Back To The Blank Page...

I dedicated my birthday month to a stress free creative approach.
My sister, Shiree, reached out to me with a challenge to write a six-word story from a pre-selected list of themes.
I enjoyed finding a creative way to squeeze my story into six words, but I realized that I prefer to write without limitations.
I grew from the exercise, no doubt, and I discovered that I can insert my “voice” and style into almost any topic.
...this comes as less of a surprise to my close family and friends.
Apparently, I like to talk a lot; and share my opinions, a lot; and I guess I realized that I have a lot of space to free-up for new thoughts and ideas.
The most rewarding aspect of the month long challenge was that I remembered how much I crave writing.
Not just when I have a deadline or a specific goal that I’m working towards, but simply out of habit.
I appreciate releasing the thoughts in my head onto a blank screen.
There––at least for a moment––the constant dialogue has vanished from my mind and awaits judgment from someone else; a far less judgmental critic than I.

Six-Word Story Challenge; Summer Kiss

My first, seventh grade graduation; Heather.

Six-Word Story Challenge; Amazon Woman

A housewife addicted to online shopping.

Six-Word Story Challenge; Auctioned Off

All that remains are distributed processions.
OR
Ranch, monkey, and a white glove.

Six-Word Story Challenge; In The Treehouse

Boys become men; I played house.

Six-Word Story Challenge; Pen Thief

Thoughts in my head, stolen from paper.

Six-Word Story Challenge; King's Curse

Ruler of all; respected by none.

Six-Word Story Challenge; Crop Yield

Whole Foods made organic farmers rich!

Six-Word Story Challenge; Devil's Due

A blissful yogi; despite her personality.

Six-Word Story Challenge; Legend

Heroes, gods, and dad’s wrestling statistics.

Six-Word Story Challenge, Over The Fence

I doubt the grass is greener.

Six-Word Story Challenge; Sunshine

Poolside with a cocktail and book.

Six-Word Story Challenge; At The Gym

I was benched; heartbroken and closeted.

Six-Word Story Challenge; The Visionary

Someone who bravely conquers the unknown.

Six-Word Story Challenge; Cave Dwellers

Cave dwellers evolved into internet trolls.

Six-Word Story Challenge; Blooms

From radiant light, my soul blooms.

Six-Word Story Challenge

The present; accepting what’s here now!

Always An Artist

I began my creative journey 20 years ago; as a bright-eyed, fearless––albeit green––artist.
I had no plan, just a dream and the willingness to follow my passion wherever it lead.
I traveled the world as a performer, I studied with artists who forced me to be better. I read books; I listened to wise, interesting people who shared their ideas.  I collaborated with friends and said, “yes” to everything that didn’t compromise my moral compass.
As I grew––mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and creativity––I mindfully set a plan in motion.
No longer idealistic, but still very hungry for my dream to manifest, I focused every ounce of time on doing more.
Finally, I’ve reached a point where I accept that I am enough.
I understand that my creative path is in constant bloom; and whether during the winter, while my seeds lie dormant; spring, when my creativity blooms; or fall, when my leaves are changing––I am always an artist.
And that is enough.

Six-Word Story Challenge; Sealed

Since birth; my fate to create.

Six-Word Story Challenge; Mother's Touch

Loving, supporting—always ready to shop!

Six-Word Story Challenge; Bureaucrats

Job description: red tape and scandal.

It's Time...

I’m tormented by my obsession to be creative, despite a lack of inspiration.
Feeling called to write, choreograph, perform––do something;
Not because I want to cross something off a list, but rather to stay active on my artistic journey.
Sometimes doing “nothing” is really doing something;
The stillness gives me a space to breathe, and then suddenly––out of nowhere––my soul is revived.
I spent the past two years working on my new book;
brainstorming, outlining, contemplating, writing, rewriting, and gathering with my writing group to share and rethink––finally finishing my 1st draft.
Now, I wait.  The agony of releasing my work into the hands of capable colleagues, who may not have the emotional attachment I have with my “book baby.”
I’ve poured my heart onto the page, now I have to move on.
I gave myself the space to rest––two months is plenty of time, right?
The idea of staring at a blank screen is daunting, but the vast emptiness that I feel when I’m not creating is excruciating.
So, back into the sea I go, not at all prepared for the storm that’s sure to hit, for now I’ll just focus on getting past the break and pray for a lifeboat when I need it.

Six-Word Story Challenge; The Florist

A gorgeous flower arrangement is everything!

Six-Word Story Challenge; Captain's Mess

Rocky waters make messy dinner tables.

Six-Word Story Challenge; Cloned

Reproductions are cheaper and less glamorous.

Six-Word Story Challenge; Norsemen

Obscure languages; I communicate through dance.

Six-Word Story Challenge; Mutiny

If Starbucks closes early in LA...

Six-Word Story Challenge; The Beekeeper

Honey's cultivated by those who nurture. 

Six-Word Story Challenge; Soda Shoppe

Old fashioned malt; celebrating grandma’s birthday.

Six-Word Story Challenge; Tee Time

Whacking balls to advance, fore what?

39 Is Sublime

Today I face my final year as a thirty-something year old man.
My grandpa assured my years ago that every decade comes and goes just a little bit faster.
As forecasted, my 30′s blazed by, and still I managed to experience a lifetime of adventure, evolution, loss, and triumphs.
I lost my grandpa two years into my 30′s;
Booked my first big job as a choreographer on television;
Co-produced, wrote, directed, and starred in 40 digital shorts;
Co-created and starred in 3 television pilots;
Choreographed 2 movies;
Welcomed my gorgeous niece into the world;
Lost my grandma (and best friend);
Married my soulmate;
Became a homeowner;
Published my first book, So You Want To Be A Dancer;
Nursed my sister back to health and became closer than I could ever have imagined;
Booked three roles on television;
Choreographed my first full-length concert dance piece;
Finished writing my second manuscript (which will hopefully be published during my 39th year);
And finally––through countless hours of yoga, meditation, prayer, and Faith––I managed to find the Present.  I learned how to release negativity; breathe through anger; and trust.
Decidedly, I will confront the final year of my 30′s with pure joy, gratitude, and peace of mind.
I’ve accomplished so many goals––I’m ready to stop overachieving and start appreciating the blessings that surround me.
Every day of my 39th year I will cherish myself with one fabulous action, gift, or thought that celebrates my life.
Living in the present every day––so as never to look back and say, “I wish I would have enjoyed that moment more!”
What we invest in our life is directly related to what we receive; I’m ready to embrace God’s plan for me.

Six-word Story Challenge; The Charmer

A playful smile disarms unwilling hearts.

Six-Word Story Challenge; Map Maker

Google; my map maker of choice!

My Sister...

Never asks me for anything.
So, when she reached to ask me to join her in a six-word story challenge;
I said, “Game on!”
Every day in May, I have to write a six word story with a preset theme.
Because we’re three days into the month of May, I’m going to cheat a bit and write three today!
Here goes nothing….

It's Just A Number

I turn 39 tomorrow;
So today, I will enjoy being a young man.
Because, in LA, the closer you get to 40 the less people care about you.
Then again, I don’t really care about what people think of me;
I’m feisty and fabulous––and intend to remain that way at every age and stage of my life!

Six-Word Story Challenge; At the Parade

Dancing as the marching bands pass.

I Make Lists

I’ve just crossed four major tasks off of my list;
The only thing that remains on the list, is to let go of making lists.
...It’s a process.

Six-word Story Challenge; May Day

May day; it’s almost my birthday!

Ode To McDonald's

Your salty hash browns fill my tummy with a delicious childhood memory;

And clog my arteries—reversing every wonderful effect I achieve in yoga.

Still, it's 6 a.m. and my only option at the airport.

I can always justify my cravings.