Writing character strengths and dreams

Happy Martin Luther King Day!

Today is not just another holiday or day off from work, it is a day to get in touch with what resonates as your own strength of character.

Character traits are a part of what you the writer possess, what your muse highlights and you channel. Consider what character traits you like about yourself, what traits you'd like to change or enhance.

Perhaps you can find inspiration in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King?

What do you know or remember or think about when you consider the man for the reason of the holiday here in the states? What is your strength of character? Write about strength of character!

If you are in the process of writing a book, ad copy, anything at all, consider strength of character in your writing. Write in your journal; what does strength of character mean - to you?

You can read some of my story here; http://mickandhisboy.googlepages.com/home under the heading of Irene's capstone. Or you can read about our story through the dog that knows autism best, Mick; http://mickandboy.blogspot.com/ Strength of character is what comes out about someone in their writing.

Take the day to write and consider as a writing springboard what Dr. Martin Luther King wrote;

"I have a dream..."

What's your dream?

Write about it - then take at least one action to making it reality!

Inspiration

According to the Online Webster’s Dictionary inspiration involves the supernatural to move or guide or breath or blow upon and to exert “an enlivening or exalting influence…” in order to draw forth or bring out.

Wow, that’s a pretty tall order, thank goodness (or goddess if you prefer) there are muse to help out here (of course we are the supernatural – just ask us!).

Lately, Irene hasn’t felt overly inspired and who can blame her?

The mortal world is pretty scary right now. Stress is one of those factors that can counter-inspire even the heartiest mortals.

Add in some other distractions such as elections, email and some self-saboteurs like a bad case of “the shoulds” and any mortal can find their link to inspiration blocked.

It’s not because we muse go away, we are actually around all of the time (remember that incredible idea you had in the shower awhile back?), blowing and drawing inspiration.

No sometimes there’s just a mountain of stuff between us with no communication link.

We may be divine and supernatural and more but the whole system requires an open channel of communication between us and we are only permitted to go so far, the mortal has to do their part too.

So what’s a mortal to do?

Get out of your mind!

Say what? Go crazy in a different way. Clearly, whatever you’ve been doing isn’t working so shake the brain.

Do something different.

Take a walk. You walk every day? Good for you! Take your walk in a different location or at the very least, change directions!

Look up and notice things, people and the scents around you.

Smell. Breathe deep and taste your world.

Listen to a different type of music.

Change up your stimulus. Put a different station on the radio, close your eyes and let your body find the beat. Feel the energies gather and when you can’t stay still, bounce your toes, wriggle your bootie, and move.

Move your whole body. Dance!

Involve your taste buds. Go to a restaurant you’ve wanted to try or cook that recipe your friend sent you. Indulge yourself with a new flavor of ice cream or coffee.

Notice what happens to the food in your mouth. Swirl it around like wine.

Now, write about your experience!

Put your pen to paper and take action.

At first the words may not flow with inspiration (you did bind, gag and banish your inner-critic didn’t you?).

You may need to repeat these steps a few times but I promise, if you get out of your head and open the channel of communication and engage in the action of writing your muse will come through.

And seriously, be sure to have something to write with and on when inspiration strikes.

I can’t tell you how often we muse wham you mortals in the shower (no apologies for the inconvenience) and you guys can’t be bothered to drip out and write this great stuff down! It’s darn right insulting!

People Watching People

Irene and I love to watch people! 

Sometimes the most entertainment is in the crowd of observers. This photo doesn't do justice to the sun that was painted on the pregnant woman's stomach. Judging by her belly button, I think she's done. I wonder if she even got to see the entire parade?

In the top photo, I'm pretty sure the tall kid in the back wearing sunglasses instigated this attack of a confetti filled egg. Who knows what went on before the attack though. Perhaps Red had it coming. An artist is first and foremost an observer. 

Writers and other creative folk need to refuel their juices and prime the pump regularly and often. Once a year just doesn't cut it. However, do keep a calender handy to put in dates for annual events like this one, The Summer Solstice parade in Santa Barbara. Make several annual dates with your muse. The more the better. 

Right now, right this moment, pull out your iPhone, iPod, PDA, folio, whatever you use to keep track of your important dates and schedule at lease 3 with your muse. Look in your local phonebook for annual events and commit you and your muse to at minimum, three.  These dates with your muse are sacred! Honor yourself and your muse.

Irene and I like these open events but it is equally important to have some that are more formal. When was the last time you took your muse to a fine restaurant or a play? We like both Broadway productions and local talent of all ages performing. Perhaps you'd rather take your muse to a concert?

Now schedule something big for you and your muse. Stick to what you can afford but make it really special. Do this, go online and research a destination you've always wanted to go to and see if there are any special events that you can incorporate on your trip. 

There's no good excuses for not taking your muse out. Get going. Get out and soak up some life! Then document it in your medium of choice. Create!