Think back to when you were younger – five years old will work.

Remember the simple joy of coloring?

You, a certain wax based color stick or marker, and an image.

Time didn't matter. It was just you and the color flowing onto the paper.

Inside the lines, outside the lines - it was up to you.

Let's recapture some of that time.

Color this.

Circles downloadable PDF

creative acts for the day:

photography, writing, design

"Anything you're good at contributes to happiness." 

– Bertrand Russell

When one journey ends, another begins.

Be ready.

Aerial

creative acts for the day:

photography, writing, design

If you did go full out on your vacation you may need some time to catch up on sleep.

Do so.

If you worked out  more than your usual, you may need to add stretches and other exercises to your normal routine to keep from freezing up and causing injury from lack of exercise.

The cool thing about vacations is great ones stay with you as you go about your normal routine. 

Take advantage of it,

Spring Tulips

Do you need a vacation from your vacation?

If the answer is yes – good!

You stretched yourself to enjoy every moment of the trip.

You probably are filled to the brim with excitement about all the wonderful things you did and experienced.

Let these spill out into your creative work. 

Harness that bubbling energy to kick start and revitalize your projects.

Bridge Through Time

When you get home you will notice certain things – some things are exactly as you left them and other things have changed.

Take advantage of this physical break in your routine. This is the perfect time to reset some things you want in your life and say good-bye to others you no longer want.

Did you exercise everyday?

Did you take time for yourself?

Did you explore the location you were visiting?

Did you create?

Did you think and reflect?

Did you laugh and play and try new things?

Are any of these things you want to add to your everyday normal? 

Whatever made you happy on your trip, see what you can do to add those elements to your life. 

After all, why should vacation time be the only time you experience joy and happiness?

Flow 2

creative acts for the day:

photography, writing, design

Words no vacationer wants to hear – it's time to go home.

But the journey home is just as important as the trip away.

You can look at home with new eyes and ideas. 

If something is not the way you want it, you can change it.

Your home should evolve as you do.

Redefine it.

Journey Home

creative acts for the day:

photography, writing, design

Some things to remember beyond the sunscreen:

– Have fun.

– Keep it simple.

– Play.

– Laugh.

– Be ridiculous.

– Try something new.

Be yourself.

Bloom Where You'e Planted

Are you taking a total break from your creative activities while you are on vacation?

Or are you using your creativity as a tool to explore the place you are visiting?

Writing, photography, drawing, painting, journaling – these can give you fresh perspective on your vacation and build your sense of connection to place.

Check out these links for ideas:

Urban Sketchers

Urban Sketchers include all facets of creativity – writing, journaling, drawing, painting, collage. Check out the worldwide site for artists to plan meet-ups, share techniques and images from the field. Blog, recommendations on supplies and more. Several regions also have sites online. "Our mission as a nonprofit is to raise the artistic, storytelling and educational value of location drawing, promoting its practice and connecting people around the world who draw on location where they live and travel. We aim to show the world, one drawing at a time." Plans an international symposium every year.

Journaling Saves

Blog about journaling with specific tips, advice and prompts for making your location journaling work for you.

And if you still haven't booked a vacation yet, check out Learning Vacation Network.

Source listing of available classes, schools, camps and retreats from around the world covering all kinds of interests. What do you want to learn today? Blog, community, special discounts, online paper.

Texture Play

creative acts for the day:

photography, writing, design