Listening to my Heart

August 22, 2020

Hi y’all,

I talk more about my writing than I do my art on this blog. When I was twelve years old (in the 6th grade) one of my teachers, **Sherry Miller said she wanted to know what each of us wanted to do when we grew up. Luckily, I wasn’t the first person. As I listened to what the other kids wanted to do it occurred to me how much of a creative weirdo I am. Not one student wanted to be an author and artist except for me.

This simple action revealed the reason why I never fit in. As an adult I embrace the freedom of having a creative mind and soul. Growing up it was okay for me to be good at art, but wanting a career in the creative arts was forbidden. Sometimes my Dad and step-mom would like a project I was working on. Offering words of support and encouragement never came. When I stopped sketching I became depressed so I learned early on not to tell anyone anything.

**Krystal Higgins was my art teacher. She made art class exciting and fun. I wanted to be like her, a free spirit, a strong woman.

I would love to tell these two former teachers that I have fought and slogged through life’s trials to achieve my goals to become an artist and author just like I said I wanted in the 6th grade.

I hope you enjoy my photography and watercolours. They are a work-in-progress just as I am. Thank you for your support and subscribing to my blog and newsletter.

**Denotes Beech Grove Middle School (Indiana)

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Sending you love and blessings!

Tambra

Introducing…Smudge MacRuff

Hi y’all,

Smudge Alpin MacRuff has a new Doggy Bloggy. I guess my blog isn’t big enough for the both of us so he has his own.

In the Chewspaper, there is a section for Interview with Authors and their pets. So far, we have three authors filling out the form and getting their information together.

Come on over and join in the fun! Maybe you’ll find a new author to add to your towering To Be Read pile. We’d love for you to subscribe!

https://smudgemacruff.wordpress.com/

Smudge Alpin MacRuff . Dis terrier wants YOU to be happy when you visit his Doggy Bloggy.

Thank you so much for your support and encouragement! Smudge and I hope you are finding the information on our blogs informative and fun!

Love to all! Tambra and Smudge

Writing Rituals

Writing Rituals by Tambra Nicole Kendall

Many writers find certain rituals comforting, placing them in the mindset to create. A favourite china cup or mug of coffee or tea, a candle, music, the curtains open so the sun shines into the room. It can be anything that gets your spirit settled and ready to create.

Some people need quiet with no music. Others write to music that relates to the current story they’re working on. I’ve found my writing ceremonies have changed with my health issues. (I’m a work in progress and still have hope to regain some of what’s been adversely affected.)

There are those of you out there who aren’t comfortable with people speaking about their disabilities. Over the past twenty years I’ve met so many writers who have a wide range of health issues. I truly believe speaking about what is working right now may help someone else. My concentration used to be better than it is now. The solution I keep coming back to is headphones that block out sound but only the music I need.

I’ve been reading how some people are in a frenzy of creativity while others are struggling. Don’t give up and give in to the depression. Everyone deals with crisis in their own way.  Find something positive in this chaos. We’re writers, we understand how just a change of point of view can be all a scene needs in a story.

It hasn’t escaped my notice that I’ve done a few of these type posts. The plight of my fellow writers struggling hurts my heart.

Perhaps, adjusting your writing rituals or adding some might help. I’ve ordered a DVD of Tai Chi. When I was learning it years ago I felt calmer and more focused. My plan is to do my Yang style Tai Chi and then write. I’ll report back and let y’all know if it’s made any difference.

From the time I was a child I’d always thought of reading, and later on, writing as magical. People who are suffering need the magic of our words. We have a gift that heals, that transports the imagination to others worlds and times, to inspire people to become better. That’s quite a breathtaking responsibility and pure creative magic.

What are doing my creative friends? Are your writing ceremonies still working or have you had to make adjustments? Sharing helps everyone.

Photo by DarkSouls, Pixabay. Girl with book and magic coming out of it.

 

Sending hugs of love and blessings to all!

Tambra Nicole