header-photo

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Creative Sanctuary - a virtual tour and a request

It all started with an ugly little storage room tucked behind the stairs. Like the ugly duckling though, that little room was destined to transform into a swan. All it took was some hand-me-down carpet, some "leftover from the seventies" fake wood paneling, a little cheap unbleached cotton, an old particle-board desk (from the first year of our marriage), a nearly-broken chair, and some magical shimmery gauzy fabric.

It might not seem like much, but it's a dream come true! I finally have a space of my own where I can create, write, paint, sew, meditate, dream, read, pray, do yoga, and just stare at the ceiling when I feel like it. Want to come for a tour?

Let's start right where I'm sitting right now. It's the "writing/painting/thinking" corner.
The writing/creating space

Right beside that is the art supply and yoga mat corner.
Corner

Above the desk is the "surround myself with creative inspiration from other writers" corner. On the shelf above the books is the Kenyan leadership stick that reminds me to be a bold and courageous leader.
A few of my inspiring books and knick-knacks

Opposite that is the "dreaming of new possibilities and creating new art" wall.
Imagining new and exciting ideas

Above all of that is the best part - the magical, dreamy ceiling! (Yes, I'm sure I'll manage to kill a little time just lying on the floor staring at it.)
The ceiling of my creative sanctuary

One of the things I'm really excited about is that I've also been able to bring in some mementos that remind me of the people who have supported me and helped shape me in this creative journey.

There's the director's chair that my beloved, supportive husband had made for me (back before he was my husband) when I was busy producing one of my first plays at the Fringe Festival. He believed in me then and he still believes in me now.
The director's chair from my husband (from before he was my husband)

And there are the two cameras owned by my parents back when they were young and hopeful and looking forward to many long years together. Neither of them would have called themselves artists, and yet they managed to raise four creative children (count them - one, two, three, and four) by teaching us to see beauty in dandelions, frogs, freshly baked bread, sheep, and friendships.
My mom and dad's original cameras

And there's some space set aside for the artwork of my children, who remind me to find joy in dancing in the rain and swimming with your clothes on.
Maddy's artful contribution

What's missing? Well YOU are, of course! After adding all of those pieces that inspire me, it occurred to me that I'm missing an important section of people who've inspired, encouraged, and cheered me on. Yes, I'm talking about YOU!

Here's the thing... I've saved a space for you...
Waiting for more art

I've got a bunch of cool swirly clips on a string and I would LOVE to fill that wall with the artwork and little blessings of all of the friends (in person and online) and family who've supported me in this journey. What do you think? Are you in? Would you like to send me a little blessing of some sort? It doesn't need to be much - just a postcard or a card, if that's all you can muster (but I would LOVE some original, creative things meant just for this little space).

If you're in (and EVERYONE is welcome - even the lurkers who don't admit to reading, even the people who've just stumbled on this blog for the first time), let me know in the comments or drop me an email at heatherpl at mts dot net and I'll let you know how you can get it to me. (If you'd rather just send me something electronic that I can print out, that's fine too.) Whatever you create should be approximately 4" x 6" and not too heavy to hang on a string.

What's in it for you? Well, the joy of knowing you've made me happy, of course! But there's more - I'll send you a little something in exchange (that you can hang in your space, or even your bathroom if you prefer). AND I'll give you a chance to be a contributor when I open my new site at www.whatareyougivingaway.com.

Last night, after settling in, I couldn't resist going for a walk to the river just to stare at the full moon. The moonlight reflected on the water, the flickering fireflies in the tall grass, the jumping fish - it all seemed like a special magical blessing from the great creator for all of the things I dream of creating in this lovely space. I hope that you will consider adding your own blessings too!

21 comments:

Kathryn Costa said...

Could I be the first person to leave a comment? E-mail me your mailing address and I'll get something off to you to fill those fun swirly clips. That ceiling is magnificent! I also love that poetic license chair. Enjoy your new space. May your creative mojo be energized by your new creative sanctuary!

{soul hugs}
Kathryn, Collage Diva

Kathy Loh said...

I love this Heather - what a wonderful gift to give yourself. I like the line and the swirly clips, the spareness, the way it is like an action-altar for creativity. Thanks for sharing it with us!

Bailey said...

I have those paperclips too - they make me smile.
I would send (or drop off) something for your line!

LMA said...

I love the line and swirly clips, the yoga mat neatly tucked away waiting for your next session, and of course, the ceiling. The "Poetic License" chair is my favorite thing, though. Supportive families are a blessing!

Enjoy the journeys you'll take in your new cockpit! ~ Linnea

Jamie Ridler said...

How wonderful! What a truly special space you've created - and of course it would be, because it came from your beautiful heart.

I would love to contribute. Send me your address and I'll create something just for you :)

Shannon said...

Heather, Congrats!! What a lovely space. (I *love* the ceiling! Might have to adopt that to conceal my basement ceiling! Awesome idea!)
I would love to bless your space by sending you something. Please send me you addy…
Love and light,
Shannon
@inspiredwriter

Linda said...

WOW! It looks beautiful, interesting and fun. I look forward to what will be coming out of your little room. I'll send you something too-just don't know what it will be.

andrea said...

I'm so glad you gave us a detail shot of those funky old cameras. I want to start collecting old cameras, even if they don't work, just to look at.

And while I'm wondering where to start, I'll think about what to send. Turns out I still have your snail mail address,

elaine said...

i love the magical "sky" in your new space, i think if i were to lie under it, i would never want to leave.

Olivia said...

Your studio looks wonderous Heather, and I am so glad that you have it. I wish you a continued movement towards your heart and soul and center, Love, O

Karmyn R said...

I LOVE the fabric on the ceiling.

ccap said...

Okay, first of all, lovely room. But, secondly, how is it you ended up with BOTH Mom and Dad's cameras? Somehow that doesn't seem quite right. (Although, I'll shut up now and hope none of my siblings know that I have Dad's Bible.)

Anonymous said...

Heather, it is SO cool that you have done this for yourself, created this getaway/shrine/studio. Yes, I would like to contribute something. I think you have my email address. Blessings, K

Anvilcloud said...

My mother used an old Brownie Target camera like the one on the left until maybe the early eighties. I have a photo hanging on the wall that I took with it. She liked it and had it enlarged and framed for me.

Liz said...

The room looks absolutely perfect. I'll have to muster up a bit of creativity and send you something. I warn you though that I'm not very creative!

cecily said...

Love your space, and love the idea of contributing to it!! It's ages since I've been over here, but glad I picked now and can be part of things. I'll put my creative thinking hat on and see what I can come up with. :-)

Suvarna said...

Hi Heather,
How exciting! A space of your own to Be in.
I am your assigned, "wrecking" trading person and I think it's kind of perfect that I come to your blog on this day. I have been thinking about what page to send and now I know. I love your fabric ceiling cover, btw, gorgeous, and I'm struck at how similar our desk spaces are!
Will be sending you a message soon,
Suvarna

mmichele said...

How did I miss this the first time round?

I`m in awe.

Judy said...

LOVE it!!!

And, I'd LOVE to send you something. Email your addy to me at judyh58@aol.com

Pamela said...

I feel left behind -- haven't been blogging. haven't been reading --

I'm going to think about this -- as I haven't done anything creative since last winter (really!)

so I'm hoping that it's never too late to join in the fray ???

Anonymous said...

i truly feel you are a friend of mine. I support you totally. Sending my heartfelt greetings. Orly from Tel Aviv