Wednesday night kicked off our brand new series of creative conversations in Boulder. An awesome speaker, a fabulous new home at Design within Reach for our Apartment Therapy Design Evenings, super silly icebreaker nametags (i.e. if you build ________, it will come) and a gathering of over 35 creative souls ~ I have to say it was a pretty exciting night! Kristin's talk centered around living a creative life ~ taking risks, building your creative community, remembering to be a kid again and play (which really hit home from me with the Makerie being right around the corner!), and the fun and power of collaboration. She is living her creative dream and inspired us all to do the same.
The whole idea behind this series is to build a community of creatives that can share their passions, ideas and inspiration. We are really excited for Boulder to embrace this idea and can't wait to continue the creative conversations!
Please read these beautiful words of wisdom by Ms. Paris Anne Rosenthal (Amy's daughter), age 13. How does she know all of this at her sweet, young age?
Grip it
Life is a basketball game. You cannot go through it without other people. The time gradually runs out, so take as many chances as you can and take advantage of the precious minutes. Do not rush or wish away the time. Sometimes you hit the right spot, and sometimes you don’t. Not every shot or every day is the best. A coach is someone you look up to in life. There is always someone to guide you and teach you new things. Always try your best. Work with others and share the ball. Share your glory, share your generosity, share your wisdom, share your humor, share. But also be greedy sometimes. Take shots; don’t constantly pass. Alone time and individuality is essential and vital. Use the losses, the air balls, the complete misses, and failures as ways to learn and be better next time. Bond. Take time to stop and simply reflect. Love, travel, laugh, study, learn, think. Compliment someone. Wear a uniform. Literally? No. But have your own number that stands out in the crowd. Be yourself. Have your own personality and build an identity. Face it, you can’t have someone else’s title or jersey number, so cherish your own. Grip the basketball firmly, and do the same with your life. Make sure you know what you want and how to ask for it. Jump high for the ball, jump and go over the top. Assist. Make passes, and help other people in life. Give more than you receive. Do at least one active un-bargaining service or duty each week. If others don’t recognize your deeds or humane actions, keep doing them anyway. Continue giving without receiving. Watching others’ glory can be hard, but the best thing to do is just cheer for them. Treat them how you would want to be treated; support. As the time diminishes, kick the switch up a notch, give in the fuel, and go for your dreams and goals before you regret anything.
I wanted to introduce you to a brand new Boulder initiative a trio of us are starting. Meet Boulder, Inpsired ~ a series of creative conversations we will be hosting once a month to bring community to creatives. We will alternate months with Creative Coffees (inspired by Swiss Miss and her Creative Mornings) and Apartment Therapy Design Evenings (so excited to be working with them!), and can't wait to get started!
Each event will feature a creative speaker and hopefully spark conversation around the featured topic. These meet ups are designed for anyone (yes, that means you!) who is interested in creativity at any level, and did we mention they will be free?
We have a great list of speaker ideas brewing, but are always open to and welcome your suggestions. So mark your calendars for the very first Apartment Therapy Design Evening in Boulder! (rsvp here)
Date: Wednesday, March 16 (6 pm)
Place: Design within Reach
Speaker: the incredible local assemblage artist Kristin FitzGerrell of Studio 22
Topic: the process & passion of living creative lives
Join us, won't you?
P.S. While we are on the topic of conversation, have you seen what TED just launched? Brilliant.
P.S.S. Don't forget to become a Boulder, Inspired fan on facebook too!
We are so excited to announce a brand new Day Package option for Makerie weekend for those special spots we still have open in our classes! First come, first serve so please don't delay.
I am really (REALLY!) honored to share with you that the abundantly inspiring Amy Krouse Rosenthal is going to be part of the inaugural Makerie (and a big wonderful thank you to Old Glory Antiques for their help in supporting this!). Several years ago, I watched the Beckoning of Lovely for the very first time. It warmed my heart to no end, and yes, even brought tears to my eyes. I loved Amy's vision so much ~ her inclusiveness ~ her incredibly kind spirit ~ and the thoughtfulness that went into this entire project. It spoke so beautifully to the everyday person and left me thinking... why can't our world be just like the Beckoning of Lovely? Is it so difficult to be kind to each other? Does it really take that much to go out of your way to make someone's day? Why can't we make do with what we already have? Although this video featured the community that gathered in Millennium Park, it spoke volumes to me about our entire universe and the power we all have to simply make it a better place.
I have watched the Beckoning of Lovely countless times, shared it with everyone I know, and even almost sent in some 'things I made' for the chance to be part of the film.
This is what happened on 9/9/09...
and latest evolution of the film on 10/10/10....
Every lovely message in Amy's films leaves quite an impression on me, and always has me asking myself, "How can I be a better participant in our world?" To be frankly honest, when I began envisioning the Makerie, I had this tiny wish of her somehow being a part of it. I had no idea how, but our visions seemed so aligned with how I pictured the Makerie ~ celebrating the everyday person, inspiring people to be the best they can be and the ultimate takeaway...
"make the most of your time here"
Amy is a person who likes to make things.
Some things she likes to make:
Children's books.
Grown-up books.
Short films. TED Talks.
Salads.
Connections with the universe.
Something out of nothing.
Wishes.
And one more thing to add is that she will be making the coolest, live Skype presentation around just for us! In keeping with the messages in the Beckoning of Lovely, her talk will be called:
MAKE SOMETHING PRETTY
MAKE DUE WITH WHAT YOU HAVE
THE MAKERIE 2011
I just couldn't think of a better person to help kick-off the Makerie than Amy Krouse Rosenthal. I am humbled, honored & seriously still pinching myself that this little dream I had has actually come true. I just know you will treasure everything she has to share.
Thank you Amy, from the bottom of my heart, for truly believing in what we are creating here and for your thoughtful, innovative idea of how to be part of our inaugural event. It means more to me than you will ever know!
P.S. Amy is leading the most incredible PUBLIC heART project at TEDActive this week. You must go & see!
