Wreck This Journal: Keep Reaching

Sometimes the simplest things can lead to the biggest realizations.  About halfway through Wreck This Journal, there’s page that says: Trace your hand.  I was instantly reminded of the “hand turkeys” I drew while in grade school and I thought it would be fun to make another one . . . or two.  I couldn’t resist tracing both hands!

What I didn’t expect was to see so much hiding in the silhouette I had created. The stark black outline made my hands seem so meek and insignificant, even though I knew better. They aren’t just flesh and bone, but rather a symbol of the fact that big things can come out of tiny packages.  All I need to do is believe.

A realization like this calls for something much more significant than a turkey.  So, I pulled out a box of crayons, my quote journal, and a set of stamps.  I was on a mission to make my hands look exactly how they feel to me as a writer and an (always trying) artist.  Before I knew it, the page exploded with color:

The background is supposed to be the sun on the horizon (either at sunset or sunrise, which happen to be my two favorite times of the day).  To switch things up I drew the sky onto my hands as a way to remind myself the sky’s the limit and I can put it wherever I like in my imagination.   The quotes I chose for my palms come from Langston Hughes and Vincent Van Gogh, both of whom I greatly admire. They are an amazing source of motivation to pick up that pen and keep writing, even when the inner critic is whispering in my ear.

Writing and creativity are all about reaching beyond what is possible. Giving up is not an option, even when faced with boundaries and people saying “you can’t.”  The human spirit is a powerful force . . . as long as we keep reaching.

– – –

Previous Wreck This Journal:

Letting Go

c.b. 2011

Advertisement

Paying it Forward . . .

Recently, a few bloggers have done me the honor of mentioning my blog and it felt so great, I can’t help but pay it forward. I’m still very new to the blogging arena and the learning curve remains huge, but I’ve met some wonderful writers and personalities along the way.  Every morning I sit down with these blogs and enjoy words of differing perspectives, inspiration, whimsy, and encouragement while I enjoy a cup of coffee.  So here they are in no particular order . . .

TBN Ranch – Everything you ever wanted to know about ranching, horses, and chicken farming.  The writer of this blog has also recently published a book of poetry called “Trail of Trials.”  Click on the link to find out more.

The Everyday Epic – Truly thoughtful posts on the art of writing, the struggles that come with it and the triumphs that make the process worth every step.  And it all comes from a very inspiring and uplifting individual.

Tattered Past – Inspiration for writing, crafts, and nostalgia for the good ol’ days.  Plus, she makes a little critter to help silence the inner critic.  Click to see wonderful scrapbook, art journal, and sewing projects.

Loving Arizona Living – Ever wonder why people brave 100 degree temperatures to live in Arizona?  This blog focuses on everything there is to love about Arizona from tourist landmarks to simple backyard tales.  The desert has a lot to offer and this blog helps you see the beauty of an often barren landscape.

Writer Waitress – Writers are all around us.  They are the cashier that scans your groceries and they are the waitress that serves your food.  This blog is warm, funny, and honest as it explores the life of a waitress who is also a writer, (a darn good writer, too).  What I enjoy most about this blog is how it makes me laugh with every post.

Wings of Wonder – A very inspiring artist posts illustrations and words that always lift my spirits.  Often portrays a very personal and relatable journey of an artist, no matter the medium.

Unbound – Often full of fantastic journal page creations and photography.  Another very invigorating blog full of color, vitality, and inspiration.

Journalization – The blogs that always inspire me the most are those that are incredibly honest.  Every post on this blog conveys a beautiful nugget of truth and most noticeably so on those that involve the Wish Jar.

christywrites – The poetry on this blog is what keeps me clicking every time I see there is a new entry.  The style is unique and the emotion is always very powerful.

Poetry by James R. Dean – Some of the best poetry I’ve read lately is on this blog.  Beautiful odes, ballads, and haikus that call back to a more traditional style of prose.

Lisa Bredmose – Another very honest blog about the inner journey of an artist.  Writing is more than just getting the words out, it’s also about believing in those words.

Roughwaterjohn – Amazing poetry that always has a unique rhythm and evokes wholly original imagery.

There are many more, which means I’ll have to pay it forward again in another post.  My thanks to those above for adding a little something special to each day.  Your thoughts and creativity are very much appreciated and enjoyed.

c.b. 2011