True As Blue

Deep in my heart I’ve been wanting to write a Children’s Picture Book about global climate change and our role as stewards of this beautiful planet we live on. I’ve been waiting for a story to come to me ever so patiently. Then, just yesterday it appeared! As I sat in my backyard and wrote in my journal next to my favorite tree, the words came through my hand and I don’t even really know how. I believe it may have been from a source outside of myself. It felt like an out of body experience. I love it when that happens!

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Igniting Artemis

Happy Thanksgiving!

I always feel that I have so much to be grateful for. I really do, even when things are not so awesome. Gratitude is what has kept me going over the years. It’s what keeps me connected to spirit and source.

I was recently gratitude-gifted with a beautiful smoky citrine generator crystal. Isn’t it just gorgeous? (note: buy crystals from nice people) This act of gratitude compelled me to start igniting my new character, Artemis. I’m getting amazing results already. So much inspiration is starting to pour in, it’s hard to keep up with it all.

So on this full moon Thanksgiving, I’ve set up a little altar by my workspace. I even created my own little 3D Artemis out of sculpey. She’s got her magician’s cloak on and we’re ready to make some serious children’s book magic. In addition to the altar, I’ve got a moon calendar starting tonight. So, this cycle will go from full moon to the winter solstice.

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The Mouse

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So, last weekend was that big beautiful full moon in Pisces. Did you feel it? Did you ask for something special to show up in your life? What was revealed to you?

I got a mouse! So, I asked for a spirit guide to come to me to help me along with my children’s books. I wanted to be open to a wide variety of animals so I used Steven Farmers Animal Oracle Deck and guess who popped out of the deck just as I was beginning to shuffle? You got it, MOUSE!

They do have that capacity to surprise! I can think of the many times I’ve seen a mouse and screamed. I’ve always felt bad afterwards because they are so darn cute and usually more afraid of me than I could ever be of them.

But really, what could be a more perfect spirit guide for someone who wants to write children’s books than a little mouse? There are sooooooo many children’s books about mice. I’m thinking of Beatrix Potter’s A Tale of Two Bad Mice, E. B. White’s Stuart Little, Laura Numeroff’s If You Give A Mouse A Cookie, and of course the big daddy, Walt Disney’s Mickey. Then I asked myself, why are mice so prevalent in this genre? Well, I think it’s because children can identify with a mouse. He’s small, cute and pretty much defenseless. He lives in a world dominated by creatures much larger than himself, many of which he depends on for leaving him food (either intentionally or unintentionally). The mouse is someone a child can trust. The mouse speaks quietly and is gentle. The mouse has a way of appearing innocent, even when he is behaving mischievously. Maybe it’s those big round beady eyes that catch the light just so… I think a lot of kids can relate to that quality. I know mine can!

So, immediately I created the image above of a mouse in my sketchbook. She’s all heart, of course. Then the next day I made these sketches. I’ll continue to learn from my new guide as I further explore this mouse energy.

True confession here, I’m going through a bit of an identity shift. I’m realizing that there are parts of my work that are shining more brightly than others. So, as I am adjusting to these realities and embracing my most authentic self, I realize that yes, I may be slipping into a bit of a mouse-type role. My ego is dropping away and my work is moving forward with the support of the Universe. I used to think that being of service to others meant being some sort of guide or teacher to them. But, what I know now is that we are all students of the Universe. What my intention has always been is to help other’s creative light shine. How I do this, well, I’ll leave it to the Universe to guide me. For now, what I know brings me much joy, is creating these books for children.

The mouse also represents omnipresence, because they can be found everywhere. When I read that, it occurred to me that love can also be found everywhere. I think that’s why my mouse has a heart-shaped head. I’ll keep working on her…

I hope you discover the omnipresence of love where ever you may wander.

Love,

Bonnie


Bonnie Kelso writes and illustrates children’s books that celebrate diversity, creativity, and all the special qualities that make each of us unique. Her book EVER OPEN is now available on Amazon in print and for kindle.

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Deep in the heart of the Everglades, 26 tiny eggs are beginning to hatch in a giant nest under a tall cypress tree. The fourth alligator to see the light of day is about to embark on a classic hero’s journey. Join Baby D as he explores his world through the innocence and wonder of a natural dreamer. Discover what makes him special while pondering what it might be that makes you special, too.

Friday = ART

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I just finished up this guy: Thoth, the ancient Egyptian God of Writing, Wisdom, Magic, and the Moon. I was first introduced to him back in the 90s when I was in Egypt. My favorite form of his is the baboon, though I may try drawing him as the Ibis-headed man next. Feel free to share this image on your social media. Spread some Thoth love. Feel into some Thoth energy today. If a nugget of inspiration comes your way, be sure to write it down. If you can’t find the words, then doodle it out. Think of it as a gift from Thoth.

Your Creativity Coach,

Bonnie


Bonnie Kelso is a Creativity Coach who uses Creating as a healing modality. She is the author of Vitalize Your Creative Life, a workbook for engaging with your inner creative child. She also facilitates creativity workshops and classes locally in Las Vegas, NV. She is the creator of the ABCs of Conscious Creating, a guided self-study program that delves deeper into the spiritual realm of your unique creative potential. Are you ready to start right now? Do you have 5 Minutes?

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Mapping Your Next Nine-Year Cycle

Mapping The Nines

Happy New Moon! This is a special New Moon, because it is the last one in 2016, ever! This means we are given an opportunity to set a powerful new intention for not only the next lunar cycle, but also the next year and the next nine-year cycle. No pressure, right?

Recently, I’ve been exploring my past nine-year cycles. I put it in writing, too. There is an undeniable spiritual shift that occurs when you write stuff down. Suddenly thoughts will begin to creep their way into the real world. I started this exercise by writing each year 2008 – 2016. Then I wrote as much as I could remember of what happened in each year—places I went, adventures I had, people who I relied on for support, and feelings I felt. After I wrote a few sentences for each entry, I chose a theme that summed up the feeling of the year for me. For example, in 2009 I struggled with infertility issues. I themed that year Continue reading

Your Creativity & The Moon Cycles (Part 8: The Balsamic Moon)

MoonCan you believe it has been less than a month since we started this Moon Cycle? It’s been quite a journey! This is what Conscious Creating is all about.

  • Checking in with your intentions every few days.
  • Staying open to opportunities that will help to manifest them.
  • Acting in alignment with your heart, mind, and soul.

It’s a powerful practice and one that can be used in so many areas of your life. Your increasing mindfulness bringing life and vitality to your creations and your day to day experiences. Ahhhhhhh!

So where are we now in the process? We are at the Balsamic Moon and the last phase of the Moon Cycle before we begin again with the next New Moon.

Just as balsamic vinegar is a potent and flavorful liquid produced through a reduction process, so is the Balsamic Moon phase a time for Continue reading

Your Creativity & The Moon Cycles (Part 7: Last Quarter Moon)

MoonWelcome to the Last Quarter Moon phase. How did your “share” go? Who did you talk to about your reveal? More importantly, how did you inspire them? Through sharing, you are given the opportunity to sort through important details. When you told your story, which part of the story did you get really excited about? What part did you rush through because it was too boring? Yadda, yadda, yadda… What part made you take a moment to pause and reflect? And at what part did you see your listener’s jaw drop open?

Sharing your story and your creative process helps you to identify the “magic” bits and pieces. Important cues are being delivered to you through the energetic exchange of conversation. It is your job to pay attention, record, and contemplate this valuable feedback. Keep in mind that feedback is not limited to how the other person responds. How you provide yourself with feedback through your feelings as you experience the sharing process is just as valuable.

… and so goes the Waning Moon phase. The Waning phase from the Full Moon through to the next New Moon is all about clarification. This is the time to edit, to refine, to tie up any loose ends. It’s time to do what needs to be done in order to put a project to rest. Especially at the Last Quarter, the energetic nature is about change, possible conflict, and ultimately a significant shift of some kind. Continue reading