get it...

kelsey, one of my besties, is currently in a masters program for spiritual psychology at the University of Santa Monica. 
she's much better at taking care of me long-distance than i am of taking care of her. 
she's beautiful. and. she's my therapy. 
anyway, she just sent along a little gem. her friend from class, carly margolis is gifted. 
what i mean:
charming band. she and her boyfriend. learn how to be free. 
also. she makes gorgeous thought-provoking jewelry. fresh. 

you gotta see this stuff:    allforthemountain.com

i have too many favorites to mention. i'm grateful for inspiring people. 

drought

its no secret that I tend fall into the right brained, feeling category, as opposed to the logic that drives leftys. Having said that, I must say that I have probably never been in a greater rut creatively. That is what I'm supposed to do, yes? Since the mercury retrograde is finally over, I really need to focus on getting it back, whatever "it" is.... 

(also, catch this episode of radio west on KUER. Someone actually mentions the "The Creative Habit")

This what I came up with:

battle stress, and maintain general emotional health--exercise, yoga, meditation are all a given. I've long since discovered movement to hold a key to creative expression. Patchouli, lavender, grapefruit, jasmine, all good for stress. Also, frankincense and lavender are good for panic attacks. 

I've been trying to squeeze in this book, during "breaks". Who else would know better right? Twyla Tharp suggests developing a ritual, something that essentially signals to your body, "ok, I'm ready to work." I haven't gotten far in this book, (although it's a super easy and delightful enough read) but I'm listening Twyla ok? you have my attention. 

structure. Another important idea for Tharp. I am 25 years old, it's time to be ok with this idea. I've been poisoned to think that structure is somehow equal to an inclosed cell, a yawn. I'll start small....

write everyday. I always hear this from any voice that has every given advice. Of course, a given. This is hard form me, it stems from a fear of commitment perhaps? How else are you supposed to generate fuel from the gods without giving them something to dote on?

baths. I do take baths regularly. I'll keep doing this. I've somehow managed to give my baths permission to relax me. 

dodge self-criticism. This very well may be the key. I don't know what it is, but I think I've opened my soul up a little too much perhaps? Everything idea that I get is then put on trial, with no energy to dispute my own solid verdict. It all must go.

a new goal: don't shy away from minimalism. Thanks to a conversation with emmy earlier this evening, I got thinking about this approach. I'm fancy. But sometimes it is just too much adornment for such simple words. I also have a problem with action, I prefer a character to sit down and sort out idea after idea in their head. alone. Needless to say, I'm not a very good fiction writer. 

to be continued......