Bex Hall

Bex Hall > Creative Education

Creative Education

Creativity comes in different forms

And that’s okay

Books I’m currently reading

Today’s creativity involves book recommendations, sharing some rituals, what I’m writing, and an office supply acquisition—a new paper cutter! And a bullet journal. And a Zebra M301 pencil. Ok, and some sticky notes.

Love the new paper cutter

I’m currently in love with two books by Elle Luna, “The Crossroads of Should and Must” (a MUST read) and “Your Story is Your Power.” I’m only halfway through each, but I find the exercises are thought provoking and helpful. Wise words and the graphics and artwork are rich and delightful.

The Crossroads of Should and Must
Both books by Elle Luna
Your Story is Your Power

I write in my morning pages every day and on Week 9 of the Artist’s Way. Morning pages are an excellent tool/activity for creative recovery and discovery. They are three pages of longhand writing, strictly stream-of-consciousness and might also be called brain drain. Some mornings are whiny and petty and other times brilliant ideas are born.

The Artist’s Way & Morning Pages Journal

The Memoir Project by Marion Roach Smith is a refresher from the class I took last year. I’m still writing a memoir, working title “Choose Your Scar” about cheating death, second chances, and the power of kindness.

I recently finished a course with Traci Skuce, author of “Hunger Moon” about story clarity. She runs The Writing Journey and offers a masterclass on finishing your book.

And I just picked up Anne Lamott’s book Bird By Bird after listening to an interview with her on Kate Bowler’s podcast, “Everything Happens.”

This concludes today’s check-in. Until tomorrow, take care.

Walk When the Moon is Full

February’s Snow Moon marks our first adventure

Full Snow Moon

About 29 years ago when my daughters were 8 and 2 years old, we camped at Cave Run Lake in Kentucky. There was a visitor center where I found a book called Walk When the Moon is Full.   The author describes thirteen moonlight walks with her children and the nature observations they made. I fell in love with the idea and initiated the practice that year.

Out of print book Walk When the Moon is Full

I don’t know why I didn’t document the expeditions. Life got in the way. Priorities shifted. Years passed, the girls grew up and moved away, and the book got lost in the shuffle.

Enter my curious 7-year-old granddaughter, Ellie. 

I located a copy of the now out of print book to revisit ideas and Ellie, Pawpaw, and I walked Saturday night under the full February Snow Moon. 

February Walk

We didn’t see any wildlife, it was extremely muddy, there was a light rain and lots of cloud cover. Ellie nearly lost a boot in the mud crossing the creek. The dog ran off, our two cats stalked us like panthers, and Ellie talked herself right into being afraid of the dark. She was eager to get back to the house.

Boot eating creek

But here’s the thing—we had fun. She spent the day beforehand getting ready for the journey. Flashlight, boots, rain coat. The anticipation was delightful. The preparation. 

We saw the little pond at dark. We heard strange noises and tried to identify them. We heard the blue Heron squawk as he flew away from the nearby cove. We waded into the swamp a little way. We made scary faces in the flashlight glow. Took some photos.

Nothing major, really, but it was an adventure. One we will refine and repeat. Next month is the Full Worm Moon on March 28th and we will walk again.

When the moon is full.

Make art only you can create

I heard this great interview yesterday on the Art Juice podcast. An interview with Nicholas Wilton, founder of Art2Life. What I heard was it’s possible to make great art. Art that reflects your personal style, showing yourself in your work, diving into who you are and what lights you up to make unique work, to translate that into artwork. Being authentic. It’s possible to find your style, your voice.

Where do I sign up? 

He’s offering a free workshop which starts on February 15th. Check out the details and sign up if you’re ready to learn more about taking the next step in your creative journey.

Art2Life Workshop