I found this softened piece of glass bottle on the beach this week. All that’s legible is the word “RETURN.” At a time when I need to do just that – return to myself, this finding couldn’t have been more appropriate. (A message from the Universe, no doubt.) I’ve been meditating on what “return” means to me the last few days. The haiku “From Within” is my first reflection (reposting below). I’m happily using this experience as a way to get back into writing. 
Meditation 1: 
Thank you.
I’m slowly recovering from a nasty cold/flu and with that means my mind is foggy with little room to write or make art. I also just turned 30 on Sunday! And with that, I suppose, I’m mulling over the aspects of myself that I have nurtured… Specifically, my creativity. So, I had the idea of starting a “fill in the blank” series of what it means to me to be creative! I would love to hear what it means to you! Here’s my initial thought:
Thank you,
Elizabeth Lorayne
While I was doing some packing this morning, I came across this book on symbols, 1001 Symbols: An Illustrated Guide to Imagery and its Meaning, by Jack Tresidder. I flipped through and suddenly felt inspired! What if I used it as a writing prompt? Randomly select a symbol and use it to guide me. Oh! I sense some interesting writing pieces coming up!
I’m trying something new for the presentation of my haiku. It’s definitely adding a new level of creativity and I’m loving it!
No roots visible
Finding my home through writing
Pirate of Paper
Just a note to say that it seems wintertime and the holidays have blocked my ability to write! Does anyone else find this? I’m so stuck and its incredibly frustrating. I even have ideas! Yet, my mind stops cold. It’s as though I hit a snowdrift and I am immediately covered with a blanket of white, white snow. Hoping to find some time for hands on art to help loosen these creativity-stifling claws!
Until then . . .
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Well, something has been brought to my attention by a dear friend. With the holidays and winter, I’ve been cooking and baking much more. Those activities can be quite creative! So even though I’m feeling blocked with my writing and painting, I am in fact still being creative. I thought I’d share photos of my annual tea sandwiches I make for Christmas. I also made several desserts and a delicious beet bruschetta.
Pen in hand I perch
Passing time in this dreamland
A bedside journal
My writing has been a bit blocked lately for various reasons. I also find that when I’m envisioning an art piece, I can’t focus on writing as well. Maybe someone else can relate?!
Now that our home restoration is getting closer to wrapping up (!!!), I can finally set up a desk to (soon) work on these paintings I have in mind. Until last week, the closet with my art supplies was barricaded by boxes and furniture. This also means I can finally make more Paperie Flora cards for the local gift store in town, who is nearly sold out! Maybe working on some hands on art will help with this writing block?!
One writing project in particular has me in a bind. I had been very excited and feeling confident, but now I’m unsure. I need to take a few deep breaths and regain my footing. This is definitely one of the reasons my other writing has been stagnant.
On the upside, after just a few days of no longer having workers inside of our house, we decided to go on a road trip South to see family. It was lovely! Truly a fun whirlwind of driving every day (6 days total) to see new babies (cousins for our 15 month old!) and my 96 year old grandmother (Vivi’s great grandmother!)!
I feel a bit renewed having gone on this adventure. Now, to organize our house from the chaos of restorations/renovations. That too may help unblock my writing!
Wish me luck!
In stillness I write
Muses welcomed from slumber
Notepad App beckons
Each exhalation
Leads to a flurry of thoughts
Can’t type fast enough
Spirit Parents
There is a stirring
an urge
a need
to go outside,
in the rain,
overlooking quiet
peaceful water,
lapping on the beach.
Trees overhead,
everywhere around you.
There are moments
your legs
move
independently.
You feel the muscles
engage
to be alone
to be silent
with your Spirit
with your Nature
Those who raise you.
