xBlog

DALL·E 2024 12 01 00.47.13 A realistic image depicting a serene moment of introspection a person sitting at a wooden desk with an open journal, looking out a window into a sky

Unlocking creative transformation: The power of metaphor in life and art

Many years ago, I began giving intuitive readings to friends and family. These readings weren’t about prediction or fortune-telling—they delved deeper. I worked with metaphors and images I saw “under the surface” of whatever situation they were grappling with. People loved my readings and frequently asked for them, but I hesitated to embrace the word…

Creative lessons from Top Chef: What cooking teaches us about art, writing, and life
|

Creative lessons from Top Chef: What cooking teaches us about art, writing, and life

I adore the culinary show Top Chef. I might not know what foie gras is or why anyone would want to eat a meal of molecular gastronomy, but I’m hooked. Beyond the entertainment, the show offers invaluable insights for any creative endeavor. (And really, where else can you hear such gems as “exhibit balance” and…

How art anchors us in the present: A reflection with my latest watercolor
|

How art anchors us in the present: A reflection with my latest watercolor

The thing about art is that it pulls us into the exact present moment of our life. Whether we’re creating or simply appreciating, art demands our full attention. It invites us to let go of distractions and immerse ourselves in what is—right here, right now. And in that stillness, it does something extraordinary: it captures…

DALL·E 2024 12 01 00.57.10 A serene and realistic image of a harp in a softly lit church setting, with a warm and reflective atmosphere. The focus is on the harp placed near a s

The power of vulnerability: A reflection on courage and connection

Several years ago, I attended a Christmas Eve church service where the pastor, a woman and clearly a beginner, played Silent Night on her harp. I’ll never forget that moment—her profound vulnerability, the tender courage it took to risk our judgment and ridicule. It was beautiful in a way that left a lasting imprint. The…

DALL·E 2024 12 01 01.00.02 A realistic image of a young woman sitting in a cozy, softly lit room, writing a song on paper with a guitar beside her. The atmosphere is intimate an
| |

The power of creative courage: How one song transformed a classroom

A few years ago, my intuition nudged me to assign my class the task of writing a song. Out of the group, only three students had any musical ability, so I created an alternate assignment for the others. Of those three, just one young woman—Carmel Bracken, a workshop leader and educator from Ireland—felt inspired to…

End of content

End of content