Inspiration for a joyful and creative life

My family and I took a road trip to visit family in Texas.

Spending several hours in the car has some definite advantages of allowing us time for some great conversations.

One of my favorite ways to figure things out is to think out loud and have a conversation.

My husband and I talked about the new ideas and direction I want to take with my business and I had several aha moments as we discussed things.

Even when the conversation was over, the momentum kept my brain continuing to add and refine the ideas.

I also love to write and create mindmaps but talking things out is one of the easiest and fun ways for me to get some great ideas.

What works best for you? When do you get the best ideas?

What helps you to gain perspective and to get clear?

Do you find writing in a journal, drawing, asking a question before bed, meditating, walking, researching, or talking to someone helps you to come up with your best ideas and strategies?

Often some of your best ideas will come when you are in a relaxed state. And sometimes you might be trying to think of something but it doesn’t come until you go off and do something else.

Be aware of when ideas seem to flow easily for you. Is it when you are in the shower, taking a walk, gardening, or?

And even if you find a favorite or two, I wouldn’t limit yourself to just those but be sure to include those strategies in your important decisions.

And most importantly, be prepared to write them down or record them on a digital recorder!

P.S. One of my subscribers, Vicki Barton, emailed me some great comments which I have her permission to share with you.

Sally, Car trips are the very best times to capture new creative ideas.

I read that driving across country allows us to focus on the distant horizon with infinite possibilities in between. With a “goal” so far away we can allow diversions without fearing we’ll choose the wrong path.  (I love that!)

I keep a notebook right at hand to capture the fleeting ideas.

I also collect random items like stones, feathers, or small objects, as well as photographs as concrete reminders. These all tuck in a small plastic box which is a joy to explore when we return home. Thank you for all your creative encouragement.

If you haven’t already heard about or seen this ebook, What Matters Now,  by Seth Godin, you may want to check it out.

There are 70 big thinkers with a bit of wisdom.  “From bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert to brilliant tech thinker Kevin Kelly, from publisher Tim O’Reilly to radio host Dave Ramsey, there are some important people riffing about important ideas here.”

Your ideas are just as important.  It is an interesting conversation that you just might want to join.

It is a free download available here:

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/files/what-matters-now-2.pdf

Last year I gave some ideas for holiday gifts in my ezine and I got several comments from my subscribers about how much they  enjoyed them so I create a whole new list that I’ll share with you.

Here are some ideas that might make your gift giving a little easier this year.  Great gifts don’t have to cost a lot.

Experiences

You can create great memories by giving a gift of an experience or outing.

• Tickets to a Play or Concert

• Tickets to a Sports Event
• A weekend Get Away
• A Hotel or Bed and Breakfast Voucher
• Write up a certificate for a special day with you…maybe to the zoo, a theme park, fishing, or something you know they would love to do.

For the Movie Lover

• Gift certificates to a convenient movie theatre
• Gift basket with a DVD, popcorn, and candied nuts
• A 3 month subscription to Netflix.   http://www.netflix.com
• We got this for my Mother in law for her birthday with a list of our favorite movies we thought she would enjoy. She loved it.

Handmade for the Holidays

• Relive a special memory with a Photo book of a trip or event.

You can put one together with photo prints or download your pictures and plan your album at a site like Shutterfly http://www.shutterfly.com

• Jar Gifts are a fun way to give a gift of food that they can enjoy AFTER the holidays.

You can make some with your own favorite recipes, layering the ingredients for a nice presentation.

This month’s issue of Food Network Magazine has a nice selection of ideas like a curried lentil soup and a holiday panetone bread.

• Holiday Treats.  You may want to play with a new idea and be creative with your gift.  The picture above is cupcakes that my son and I made.  We tried to use melted candy wafers to create designs.  It takes a little practice not to just make blobs but we had a lot of fun.  We will definitely try that again!

• Handmade Jewelry

Check out my handmade jewelry at www.SallyEvansArt.com
Earrings make a great gift. I’ll even gift wrap and ship it for you.

If you would rather let them choose, I have gift certificates available.

Embellish A Ready Made Item

This is a fun and quick way to add a personal touch.

• Add ribbon trim or buttons to the neckline of a nice T-shirt.

• Add embellishments from the craft store to a frame.

• Create a design on a candle with wonder tape and microbeads.

Give a Gift of Laughter

For your loved ones with a sense of humor….

• Freudian Slippers from Uncommon Goods http://www.uncommongoods.com/item/item.jsp?itemId=12062

• Anxiety Sculptures from Uncommon Goods http://www.uncommongoods.com/item/item.jsp?source=family&itemId=17074

Note: these are direct links to those items. I do not have any association or experience with ordering from Uncommon Goods. These were just a couple items I came across that I thought looked fun.

• Your favorite funny movie or book that you think they would like

Gift of Inspiration

• A book of favorite quotes or a book that has inspired you

• Barbara Winter’s Winning Ways newsletters for those on the Joyfully Jobless Journey. I’ve been enjoying a subscription for several years. Check out a free sample here http://www.barbarawinter.com/winning-ways.html

• A CD  of Inspired Artists and Creative Entrepreneurs.  These are interviews I’ve done with some amazing people that are sure to leave you inspired!

A Personalized Gift

How about a silhouette of a loved one or even your whole family including your dog or cat on a set of cards, stationary, or a print?

You could have the children’s silhouettes for Grandma.

Or you can even have a silhouette Needlepoint kit printed to make into a pillow or wall hanging.

These are all available from http://www.Petiteprints.com

Special Gift Card Offers for the Holidays

The last couple of years, several restaurants and some stores have had special offers for gift cards during the holidays.

For example, if you buy $100 worth of gift cards, you get a bonus $20 gift card* for free. You could get five $20 gift cards, two $50 gift cards, or any combination.

You might just want to get one for yourself while you are at it.

This year I’ve seen this deal offered for Macaroni Grill, which you can also use the card for Maggianos, On the Border, or Chiles.

https://giftcard.brinker.com/maggianos/GiftCert.asp

It seems to only come up on certain pages so I gave you the link to the Maggianos gift card.  You can click on the other restaurants at the bottom of the page if you want the gift card to show from Macaroni Grill or one of the other restaurants.

Note: *$20 bonus card must be used toward a purchase of $50 or more between 1/1/10 – 2/28/10

Also, the Container Store is offering another similar special. If you purchase $100 worth of gift cards, you will recieve a $25 bonus card.  http://www.containerstore.com/giftcard/index.htm

Check their site for details.

I hope these trigger some ideas and inspiration for you!