Monday, September 26, 2011

Hidden in Plain Sight


       Boundaries and Bridges: Your Interactions with Others


As we move into this new subtopic in our search for "Audacious Self-Care" this year, I want to explore our interactions with a rather ethereal other...the creative Muse.


O.K., I think I know what you're saying....
"'Sounds like fun...you go first, Susan!"


Well, it is a little unusual, so I'll excuse your sarcasm. :-)
And I will go first.

  Hidden in Plain Sight


I was five years old when I got my first glimpse of her. She was walking past the classroom, just as I’d finished making my first collage. At that age, I didn’t even know what a Muse was. But the thrill of making a piece of art that I loved was unmistakable.

As an adult, I tried my hand at writing children’s fiction. At first, my Muse and I were bubbling over with enthusiasm.


photo (c) iStockphoto.com/kemie


When the reality of being a writer settled in, I tried to offset this by striving. That was the absolute worst thing to do! My Muse wanted nothing to do with that writing environment, so I began seeing her less and less.


One day, my Muse stopped by with wise advice. She said, “Let writing go. If it’s meant to be part of your life, it will return.” I knew she was right; I had nearly ruined my health from the stress.

Later, my Muse and I developed a class on journal writing. We had found journal writing to be our easiest way to communicate with each other and strengthen our friendship, so the class was a natural for us to design.

Not long after that, I took training to become a Life Coach. Growing my practice in partnership with my Muse has been a delightful creative challenge!





The four photos below are the facets and moods of my Muse. 


















photo (c) iStock/Alina Solovyova-Vincent




photo (c) iStockphoto.com/ChristopherBernard












                                                 photo (c) iStockphoto.com/kate_sept2004    





photo (c) iStockphoto.com/THEPALMER

My Muse may seem like a silent, invisible partner to anyone else. But for me, she has been an inspiring friend…a true catalyst for my creativity.

Now it's your turn!  Please click the "Comments" button below
and let us know about your relationship with your Muse.
Thanks,
        Susan




photo (c) iStockphoto.com/CGinspiration


Attention Local Folks ~ I hope to see you at these events!


"You Can Heal Yourself from Cancer" 


Saturday Morning, October 8, 2011
Presented by McCormick Chiropractic, Pottstown, PA


Come and hear some very down-to-earth speakers talking about prevention and cures!


For details, please see www.mcccormickchiropractic.com


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Boyertown Area School District Continuing Education


Two Personal Enrichment Classes by Yours Truly
Starting on October 17 and 20


For details, please see www.boyertownasd.org


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"Inner Light Spiritual Holistic Expo"


Weekend of November 12 and 13 in Pottstown, PA
Presented by Inner Light Holistic Center, Gilbertsville, PA


For details, please see www.INNERLIGHTHC.com


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**All of Susan's creative4life posts are (c) Susan Cleaver.** 


**Active Member of the TriCounty Community Network at