In this newsletter: Going analog, anytime pages, morning blurbs and Creative Sundays!

The past month has been full of energizing in-person events, new clients and partnerships, and that feeling that the year is simultaneously almost half way done while still just beginning.

Amidst the busyness, I’ve been doing a lot of analog creative activities that have reminded me how inspiring and relaxing it is to make things with your hands, get off the screens (after you’re done reading this newsletter) and get into the world.

Some highlights:

I facilitated two workshops on the lost art of letter writing and card design (one at a creative retreat at Sierra Meadows near Yosemite and one at Alkali Rye in Oakland). These led me to deep dive into famous letters, my own memorable letters, and to collage, draw, handwrite, and watercolor several cards and letters for others.

(When you look at my campsite painting, remember what we say about it doesn’t have to be good. It was meaningful!)

I also coordinated a bonfire jam at Sierra Meadows which got me playing my acoustic guitar more in one month than I had all year. Plus it helped my dream of getting a crowd to sing Wonderwall at the top of their lungs come true (sorry no audio).

In addition to the analog art making, I got to do a lot of analog creativity boosting, including a tour of the Ruth Asawa Retrospective at SFMOMA led by her grandson which was incredible. She had six kids and still made time for art.

I also wrote in the Berkeley Rose Garden (prime time to go), volunteered at Lucy’s school art show, saw her Spring dance recital, and took several Spring walks that resulted in tons of photos (yes, digital) of flowers and trees.

The moral: Make things with your hands and get out into tangible art and nature.

What does this inspire you to make or do?

If you’d like a tip: buy a stack of blank stationary so your cards can be homemade moving forward.

And tying it all together, I’d like to share my favorite excerpt from Kurt Vonnegut’s 2006 letter to Xavier High School students:

What I had to say to you, moreover, would not take long, to wit: Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpting, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what’s inside you, to make your soul grow.

Kurt would be proud of my campsite painting. Here is his full letter read by Sir Ian McKellen.

Introducing Anytime Pages & Morning Blurbs

Keeping with the analog theme, many of you know that I love morning pages for unlocking creativity and clarity, but they also can feel like a lot even for a morning person like me. I hear from a LOT of people saying that morning pages are too laborious and they’re not morning people, so they just scrap it all together.

Some will say push through it, but that’s not my style or what I see work. So I’m officially introducing Anytime Pages & Morning Blurbs.

Let’s define these. For all, handwriting is still important:

• Morning Pages: One of the most well-known forms of journaling in the arts world is Julia Cameron’s Morning Pages. Morning pages are “three pages of longhand writing, strictly stream-of-consciousness” done when you first wake up. “These daily morning meanderings are not meant to be art. Or even writing.” 

• Morning Blurbs: Handwrite a bit in the morning before you check your phone/news. Get some words out that represent your initial feelings, stressors and hopes for the day. It may feel like a poem.

• Anytime Pages: Three pages of long hand writing anytime of the day. Maybe you find some unexpected free time waiting at school pickup, before bed, or while the pasta water boils.

Which speaks to you at this stage? It’ll likely change over time.

Related: if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the Artist’s Way in general (which is incredible and also A LOT), may I remind you of my very accessible, practical digital workbook, Prioritize Your Creativity for only $25.

You can also buy the Workbook + a 45-minute Individual Session to help you get started for $150 ($250 value). Your happiness will thank you.

Our Next Creative Sunday Afternoon is this Sunday, May 18th!

This event is for you if any of these are true:

• You have a creative project/practice in the works and are craving a change of scenery.

• You want to meet new creative people.

• You’re looking to boost your creativity by relaxing, drawing, reading, journaling, playing with prompts, or daydreaming.

• You like getting inspired.

May also includes creative-centric tarot readings with Isa Nakazawa. They sold out quickly as expected, but simply reply to this email if you’d like to be on the waitlist.

Homemade treats from an incredible local baker, light snacks, and Teas with Meaning will also be provided. Cash bar will be open for additional libations.

I’ll bring some of the blank stationary along with the regular bin of inspiration too!

Let’s Work Together! I’m dedicated to helping you:

Prioritize your personal creativity

• For anyone craving support, inspiration and accountability with their creative passion projects and practices.

• Includes: Individual Sessions, Workshops, Events, Prioritize Your Creativity digital workbook

Elevate your career

• For Creative Industry Professionals looking to reimagine, evolve and strategize their careers.

• Includes: Individual Sessions, including the new Job Interview/LI/Resume Strategy Package.

Enable more strategic, creative, connected, inspired teams

• For Team Leaders who know putting culture and creativity first is the actual key to efficiency.

• Includes: Off-sites Reimagined, Consulting, and Individual Sessions. Reach out of you would like to be part of my Oakland-based off-site pilot for up to 25 team members!

And a request since you got this far! Please help me grow by forwarding this newsletter to your creative friends, family and colleagues and asking them to sign up here.

Thank you!

Kate