When my book, Lettering from A to Z, was published in October 2020, its purpose was to provide information to explain, teach and encourage creatives. I still remember, in awe, that a 294-page book could even make it through all the production challenges of the pandemic, but there it was, packed in a box that had traveled across the country, ready for a new life.
In a way, the words in books have a way of guiding us to live our dreams, even years later.
Phawnda Moore
Or years before. In another time, F. Scott Fitzgerald summed up his chaotic, colorful life with words that still matter: “For what it’s worth: it’s never too late to be whoever you want to be. I hope you live a life you’re proud of, and, if you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start over.”
This year the candles on my book’s birthday cake are lit to share personal advice for anyone placed in an intersection of life at this uncertain time. How can we confront feelings of confusion, fear or lack of confidence?
Sit down with a cup of coffee or tea with me, dear reader. Let’s look at how randomly exploring creativity as a lifestyle goes beyond the easel. It can change your perspective and give you new resources.
Know yourself: What words describe your personality? In the realm of gifts, some speculate if they can contribute to change as an introvert. Allow for growth or new direction in smaller increments. Test drive, fine-tune your humanity. Plan to be surprised.
Your age: You are all the years of your life, not “old” (which sounds static, even if it’s a fact). Get reacquainted with your childlike traits of wonder, curiosity and connect to your feelings. Let the simple joy of being alive enter into the reality of the headlines.
Observe models: Like a solitary tree in unexpected terrain, we face daily challenges, risks and loneliness from current events. The Lone Cypress tree in Monterey, Calif., has modeled resistance since about 1750 to the moody storms of the ocean, cables, arson and losing a limb. In awe and inspiration, visitors capture its endurance on film and paper. They want to remember.
Listen to music: It gathers like spirits together for yet another powerfully creative experience that lingers.
Explore nature: Feel the air, open a window or a door. Hey, climb a mountain while you travel.
Plant a garden: share the bounty.
Cultures: May we always be a melting pot, welcoming others. Seek out safe experiences to practice.
Travel: There’s often time for small talk in travel groups. Many local areas head out on foot to sketch everyday sights in the community.
Dawn: New every day, a fresh canvas from heaven lifts our eyes to feel hope.
Aim for balance: Time, exercise, healthy diet, sleep, self-care, small joys.
Sunset: A time to savor gratitude and the gift of life.
Seasons: Always provide a natural reset for us. Let their influence guide your life in a positive way.
Prayer: The Lord will fill in the names, the needs, the knowledge. Just pray.
Fashion: An older friend mentioned to me that she enjoyed the long scarf I gave her as a wrap. I’d always thought those went around the neck. Our creative sharing blessed both of us.
Grow your food: This is an education, often more than expected, but it’s very satisfying to work with colors and shapes.
Animals: Levels of wordless communication and exchange of feelings invite bonding with God’s sweet creatures.
Faith: Use your gifts to be an encourager in faith and an anchor of hope.
Letting go: Sometimes we need to protect our peace from unhealthy relationships, unwise directions. Pay attention to your spirit.
Listen: Just listen to those who make you angry or with whom you completely disagree; be present and promise yourself to listen. Then you may come to decisions with more objectivity.
Know you have response choices: Silence, formal acknowledgement of the issue, prayer, creating art or writing to express your feelings, sending mail, asking for a phone time. It doesn’t have to be immediate or absolute. Allow time.
Show up: When important life celebrations matter to your friends, be there.
Ask questions: Much like the generational practice of cooking a ham, at some point you ask questions. Be open to growing and change — how to bake sourdough or how to cook corn on the cob in the microwave (the best!).
Keep a journal: Draw, express your feelings, record events. It could be the best resource for your days. Sketching the Lone Cypress could be the first page.
Practice kindness to others: If you’ve ever followed a car in a fast-food lane and unexpectedly received “no charge” for your meal, you know the feeling. Keep it going. Next time pay for a stranger’s meal and hope they’ll remember to bless others.
Be the power of love: In some way, each day be the power of love. Between marching, addressing postcards, and voting in dark times, be thankful to be God’s creative power in your decisions and attitude. “When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this: you haven’t,” said Thomas Edison.
Phawnda Moore is a Northern California artist and award-winning author of Lettering from A to Z: 12 Styles & Awesome Projects for a Creative Life. In living a creative life, she shares spiritual insights from traveling, gardening and cooking. Find her on Facebook at Calligraphy & Design by Phawnda and Instagram at phawnda.moore