Living Our Dreams

Guest Author: Donna Druchunas - Creative Awakenings

Thanks Sheri, for inviting me to share my journey through Creative Awakenings on your blog!

Hi everyone! My name is Donna Druchunas. I'm a fiber artist, knitwear designer, author, world traveler, and blogger. Every year in November and December I take time for a creative recharge. This year it may seem like I shouldn't need it because I spent four months filling the well in Europe. But this is a different type of rejuvenation. It's a quiet, at home, meditative time and I can definitely use that right now!

During this time, I like to read a book on creativity. In the past I've read books like The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron, A Writer's Paris by Eric Maisel, Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg, Succulent Wild Woman by SARK, and Embracing Your Power Woman by Barbara Wilder.

A couple of weeks ago, I stumbled upon a gorgeous book called Creative Awakenings by Sheri Gaynor at Borders while I was looking for books on beading. Someday I want to make a gorgeous book like this. The imagery and design are as important as the words. My books have all been designed beautifully, but they are not art books. This book is a work of art, on top of being full of good information to read. The subtitle is what really hooked me: 

 

 

Envisioning the Life of Your Dreams Through Art

For several years I've been wanting to do more artistic work and I think it's finally time for me to be able to do that. I'm wrapping up the big book I've been working on for four years, I haven't signed a contract for another knitting book, I have help with my business, and I actually know what kind of art I want to explore. At least at first. Who knows where this adventure will lead? When I first read The Artist's Way, I was hoping it would help me overcome being blocked as a writer. Instead, it opened up my creativity in knitting and design.

I'll be using this book for the rest of the year and blogging about the experience. It's really a year-long program but I want to play with it a bit before I commit to a year. On first perusal, it seems wonderful and not too terribly time consuming so as to be impractical for the long term.

What you are supposed to do (and this is a grossly simplified overview based on my quick skim of the book), is spend some time at the beginning of each month thinking about your intention for that month, your focus and direction, more than a specific goal. After the meditation, you make a collage or drawing in your journal that captures the essence of your ideas and feelings, then you write about it. During the month, you come back to this periodically. You can change or add to your art, you can write more, or you can just give yourself time to focus your mind. It's all about being in touch with your muse and listening to your inner voice. This year I've been trying to listen to my feelings and not over-rationalize so much but I've failed miserably. Maybe using more visual art forms will help me in my quest.

There's a lot more to it than that, and I hope you'll follow along as I share my insights with you as I work through the chapters in the coming weeks. And as I read through the book, I'm becoming more and more ready to sign a contract with myself for the whole coming year!

30 - Day Bliss holiDAZE Challenge

 

 

EVERYDAY BLISS-The Bliss-30 holiDAZE Challenge

Would you like to introduce a little personal BLISS into the bustle of the holiday season? Do you find yourself thinking of everyone else and putting yourself at the back of the line? What would it be like to give yourself 20 minutes a day to FEEL BLISSed IN!

Join me for another 30-day challenge. Post comments on this page, sharing how you've blissed and on December 30th, I'll announce the winner of our holiDAZE challenge. How do you win? The person with the most posts...wins a signed copy of my book Creative Awakenings: EnVisioning the Life of Your Dreams Through Art. 

What's the Bliss-30 Challenge? Every day for the next 30 days, you are to engage in some form of Everyday Bliss. What's that? Here is an excerpt from the book:

"Everyday Bliss is about process, not product or outcome. Think about things you love or once loved to do that have fallen by the wayside....Each day, take twenty minutes for yourself, doing something that brings you only joy and renews your spirit. Mix it up. Try Everyday Bliss at different times of the day to see which time resonates most with you."

"Here are some examples of Everyday Bliss actions: a spontaneous painting or drawings at the beginning of the day, a quick poem, a fifteen-minute yoga workout, dancing to music cooking from a favorite cookbook. Or try my personal favorite, a "daydream meditation," where  you let your dreams flow onto your paper, using your non-dominant hand..."

You can read more about Everyday Bliss on page 118 in the Creative Awakenings book.

Create your pledge NOW to take the 30-day "Everyday Bliss" challenge, and share-COMMENT BELOW-about "how you've blissed," and you will be registered for a blissed out holiday giveaway....a free signed copy of Creative Awakenings: Envisioning the Life of Your Dreams Through Art.

And there's more...order a book for yourself and someone you love for the holiday and you'll both be ready to start your Creative Awakenings 9-month Coaching Adventure beginning in January! 

Want a badge? Place this code on your blog, website or in your sidebar to show you're taking the 30-Bliss Challenge!

Here's the code:  <img src="http://i.imgur.com/4hOrF.jpg" alt="" title="Hosted by imgur.com" />

 

EVERYDAY BLISS-The Bliss-30 holiDAZE Challenge

Would you like to introduce a little personal BLISS into the bustle of the holiday season? Do you find yourself thinking of everyone else and putting yourself at the back of the line? What would it be like to give yourself 20 minutes a day to FEEL BLISSed IN!

Join me for another 30-day challenge. Post comments on this page, sharing how you've blissed and on December 30th, I'll announce the winner of our holiDAZE challenge. How do you win? The person with the most posts...wins a signed copy of my book Creative Awakenings: EnVisioning the Life of Your Dreams Through Art. 

What's the Bliss-30 Challenge? Every day for the next 30 days, you are to engage in some form of Everyday Bliss. What's that? Here is an excerpt from the book:

"Everyday Bliss is about process, not product or outcome. Think about things you love or once loved to do that have fallen by the wayside....Each day, take twenty minutes for yourself, doing something that brings you only joy and renews your spirit. Mix it up. Try Everyday Bliss at different times of the day to see which time resonates most with you."

"Here are some examples of Everyday Bliss actions: a spontaneous painting or drawings at the beginning of the day, a quick poem, a fifteen-minute yoga workout, dancing to music cooking from a favorite cookbook. Or try my personal favorite, a "daydream meditation," where  you let your dreams flow onto your paper, using your non-dominant hand..."

You can read more about Everyday Bliss on page 118 in the Creative Awakenings book.

Create your pledge NOW to take the 30-day "Everyday Bliss" challenge, and share-COMMENT BELOW-about "how you've blissed," and you will be registered for a blissed out holiday giveaway....a free signed copy of Creative Awakenings: Envisioning the Life of Your Dreams Through Art.

And there's more...order a book for yourself and someone you love for the holiday and you'll both be ready to start your Creative Awakenings 9-month Coaching Adventure beginning in January! 

Want a badge? Place this code on your blog, website or in your sidebar to show you're taking the 30-Bliss Challenge!

Here's the code:  <img src="http://i.imgur.com/4hOrF.jpg" alt="" title="Hosted by imgur.com" />

I'm a Tranquilista!

© 2009 Sheri Gaynor, All Rights Reserved North Light Books, 2009. "Possibilities" From the Creative Awakenings Deck of Transformation, Creative Awakenings: Envisioning the Life of Your Dreams Through Art

Seeking a little inspiration for your week? Listen to an interview about my book Creative Awakenings: Envisioning the Life of Your Dreams Through Art.

Check it out! http://blog.kimberlywilson.com/2010/05/tranquility-du-jour-184-creativity.html

For more inspiring interviews you can tune into my podcast series: Living Our Dreams Radio!

Off to the construction site. It's drywall day! 

Thank you to Dick Marsh, construction God and Dick Hunter, Electrical Wizard for your incredible work and support! 

It's DreamTime Monday!

Dream...Create...Leap...Fly!

 It works!!

My April Art of intention...Play....

Are you ready to CREATE YOUR LIFE? 

"This has been the best by far spiritual journey I have ever gone on...." Mindy R. 

A New Creative Awakenings  Online Expedition Begins

April 15th

Visa Applications due this Friday....Join us!

March Art of Intention

As we move into spring, my intention this month is to expand beyond the current borders of my imagination. Where are you going in March? Join us.... 

 

It's DreamTime Monday!

March roars...time to get out your Book of Dreams and create an intention for the month. I'll be dreaming later today in the studio...let's create our realities, not simply live them....

Think renewal, replenish, soften, surrender! 

It's Mile Marker 3 of the online Expedition and we're dreaming BIG and viewing new horizons! I've had some requests for another online class. If your interested, send me an email, with the subject line, "Expedition Inquiry." Include your personal email address (not NING) and phone. 

The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.  ~St. Augustine

Join in on the fun by posting your Art of Intention for month here in our community Salon. 

 

Here's a little inspiration for you to get your creative juices FLOWin and GOin. I found it on Dancing Down Serendipity Street,  JUICY blog by new Salon member Jamie Burch!  Stop by Jamie's profile, say hello and thank her for the inspiration! Happy DREAMing everyone... Your fearless dreamer.... Sheri

Creative Awakenings: Online 30-Day Guided Expedition

Wooo hooo! Are you ready to ride your dreams into the sunrise? So many of you have written and asked for the Creative Awakenings on-line coaching workshop, so I put on my purple boots and designed this program just for you, so you can begin to live a more creative and intentional life! Let's saddle up and get 2010 moving in the direction of your True North! 

Perhaps you are reading Creative Awakenings and wondering how to integrate the practices and principles into you life. Perhaps you have already embarked on the journey, and lost your way, and feel that a group of fellow travelers would be just perfect to keep you on track. No matter where you are in the Creative Awakenings journey, or on your life path, this adventure is for you. 

"What is calling YOU?"

Expedition: The Level One Guided Adventure: We will be filling out our Visa's for the 30-day Level One-Guided Expedition. This workshop is not for the feint of heart, as we will be exploring unchartered territory that can sometimes cause us to feel a little tentative. Don't be afraid, as your FEISTY and FEARLESS guide, I've walked many miles in your shoes. I feel confident that I can lead you through the deep woods, clearing the path to find True North, so you're ready to step fully into the possibilities for your life. 

 

Amazon Reader Book Reviews: 

"I highly recommend this book to those Feisty Females out there who are ready to kick up their heels, shout "Wooo Hoooo," and stomp all over the Venomous Toad Committee that always has pins poised to prick their dream bubbles. Gaynor is right on the trail with us, spurring us on. You can't miss the shine glancing off her vibrant cowboy boots, or the invitation she is holding out, for a life filled with passion and purpose." Carol Weibe, Artist, Silver Springs Studio, Ontario, Canada
 

Sheri Gaynor's book Creative Awakenings is wonderfully accessible. She clearly lays out a fun way to access your dreams and create your best life through art and intention. Lovely images and inspiring creations abound. The book offers many techniques and prompts - but it's so much more than a "how to" book. Sheri invited a dozen artists to engage in her process and share their resulting art and narratives. It's a book to read and use and read some more. Creative Awakenings has nudged me to be more playful in my art and more intentional in my life. On top of all of that, Sheri is creating a community of artists who are using this book as a common ground. If you have any interest in expanding your creativity, envisioning a better life, or connecting with like minded folks, then I highly recommend Creative Awakenings! Calax Harris, North Carolina

The Expedition Itinerary:

On Monday each week, you will receive an email in your box with a randomly chosen card from the Deck of Transformation included in the book. This is where you will begin. The card invites you to work with the Guiding Principles of the EnVision Process. 

The weekly email will have instructions that guide you to the trail head for the adventures and activities for the week, so you can work on your own at your own pace.

The workshop includes a private blog address, video tutorials, personal interaction with me, and other travelers on the journey. There will be activities between sessions to support you in deepening you understanding of the book and process, to encourage you to incorporate this practice into your daily life. 

The workshop includes: 

• Personal interaction through a private NING site with author Sheri Gaynor through video introductions to the weeks adventure.
• A Dream Ally to partner for the adventure, to help you stay accountable
• A video showing you how to use the EnVision Process to create the Art of Intention in your Book of Dreams Journal  
• The EnVision Guided Imagery Download
• A free Goodie for your journal each week

Week One: Beginnings 

 
Week Two: Tilling the Soil

 
Week Three: Dancing with Synchronicity

 
Week Four: Personal Spirit Statement

 

Travelers Advisory: Space in this first guided tour is limited. Your commitment and engagement in this process will allow us to have a successful workshop. I encourage you to look in your heart and make sure you can fully commit to the adventure at this time. Remember, there is perfect timing for everything. To support you and your fellow travelers in this way, I am requesting that you Download Participant Questionaire stating your interest in joining the adventure at this time. Please return it to me before registration opens on February 8, 2010. 

Please contact me with any questions you might have, that's what guides are for!

Once you've been accepted for this particular adventure, you will receive your Passport which includes: Flight plans, packing list and payment instructions. 

Your Ticket to Adventure...PRICELESS! 

 

Full 30-Day Adventure Package Price 
$ 125.00

Discounted price if paid in full on February 8, 2010
 $105.00

or 

Travel Budget Plan:
 $31.25 per week with credit card pre-authorization form

So...what IS calling YOU? Let's find out together!
Download Participant Questionaire return it to me by February 8, 2010 to save your seat and get started on the adventure of a lifetime!

 

I Am Ready...again!

Photo from Creative Awakenings: June 1,  2007-Me on top of Red Hill overlooking Mt. Sopris

In the first blog post entry, on Page 34 in my book. I share a moment on June 1 2007, when I climbed Red Hill, which overlooks our sacred Mt. Sopris, here in Carbondale. I was waiting to hear back from the publishers and had spent the last 72 hours working like a wild woman, to give them the last pieces of the puzzle so they could make a final decision. It had been a roller coaster ride up until that point-seems like most of these BIG LIFE things go that way for me-and I needed to do something to release move the energy I was feeling inside.

I hiked up to the top and as I walked, reviewed the weekend I had just spent putting together a different perspective for the publisher. I felt confident and somewhat exhausted. What I knew in my heart was that I had done everything humanly possible in the physical sense to make the book a go, the rest was up to...well...you know... 

As I hiked, a plan began to simmer. It was time to let the WORLD know I was ready. It was also time to let the BIG U know too. When I reached the top, I walked out to the rock cropping. As I sat down on the rock, I looked back at the trail to see if anyone was behind me. I closed my eyes, said a prayer, took a deep breath and shouted from the top of my lungs to the Valley floor below, "I AM READY!!!" My biggest fear in that moment, was that someone would think I was getting ready to jump! Once my heart stopped racing, I was able to feel how incredible it felt to shout my intention for all to hear, a bold, announcement of my readiness to put myself out there in this way...as an author. WOW, I have to tell you, as I write this, I still find it hard to believe it was that long ago, as it feels like yesterday!

Fast forward to today...January 16, 2010. It has been an incredible couple of weeks stepping into this new decade. So much has transpired over the last 3 months, we are in our new space, I am learning to work in partnership, I am teaching again and LOVING IT and we have started to attract vibrant teachers to our space. A lot more was going on behind the scenes, that I have not shared. All of it good...but quite the wild ride! 

I am standing at a cross roads in my life with a BIG decision before me. It's been weeks of number crunching and putting my on my Big, Feisty, Business Woman Panties! It has been challenging to stay positive among the daily economic forecasts, a bombing attempt at Christmas while I traveled home, and now the heart breaking devastation in Haiti. Yet, I kept walking forward, working with my Venomous Toads, keeping them happy by gathering information, all the while knowing a decision was looming. 

And suddenly, the most amazing miracle that occurred. The dream space for the permanent for our studio opened up!!! AND...R U READY...wildest thing is that I DREW IT INTO MY JANUARY ART of INTENTION as it wasn't in the picture!!!!

The issue remains a fiscal one and as we are all aware right now, that is no small issue. What is so strange dear readers is that I have seen myself inside that space looking out the window all along, and I can't get it out of my minds eye!!! It won't let go, for weeks now. I see the bustling energy, I see others in the space, I hear laughter, music, drumming and so much love and healing. I FEEL the vision in the depths of my SOUL! 

What I came to today, is that in this decision it boils down to two things....staying the same... or GROWING! My tendency is to play it safe. As those of you know who have worked with me, I am an advocate of small baby steps toward your dreams. Build the foundation, then leap. And here I stand on top of the mountain and what I am realizing is that I am at a crossroads. One path that lies before me is the comfortable, and well worn path of safety. The other path is different. It's going to involve bush wacking through some very new territory and require courage to step into the unknown with faith, sweat equity a butt load of TRUST! It's going to require that lean into FEAR and uncertainty and give myself permission to expand from the contracted, warm, cocoon, and embrace the possibilities I SEE already in my minds eye. 

And so today I knew it was time to revisit the Mountain. This time I was not alone, Blue was at my side. Together we climbed Red Hill and with each step I took, I looked inside and asked myself to SEE through the illusion of fear, and to step into truth, integrity and WISDOM which feels much different. We got to the top, and once again I walked out to the outcropping. Interestingly, this time I felt much calmer inside-except for moments when my little black, billy goat was looking over the edge! 

This time there was a prayer of gratitude, recognition for what has manifested since my last visit. I then whispered a new prayer, asking for guidance, strength and releasing my ego. And then I shot this photograph. 

I don't know what decision I will make in the end, nor will I have any judgement about it, as I will trust that I've made it with all the information I need. My only desire is to make the decision from an empowered position and not from fear...

Stay tuned...I'll let you know soon, which path I am traveling....

 

Sowing the Seeds of 2010

Happy New Year!!

It's a that time of year...we look back, we look forward...we dream of what's to come. Reflections are part of life's journey and this year it feels especially important for me to look back at the path I've walked and reflect on the adventure ahead. Why? In 6 days, I will be turning 50. 

You my dear readers are first in my thoughts, as I would not be here without you. You have shared your hearts, souls and dreams with me, and I've been so blessed to be witness to the transformations that have occurred; marriages, pregnancies, career changes, and life transformations. 

For those of you who have supported Creative Awakenings, sent LUV letters and joined the Salon....THANK YOU! When you're writing a book, you are in a vacuum, it's you and your mind everyday. At different points in the process, most writers confront the eternal question, "will anybody want to read this?" And each time the question surfaces, you have to tell yourself, "It doesn't matter, write the book because you HAVE to...write the book for YOU!" And then you came, one by one, from all over the world and shared your hearts and dreams with me. To this day it feels like a miracle! Each time someone joins and says hello, I'm like a kid in the candy store, it's like the first day the book was released. I am so deeply touched!

I took some time today to review my Book of Dreams. As I turned the well worn pages, I saw a year of my life in review, created on the pages of my Art of Intention. And what I saw was truly validating, as many of the intentions have manifested, including re-opening a studio and finding partners to share in the experience. It truly was my Guidebook, showing me the trail ahead leading to this moment. And that's why I invite you to create your own Book of Dreams for 2010, so January 1, 2011, you too can look back at the pages of your life and see just how far you've really come. 

Join us in the Salon, we are going to step into 2010 together. An announcement is forthcoming...

In the meantime, here's something you might enjoy creating to Sow Your Seeds of Intention: 
Gather seeds from your garden or from a store package
Dry a tea bag and gently slit open one side
Insert dried seeds, beads, baubles and your 2010 intention(s)
Sew up the open side with ribbon or string
Place on your altar until planting season and plant your seeds of intention and bury your intention
As you watch your seeds bloom and flourish, they will be a reminder of your hearts desire...

May the New Year bring all your dreams to fruition....

Hugs and purple boots,

SheriI    

 

Bliss 8-BIG SNOW

We woke this morning to over a foot of fresh powder! The Delegates were correct in leaving early, and we are holding the intention in our hearts that they can travel back to their villages, towns and countries, with no flight penalties. 

Yesterday was DreamTime Monday.  It seemed appropriate to be creating my December Art of Intention after such a sacred weekend. As I woke this morning, new images were in my mind for the painting I began this morning. Often, I have to live with the images that present themselves to sort through them and see which feel the most significant to the moment. Sometimes the images are fleeting and I see this as a way of release. The ones that continue to show themselves, are the ones I move toward and "listen," to. 

As I continue to work on my painting-this one was too big for my DreamTime Journal-I know this month's Art of Intention is about Integrity. Yes, I put the capital there purposefully. 

I hope you will join me this month as we continue our December EveryDay Bliss Challenge and join us for EnVision Art of Intention.  Feel free to send me your Art of Intention and I will share it on my FB page to inspire others to join in the Creative AWAKENINGS adventure.  

Will you create a December intention?