| My Next Artist's Way Classes start January 27
Day and Evening Classes Available |
Join me for a 12-week journey to rediscover your creativity! Using Julia Cameron's book as our basic text, we'll use the power of expressive arts for self-discovery and inspiration.
Beginning in January, I'm offering two sections of The Artist's Way: Tuesday afternoons and Tuesday evenings beginning January 27, 2009. Both classes will be held at Soul of Yoga in Encinitas. Sign up now and save $30!
Please call or email me if you are interested. You can learn more about The Artist's Way on my website.
"As a blocked artist I found Judy's unique approach to walking her students through the Artist's Way helpful in unlocking the doors to restricting thoughts that I've held within, which when released, bring forth answers to questions such as, 'What is it I would want to do if I knew I could not fail?'"
Sherry Bejarano, Del Mar
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| Help Yourself! |
All my newsletters are archived on my website on the Newsletters page. Here you'll find all my past creativity newsletters as well as my monthly marketing tips on topics like writing your elevator speech, creating a marketing plan and free and low-cost ways to market your business. |
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| Greetings!
Julia Cameron, the author of the best-selling book, The Artist's Way, has some great suggestions for reconnecting with the natural creativity that all of us have, but that many of us have lost along the way.
Along with daily journaling--three pages stream-of-conscious writing each morning--she recommends a weekly activity she calls an "artist date." An artist date is a two-hour or so block of quality time you spend with your inner artist, your creative child, doing something that is outside your normal routine.
A main reason for the artist date is to have fun--something many of us are starved for these days. You can think of it as a play date, but it's also a serious tool that will help you rediscover your creative side.
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Going it Alone on an Artist Date
 An artist date is taken alone. There's a reason for this that makes sense if you think about it. When you are exploring a museum or taking a hike with a friend, you are focused on your interaction with the other person. What does he think of this work of art? What news does she have to report this week? In contrast, an artist date is all about you.
The goal is to nuture your inner artist and to pamper her. Setting aside time to explore something in solitude provides space for you to experience an activity deeply, to focus totally on yourself, to allow yourself to play or be silly. It also allows you to observe and interact with your surroundings without having to worry about someone else.
This gives you the space for insight and self-reflection. Things may take on special meaning, experiences may become metaphors for your life and that interesting-looking individual you come across might just make it into that novel you're writing.
Where to Go and What to Do
A walk in nature, a farmer's market, a toy store, a movie, a trip to a bead store, a visit to a retirement home, a craft class, a concert, a music lesson--all of these are great destinations for an artist date. So is taking yourself out to lunch at an ethnic restaurant. I'm constantly amazed at how ingenious the people in my Artist's Way classes are in coming up with ideas for this weekly outing.
You don't necessarily have to spend money, and you don't always have to leave home. Cloistering yourself and experimenting with a new craft or hobby counts too. How about buying yourself a gospel music CD, turning it up loud and dancing and singing along?
Artist Dates Uplift and Inspire
Make the commitment. Try doing a weekly artist date for just one month. Not only are you spending sacred quality time with yourself, but you're sending the cosmos the message that you're open to new ideas and new experiences. You might just be amazed when you see what happens next!
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| An Inspirational Artist's Date:
Visit the Glass Ranch next Weekend
 Talented artists Garry Cohen and Cherrie La Porte Cohen are hosting an open house at their glass blowing studio, the Glass Ranch, at Lake Hodges on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 28, 29 and 30 from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. Garry's gorgeous glass is a visual feast!
The Cohens' studio is in a beautiful, enchanting garden setting, and there will be glass blowing demonstrations as well as refreshments and musical entertainment. Cherrie's beautiful jewelry will also be on display. This is your chance to purchase a truly unique gift for yourself or someone you love. I've been to Glass Ranch several times, and I highly recommend it!
Read more about the Cohens and Glass Ranch by visiting their website.
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Wishing you many fun-filled artist dates!
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About Excoveries
Excoveries is a word I coined when I was looking for a name for my creativity consulting and marketing business. It's a combination of the words explore and discover, which is exactly the way I think of the creative process.
I teach classes on creativity and personal growth including The Artist's Way, and I also work with individuals who are looking for ways to rediscover their natural creativity. For a complete list of the classes I offer, please visit my website.
In addition to my creativity newsletter, I send out a monthly marketing tips newsletter designed especially for individuals and small businesses. If you'd like to be on that list, please email me or sign up on my website. You'll find all my past newsletters archived there.
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