Hi everyone. I’m officially moving over to my new website, LORiKOOP.com.

CLICK HERE to see my latest UPWORD posts. Actually all my posts have been moved there. And they’re better organized. Come visit!

Word for March:  ORDER

Thank goodness we’re not in charge of everything! CLICK HERE to download this month’s bookmark (above). Best printed on card stock. Includes a few extras to share. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

STUDIO CURIOSITY

Are you more interested in… 1. How to find more time to create, or 2. 50+ ways [...]]]> (Week 112)

Word for March:  ORDER

Thank goodness we’re not in charge of everything!

CLICK HERE to download this month’s bookmark (above).
Best printed on card stock. Includes a few extras to share.
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STUDIO CURIOSITY

Are you more interested in…
1. How to find more time to create, or
2. 50+ ways to connect with your true self?

Hit “reply” to cast your vote.
And thanks in advance! xo

Word for February:  WARM

I just spent the last 3 days in a workshop with Jesse Reno, playing with paint. Talk about warm!

When you’re doing something that’s “you”, your TRU self sings. It’s not an audible sound (usually), but it’s a song you feel in your body. You know, that YIPPEEEE! tune. It makes you [...]]]> (Week 111)

Word for February:  WARM

I just spent the last 3 days in a workshop with Jesse Reno, playing with paint. Talk about warm!

When you’re doing something that’s “you”, your TRU self sings. It’s not an audible sound (usually), but it’s a song you feel in your body. You know, that YIPPEEEE! tune. It makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and SUPER excited! That’s how you know you’re on the right path. Doing what you were made to do.

If you have ever wondered what your TRU passions are, look for that feeling. The body always knows. And tells us. If we’ll listen.

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STUDIO EVAL

Are you on track, doing what you love? Or are you stuck doing what you think you should be doing?

When you can’t get into the studio, your body’s talking.

Word for February: WARM

To all those who have shared their warm smiles so generously,

Thank you.

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STUDIO DELIVERY

A sampling of the plaquettes I just sent to Belle’s Nest, a lovely, local shop of handmades here in Sierra Madre. Created by two artist sisters, Elena and [...]]]> (Week 110)

Word for February: WARM

To all those who have shared their warm smiles so generously,

Thank you.

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STUDIO DELIVERY

A sampling of the plaquettes I just sent to Belle’s Nest, a lovely, local shop of handmades here in Sierra Madre. Created by two artist sisters, Elena and Gloria, it’s a work of art. Come visit for the lovely smells, sweet inspiration and yes, warm smiles.

(Week 109)

Word for February:  WARM

“Warm” is one of those words you feel in your body. Actually, we “feel” every word in our body, but most of the time we don’t notice. Warm is one of those obvious ones.

When I was little and freezing in New Jersey, I used to imagine being [...]]]>

Our Satsuma Orange Tree

(Week 109)

Word for February:  WARM

“Warm” is one of those words you feel in your body. Actually, we “feel” every word in our body, but most of the time we don’t notice. Warm is one of those obvious ones.

When I was little and freezing in New Jersey, I used to imagine being in bright sunshine sweating, and I’d stop shivering. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was using words to change my body sensations. To feel more comfortable.

Close your eyes and think “warm.” Notice what happens in your body. For me, my chest heats up, my breathing slows, my face relaxes. My body has these sensations because of the word… and the attached thoughts I have to the word. Thoughts based on my history and my chosen interpretation of that history.

To test, think of the word “cold” and notice the difference. Sometimes body responses are subtle and hard to pick up. Other times they are BIG and obvious. Like a stomach ache. Depends on the intensity of the thoughts.

A few more to try . . .
money
creativity
Valentine

Words always produce specific, physical sensations. These are what we use to describe “our feelings.” Good to know. In case we want to feel differently.
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Word for February:  WARM

(Not just for campers.) CLICK HERE to download this month’s bookmark. Best printed on card stock. Includes some extras to share. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Several people did not get last week’s post. If you don’t get a Sunday post, be suspicious. This week makes [...]]]> (Week 108)

Word for February:  WARM

(Not just for campers.)

CLICK HERE to download this month’s bookmark.
Best printed on card stock. Includes some extras to share.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Word for January:  SUPPORT  (last week)

The hardest part about teaching a child to ride a bike is knowing how much to support and how much to let go.

How much to hold on.

How much to let go.

There is no manual. It’s a feeling.

And sometimes they fall.

This is how we too learn balance. _ _ _ _ [...]]]> (Week 107)

Word for January:  SUPPORT  (last week)

The hardest part about teaching a child to ride a bike is knowing how much to support and how much to let go.

How much to hold on.

How much to let go.

There is no manual. It’s a feeling.

And sometimes they fall.

This is how we too learn balance.
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STUDIO STREAMLINE

Word for January:  SUPPORT

We are all designed to create. We all have a left and a right hemisphere. The right, with its infinite imagination and wisdom, was created to lead. And the left does its best work as support, physically carrying out the right’s ideas. It holds the to-do list.

This morning [...]]]> (Week 106)

Word for January:  SUPPORT

We are all designed to create. We all have a left and a right hemisphere. The right, with its infinite imagination and wisdom, was created to lead. And the left does its best work as support, physically carrying out the right’s ideas. It holds the to-do list.

This morning as I wrote, I felt fear. I know my left brain was trying to lead, because it does fear. By design, it was created to warn of danger, real danger, and we need it to survive. But its opinion about perceived danger is just that, opinion. It’s important to know its not fact. Your truth is found in the right hemisphere. Where your true self and God merge. And create.

I turned the page and asked a heart question. “Why do I want to do it?” This immediately put the right guy, the right brain, in charge. Heart questions do that. The answer flowed. Fear departed. And I felt energized. Excited. My focus had shifted from me to the people I wanted to serve. I saw it as an offer of love. There, there was peace. And no struggle.

If you’re feeling anxiety about something you want to create, shift focus. From focusing outside, on what others might think. (This is where your left, fearful brain points.) To focusing within, on what your authentic self knows. Ask why? And you will shift to the right space. And the left can do its best work as support.
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REFLECTION, 2012

Word for January: SUPPORT

Is it time to clean out your friends closet?

Friendships are like clothes. They have a certain fit. Some fit a season. Others a lifetime. It’s because of our evolution, our ever becoming process. Preferences change. Over time, some clothes no longer feel right.

We transform for good reason. We’ve [...]]]> (Week 105)

REFLECTION, 2012

Word for January: SUPPORT

Is it time to clean out your friends closet?

Friendships are like clothes. They have a certain fit. Some fit a season. Others a lifetime. It’s because of our evolution, our ever becoming process. Preferences change. Over time, some clothes no longer feel right.

We transform for good reason. We’ve got a job to do. It’s the reason we’re here. Our growth is the process that gets us there. Our authentic self, the vehicle that gets us there. Hold tight.

Letting go of a friendship is painful. Grieve. Give it time. Find a friend or two who will grab your hand and help you to the other side. Don’t resist, allow the emotions. They’re making room.

You may not see it for a while, but in the end, both parties benefit. Both are now available to find something that supports them. Something that fits them beautifully. Something that celebrates their assets!

Really, why have any clothes that don’t do that.

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STUDIO SHIFT

So yesterday, during my morning pages, I got this brilliant idea. Make videos to address the creative struggle. Videos that remove the blocks so creatives can reach their potential. After all, this gift can ultimately bless all of us. If I can help that, I want to!

So, as you’re reading this, think of a problem you’re having with your creativity and send it to me. Something that’s keeping you from moving forward. Just press “reply” to this email. It will begin the experiment. Who knows what will come? I love that about the creative process. (Fits me perfectly.)

(Week 104)

Word for January:  SUPPORT

With this new year before us, all stretched out and pretty, we stand in front of a white canvas free to create. An invitation to play. This moment does not know what came before. It doesn’t even care. We can make anything happen. What [...]]]>

CLICK image to watch.

(Week 104)

Word for January:  SUPPORT

With this new year before us, all stretched out and pretty, we stand in front of a white canvas free to create. An invitation to play. This moment does not know what came before. It doesn’t even care. We can make anything happen. What do you want to see? Remember, your studio is you.

What will you create for yourself in 2012? I like the idea of one thing at a time. One thing brings focus. One thing can stick in your brain. Choose something. Write it down as if it has already happened. Then put a date on it. For example, “I have completed my book. It’s June 30, 2012.” This is how we shift from dreaming to doing. And this is often where we get stuck. When action is required. Because it takes time. And obstacles show up.

So GET SUPPORT! That’s right. Do something you rarely do. Once you decide what you want and when it will happen by, pick up the phone or send an email to someone you can count on. Someone who’s got your back. Someone who will do all they can to help you accomplish your thing. (They probably have a goal you can help them with.)

Tell them your intention and what you want help with. Work out the details. I’d suggest weekly check-ins. This effort does have the power to create that thing. You’re attaching commitment to it. It can happen this year. When there’s action.

Just “stop it!” You CAN ask for help. You’ve tried this on your own, right? Take just one minute to really get this thing going. You know how fast this year will go.

(A lil support because I love ya!)
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