In this week's post, I’m talking about my art show pop-up, the new Springsteen, fall movie recs, thinking forward, Rudyard Kipling my artist routine and life lyrics of the week.
Maybe as the seasons change, it’s natural to crave new things. But unlike reaching for my favorite sweater when the weather begins to cool, I’m excited for a new kind of season. A Slow One. I need to delay creating art and producing a weekly radio show and embrace other forms of creating; like making pickles. The simplicity and slowness of a fall day sounds more productive than hovering over a computer screen. I’ve also been reading about artist routines and thinking about my own. After a day of writing, Joan Didion makes time for herself. If I don’t have the hour and start the next day with just some bad pages and nowhere to go, I’m in low spirits. -Joan Didion I need an hour “disco nap” every day. Maybe not necessarily to sleep but just to lie down and zone out. But that usually falls short with having a dog whose energy is equivalent to a personal trainer. My dog can tell the difference when I’m resting and just lying there. He can’t be fooled and barks at me as if he were giving me marching orders. “Come on! Get up! Walk time!” And out we go. This is another part of my artist routine usually. Two walks a day is a must. 
I mentioned in a previous post that movie walks are the best way I get ideas.
At the end of the day I like to unwind and have a glass of wine while free writing on my laptop. More ideas just seem to flow. Sheryl Crow seems to have a similar routine when writing music. Check out this clip from her AD Home tour with a home recording studio. When the Guinness comes out, the music comes out. -Sheryl Crow
I have some new ideas that I want to make to my newsletter, my radio and my brand.
But I don’t want to just do subtle changes that’s equivalent to a bang trim, I’m ready for an entirely new look. (metaphorically speaking) I need to hit pause on projects. I love this post about The Science of Waiting and The Art of Delay. In college, to get inspired for projects, I took many long “movie walks” and would spend hours in Borders store flipping through magazines and expensive art books. Nothing major. Just simple ways to delay projects and indulge in daydreams.
Handle the Seasons of My Life
While it is good to reflect on my achievements for the year some times, I tend to catch myself reflecting on past seasons that no longer serve me.
I only want to move forward. In order for me to change “the season of my life” (thank you Stevie Nicks) I started creating a different kind of mood board so I could picture myself where I want to be. I decided to play paper doll on Canva and placed myself with companies I want to work with. So creating little visuals gets me excited about the future.
Cinda-relly, Cinda-relly
Last week, I took my car in for an oil change. I went to the cafe across the street to wait. The cafe is inside a local independent movie theater. Outside on the marquee, it displayed that the film, A Cinderella Story, was showing for family night. It occurred to me that Cinderella is a master manifester. She could have easily continued to think about being stuck in a house with her evil stepmother. Instead, she thought about where she wanted to be, somewhere else far, far, away….with a cute guy. Reminds me of the song lyrics by Television When I see the glory I ain’t got no worry (I used to see so poorly) When I see the glory (that’s when I saw the glory) I ain’t got no worry (and now I got no worry) Last week, I took my car in for an oil change. I went to the cafe across the street to wait. The cafe is inside a local independent movie theater. Outside on the marquee, it displayed that the film, A Cinderella Story, was showing for family night. It occurred to me that Cinderella is a master manifester. She could have easily continued to think about being stuck in a house with her evil stepmother. Instead, she thought about where she wanted to be, somewhere else far, far, away….with a cute guy. Reminds me of the song lyrics by Television When I see the glory I ain’t got no worry (I used to see so poorly) When I see the glory (that’s when I saw the glory) I ain’t got no worry (and now I got no worry) Just because I want to do less does not mean I’m limited. I knew I would have to become my own platform to get the word out about my work.
Uncertain Certainty
Determined to get my video art work out in more public spaces, I proposed an art pop-up to a local restaurant that plays vintage movies.
They just happen to open a new restaurant with the same concept of playing vintage movies on a large projected and suggested having the pop-up in the new restaurant. I agreed having never stepping into the space. Sometimes if you share your work with others, a better opportunity appears. The restaurant was packed and I’m really happy how this experiment turned out. Here are some photos of my video art, Flower Arcade, on display at Masa Luna restaurant.
Starting November 1st, I’ll be taking a much needed break from my radio show.
Unlike my new-ish dishwasher that has a 3-5 year warranty, I’m building my brand to last. And my creative cogs need to rest. Listen to the latest episodes, all Halloween-ish themed on Mixcloud. I uploaded two (music only) Halloween playlists for paid subscribers. 
The Recommendation List
Music - The New Springsteen
Back in September, I went to an acoustic set of the musician, Jason Anderson. I was introduced to his music by my long-time concert friend who saw Jason perform 20 years ago in a local ice cream shop and they remained email pen pals. Now, I am not one to typically sing and clap at concerts but Jason knows how to work a room and got me singing AND clapping. He will get the entire bar out of their chairs and gather around a piano together like we are all good friends. 
He can take a popular hard rock song like AC/DC’s You Shook Me Long Night Long and turn it into a beautiful acoustic ballad.
This Canadian musician has the true gift of song storytelling. He can make you laugh and then pierce your heart with sentimental words that make you appreciate this thing called life, all in one song. I wanted to highlight his music this newsletter because I think he should be playing larger venues rather than small little bars. Also, he is genuinely one of the nicest human beings and his passionate for music and bringing people together is contagious. Stand out lyrics from his record. “You can fall in love, that’s easy, but you have to choose to stay there.”
Movie -- My Fall Movie List
I always see the same kind of movies on Fall Movie lists. So here’s mine with some not-so-typical choices.
Misc - The Artist Way of Life
I stumbled upon this quote by Jungle Book author, Rudyard Kipling about him being a writer,
“I am convinced that only on that path could I truly be useful.” - Rudyard Kipling This makes me think about my path as an artist. I can’t be anything else. It’s how I can best serve the world. Thanks for being here and as always stay inspired! Comments are closed.
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