Scéal ó Shamhain go Bealtaine. A story from the first of November to the first of May. Here's inspiration to settle in for the darkest part of the year, and to light and warm it with stories. This year we can't gather in the same space, but the room of care, of listening, of [...]
Bíonn gach tosach lag. Tús maith leath na hoibre. Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí. Today, I have a little "set" of proverbs for you, all having to do with what it means to be a beginner and how we can best view that stage on the journey. These are the three proverbs I [...]
Éist le ceol na habhann agus gheobhaidh tú breac. Today's proverb is one of my very favorites, and I turn to it when I want to remind myself that all the goodness of life is available to me as soon as I get in tune with it. I call that river of sweetness, of [...]
Mair, a chapaill, agus gheobhaidh tú féar. Today's proverb encourages us to keep going, persevere, and generally hang in there. Life is kind to the consistent, to the ones who keep showing up. It may be be obvious at first, but over time, that faithfulness is rewarded. The video also stars the BIGGEST OAK [...]
Seeking a bookmark this morning I came across a small envelope I made out of paper purchased years ago in Venice. Inside I discovered a tiny piece of Lokta paper completely filled with a list of things I love: color * my eyes * cats * green places * trees * sunlight * sunsets [...]
One of my personal practices, and one which I love to share with every musician who studies with me, is this: Kiss or thank your instrument at the end of every session. Why is this important or helpful? Like magic, this gesture amplifies our appreciation and our good feelings. "Thank you" means we have [...]
Some people can see it. Some people can’t see it. Some people love the approach. Some people hate the approach. Some people feel it was just what they needed. Some people feel it was a big waste of time. Some people agree. Some people disagree. Some people think it’s ingenious. Some people think it’s derivative. [...]
Welcome into my back garden for a chat about some of my favorite pens, notebooks, and inks - and a somewhat mystical notion of how these tools conspire with us to create art and lives we love.
One reason we keep a journal - because in doing so we see what our life really is. I spied this entry from a month ago and it brought me straight back into the pleasure of a late spring snow, pleasurable as a spontaneous and unexpected meeting before a farewell. In case you can’t read [...]
If you've ever heard yourself say, "Why bother?" when it comes to making your art, you're not alone. Here are some thoughts on Futility, the fifth and final installment in my "Creative Hurts and How to Heal Them" series (and if you're interested, the others cover: Rejection, Criticism, Mistakes, and Comparison). I truly hope this [...]
