collage Archives - Page 3 of 7 - Your Writing Mentor

Action comes in cans…

October 9, 2013 By Mary E. Knippel

What did you think when you read that string of words?

Were you puzzled?

Did it make you smile?

Are you wondering about the list of ingredients?

It may sound simple, but this is what I mean….

You can say a prayer of gratitude.
You can make a difference.
You can try to the best of your abilities.
You can decide to think differently.
You can choose to change your behavior.
You can talk to yourself in only positive language.
You can help others with your gift.
You can write in your journal to heal yourself.
You can believe in yourself.
You can create an environment that nurtures you.
You can make yourself healthy food.
You can take yourself for a walk, to yoga or to exercise class.
You can read books that inspire you.
You can listen to music to quiet your mind.
You can dance with joy.
You can listen to a friend with compassion.
You can cry when the tears need to come.
You can love yourself.
You can laugh at yourself.
You can share your truth.
You can honor your commitments.
You can be proud of your accomplishments.
You can celebrate speaking up for yourself.
You can be your own cheerleader.
You can treat yourself with kindness.
You can be happy in a bubble bath.
You can feel pretty in your clothes.
You can play with your colored pencils, pens and markers.
You can delight in making a collage.
You can have your own opinion.

What else can you think of for the list of Action cans? Hop over to my Facebook Page and share them with me.

[Coaxing Creativity Tuesday Tip] Make an “I love me” bucket list…

February 5, 2013 By Mary E. Knippel

We are all familiar with that To Do list…probably way too familiar, where we never seem to get to the bottom of that list!

I’m suggesting a totally different kind of list. A bucket list usually refers to something you want to accomplish before you “kick the bucket.”

My idea is that you create a list of all the things you can do right now to show how much “I love me.” Cut them into individual pieces of paper and put them in a container you can seal such as a glass jar, or decorative tin.

Choose an item from your list on a regular basis (once a week? every other day? daily?) to nurture you. Include simple indulgences such as a new nail polish color for your do-it-yourself manicures, or a new scent for your bubble bath. Include special treats that may take a little planning…a trip to a museum for a special exhibit or a attending a theatre matinee. Include a trip to the beach, a massage, some new reading material, searching for intriguing hobby ingredients. Indulge in a trip to a large department store make-up counter and get a make-over without spending a dime. Get out your magazines and glue sticks to make a collage. Write in your journal. Sit under a shade tree and read Jane Austen, or your favorite author. Play dress-up in your favorite store…or in your own closet.

It doesn’t matter if there are ten things on the list or 20. Just start one! Then make adding to your “I love me” suggestion list an on-going activity.

What will be on your list.

Make a collage

June 12, 2012 By Mary E. Knippel

Had so much fun yesterday spending the afternoon facilitating a collage workshop at the San Mateo County Fair Literary Stage sponsored by the California Writers Club/Peninsula-San Francisco Branch. Being able to introduce the magic of bits of paper combined with the attitude of whimsy to create a whole new picture was amazing.

The creativity was electric!

The added bonus of the timed writing exercise to learn the impact the making, meaning, or motivation of the collage was exciting to watch participants write and then to hear them share their stories.

Cotton Candy, Carousels and Creativity

June 10, 2012 By Mary E. Knippel

What do all of these have in common?

Well, at the risk of tooting my own horn – me!

Do you remember how much fun you had going to the fair when you were a kid? Riding the Merry-Go-Round or Tilt-A-Whirl? Eating ice cream, carmel corn, and cotton candy? Maybe even a corn dog? Did you slide down the giant slide?

Come be a kid again at my Coaxing Creativity Workshop! It’s FREE and only thirty minutes long. A great way to get reacquainted with how much FUN you can find in just half an hour!

I’m facilitating fabulous & FREE mini Coaxing Creativity Workshops at the San Mateo County Fair on Monday, June 11 from 2-4 p.m. The California Writers Club-Peninsula/San Francisco Branch has coordinated wonderful talent from across the Bay Area to showcase their work on the Literary Stage throughout the run of the fair. I had an amazing time last year giving the Coaxing Creativity Workshops and I happily accepted the invitation to be part of the fun again this year.

While I will not be distributing cotton candy, I will some goodies to share with you along with lots of terrific ideas for you to savor to help you tap into your creativity.

We will have a great time riding the flow of energy generated by the sparks of inspiration and imagination from everyone participating.

Last year we had a wonderful turn out: families, high school students, mothers and daughters, girlfriends, and fair attendees who stopped by to sample what we were doing. Come join us and check out what will we be doing this year!