Permission to Dream
Welcome back to Beginnings! We're back with a Walk & Chat with Dawn on the subject of Dreams...
Do you give yourself permission to dream? I give some suggestions on how to bring your dream to life. What kind of dream am I talking about? Watch the video to find out! Dream journaling is something I engage in regularly so I speak from experience as I share my Point of View on this subject. I trust you'll be inspired to pay closer attention to your "Sweet Dreams." Journaling Prompt: Detail your sweet dreams in your journal, giving yourself permission to picture what it might be like to fulfill a sweet dream of yours. Wishing you Sweet Dreams, my friend!
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Creative Breakthroughs
Hello and welcome back to Beginnings. Today I'm sharing another Walk & Chat with Dawn video where I share strategy for getting a creative breakthrough when brainstorming. I give an example of my own experience with struggle and frustration and but worked for me in the end.
Journaling Prompt: Is there a project or something new you're trying to figure out? Are you meeting with frustration? Have you given yourself space to let it flow? List off ways you can give yourself a break. And Trust the Process. What Will You Resurrect Today?
I'm Having FUN creating my new video series, Walk & Chat with Dawn, where I share behind the scenes what I've been up to and share reflections on what I'm learning in the process of my creativity while walking outdoors enjoying the weather while you come along with me!
Topics: Happy Easter, my bullet journal prep for April, our stray cat delight, watching an inspiring video, and I share a journaling prompt for your further reflection! Do join me and if you have as much fun as I do, please like the video and leave a comment! I appreciate your being part of my creative community here at Refresh with Dawn Herring. Have yourself a delightful day and the Very Best of Beginnings! My Eagle's ViewMy Dad, Danny Bel-Tempo, loved eagles. He loved how majestic they were and appreciated their beauty. So much so, that back in 1989, I did a pen and ink stippled rendering of one for him for a Christmas Gift. He was thrilled when he received it. His remark was "Excellent." I recently came upon this photo as I was going through some older snapshots I took in my early years. This one was the year I married.
My father appreciated the effort I put in to creating such a piece of work that would touch his heart. I could feel how much it meant to him upon the receiving. He always told me how proud he was of me; it still rings true even with his passing over a year ago. I'm glad I have these images to remember such profound moments from our past together. Well, an Eagle's View comes in handy when we need it most. Sometimes life gets complicated, and an eagle's view can help us see the bigger picture; maybe that's why Dad loved eagles so much, so he wouldn't get mired in the details. Although he was very detail oriented, from the way he dressed to how his surroundings worked for him. He liked everything "just so." I feel that way about my art. I want what I create to be "just so." And sometimes it takes change to make that happen, especially when I've been doing something the same way for a long period of time. And when I get that Eagle's View, I can see and feel where an internal shift is taking place. And I usually have an idea of where I want to go; most times, it involves a challenge of sorts, growing my skill set to get to this new place I see and desire to reach, so I can get that strong sense of satisfaction with what I create. I must remind myself to Go Gentle, and take it one step at a time. I'm not looking for perfection but an up-leveling of sorts. I'm always looking to improve my craft, knowing it's time for a change, when what I've been doing is no longer satisfying me. As an artist, I must trust my instincts, knowing that where I want to go will open up to me; it's just a matter of crossing the threshold with confidence, the same confidence my father instilled in me by being so supportive and affirming in my journey as a young artist, only now, with many more decades of experience to support my growth as a creative. So here I am ready to embrace change and see where it takes me and enjoy the eagle's view every step of the way. Journaling Prompt: When was the last time you needed to have a birds'e eye view of your current circumstances in order to solve a problem? How did it help you determine your next steps? Is there a situation where a higher perspective might help you see things more clearly so you know what to do going forward? Be patient and gentle with yourself as you go. Thank you for being on this journey with me; I appreciate your interest and your desire to know what I have to share. It makes a difference to have you on life's path as we journey together as the creative people we are in community! You're welcome to share below when an Eagle's View has helped you in your next steps! I wish you the very Best of Beginnings! Leaping into Illustraton Pic of the Week!Hello and welcome back to Beginnings! This post makes me smile since I am featuring my Illustration Pic of the Week called Leap Day! Yay! I had so much fun with this one, showing me Leaping for JOY with the extra day we had this year on February 29th! I was wearing a crew neck sweater with a fun colorful scarf. I also enjoyed creating the polka dot pattern in the word DAY, bringing some whimsy and FUN to Leap Day!
Did you celebrate Leap Day this year? I enjoyed creating this illustration as a way to honor an experience that only comes around every 4 years. Why not, right? This leads me to ask myself and you as well: What are we leaping into right now? What is exciting us about our days, our work, our self discovery? Or perhaps we can look at where we've lost our zest for something we've been doing and how we can get it back! Sometimes we end up creating boxes for ourselves which makes it very hard to LEAP into much of anything. So break open that box that may be holding you back and see what you decide to Leap into next! Journaling Prompt: Is there an area of your life where you feel "Boxed In?" What change do you think would make all the difference so you can feel excited about it again? What do you desire to Leap Into? Do you feel confident about it or a little reserved? Detail how you feel and why in your journal. Happy Leaping! Note: I only had 6 illustrations to choose from this week since, much to my surprise and amazement, I did not create a journal entry on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. Did it feel odd? Sure. But I got right back to it the next morning! It's ok to take a break when you need it for whatever reason. Thank you for your interest in my illustrations and reflections; I trust the journaling prompt will give you interesting and insightful food for thought. You have yourself a delightful day and I wish you the Very Best of Beginnings! Blooming in 2024: My First Art Journal Spread
Hello and Welcome Back to Beginnings, where we talk about Fresh Starts, New Cycles, Experimentation, Exploration and Creativity. And this is my first blog post for the New Year of 2024, and I'm excited to bring you my first completed art journal spread, which I have titled: Falling Apart in Order to Bloom. I did the majority of this spread in 2023, starting back in July, when I was in the throws of grieving my father's passing in January (1/8/23 will be a year).
Now, what does that mean exactly? As of this writing, (1/5/24), I'm still contemplating. But in reflection, I think it speaks to the "falling apart," or breaking down phase when you are reckoning with a life changing event that correlates with some very deep rooted parts of your life experience that are foundational to who you are. And my father's passing certainly contributed to that experience. Somewhat of a metamorphosis, which entails a breaking in order to re-build and bloom. And this takes courage! And discernment of how to get from the beginning of this process to the beauty of transformation.
So here is my art journal tool and supply list used in this spread:
India ink Gouache paint oil pastel water soluble pastel colored pencil, both water soluble and non water soluble fabric in various prints buttons sequins leaf stamps in various types and sizes letter stamps gel medium matte medium magazine clippings Journaling Prompt: Have you experienced a "falling apart" in order to bloom in a new place? What was that like for you? What did you learn from it? What new undrstanding do you have of yourself now that you didn't have before as a result? How did you take care of yourself in the process? Thank you so much for being a part of my journey as artist and creative. Your presence is greatly appreciated. <3 I wish you the Happiest of New Years in 2024 and the very Best of Beginnings! My Song: I Believe
Hello and Welcome Back to Beginnings, where we talk about fresh starts, new cycles, exploration, experimentation and creativity.
In this post, I will be sharing with you some Music I’ve released, including lyrics and my reflections on what the song means to me, as well as some journaling prompts for further reflection. I always get excited when I’m ready to release new music so I can share my joy with you, with the intention and hope of your spirit being lifted in some meaningful way as we traverse this world at the same time in history. The new song I’ve recorded is titled, I Believe. I wrote this song several years ago (I’m not exactly certain when, but it was within the past 4 years since I’ve been writing music for about 5 years, just to give you an idea.) I’ve had this song in my piano book for a long time, but recently it has really been speaking to me, and I’ve been playing it with a new cadence that is deeply meditative, with a supplications vibe toward Spirit, and for me, it is a deeply empowering message. Here are the lyrics below: I Believe by Dawn Herring HIDE ME SHELTER ME KEEP ME SAFE I BELIEVE LOVE ME PROTECT ME I BELIEVE I AM SET FREE IT IS ALL DONE FOR ME I BELIEVE I CAN SEE WHEN YOU SEE THE TRUTH IN ME YOU WILL BE TRULY FREE (Words and music copyrighted to Dawn Herring 2023) When I wrote this song, it was in response to my scripture study and prayers in connection to my song writing, which is a natural outpouring of what Spirit speaks to me in the moment. In the process of writing the words, stanza by stanza, I sensed a supplicating essence that I could feel within myself. My desire to feel safe, secure, loved and heard was deeply resonant. And as I made my requests, I could feel my faith rising up, knowing I was heard and was not alone. Then a deep realization of what I actually truly have in Spirit came upon me, I felt more awake to what was alive inside. Then, in response to my faith and supplication, I sensed a reply and directive coming from a deeply loving essence of Spirit that shared the importance of vision, clarity and truth and how Waking UP to this reality brings Freedom. Yes! What a victorious response that lifts my spirit, bringing me hope that I AM FREE. In this world filled with so much uncertainty, we all feel the need to be protected and loved; we need that assurance that we will be ok. That we are not alone. That we can see. And with what we can see, we are Free. Free to be Who We Are. Not bound by societal standards but only the boundaries we set for ourselves, for protection and care. Spirit is there for us when we need Spirit most, during those moments of the deepest fears, doubts, insecurities, overwhelm, and uncertainty. As we reach out for what we need, as we seek, we will find. And when we seek together, we can support each other through the toughest of times. And experience freedom in community! Sounds like the Best of Beginnings to me! How about you? Below I provide some journaling prompts for further reflection. I trust they will help bring clarity, focus and freedom to your life in this moment. ❤️
JOURNALING PROMPT:
Make a list of the times when you have felt most free, whether in childhood or whatever time comes to mind naturally. What is the common thread that you can see on this list? People? Places? Activities? Pick one from the list and detail it as much as possible, reliving that sense of freedom you felt. Do you feel that way now? What has changed or what is different? When have you felt the most protected? Was there someone who came to your aid, such as a good friend or mentor or a family member who really gets you? List times when you felt the most heard. What was the conversation about? Who was listening? How did this impact and change you for the better? What is your truth right now? What can you come back to again and again that grounds and centers you no matter what you’re facing? Write this down on an index card and keep it in a place where you can be reminded of this central truth. ❤️?
Disclaimer: journaling prompts are to be used at your own risk. If you feel overwhelmed or emotionally distressed, please seek out a counselor or therapist or call 911.
Going Gentle: What Is Working for Me NowHello and Welcome back to Beginnings where we talk about fresh starts, new cycles, exploration, experimentation and creativity.
For this post, I will share with you, my dear reader, about Gentleness and why it is the Centerpiece for me in my life right now. But first, a bit of back story. About 10 years ago, I wrote a scripture down on an index card that contained the Fruits of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control. These are obviously character qualities we all desire to have and be in life. And when we emulate them, we are aligned with Spirit. When I first wrote them down, I decided that I would choose one that I was most drawn to and focus on that quality in my life, both in giving and receiving. My first choice was LOVE. I had remembered another scripture that says, Love your neighbor as yourself. Now the part of that I hadn’t really discovered was the Love Yourself part. I was never taught how to do that in my religious upbringing in school or church. (A life time of teaching, really). But through my own study and discovery, I came to understand what it really meant, looked and felt like to truly love myself. And it changed my life in many ways, and it was noticeable. The next fruit focus I chose was JOY. I took a deep dive into everything that brought me JOY. And I brought it and shared it with you, my dear reader, from newsletter to blog posts to videos. so much JOY! Life goes on and I dealt with lots of changes on the home-front, attempting to choose Peace from the fruit list awhile in the midst of dealing with losses and responsibilities and moves and business and so much going on. It was a step by step, moment by moment process. But in the past year or so, especially since the passing of my Dad in January, I realize now that I have HAD to choose GENTLENESS. I have always tried to be a gentle person and have even been told by some that I am gentle, which I always appreciate hearing. But being GENTLE with myself has become a key factor for me these past months. How have I chose to be Gentle with myself? Let me count the ways: Giving myself margin between tasks. Resting when I’m tired. (And that includes naps!) Realizing my limitations and not pushing myself too hard (still working on that one!) Taking one small step at a time. Not apologizing when I have to say no. And No is a complete sentence. Setting boundaries where necessary, especially when I feel disrespected. Doing more of what I love, like playing my piano and really enjoying the process. Being careful with what I eat and listening to what my body needs and wants. Seeing my need to cry when necessary as I continue to mourn my father’s passing (and it comes up when least expected.) Going Gentle is Key to my Well Being, my connection with Spirit (who is oh, so gentle), and with my mind set. Slowing down. Not rushing. Taking it easy. and not feeling guilty when I don’t get it all done or when I disappoint another’s expectations of me. Going Gentle means taking care of myself first. Because I know that everyone else has to take care of themselves first too. I know I am not responsible for anyone else’s happiness but my own. (This was a deep realization I’ve had in the midst of Going Gentle.) My prayer for all those who I love and care about is that they will have their own Gentleness Breakthrough that will change their life like it has done for mine. And I pray that prayer for you, my dear reader and friend. Remember to Go Gentle with yourself. We all need to learn to take care of ourselves in the best way possible. With no apology needed. And Gentleness is key. May it unlock all the JOY you can experience and LOVE for yourself. Every Day. Journaling Prompt: What does Gentle mean for you? Make a list of ways you can Go Gentle with yourself. Choose one from the list that you’re not already doing and do it today. Create a mind map with Gentle as the Centerpiece and see what associations come up for you. Don’t censor. Just associate. Have fun with it. Then Go Gentle! Copyright Image 2023 by Dawn Herring My Choice: It is, Isn’t It?
Hello and welcome back to Beginnings, a place where we talk about Fresh Starts, New Cycles, Experimentation, Exploration and Creativity. For this post, I am sharing some new music I’ve released, a song titled, My Choice, along with Lyrics and Reflections on what this song means to me. If you choose to watch the video on YouTube and enjoy, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe to my channel, if you haven’t already. And if you have, thank you!
Now on the the music.
First I’ll share the lyrics to the song, MY CHOICE, and then I will share my reflections on how I first perceived its message and how I see it now in my current life experience. MY CHOICE by Dawn Herring What looks good to me May not always be Deception often plays into my mind What I think I should do And where I should go May not always be from the Divine I must choose carefully Knowing it will always be My Choice It’s really up to me How I choose to go I realize I need your Grace To know the choice that reveals your face Help me choose to follow you No matter where I turn I must choose carefully Knowing it will always be My Choice It’s really up to me How I choose to go Repeat Upon the initial writing of this song, my first impression was the possibility of temptation to go down a road that might not be best for me or might not align with my values or might be a distraction from where I really need to put my energy for my greatest well being. It’s easy to get distracted by things that can steer you off course and waste your energy, even if it might look like a good idea at the time. I realize it’s always best to listen to your Higher Self and Spirit when it comes to making choices like these. In the past few months as I’ve played and sang this song to Spirit, it has taken on a more layered meaning for me. And when I discovered what that was, it really gave me food for thought. Sometimes, when we feel like we should do something, even if it feels heavy or off or misaligned, and even influenced by outside sources that are not aligned with our values, or if we feel obligation that is not the best for our well being, it can be easy to assume that we should or ought to do that something even if it upsets us or we feel disrespected by this action we are expected to take. When I came to realize this with some really important subject matter in my life, even coinciding with my father’s recent passing in January of this year, it really had me thinking about how important my life choices are for me, more than ever. I must take care of myself first; self care is essential, especially when I’m in the midst of mourning my father’s loss of form in this world. Gentleness, compassion, love, comfort and slowing down are leading sources of what is needed, and if the choice I make doesn’t give me that kind of energy, then it’s essential and necessary to say no. I must choose carefully knowing it will always be My Choice. And I don’t take that choice lightly. When I make the choices I do, I must come from a place of Love and personal power to move forward with my day full of confidence and assurance that I am taking care of myself as I need to. No questions asked. No second guessing. No matter how tempting it might be to do otherwise. We all have choices to make in life. And we should feel Good about those choices—always. Because it creates the right energy for the Best of Beginnings, which is what I wish for you! Journaling prompt: Are you faced with a difficult decision and you’re not quite sure what to do about it? Detail this decision laying out all the pros and cons for each side of the coin you’re dealing with. Once you have it visible to yourself, ask this question: Is doing this thing taking care of YOU? If so, how? Really choose honesty with your answer. Be careful not to allow outside influences to determine what is right for you as you answer these questions in your journal. Try dialogue with your Higher Self and ask the questions that have been eating at you concerning this decision. Let the dialogue flow and see what naturally comes to mind. Don’t censor or second guess. Feel gratitude for any clarity or insights you experience or recieve as a result. And when you make that decision based on taking care of you, move forward with confidence. Copyright 2023 Music and Illustration by Dawn Herring Coming Full Circle: |
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AuthorDawn Herrings is an Artist, Illustrator, Aspiring Musician, and Avid Journal Keeper. She enjoys spending time writing songs, composing for the piano, playing with all kinds of art media, including colored pencils for illustrating, exploring design and textures, having fun creating spreads in her art journal and writing about her day, her dreams and her vision in her journals. Dawn is also Office Manager and partner in business with her husband, Bill, of 33 years. Archives
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