A Major Award

 I was having a drink with my lovely friend Howard and others and we got into a discussion about "the next generation" and how entire sections of it seem to be giving up while others are thriving.  It reminded me to perservere.

 I DID get my article prompts all summarized.  Next?  Writing a standardized interview format that I can use to jumpstart the process of assembling my first edition.

Do I deserve a prize for actually moving forward? No, but it IS a step in the right direction.

I call this meeting to order

Back from a week off.  Coming up for air after wading through paperwork.  Tapped my beloved husband's skill set.  "hey Honey, aren't you a certified Project Planner?  Should we maybe (gulp!) draw up a plan to get this done?"

Had a great time brainstorming ideas of article ideas.

Came up with 40+ victims, uh, Creatives to feature.  It was a lot of fun putting on our thinking hats (like my babe below!) and reviewing all of the people that we know who really USE their creative abilities in ways that don't involve an easel or paint!

Have tasked myself to review all of my material tonight and make sure I have the outlines for interviews and profiles.

Do as I say, not as I do...

   In keeping with my "Do as I say, not as I do tradition"  (read about it here http://stifelandcapra.blogspot.com/#!/2012/07/bob-is-best-soooo.html ) since my last November blog post I have been convincing my husband to quit his job, helping 2 friends redecorate their homes, running my business through the holiday season, financing my daughter's trip to Japan and basically doing everything BUT working on getting this magazine launched.  I had a grandiose notion that my blog posts would be teasers for full fledged articles, (as the one for Beth below WILL BE DARNIT!) but, uuuhhhh  hasn't happened. 

Thinking back to when I worked in a very demanding, straight commission headhunting sales development environment, I remembered what I used to say to the staff I helped coach "don't worry the results, the only thing you can directly control is the effort, THAT's what you track.  That is what you work on.  Do the work, make the connections and the projects, the deals will come together".

So, I have made the command decision that this blog will be my public "checklist".  Please nag me if I don't keep it up, ok?

Texture Informs - part 1.

In the late 40's all the brick Colonials in this tree lined neighborhood looked alike.  By 2011, generations have built additions, planted gardens, repainted and put their own unique stamp on their homes.  Never is this more evident that the at the home of Elizabeth Loftis.  The rustic artwork, soothing colors, and well-landscaped outside beg you to wonder what awaits within.

Beth is a oil pastel artist showing in Northern Virginia.  Her work favors earthy, ethnic combinations that refer back to her international travels while her husband was in the Foreign Service.  Texture and contrast are as prominent in Beth's art as they are in her home.

Beth states "I'm inspired by patterns and primitive works. I love using oil pastels because it puts me close to my work- I'm happiest when my hands are dirty."  Beth has an artist eye, no doubt when it comes to arranging things in her home.  Everywhere you look (including the top of the refrigerator!) has something to delight the eye.

Read on for Part 2.

Texture Informs, part 2

Your home might be a cool, contemporary or an elegant traditional but if you would like to create more interest in your surroundings you can take some tips from Beth.  To make use of texture in your home, mix rough with smooth. wood with textiles,  porcupine quills with pottery heads!  Pull out things you love and please you visually.  Integrate them into your daily path, so you can enjoy them while working on the more routine things in life.  Little things are the difference between existing and thriving.

This home has a generally warm palette but there are splashes of cool colors also. They provide a visual contrast that make the whole room glow. 
Beth's home and art directly reflect her personality: interesting and layered, comfortable and warm. To see Thriving Creative Elizabeth Loftis's work visit  http://www.stifelandcapra.com/Gallery_Loftis.php.  Look for more on Beth in the upcoming print magazine of Thriving Creatives.

Practice does NOT make perfect.

The year prior to my 50th birthday I embarked on a quest to discern how I wanted to spend my next half century.  I hired a art/business coach, committed to a year long spiritual search for my soul and resolved to get off my backside and do some of the things I have been planning for years.

I have learned that it is a VERY large clue when most of the folks in your life (except for unfailingly supportive family - thank you all) whether clients or friends, coaches or colleagues all say the same thing.  "You sure have a lot on your plate." "I wouldn't have had the guts to do that."  "What do you mean you are starting something new?"  "I am happy to help you, just tell me how".

I am learning working together is fun.  It's good to quit before you are tired.  It's OK to let people know you care. Navel gazing, prayer and contemplation can lead to stunning insights.  The big one?  That if I  wait for something to be perfect before I put it out there, it won't exist except in my imagination.

Thus I begin-

A New Year, A New Beginning

Just got it loaded.  New Year's resolution, step one: CHECK!