Tag Archives: Mentors

The Secret is to Make Practice Effortless

To increase your skill level with any job or hobby, you need two things: LOTS of book-learning hours LOTS of real-world practice Surgeon or master carpenter or architect or watercolorist. They all require lots of study and practice. The challenge … Continue reading

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Sumac, Horses, and Crickets

1964: The summer breeze is a blend of fresh hay, saddle soap, and the sweet smell of horse sweat.  At Chestnut Bay Stables, learning to be safe and responsible in the barns and on the trails long precedes any time … Continue reading

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A Good Book Is Like a Mirror

Much to my surprise, I am experiencing “an embarrassment of riches” with this recent deep dive into reading. The latest FICTION audio/eBook I am enjoying is The Dictionary of Lost Words. ~~~~~ On my eleventh birthday, my dad gave me a … Continue reading

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Give Yourself Permission to have Gentle Habits

Here’s a mostly true story: Aaron (or “Double-A-Ron” as his friends called him) was a gentle soul lovingly referred to as the town drunk. His regular haunt was the Village Tap Tavern. Every day he would wander in about 4pm, … Continue reading

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“May I?” is a Great Question

The theme for May 2025 is giving ourselves permission to explore new hobbies, or “May I?” Do you give yourself permission to try whatever activity interests you? Many of us hesitate, saying it costs too much, or it’s too hard, … Continue reading

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Planting future seeds of creative momentum

“Not every day is meant for painting.”What?? Blasphemy! The garden metaphor is helpful. If we were watering, fertilizing, weeding, and bothering our plants every day, they would ask us to leave. They might stop thriving, or wilt, or even die … Continue reading

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What could you learn in just two hours a week?

Three questions for this next week of April 2025 Spring Fever: 1- Would you like to have room for even more learning? 2- If so, what subject would you explore? 3- Would two hours a week, for only a month, … Continue reading

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Mentors are the Key to Momentum

“Next, how do you refill your energetic / creative fuel tank? How often are you doing it, and might more time be helpful?” -question from last week’s essay April’s theme is all about harnessing restlessness, claiming your focus, and developing … Continue reading

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What if you could turn restlessness into productive joy?

The essay theme for April is Transforming Spring Fever into Joyful Focus. Week One, what habits might give you the most immediate and reliable satisfaction? Next, how do you refill your energetic/ creative fuel tank? How often are you doing … Continue reading

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The Power and Purpose of Silence

Silence can be the ultimate act of decluttering. Silence is scarce. We attain momentary darkness every time we blink our eyes or close them for several minutes / hours when we sleep each night. Our eyes let us rest. But … Continue reading

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