Ignite!
Huzzah for a Word of the Year that worked!
Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter, “Creative Endeavors.” My plan for this newsletter is for it to provide you with a few moments of delight on the second and fourth Monday of each month. I will be writing about my own creative practice, sharing my research about curiosity and creativity, as well as inspiration I think you’ll enjoy. I’ll let you know about opportunities to take classes with me, too. I’m a fan of a link list in a newsletter, so you’ll see that, and I’ll also offer a prompt to spark your own creativity, in whatever media you use. I’d love it if you share what you create in our community.
This first week of the new year filled my in-box with emails about resolutions, goals, getting my act together for 2024. I subscribe to a slower start, though. Sure, I’ve decided and embarked on a year-long project, making and mailing a postcard daily (sign up here), but otherwise, I’m allowing my endeavors for the year to reveal themselves on a “not-the-first-of-the-year” pace. Same with choosing a word for the year.
Do you choose a word for the year? Last year my word was “Ignite,” and I had an Ignite vision board next to my desk in my studio. When I reflect on my year, it feels like I did, in fact, ignite:
I taught for one of my favorite venues, Tatter Blue Library (check out their class schedule–always inspiring).
My first solo art show “Grimm, Abstracted” was hosted by tiny gallery The Thimble Gallery (it was so fun to work small!)
I published the essay I’ve spent most of my writing career trying to get right (content warning: kidnapping and rape) in one of my dream publications, The Rumpus.
I won a teacher’s scholarship from Shakerag and spent a week immersed in paper making.
I published my pedagogy article about using contract grading in creative writing classrooms.
I wrote and published an article in Strawberry Moon magazine about Emily Dickinson’s fascicles and how to make your own sweet book.
I took the decision to leave teaching and accepted an administrative position at my university as executive director of general education and high impact practices.
I partnered up with one of my favorite co-teachers, Joyce Hayden, and we launched Creative Patina, a school for the curious.
So, yeah, I’m a fan of the word of the year. Writing out and sharing that list feels like a brag, but I hope you’ll indulge me–I don’t intend to brag. I intend to let you know that I truly believe seeing “Ignite” every day reminded me to do the things that lit me up and to get them out in the world. Huzzah for an effective word of the year!
I’m still pondering my word for 2024. Are you? Have you selected your word? Either way, here’s a Creative Patina workshop to help you find and / or deepen your connection to your word. We’ll be writing and dreaming and making concertina books! We’ll explore lots of ways to get that word into our daily lives.
Joyce and I are also hosting a free mini workshop on Monday, January 15, 6-6:45 p.m. on building creative community. Join us? Registration information is here.
Link List:
What I’m reading:
Women Talking by Miriam Toews. This is my current commuting book. The novel is based on actual events. I’m riveted! (Content warning: rape and domestic violence.)
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin. This is my before-bed book. I’ve had it since it came out just about a year ago, and I’ve been reading one short chapter each night. I’m not that far in, but so far, I’m finding Rubin’s take on creativity worth reading about.
What I’m Watching
Fargo, season 5 I’m one episode in, so no spoilers, please!
What I’m Eating
This shakshuka recipe from Smitten Kitchen. I’m not a fan of runny eggs, so I sort of hard-steam them. Neal likes to bake a piece of salmon to eat with this meal.
This winter spice cake from The Farmer’s Daughter–I am grateful that she offers small batch baking recipes. I don’t frost this one–it’s delicious plain with a good cup of tea or coffee.
This turmeric cauliflower soup from Skinny Taste. Perfect for snowy evenings.
Creative Prompt:
Using whatever creative outlet that rocks your world (photography, writing, painting, dancing, baking…) spend 10 minutes imagining a conversation between today you and 2025 you. Create that conversation.
Thanks for reading this, especially as I warm up my creaky blogging muscles and grow them into newslettering muscles!
Peace,
Beverly