March 2016 Archives

Equinox Creativity

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Our annual Spring Equinox barbecue was a great success among new neighbors and old friends. We were fifteen people with food for 30. There was an abundance of cheese from around the world, plenty of bread including some delicious loaves locally baked, mushrooms (we ordered 2 kg online!), herbed mayonnaise, dips, vegetable sticks, and lots of wine and beer. 6 hours of feasting ended with a cake. 

For me, the equinox is both a celebration and a solemn day as I note the anniversary of my father's death. And this year, our friend Paul, who attended many equinox parties in years past, was also in my thoughts. So I had a private cry as I missed these two good men.

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I cannot host a party without a creative activity and this year we drew postcards. All the guests wrote down addresses of friends and family who will unsuspectingly receive one of the cards pictured above - not necessarily one drawn by someone they know. I suspect there will be some very bemused recipients. "Equinox greetings from who? In Japan?"

One thing that I learned this year, is that living in Chiba completely changes the guest list. It's a long way from Tokyo and only one family made it. Which is fine, but it does indicate it is going to be challenging to keep old friendships going. 

Drawing Meditations

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A few months back, Tracey and I teamed up to make a new creative project. We launched something I think is unique to the world - or at least very uncommon so far - coloring pages with guided audio meditations. We call them Drawing Meditations

The idea takes two forms of meditative relaxation and combines them. Pairing coloring with meditation creates a powerful sense of ease and calm. Your left brain focuses on the technical aspects of coloring while your right brain enjoys flowing into the present moment with the meditation. It's pretty cool and it really works well to distract your busy mind and give you some space to "just be" without any other pressures.

I drew the coloring pages and wrote and recorded the narration for the meditations. Tracey sourced all the materials for the Drawing Meditation gift sets we sell on Etsy. They are gorgeous little things and I especially love the pocket-sized coloring books. 

We are hosting an event on March 12th in Tokyo - a live version of Drawing Meditation. I'll be presenting two new drawings plus a tutorial on coloring in techniques. It's going to be great fun. You are invited to attend! The details for Coloring-In Party feat Drawing Meditations are on Facebook, or contact me directly.

Recent Comments

  • Rolex Watches: This group of pictures is so beautiful, thank you for read more
  • Robert Parent: I have learned to not let pass the subtle hints read more
  • Jenn(y): This is a good, goal-oriented way to approach the new read more
  • Tracey Northcott (@keitaigoddess): I am such a loser - sent off my cards read more
  • Tracey Northcott (@keitaigoddess): Hi Babe, Haven't seen you in ages it seems. Ash read more
  • https://www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawlBlcLTfxgMWRgxf2_TuNkGW8AwePJPekQ: Hi Kristen, Tell me about it. Our last (3 month) read more
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  • Carolyn Farwell: Oh the gif you've created is so funny! You have read more
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