Relationship, Gratitude, and Joy

Continuing to reflect on ways things become real through sharing, support, connection, and care.

I’ve now made over 100 octopuses - I’m delighted by the feeling of creating in a community that comes from readers and kickstarter supporters. As I prepare to begin mailing, I look forward to hearing about adventures as octopuses move to their new homes.

I enjoyed reading all the responses to the story I told in the last newsletter of Ryan and his imaginary friend, Mouse. Thank you.

Throughout the week, I continued to reflect on this idea of how things become “real” and how we limit this process when we guard what feels vulnerable.

My friend and fellow writer, Kathy Swaar, reminded me of something important: it is the people who engage with creative work who make it real; this process happens as creations live and interact in community. Those who love, share, and find meaning in creations really bring them to life. The creator begins the process; it is the courage to share that allows what began in imagination to live in the world and become a real factor in the lives of others.

My thinking about imagination and reality coincided with a somewhat challenging week for me with my work. Several opportunities came my way that challenged my skills, particularly with technology. I did my best to welcome these as opportunities for learning and connection, but there was also a fair bit of frustration with my slowness trying to learn and implement new skills.

The learning curve with technology challenged my sense of competence and commitment to my work. I am more of an analog sort of person, when working with graphics programs and desktop publishing, I often joke that “no electronic devices were injured in the making of this file.” My most common self-criticism in these instances is to think, if I were a “real” business owner/artist/writer, I’d know how to do this.

There it is again that concept of what is real and what isn’t. I’m reminded again how often I have been known to say in the ups and downs of creative self-employed work that if it doesn’t work out, I can always “get a real job.”

These voices are old and familiar and, thankfully, not as loud as they once were but they return from time to time and this time, I heard their challenge to my sense of reality, to what’s real and what matters.

In the midst of this struggle, I was grateful for responses, stories, and reflections shared by readers that reminded me that my words, my ideas, and my writing create real connection.

Thank you.

Chronicling my Courtship with Creativity

I’ve been thinking more and more about ways community supports creativity. This week I will begin shipping the first of the octopus prints and stickers to those who supported my kickstarter campaign to create an Octopus Color Wheel.

The crowdfunding format was energizing for me and allowed me to share the project in a way that invited supporters to be part of the creation. It felt new and exciting to invite people into something bigger. It also felt a bit vulnerable. In order to invite support, I chose to share before I really had everything figured out.

Your support was overwhelming; I am grateful.

This community feedback inspired curiousity about ways to invite community support for my creative process as I am writing the book.

Invitation to Conversation and Support

If you would like to further support this newsletter, there is an option to pledge your support below.

All posts and content will continue to be free to all subscribers.

My main goal for this newsletter is to share ideas around creativity and connection.

There are many ways to support this work:

If you see something that resonates or challenges you, please write and tell me more. This can be through the comments here or by replying to this email.

If you have questions, please send those too.

Sharing this newsletter with friends is a great way to help me grow.

Thank you for reading and being a part of creative community through this newsletter,

Kathryn

My March Shelfie:

Books inspiring me this month include:

Inciting Joy by Ross Gay

Foolsgold by Susan Woolridge

Faith, Hope and Carnage by Nick Cave and Sean O’Hagan

The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus by Jen Bryant and Illustrated by Melissa Sweet