October Update

I've sat down to write everyday this week and the effects have been odd. I've been unable to say what I want to say the way I want to say it. Unable to wrap my mind around the words, or the external appearance of them. I write them, look at them, and then erase them.

I wanted to talk about inspiration; where I look when I feel like I don't have any, plus a list of things that make me happy. One small issue with this concept is that the "things that make me happy" are distracting. Positive or not, these videos and concepts that help me improve my energy and find inspiration talk me away from what I am doing for that moment. I think that's probably what happened whilst I was writing the last blog. I got distracted by one of many sources of inspirations during not 2, 3, but 4 drafts. 5 days into October and I've recognized my last idea may not have been the best idea. That's fine, that means better ideas are on their way already.

Realistically a lot has happened since my last update. As of this morning I have decided to remove myself from most, if not all Alberta/calgary public networking groups on FB. I've watched the pages take a turn for the worse as negativity overpowers creativity and the focus changes and the ambition fades. My time in Calgary has almost come to a halt, and my networking strategies have changed as I develop a bit more of a business attitude every day. I loved the resources of the creative groups, especially at the beginning of my time here and throughout the summer. It's sad to see how quickly the cold winter air has grasped onto the swollen hearts of many this season.

To sustain/maintain creative flow I separate and refocus. The creative flow does not come from the crowd. The creative flow could be anywhere at anytime but If I'm involving myself with people that are bringing my feelings away from creativity I can't have any expectation of finding it. I'm very blessed to have a creative space I can retreat to both mentally and physically. I didn't realize how important the mental creative space was to me. It's an incredibly special space that is constantly growing and adapting. It is warm and safe, and the goal main feeling is mindfulness. I can disappear into this space behind my sewing machine for hours. I will look up from a garment and my eyes will catch the clock and 3 hours have passed. Its amazing phenomenon in which time escapes me.

This month is absolutely fantastic for figure modelling. I'm happy to be doing a couple long-term studies as private studios, as well as institution classes at ACAD. I've come to the realization that it is beautiful to be known for what you do. It's like your commitment hand you a gift saying " thanks for hanging in there, the tell of time has proven to people what you are". I have a lot of gratitude for this theory as it fills me with positive and warm feelings for present and future. I have no plans to stop doing what I love. I plan to continue to do these things forever. It's a pleasure to know that others can come to know me for doing those things.

I've also had a beautiful bunch of last minute opportunities and inquiries. When I first moved to Calgary this was one of my main marketing techniques. I would be sure to tell people to think of me if they have last minute cancellations. I have a car and am about 20 mins to anywhere. I know the nature of the industry. The part time nature of modelling alone can leave one with a lot of down-time or time to think. Cancellations happen quite a lot. I love to be there in those cases and I've done my best to make my schedule comply. I am so grateful to have found a deep and intense interest in design as well as modelling. I feel very much like my eggs have been more evenly distributed.

Looking a little further into the month I am eagerly looking forward to some brand new art nude work. Its exciting to continue to grow and build with my clients as the results are a constant reminder of the growth on both of our behalves. Everyday brings new opportunities to the table this October, and as time continues I have very positive and uplifting feelings about this months work and projects.

More soon!

Photo credit to Paul Dyson