Hey Friends!
It’s a bit foggy this morning, and it’s been really warm in Mississippi. But…a cold front is moving our way! We may get some fall-like temps next week. I can’t wait!
Update on Travel
Recently, Phillip and I took a fabulous trip to Columbus, Ohio. Who knew that Columbus was such an interesting and fun city? We were there to see family for a long weekend, and we had a marvelous time seeing the sights, eating some amazing food, and spending time with family with lots of laughter. Laughter is so good for the soul!
However, I must tell you about the extraordinary community that they live in. Predominantly inhabited by seniors, there is a level of activity and creative living that is amazing. I was so impressed with the men’s walking club which befriended my husband on his first stroll on the neighborhood track. They walk every morning on the beautiful flower-lined track that sits right next to a small pond. A beautiful setting! Can you imagine what exercise and comradery do for their well-being?
Also, in the early mornings, I witnessed many silver foxes getting their daily exercise. Some walked arm and arm with their mates with their walking apparatus close by. Or it was a small group walking and chatting during their morning jaunt. I have to tell you that this is a wonderful example of living creative and active lives. They have all kinds of community activities that add to their creative, full lives, which is such a bonus.
On the other hand, I know that we do not all live in a neighborhood with everything at our fingertips. But you can still live a creative life where you are. I think one of the components of living creatively is venturing out of your comfort zone. I think if we try new activities, this small act allows us to add to our lives. Research shows that trying new things is good for our brain health among other things.
New Writing Endeavor
SO! Guess what else I did this month? I had my first author school visit. I read my picture book called Nightmares in the Little Poster Bed for a first-grade class. I wrote the manuscript 25 years ago and just recently self-published it with Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing.
During the school visit, the students were engaged and enthusiastic. It warmed my heart. We discussed the story elements, and they blew me away with their analysis. I plan to do more author visits in 2024. I want to go into schools to inspire children to enjoy reading, which will just be a continuation of my teaching life — but without the stress. Check out my video on my YouTube Channel @shellyscreativelife. https://youtube.com/shorts/oNF77N-rXLw?feature=share
Living a Creative Life
I saw a quote yesterday that said, “Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.” Thank you, Mary Lou Cook, for this amazing quote! You were reading my mind!
This quote resonates with me because I believe that living a creative life is trying new things, getting out of your comfort zone, and being happy while you’re doing it. I say all the time it may not be something that you’re good at, but you’re allowing yourself to get your creative juices flowing.
What are you doing that gets you out of your comfort zone? It doesn’t have to be anything major. Maybe, it’s as small as going and purchasing that new lipstick that you’ve been eyeing at your local department store makeup counter. Another example could be taking the step to start that new home project that you’ve been talking about for a while. Still on my list is the water aerobics class at my local gym. I have not taken that step yet, but I will before 2024. Two months left…
At the end of the day, living a creative life is what makes your heart sing. Writing creatively makes me so happy! Nevertheless, in Act II, I want to continue to try new things, travel, and just experience life, like I wasn’t able to do while teaching full-time.
Well, that’s all for now!
Be kind to someone today! Our world needs it!
Until next time!
Shelly
