This week's prompt isn't a writing or drawing prompt so much as a life one. There is a lot of unrest in the world and our country right now so our little group is going to "be the good we wish to see."
It doesn't matter who you are, your background, your political or religious beliefs, financial standing, age, race, gender...when you get to the drive-thru window and the car in front of you has paid for your lunch, coffee, or van full of happy meals- it feels amazing! It instantly changes your mindset, makes your day, and inspires you.
Then, feeling awake and inspired, you joyfully decide to pay for the car behind you. The person in the next car gets that same feeling and passes it on. Or they don't. Maybe the SUV behind them is packed with 7 hungry teenage boys and the car had planned to just grab a Coke with some loose change. Of course, I'd rather imagine the possibility of it going on all day, and the last person through the drive just hands the cashier a 20 and tells them to start again in the morning and it goes on for a week! You never know, it's possible.
There are lots of ways to go about this, fast food is just quick and easy. If you want to go further think about what makes you happy and pay for someone else to do it - Go to the local art club, write a check for a single class, and let the club use it to help someone who can't afford it. Write some positive reviews on Yelp, Zagat, Trip Advisor, where ever. Compliment a stranger - make it constructive, not creepy. "I love that skirt!"- yes. "That skirt makes your butt look great!" - no. Volunteer to babysit for a friend. It's Girl Scout Cookie time! Buy a few boxes for the office and set them out with a kind note when no one is looking. Be a courteous driver, give space and a friendly wave when you see someone trying to merge. Best friend had a bad day but lives 8 hours away? Order a delivery pizza to her house. Buy a rotisserie chicken for the homeless family sitting in the parking lot at your grocery store. Bake for your neighbors. Buy a car for someone. Check to see if your church or community center has a program to help people pay for utilities and pay someone's heat bill. Ask the school office if you can bring hot chocolate for the safety patrols (or teachers) who have outside duties. Have a quick conversation with your mail person and leave them their favorite snack sometimes to show that you actually listened, or some bottles of water for the guys in the trash truck. Create a kindness poster and post it on boards around town (be safe). If you're having a night away from the kids and you see a parent driving the struggle bus with their kids secretly pay for their meal.
Side Note: I know from experience that being immersed in a food stand-off, even if there's no screaming, can make you forget that there are decent human beings in the world and that not everyone in the restaurant hates you and your child. Me every night: "You Ate (food) LAST WEEK! What Do You Mean You Hate (same food)?!?!" This is a "Pay It Forward" that I have received and given...both feel AMAZING!
Anyway, somebody buy me dinner. That's really what this is about. I'll be at O'Charley's at 6.
Okay, maybe not, but the cost is not important. What is important is that you've consciously contributed to making someone's day better without expecting anything in return. Nationally we are clearly at odds but when it comes down to individuals, we have a lot of love to give. And there is no better way to show true love than to give without expecting anything in return.
You are welcome to share your experiences with the group. There will be no judgies for boasting or keeping it to yourself since the assignment is both exciting and personal. Write, draw, or just post directly on the page. It will be good to see some unadulterated goodness on the Facebook ;)
Go! Do something awesome! Do lots awesome somethings!
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Lyrics
It's been one week!
See what I did there with the song lyric intro? You're welcome. Moving on...
This week we're diving into song lyrics. Do you have a favorite song or a million? Is there a common thread in those million favorite tunes? A personal anthem? One that brings up a special time in the past? I'm probably going to struggle with this one because I like all kinds of music. I even have songs assigned to each of my friends- none of which are relevant to their personalities, just tunes that we listened to, danced to, or perhaps made fun of at some point.
Example: One of my best friends is named after a Stevie Nicks song and she hates it. For the last 20 some years I've called her every time it comes on the radio, to torture her, like a good friend should.
I will not be using this song.
Of course, you can go that route and dedicate a page to a friend or feel free to defend the fact that Brand New Key is the greatest song ever written. If you do absolutely know what your favorite song is, sit and listen to it a few times...in a quiet place alone or blast it from your car so everyone stuck in traffic can enjoy! What makes it yours? How does it change your day/attitude/perspective? Is there a connection to people or places or time? Is it universal...do you think everyone would benefit from hearing the words and music?
Write it all out or choose a phrase. Go to town on it like an inspirational Pinterest quote and share with us on the Facebook page!
Go!
See what I did there with the song lyric intro? You're welcome. Moving on...
This week we're diving into song lyrics. Do you have a favorite song or a million? Is there a common thread in those million favorite tunes? A personal anthem? One that brings up a special time in the past? I'm probably going to struggle with this one because I like all kinds of music. I even have songs assigned to each of my friends- none of which are relevant to their personalities, just tunes that we listened to, danced to, or perhaps made fun of at some point.
Example: One of my best friends is named after a Stevie Nicks song and she hates it. For the last 20 some years I've called her every time it comes on the radio, to torture her, like a good friend should.
I will not be using this song.
Of course, you can go that route and dedicate a page to a friend or feel free to defend the fact that Brand New Key is the greatest song ever written. If you do absolutely know what your favorite song is, sit and listen to it a few times...in a quiet place alone or blast it from your car so everyone stuck in traffic can enjoy! What makes it yours? How does it change your day/attitude/perspective? Is there a connection to people or places or time? Is it universal...do you think everyone would benefit from hearing the words and music?
Write it all out or choose a phrase. Go to town on it like an inspirational Pinterest quote and share with us on the Facebook page!
Go!
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Resolutions
It's January 10. Whether or not you believe in making New Year's Resolutions you've probably spent some time thinking about your life in this season. I've been thinking for months!
See, I'm a planner. I love ideas, details, plotting, organizing, studying, and learning...but I have trouble following through and actually doing. I have bags full of art supplies - with receipts - just in case I change my mind about a project. A while back I had an idea, I was so smart, my success is dependent on a due date like in school! I was so good in school and not so good at adulting. For years I tried to give myself due dates for projects but it's just me not a teacher. If I don't finish a painting today, I'm not going to fail or get kicked out. I'll live. And I'll probably take a nap because I know that I'm not going to fail or get kicked out.
Then there is my collection of super specific, brilliantly thoughtful gifts for my friends. I have a lovely box where I keep the amazing things that I buy so that I can mail them when birthdays come around...and by "birthdays" I mean "unless Bailey comes to my house from 10,000 miles away and reminds me that I have a sweet ring and cat shirt for her they will stay in said box until she comes back in 3 years." Due dates alone are not the answer. So here I am 30-some years in and I'm hoping that this little group will be the next ingredient to help me get closer to being a decent human being...a weekly due date PLUS accountability.
Of course if it was just about me getting to know me it would be pretty lame - and I wouldn't do it. Seriously, I've "started journaling" a THOUSAND times. But! Another thing I've recently learned is that I absolutely love helping other people reawaken their own creativity. I went to school to teach art to children and that's definitely fun but there is something extra special about refreshing that joy in adults. I firmly believe that everyone has a need to create. Over the years people fall for the lie that creating is only for professional artists and children. Not true.
So, with all of this chatter about me and my resolutions...let's get to the first prompt:
New Year's Resolutions
Do you have one? None? Many? What's driving you in that direction? Have you already taken a mis-step? How can you resolve/forgive it? If you're owning the first 10, what's keeping you in check? Is it a physical change or mental? Are you helping others by helping yourself? Are you directly helping others? Do you have an accountability partner? Is it a secret?
Take some time to think and reflect on the first 10 days of your resolution. If you're decluttering, losing weight, planting an edible garden, etc. take before and after pictures to paste onto your page. If you're looking to change your mindset draw out how you feel on one page and how you want to feel on another. Multiple resolutions? Pick one or all, one page or a few! Collage, write, tear, paint, stain, wrinkle, fold, type, paste - get it on the page!
Let's do this thing!
See, I'm a planner. I love ideas, details, plotting, organizing, studying, and learning...but I have trouble following through and actually doing. I have bags full of art supplies - with receipts - just in case I change my mind about a project. A while back I had an idea, I was so smart, my success is dependent on a due date like in school! I was so good in school and not so good at adulting. For years I tried to give myself due dates for projects but it's just me not a teacher. If I don't finish a painting today, I'm not going to fail or get kicked out. I'll live. And I'll probably take a nap because I know that I'm not going to fail or get kicked out.
Then there is my collection of super specific, brilliantly thoughtful gifts for my friends. I have a lovely box where I keep the amazing things that I buy so that I can mail them when birthdays come around...and by "birthdays" I mean "unless Bailey comes to my house from 10,000 miles away and reminds me that I have a sweet ring and cat shirt for her they will stay in said box until she comes back in 3 years." Due dates alone are not the answer. So here I am 30-some years in and I'm hoping that this little group will be the next ingredient to help me get closer to being a decent human being...a weekly due date PLUS accountability.
Of course if it was just about me getting to know me it would be pretty lame - and I wouldn't do it. Seriously, I've "started journaling" a THOUSAND times. But! Another thing I've recently learned is that I absolutely love helping other people reawaken their own creativity. I went to school to teach art to children and that's definitely fun but there is something extra special about refreshing that joy in adults. I firmly believe that everyone has a need to create. Over the years people fall for the lie that creating is only for professional artists and children. Not true.
So, with all of this chatter about me and my resolutions...let's get to the first prompt:
New Year's Resolutions
Do you have one? None? Many? What's driving you in that direction? Have you already taken a mis-step? How can you resolve/forgive it? If you're owning the first 10, what's keeping you in check? Is it a physical change or mental? Are you helping others by helping yourself? Are you directly helping others? Do you have an accountability partner? Is it a secret?
Take some time to think and reflect on the first 10 days of your resolution. If you're decluttering, losing weight, planting an edible garden, etc. take before and after pictures to paste onto your page. If you're looking to change your mindset draw out how you feel on one page and how you want to feel on another. Multiple resolutions? Pick one or all, one page or a few! Collage, write, tear, paint, stain, wrinkle, fold, type, paste - get it on the page!
Let's do this thing!
Friday, January 6, 2017
Warm Up!
Start with a simple task to get warmed up!
Dedicate a page to fruit and veggie stickers. It's a great way to get your book in your hands, and maybe a nice reminder that you should eat more whole foods. 😉
Clearly, I have a thing for avocados and green apples...
First Prompt will be here Tuesday, January 10!
Dedicate a page to fruit and veggie stickers. It's a great way to get your book in your hands, and maybe a nice reminder that you should eat more whole foods. 😉
Clearly, I have a thing for avocados and green apples...
First Prompt will be here Tuesday, January 10!
Thursday, January 5, 2017
Welcome!
trash that ish is a collection of stories, artworks, and whatever else you can fit on a page. We are not all writers. We are not all artists. But we believe that creativity and knowledge grow with effort and practice.
What is ish ?
ish is just a nice way to say a not nice word that rhymes with spit...but that didn't have the same aural effect.
What ish do I trash ?
A journal! Or a planner, or sketchbook, or if you're into bookbinding- stitch up some paper bags and leather...whatever you can collect images and stories in will be perfect.
How do I trash it?
Each Tuesday I'll post a new prompt on the Facebook page. Your job is to interpret the topic however you choose: sketch, collage, write/reflect, act...
There are also a few continuous prompts that you can work on any time.
When you've completed a prompt you can share images and discuss with the community on the Facebook page!
What if I do it wrong or don't want to share this week?
1. Not possible. Just like traditional journaling and sketch-booking there are no wrong answers. Unlike traditional journaling and sketch-booking, you have a community of support and inspiration. It's about taking a little time for yourself, making connections, thinking about something else, thinking about nothing, growing creatively, and maybe learning a thing or two about yourself.
2. No worries! Not every topic is going to be comfortable, some will really make you think, others will make you laugh, and some are literally trash. Relax and take each topic as it comes.
But I'm not creative.
I disagree. This goes back to the age-old Nature vs Nurture argument. Are some people born more creative than others? Probably. Is it impossible to become creative? Absolutely not. As with anything creativity takes practice. How do you get better at math? Do it. How do you learn to play an instrument? Do it. Why is that chick so good at softball? She practices. How does that guy know so much about Shakespeare? He studies. Same with creativity...anyone can become more creative with practice!
Why should I trash that ish ?
Research. There are a gazillion articles and books based on handwriting strengthening memory, creating leading to confidence in other aspects of life, art as therapy, 5 minutes of personal time reducing stress, reflection enhancing gratitude, kindness and joy multiplying...also, if you don't care about all of that, it's really just fun!
How do I start trashing it?
Just look up the page on Facebook and click the Request to Join button, grab a blank book or some pages, respond to the newest prompt, and share!
What is ish ?
ish is just a nice way to say a not nice word that rhymes with spit...but that didn't have the same aural effect.
What ish do I trash ?
A journal! Or a planner, or sketchbook, or if you're into bookbinding- stitch up some paper bags and leather...whatever you can collect images and stories in will be perfect.
How do I trash it?
Each Tuesday I'll post a new prompt on the Facebook page. Your job is to interpret the topic however you choose: sketch, collage, write/reflect, act...
There are also a few continuous prompts that you can work on any time.
When you've completed a prompt you can share images and discuss with the community on the Facebook page!
What if I do it wrong or don't want to share this week?
1. Not possible. Just like traditional journaling and sketch-booking there are no wrong answers. Unlike traditional journaling and sketch-booking, you have a community of support and inspiration. It's about taking a little time for yourself, making connections, thinking about something else, thinking about nothing, growing creatively, and maybe learning a thing or two about yourself.
2. No worries! Not every topic is going to be comfortable, some will really make you think, others will make you laugh, and some are literally trash. Relax and take each topic as it comes.
But I'm not creative.
I disagree. This goes back to the age-old Nature vs Nurture argument. Are some people born more creative than others? Probably. Is it impossible to become creative? Absolutely not. As with anything creativity takes practice. How do you get better at math? Do it. How do you learn to play an instrument? Do it. Why is that chick so good at softball? She practices. How does that guy know so much about Shakespeare? He studies. Same with creativity...anyone can become more creative with practice!
Why should I trash that ish ?
Research. There are a gazillion articles and books based on handwriting strengthening memory, creating leading to confidence in other aspects of life, art as therapy, 5 minutes of personal time reducing stress, reflection enhancing gratitude, kindness and joy multiplying...also, if you don't care about all of that, it's really just fun!
How do I start trashing it?
Just look up the page on Facebook and click the Request to Join button, grab a blank book or some pages, respond to the newest prompt, and share!
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