The Computer rAGE

Software updates on my Mac,

Watching the status bar creep slowly; is it even moving at all?

No, I don't want you to send a report to Apple—I want you to work!

Just Keep Working.

When you focus on the work:
The end of the work day comes faster,
The results are greater,
And the opportunities for success are more abundant!

The Creative Process

Finding creative inspiration daily can be a daunting task.
I wake up each morning with the intent to grow as an artist, which often means spending hours online searching for inspiration.
On those lucky days where a politician has sparked outrage, an activist stirs emotion, or a celebrity is caught in a scandal I have plenty of motivation;
All the other days I’m stuck staring at the blank page (so to speak) for hours.
The point is that I remain focused on establishing creative habits.
The creative process is different for everyone, but the universal truth is if you don’t remain proactive your art will die a slow and bitter death.

The Creative Habit

Becoming a creative person is not something that just happens.
As far as I know, nobody came out of the womb with a paint brush, pointe shoe, musical instrument or reciting Shakespeare.
Creativity is a discipline. A process of learning how to take your passion and develop it into a craft that inspires emotion.
Creative people are focused, dedicated, hard working, overachievers who strive for new ideas and pushing boundaries.
The most effective way I’ve found to support my creative endeavors, is by staying focused on the habit of creating work.
It might not always be brilliant, but it will always lead to a more productive journey.

You CAN Do Everything!

When you're short on time,
You have to shine brighter!
Making the most of every situation––balanced and confident.
I always strive for excellence, even when I only have three minutes to achieve it.

Focus

Creativity;

Constant pursuit of passion!

That is my success.

Success Takes Planning:

Focus,

Clearly recognizing my goals.

Determination,

Creating opportunities where they didn't exist.

Strategy,

Learning the game quickly.

Faith not Fear.

Life is wonderful;
When I release fear and doubt.
Living in the moment.

Daily Reminder

When you are surrounded by positive people, it's hard not to smile.
When you are engulfed with negative people, it's impossible to see positive.
I'm choose to live positively optimistic and work to accomplish as much as possible with blind Faith, hope and happiness-
Instead of giving into fear and complaining about everything I don't have.

Acknowledging the Obvious, RE: Work

If it was fun, we'd call it play!
Even dream jobs come with headaches -
Slowly, I'm learning how to accept that there will always be more work.
Rather than focusing on the finish line, I'm concentrated on the road in front of me!

Creativity Requires Action

It's not enough to have a vision,

You must strive for focused energy on every project or adventure.

To label yourself a creative person, and spend little time working and growing is lazy and irresponsible.

Even the most inspired artists have moments of fear, rejection or negative thoughts-

Creativity demands action to over come the challenges! 

Gentle Reminder:

I cannot let other people's insecurities effect me.
Nor can I let their fears become mine.
I must trust my path.
Keep faith.
Work hard
Stay healthy; mind, body & spirit.

Up, Up and Away!

I'm feeling much better about myself now that I'm back in LA.
When I'm on the road I lose track of the things that are most important to me.
My quality of life, family, goals and faith are what keep me grounded and motivated,
When I'm on tour, I don't have enough time to focus on maintaining balance.
But I'm back in LA and I'm up, up and away!
Working towards accomplishing more of my dreams.
One day at a time.

Rise and Hike!

I love waking up early in LA-

The sun is still hiding behind the morning marine layer,

The streets are calm, and so am I.

A hike through the hills surrounding my house,

It's easy to meditate and enjoy the magical Los Angeles skyline.

I'm reminded of how gorgeous LA is.

As I take in the smell of the jasmine and lavender that fill the air, 

I appreciate how easy life can be.

I'm inspired to keep my calm, focused, energy throughout the day.

Now is the perfect time to create!

Gratitude

It's such a simple word.
Gratitude:
The feeling or attitude in acknowledgment of a benefit that one has received or will receive.
Thank you Wikipedia!
Wonderful opportunities and blessing come to me on a regular basis, yet I forget to give gratitude.
I get so caught up in the focused, relentless pursuit of working toward the things that I WANT, that I forget to take notice of the gifts I receive.
Yesterday, Jeff and I were able to spend our "day off" working and creating together.
I was so excited that we were able to wake up, enjoy each others company over brunch, spend time with our puppies and then get to work producing another parody.
There were so many other projects, tasks and jobs that we NEEDED to get accomplished, but Jeff and I were willing to put everything else aside, and focus our attention on one another!
We found balance- and I am grateful!

Focus

Remember that you are only as productive as your focus allows you to be.
Clear mind and open heart welcomes new opportunities to imagine.
I am surrounded by creative energy-
Release the challenges and welcome the possibilities!

Up Too Early...

It's four in the morning.

I can't sleep.

I've got a lot on my mind, for no reason at all.

The past five months of 2010 have been magnificent!

I've somehow managed to keep all of my New Year's resolutions, in addition to enjoying the added surprises that come up along the way.

Of course it's in my nature to be upset or disappointed in something-

which explains why I'm up right now...

I guess my mind is trying to find something to be fixated on, and because things are (for the most part) right on course for me, my mind is unable to accept this as a good thing.

It's common for me to try and make something better. When in fact maybe I just need to relax and savor the moment. I have achieved a ton in the past five months. Most of all, I've experienced a level of faith and accomplishment in myself as an artist and person.

Nevertheless, the battle remains- to accept where I am today, and grow from here. I know that it's a never ending fight to appreciate each day for what it brings. Some (days) more than others... I'm okay with that. It's just a matter of checking in and reminding myself that good, bad or in between I can shine if I just stay focused on positive energy.

Focus!

Do you ever have one of those days when you have a million things on your mind, a ton of work to get done and no energy to decided where to start first?

I wouldn't describe it as overwhelming or paralyzing... because I've had those days too, and this is definitely not one of them...

This is more of an excitement! I have so many cool thoughts, ideas and dreams floating around in my mind, and I'm just not sure where to start first.

Every time I sit down to focus on one thought or idea, I find myself up out of the chair and pacing back and forth thinking about something completely different.

Even now as I write this blog entry, I can hardly concentrate on getting the words out of my head and on to the screen.

Thinking will always keep you busy! ...and I really like to be busy. Otherwise I have too much time to think!

I know you can really only do one thing (well) at a time, so I give my best attempt at directing my energy on one task, and slowly work my way to the next project... However, today all of the tasks and creative ideas are bleeding together and I can't make sense of where one starts and the other ends...

I guess I'll just have to force myself to forget about all of the projects and goals for a minute, sit in silence and wait for an urge to jump out at me...

At least I was able to figure that out! ...and look I got my blog entry done too!