Blooming in Harsh Light…

Times are harsh. They have been for quite a while. Over 2 years now, we’ve all witnessed Disease, Death, and Destruction and have had our share of exhaustion, even depression. The truth is life has been and still has been harsh. Unsure of the future, we are trying to find out way and yes, some have stared so long for so long and hard- that there’s overwhelm and some have told me that they are just burned out or ‘not feeling it’ right now.’ Backing away from social media, taking a break. I understand. Still.

We do need to know how to continue posting- even if not as often and with a certain sensitivity. We need to know how to continue creating or doing business while understanding folks are bombarded with information almost constantly. The question is then, how do we bloom in harsh light? How to celebrate holidays or perhaps get away from it all for a few days.

First we must believe that we are gifted. And not only gifted, but gifted for such a time as this. Right now, it’s easy to think what we write or make, create or sell isn’t vital- in fact we may think- ‘What I’m doing is trivial compared to all of the horribleness right now.’ Am I right? When what we are really thinking is – ‘What I do doesn’t matter.’ Oh yes, it Matters! Why? Well, let’s say we are thirsty- yet in your own special talented way- you go the extra mile and make a simple glass of water special- you add sprigs of fresh mint and limes. You’ve found a way to beautifully quench thirst.

It might be easy to say what we do or create or sell won’t bring World Peace or whatever it is that you’re thinking. Yet. Who are we to Decide what Folks Want or Need? Yes, be sensitive in your posting yet remember this- Folks need Beauty. Folks need Gifts for Celebrations. Folks may want to uplevel their Skills or Businesses. Folks who are burned out may need inspiration or even coaches and services- trying find ways to bloom in Harsh Times. You could be that person. You could inspire someone today. Do you recall how many of us found our gardens immensely helpful in the first lockdowns?

We never know what will happen, what I do know is that what you create, sell or offer could make all the difference in the world to someone. You may think you’re just one beam of light when really you can light up the night just be being the best sparkling effervescent unforgettable You.

That Quote? It’s true. I wrote it during the pandemic- I had to refer to it in harsh light. I read it often as I began writing and creating my course. On days when I wondered if it would ever see the light of day! Well, now it’s Live. It’s done with love going out into the harsh light of this world with hope that it might help someone… We never know, still we must go on.

Love y’all, Brenda

Here’s the link to my Online Course. Be Unforgettable- Beginner’s Guide to Visual Marketing. In this fast paced marketing world we live in- we are All Beginner’s at something- the Marketing Portion is of special interest. Though, I do take you through the Steps of Visual Marketing. If it’s something you think you could use it for your business or dream of one, the link also tells you how to join. Thank you.

https://app.kajabi.com/admin/sites/2147488395/landing_pages#

A Writing Lesson using Doors…

A fun way to Write is to assign Human Characteristics to Inanimate Objects such as Doors.. It’s no secret that I love architectural elements. I take photographs of fences, railings, windows, shutters, windowboxes and more…especially Doors. Though this Writing Lesson may focus on doors, the technique applies to any inanimate object of your choice.

Take this first block of doors… that White Tool Shed, she’s a hard worker, down to earth with an unexpected flair for the dramatic with that blue door. The Hidden Door on a side street strikes me as a shy, private one- though hoping to be found, she secretly longs to stand out. That impressive Pediment in Constitution Hall, speaks of confident authority- yet one who probably wears sensible shoes. In contrast, there’s the humble thrifty landowner who probably caught paint on sale and didn’t give a whit about that showy color! Don’t you know that’s true!

In this block, there’s the introverted nature lover who obviously enjoys quiet and solitude. Bermed in, yet that blue Door is ready to welcome a friend or two. Now, the pretty Door with a Vine is a cheerful soul, a generous gardener who offers rustic dinner parties after holding a cooking class. Don’t you love her already? Oh my, that amazing Ornate Exterior has amassed a fortune, is also home to a fashionista. She’s a not-so-subtle standout with impeccable taste. The humble rustic door is concerned with protecting house and home- how do I know this? Well, it belonged to pioneer Kit Carson!

I had to include at least one window, a warm, open, happy personality, who allows us to see just the right amount of her humble home. as she breezes easily through her life.

Of course, the opening image is a Sanctuary Door- welcome, wise and strong. It’s as if She knows, at some point in our lives, we’re all going to need a discreet Listener. You know? I love them all- beautiful, unique as a fingerprint- serving their own purpose- big or small. Still. If I had to choose, it would be that white tool shed with the blue door. Why? I’ve decided that she’s actually a ‘Work in Progress’. Yes, I definitely relate to that! Which one would you choose? And, if you’d like to give it a try, assign human characteristics to an inanimate object like a Door.

Love y’all, Brenda

P.S. If you’d like to be on our mailing list for the free planning guides- drop me an email at brenda@brenda-wyatt.com

Waiting in the Wings…

Have you ever felt like you’re ‘Waiting in the Wings’ ? At every age and stage, even when starting something new…there’s that Waiting in the Wings state of mind. Cambridge Dictionary describes it like this:’ If someone is waiting in the wings, they are not yet active or important, but are ready or likely to be soon..’

You may have practiced and prepared. You may have the perfect costume or background for your performance and yet there’s that waiting time.

You may have the prettiest or the most photogenic scene set up and yet, you mind tells you that there’s always someone better than you are. Did you know there’s a physical reaction to waiting in the wings? There is. When you’re in that area where activity on the stage can be observed yet the audience cannot see you- a place where performers stand just before it’s time to enter the stage to perform… we might call this physical reaction- Butterflies. A sensation which is a blend of anxiety, anticipation and excitement all bundled together.

You may be standing ready to undertake a new role. make an entrance or be brought to public attention. Yet, those butterflies are creating fear, they might make you want to give up…

Hang up Your Dancing Shoes altogether.

How do I know this? Because I’ve had those feelings before, okay- many times before. You have butterflies because you are afraid. You have butterflies because you’ve got a bad case of comparisonitis. You have butterflies because you Care.

When you start something new, even if you don’t have all the answers, you aren’t ‘perfect’ or you think someone is better than you are. Am I right? Well, here’s the key- lean on your preparation and your experience. Then trust your Instincts and Believe that you will Rise to the Occasion.

What you have to give is You, and that’s a very special Gift. There’s no one else exactly like You. When the Director of Life give you the cue… Come on out onto the Stage. You’ll be Unforgettable.

I’m thankful for so many who generously Take to the Stage. Ready to be available. Waiting to help. Prepared to do Something. Willing to share their Gifts. We need you.

Love y’all, Brenda

Repetition…

‘Whether it’s the sound of drums, a pan of fresh baked cookies or a tray filled with with seedlings…an arbor of roses, a staircase winding or not, a row of rounded boxwoods or clothes pins on a line. Repetition is the Strength, the Unity, the Structure, the very Heartbeat of Good Design.’    B.W.

One of my 9 Principles of Design is ‘Shape and Form’. Yet, without the strength and unity of repetition- shape and form of any creative endeavor might fail to impress. Think about it. Repetitive shapes or sounds form the basis of Art of the finest order.

img_1045Drummers are uniformed, let one of them miss a beat and the melody of the other instruments could fall apart. And… We all love songs with the repetition of a chorus, right? Seedlings are charming alone, even more so in a group. An arbor of roses is pleasing to the eye as much for the repetition of the arches as for the profusion of bloom. A Checker Board is a classic example of Repetitive Design. A cooling rack filled with cookies, even if they aren’t the exact same size, still the eye sees repetition.

img_5050A winding staircase works simply because the treads are spaced at a repetitive shape, form and space. An historic staircase is beautiful – even more so because of the repetition of woodwork, including spindles and dare I add? the Color.

img_1039We’ve found rounded boxwoods tend to look good year round because of the consistent shape and form. Even clothespins on an empty line are unified in type and shape, even if they aren’t lined up. Why? Repetition of course.

img_4592We love consistency. When a design is unified it gives a sense of order and peace. Repetition could be compared to the skeleton or structure on which any or all of the elements are layered on. Alone, it might be overdone. Just remember, that repetition, whether in color, shape or form is very important in design.

img_1037Whether it’s the sound of drums, a pan of fresh baked cookies or a tray of seedlings..  An arbor of roses, a staircase winding or not, a row of boxwoods or clothespins on a line.. Repetition is good in writing, marketing- making a point in different ways over and over. Repetition is the strength, the unity, the structure, the very heartbeat of Good Design.

Love y’all, Brenda

I’ve been working on a little project which includes the 9 Principles of Design… stay tuned!