The Artist Date (Momentum For Your Muse Series Part 2)

Momentum for Your Muse Series Part 2 

This, Momentum for Your Muse series is designed for writers, but it can apply to any artist  or business person because creativity is a major ingredient that is necessary in all that we do.

 The Artist Date

 “How vain is it to sit down and write when you have not stood up to live.” – Henry David Thoreau

In the book, The Artist’s Way, the author, Julia Cameron suggests that once a week we take ourselves out on what she calls an Artist Date. An artist date is an outing that serves the purpose of sparking your creativity.  This date does not have to cost money, but it should add value to helping refresh your mind so that you can create. Below you will find some suggestions for artist dates on a budget. 

Cultural Arts Experiences

Visit your local museum. If you live in the Detroit area, I suggest doing the tour at the Motown Museum or the tour of the And Still We Rise exhibit at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Did you know that if you live in Wayne, Oakland or Macomb counties that your admission to the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is free?  If you are a Bank of America customer you can visit the Motown Museum, the Henry Ford Museum and other places for FREE on the first weekend of every month.

Regardless of your region, there will always be art. Pay a visit to your local museum or art gallery and just sit back to wait for and watch the mental magic that will occur. 

Movies and Music

Do you remember the dollar show? Well we still have one in Warren, Michigan called Cinemark 16. The price has hiked up to a whopping $1.50, BUT they have specials for children, seniors and the first show of the day.

As for music, I often enjoy my favorite local jazz/funk/neo-soul fusion band for free at various venues around that city. Live music just does something good for the soul.

Nature and Architecture 

No matter where you live, there is usually some beautiful park, body of water or natural scenery that you can enjoy. My park of choice is Belle Isle in Detroit where I walk the perimeter (5 miles around so it’s a great workout too) and enjoy the view of the water and wildlife.  When it’s colder I like to drive along the shore headed East on Jefferson Avenue, passing through several small cities while enjoying the water to my right and big, beautiful homes to my left.

These are just a few suggestions to get you started. This week (and every week hereafter) I challenge you to visit a venue that will ignite your creativity. 

If you haven’t done so already, check out part 1 of this series where we talk about making mental space. Next week we will discuss how to set up your work space and environment in a way that will motivate your muse.

Book Review: In The Pink: A Woman's Guide To Being a Girl by Ramona Prater

I had the privilege of watching Ramona Prater bring the words of her book to life when I saw her speak at an event a few months ago. What stood out to me was that she had a very different view point than that which we are used to hearing when it comes to women. The common message is usually that women should be strong and independent.  While her book doesn’t necessarily say that this way of thinking is wrong, it definitely shakes up the idea by addressing some very powerful truths.

It all boils down to us being honest with ourselves.  Many of us say we don’t need a man, and technically this may be true, but at the end of the day, most of us want a man, want a healthy relationship and want a marriage that works.

Throughout the book there are several instances where she forces us to be honest with ourselves by making bold statements and observations about our behaviors and choices as women. The first statement that caught my attention in her speech and then again in her book was when she said, quite simply, “…No man wants…another man.” This statement was in reference to the idea that feminine freedom means that we are so strong and powerful that we don’t need a man, yet we continue to date men while simultaneously asserting these beliefs. A partnership is all about balance and while two people in a relationship may not necessarily need one another to survive, it’s definitely nice to share your life with someone that adds value to it.

In her chapter entitled, “Damsels in Distress” she makes mention of something that several people think, but rarely say, “There are women who have decided on their own that they will take on ‘Motherhood’ without the consent of a man, you know who you are…and you should be ashamed of yourself.” This bold statement brings light to a situation where women often take on the role of victim. Her words almost dare them instead to take responsibility for their choices. This is just one of several examples where she calls us out on our stuff.

The two quotes that I’ve shared with you are merely a taste of how “In the Pink” is a feisty, daring and powerful read. Ramona Prater is not afraid to make bold and powerful statements of truth that make us really take inventory of what it means to be a woman. It makes me think of something that I heard someone say in a relationship workshop that I’ll never forget. The instructor said something like, “All men aren’t dogs. If we’ve been in several relationships that have failed, we are the only common denominator in all of those relationships. So maybe it’s time to take a look at ourselves.”

This is exactly what Ms. Prater’s book does…she forces us to take an honest look at ourselves as women. As you read her book you will be challenged to think about what you really want, what you really need and what you really need to do to get those things. She explores the power of practicing silence, our tendency to enable our sons to the point where they can’t reach their full potential as men, submission and self-care.

This is a quick yet powerful book that I think all women should read. Whether you agree or disagree with her way of thinking, this work is thought provoking and would make for a great catalyst for discussion among women, as well as between men and women thus making it an excellent book club selection. 

For more information, or to purchase the book, visit InThePinkBook.com

Reviewed by: Monica Marie Jones www.monicamariejones.com