you are close. So very close. You see yourself dancing around celebrating your good fortune, enjoying the fruits of your labor. Living the good life.

That’s exactly what I’ve been going through the past several months. Constantly visioning my life of freedom on the road – untethered, going where spirit takes me. Constantly planning my ‘perfect’ abode. In the beginning it was a motorhome, but that just didn’t feel right – so I sat with those feelings. Then I realized that if I was going to do this – give up possessions and being grounded – I needed to do whatever it takes to do it right – not settle for almost or close enough, but stand my ground for the premium dream: An Airstream.

On May 17^th, 2012 she was delivered. Today marks the beginning of a whole new life for me. Yesterday I thought that I would be uncorking the champagne and celebrating like a PhD who has successfully defended their dissertation. But today, after completing the legal transfer, before I could celebrate….first I cried. The relief, the joy and the strain of mentally holding my breath finally flooded over me and the tears fell like rain. Today I cried because I didn’t know what else to do. Tomorrow I might know, but today I will simply be grateful for the goodness in my life.

Creativity and Adventurous Spirits

noreply@blogger.com (Zan Packard) — Sat, 12 May 2012 13:19:00 +0000

Living isn’t about technical skill, it’s about creativity: to take risks – to face the unknown – and to linger a moment in the dream.

I am currently buried in a chaos of drawing paper, pencils, eraser dust and a zillion ideas floating through my personal space. My pencil is flying, my light box is glowing. I forgot how heavenly it is to be fully absorbed in creativity.

Here are some of the things I’ve been working on:

"'Streaming by the River " - Book version and colored version

"Airstream Heaven" - Book version and colored version

These are likely candidates for my next creative coloring book: Vintage Gypsies. The pure excitement comes from the fact that I rarely know what will manifest. Often, I have an idea that gets me started, but the final outcome usually takes on a life of its own. That’s the way it is with creativity.

All of life should be like that too. You might start with an idea, but once you take your first step it takes on a life of its own. Resist the urge to stay with ‘the plan’ just for the sake of staying with the plan. Go with the possibilities as often as you can, for that is where your juicy creativity is.

Ask yourself “What if?” as often as you can – Oh the places you’ll go…….

And don't forget - everyone who subscribes to this blog will periodically receive free pages for you to color YOUR way, (plus other goodies as my creativity allows lol). Just look for the sign-up box at the top of the right hand column.

SHAMELESS BRIBERY

noreply@blogger.com (Zan Packard) — Sat, 05 May 2012 20:56:00 +0000

Gypsy Dancer by Zan Packard

How do you like the new Blog banner? Kinda says it all about me....creative, adventure seeking Airstreamer, right?

Greetings to all!!! You can see that I am back into drawing and coloring mode. I’m very happy to announce that my very first coloring book for grown-ups, The MindfulJourney, is on its way to making many, many Mothers (and Grandmothers too) very happy next Sunday.

I have started on my next book which, as most of you can guess, is about the gypsy lifestyle a la Airstream living. Yes, my vintage ’ ‘Stream will be delivered in less than 2 weeks and dreams of renovation as well as lifestyle are in high gear right now.

So what’s my shameless bribery? Weeeeell, I am working on getting a publishing deal, and to do this, I need a larger readership of this blog. So my offer to you is this: Everyone who signs up for email alerts (and that includes current loyal subscribers), will periodically receive private emails of PDF coloring pages, special book pricing, and the chapters of my next book: The Other Side of Wild – which focuses on my personal journey from stuck to Gypsy.

Sound good to you? Just add your email address in the box in the upper right column, activate your subscription when you are prompted to in a separate email from Feedburner and you’re in!! Nothing more to do than sit back an wait for your goodies to be delivered to you. (Seriously, wouldn't it be fun to get your very own (uncolored) coloring page of Gypsy Dancer? How would you embellish it?).

And if you’re worried about being inundated with emails, don’t be….I’m way too busy to bother you without good reason. Currently I am planning on publishing new posts every Saturday. Each post will focus on one of several topics: Airstreams, Adventure and Creativity….all designed to inform and entertain you. And if you know my posts, you know most of them are short and sweet.

BUT YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS OUT,

SUBSCRIBE NOW!!!!

Please join me. You can be a HUGE part of my success just by subscribing to this blog - how easy is that?…Come Color, Adventure and Create with me!!! See you next weekend :-)

Organic-Vintage Gypsy-Adventure Loving Life Ahead

noreply@blogger.com (Zan Packard) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 03:23:00 +0000

OKAY, I’ve never been much of a vegetable gardener - that’s what farmer’s markets are for, right? But I find myself researching organic gardening these days. Mostly for health reasons, but I can feel some primal call to the wild that makes me dream of plucking herbs and vegetables for my simple meals.

Nothing wrong with that, of course, except that this is coming on the Eve of my Airstream Adventure Days – seems a bit incongruous now doesn't it? But I accept that I love a good challenge, so I’ll just have to figure out a way to grow light and grow vertical.

There must be a way, and that is just one of the pieces of this gypsy-life puzzle that I am looking forward to solving.

PS, if you have a suggestion or a solution I would love to hear about it. I’m soaking up a whole new life and loving the adventure.

AIRSTREAM WANTED

noreply@blogger.com (Zan Packard) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 03:45:00 +0000

I’ve been doing so much exciting research and planning for my Airstream that it’s sometimes hard for me to remember (ahem) that I don’t have one yet. The first thing I do every morning – even before coffee!! - is to check all the Craigslist posts from San Diego to Seattle, then I check eBay, then I grab a cup of coffee and cruise around the internet to see what others have done to renovate their personal Airstream pride and joy.

I love getting ideas from the creativity of others, don’t you? But I have to admit, right now the biggest issue I have is the dichotomy of my intellectual love of serene, slick, simplicity….

Airstream sleek and serene

and my purely gut attraction to the bohemian. I trust simplicity (it doesn’t take much emotional energy, does it?)…bohemian, on the other hand, is more quirky, more flashy and more primal - and that speaks to a part of me that rarely gets heard.

Airstream Bohemian Gypsy

One thing I know for sure – my imagination sees my Airstream in the middle of a field a-la-gypsy-caravan….and that shouldn’t be denied much longer.

Decor, after all, is just stuff and stuff can always come and go. An adventurous, passionate attitude, on the other hand is far more intoxicating….who knows, maybe I’ll find a way to marry my two opposite sides into one quirky-yet-simple gypsy Zan who follows the call of her own Wild.

Damn You GPS

noreply@blogger.com (Zan Packard) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:06:00 +0000

Is it just me or does Madame GPS sound like she's NEVER made a wrong turn?

Today's Creation

noreply@blogger.com (Zan Packard) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:13:00 +0000

You are infinitely powerful

You are full of life

You have unexplored depths

Like the tides, you have a natural ebb and flow

You are Source . . .