Recently, I’ve been writing about Thoreau and Oliver and how they remind me to pay attention to the world. There’s magic to be found in the ordinary world, even if we don't always take the time to recognize it. We walk through our days surrounded by small but still remarkable things: the way the afternoon … Continue reading The Art of Noticing: Why Writers Should Pay Attention to Ordinary Things
creativity
An Afternoon at Walden: What Thoreau Taught Me About Paying Attention
Even if you haven’t read anything by Henry David Thoreau, you’re probably familiar with some of his famous aphorisms: “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” “A man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone.” “I was not born to be forced. I will … Continue reading An Afternoon at Walden: What Thoreau Taught Me About Paying Attention
My Low-Tech Cures for Boredom: The Joy of Analog
During this past summer, I made a specific effort to lean into my boredom, and, instead of allowing myself to feel defeated by it, I discovered some wonderful new ways to spend my time that didn’t include scrolling on my phone. I expected to be quite bored this summer since, for the first time in … Continue reading My Low-Tech Cures for Boredom: The Joy of Analog
How Summer Affects My Thinking and Creativity
I know I always say that autumn is my favorite time of year, and in many ways it is. I’m not a huge fan of the 100+ degree summer heat we get here in Southern Nevada, especially not the 100+ degree days that are also humid. However, I do get time off in the summer, … Continue reading How Summer Affects My Thinking and Creativity
How To Create a Personal Curriculum: A Step-by-Step Guide
Happy New Year everyone! Since this is my first post of the new year, I thought I’d share a wonderful tool that has really made a difference in how I approach my personal learning. Last summer, I began watching some personal curriculum videos on YouTube. As a long-time teacher and academic, I think these videos … Continue reading How To Create a Personal Curriculum: A Step-by-Step Guide
Remembering Gratitude: The Secret Weapon for Every Creative Soul
Discover how gratitude can transform your creative practice. Learn why thankfulness isn't just feel-good advice—it's a powerful tool for overcoming blocks, sustaining motivation, and deepening your craft as a writer.
What Can Coloring Books Teach You About Writing?
This is definitely one of my better pieces, maybe because I love peacocks. I've Always Loved Coloring Books I loved coloring when I was a kid, and as it happens I still love to color. I consider myself a wannabe crafter. I used to dabble in painting with acrylics, and while coloring in a coloring … Continue reading What Can Coloring Books Teach You About Writing?
What Exactly is the Writing Life?
What Does it Mean To Live a Writing Life? I’m not sure that being a writer or living a writer’s life are necessarily the same thing. We can be writers without pining for a writer’s life. And please note that while I’m talking about writing, you can fill in the blank with any artistic endeavor. … Continue reading What Exactly is the Writing Life?
An Artist Date: The Van Gogh Immersive Experience
It's Important To Take Yourself on Artist's Dates Since reading The Artist's Way I have made a point of having artist's dates. According to Julia Cameron's website, "The Artist Date is a once-weekly, festive, solo expedition to explore something that interests you...Artist Dates fire up the imagination. They spark whimsy. They encourage play. Since art … Continue reading An Artist Date: The Van Gogh Immersive Experience
How to Live Like a Poet According to Jack Kerouac
Researching and Writing During a Busy Term I can verify that life as a PhD candidate is a lot of work. There are times when, after long days of researching, writing, and teaching courses at my university, I feel as if I'm lacking even one viable brain cell. I can walk into the supermarket for … Continue reading How to Live Like a Poet According to Jack Kerouac