Dear Friends of Bluebird Fairies,
Once again I’m enrolled in the Women’s Small Business Program (WSBP) at Mercy Connections in Burlington, Vermont.
Last year I participated in the 15-week program and received a “certificate of participation” for my deep struggle to package the innovative projects that comprised my work history for the past 18 years. Around week 10 we did an exercise called “Hot Seat”. My classmates and I took turns introducing anything we wanted feedback on. We then peppered that person with comments and questions. I introduced my “other handed” personal drawing project and said “My friend Stephanie Salmon thinks these fairies are worth sharing with others. What do you think?” The conversation that followed ignited a spark that has grown into my Bluebird Fairy Project. The darkness is now slinking away like a scribbled demon that’s been given a name and been appeased by its perfect antidote.
On February first the Women’s Small Business Program begins and so does my steady march towards a business plan. This will take creativity and discipline to achieve. For this reason I’m delighted to announce that the Fairy of this Blog posting is:
In the past I have not done this enough. I suspect you might share with me a hesitation to let the reins of your life slip from your firm grasp. Today I’ve already had 15 minutes. Tomorrow I hope to do the same.
Last year in the WSBP I was introduced to John Cleese’s lecture on creativity.
In a shower of “How many _____ does it take to screw in a light bulb?” jokes he gives his recipe for creativity. He delightfully emphasizes the huge importance of having periods of time in which one can be “open” and playful. It is in these unrestricted times he feels our best thinking comes. Then you go into a “closed” mode and do the things you thought about doing. Then you open back up to reflect and refine. On it goes till you’re done.
So, my friend, lie on the couch. Today and every day. Just a little. With some abandon.
Thank you for supporting this project moving forward. Your words and comments are immensely helpful.
Those of you in the Burlington area, please join us for the February 6th First Friday event at The S.P.A.C.E. Gallery on Pine St.
The Fairy Booth will be up for Fairy Card Readings. Come have a fairy card reading done, purchase your own Fairy Deck and individual Fairy Cards or select one of our new “love” packages.
Take care.
Fondly,
Emily and the Bluebird Fairies