Kathryn Costa - Collage Diva

Purple Sequin Boots

After work a sweet young girl was riding her bike on the side walk wearing purple sequin boots like the ones pictured above. She was so cute with her boots and shorts, her helmet askew. She was so friendly and asked what I was doing.

Girl in sparkly purple boots (GISPB): "What are you doing?"

Me: I'm going to the grocery store.

GISPB: And then what?

Me: I'll go home.

GISPB: And then what?

Me: I'll make dinner.

GISPB: And then what?

Me: I'll go to the gym.

GISPB: And then what?

Me: Come home and go to bed.

GISPB: And then what?

Me: I'll start it all over again.

We both giggled at that last remark as I was getting into my car. She was so adorable waving to me as though I was her long lost auntie. I loved her spirit and it lifted mine. Her boots reminded me of SARK, one of my favorite authors who also loves the color purple and would have loved these boots and this sweet girl. I'm so excited that SARK is one of my guests for the upcoming Journey of the Heart online class. Her books (she has 13 published and over 2 million sold) have been a constant source of inspiration over the years. They have given me the encouragement I've needed to live a DARING life and to take a playful approach. It is so cool that I get to interview this mentor of mine. Yeah! 

You know I think I need to get me a pair of sparkly, purple boots.

~ Kathryn Costa, Collage Diva

Collage Play

I am energized by creating gorgeous painted papers and using them to create collages. I often use these collages and design elements in my journal pages. The journal page pictured above is one of the new journal pages designed for my upcoming online class, the Journey of the Heart Journal. I love that this journal page will go out into the world and be enjoyed by others. This course starts in 2-1/2 weeks! Ooooh I'm getting so excited. Read more about it HERE. I hope you find time for some creative play today!

Namaste,

Kathryn Costa, Collage Diva

PS: This "Creative Joy' post was inspired by the Creative Joy Retreat with Jennifer Louden, Marianne Elliot, & Tracey Clark. 

Unexpected Gifts of Joy

Yesterday morning I found myself heading out to the office a little early. I walked out the door thinking, "Could I actually arrive early or on time today?" Before I reached my car I noticed my dear friend's 8-1/2 year old son looking at some plants.

He was eager to share how he had planted some beans last week. "Look how big they are in just one week!" He told me how he had corn started and a blackberry bush too. "If we get anything, I'll share it with you!"

I was grateful that I had that extra bit of time to be present to this young boy. I didn't feel so badly strolling into the office a few minutes late, I knew I could make up the time later in the day. My time with this little "sprout" was too precious to miss. Remember growing things for the first time and anxiously waiting for what will grow? Even now as I reflect on this unexpected moment and write this post, I'm filled with love and joy and I'm eager to tend to my garden of dreams.

Namaste,

Kathryn Costa, Collage Diva

PS: This "Creative Joy' post was inspired by the Creative Joy Retreat with Jennifer Louden, Marianne Elliot, & Tracey Clark. 

Creative Joy Moment at Bedrock Gardens

My husband Fernando and I love to go on outings and discover new places. We spent Saturday at one of our favorite places, Bedrock Gardens in Lee, NH. It is an expansive property with many different gardenscapes. Every time we visit, it is like discovering a new place. We see familiar gardens but different plants are in bloom and the owners are always adding new sculptures and landscaped features.

Pictured above is my honey capturing video for a special tour available to people registered for my Journey of the Heart Journal online class.

Be sure to click on these photos to see them enlarged.

While Fernando was capturing the video, I snapped over a hundred still shots. Here is one garden with a ball theme. How many balls can you see in this photo?

Here is a look at the entrance of the parterre garden.

Here I am trying my hand out using the video camera. I'm capturing the sparkly tree that I write about in the Journey of the Heart Journal course.

Bedrock Gardens is a special place for us. It is where we were married. Of all the garden spaces here, the Japanese tea house and gardens is my favorite.

This is just a sampling of the many photos I took. Want to see more photos? I have more posted HERE.

If you are near New Hampshire, you'll want to swing by Bedrock Gardens. There are four more open houses available this season:

• June 15, 2013
• July 20, 2013
• August 17, 2013
• September 21, 2013
• 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and other days by appointment only.

To learn more visit: www.bedrockgardens.org or www.finegarden.com.

Here's to discovering new and interesting places that bring you CREATIVE JOY!

Namaste,

Kathryn Costa, Collage Diva

PS: This "Creative Joy' post was inspired by the Creative Joy Retreat with Jennifer Louden, Marianne Elliot, & Tracey Clark.

Quiet moments bathed in morning light.

This week I found myself getting up early for a morning walk. I savor this time when the light is warm and filled with promise. The morning light whispers, "What will this day offer you?" This question excites me as I think about the possibilities and opportunities that are waiting for me. I pause to feel the warmth of the sun on my face and I feel nourished and pampered in these moments. 

I had my new cell phone in my pocket and I'm sure glad I did. I was able to capture this peaceful moment where the morning light illuminated some ferns and Lilies of the Valley in a neighbor's yard. This photo delights me.

What a way to start the day!

How do you kick off the day? I suggest you keep a camera on you to capture those sacred moments.

Namaste,

Kathryn Costa, Collage Diva

PS: This post was inspired by the Creative Joy Retreat with Jennifer Louden, Marianne Elliot, & Tracey  Clark.

PSS: Be sure to click on the photo above to get a closer look at it.

 

Happiness Lessons from the Busy Bee

A few days ago I was invited to be a pioneer and beta test a new website called Happify. This NYC based company has taken the latest in "happiness" research and created a unique online experience. The underlying premise of the site is that we make our own happiness and have the ability to increase it by cultivating and practicing habits and activities that are shown to bring happiness to our lives. Although I'm generally a really happy person with a positive outlook on life, I was curious to see what this site was all about. The invitation came at a good time, on the heels of my father's passing. Coincidentally these past few days I've been writing about what gives me CREATIVE JOY. Add to that the Happify mission to foster happiness is aligned with what I'm doing on True North Arts. 

The website is set up with different tracks to choose from relating to different areas of our lives. I decided to start with the "nurturing my body and soul" track. Each week we are encouraged to do 3-4 short activities. These activities are challenges, games, and polls designed to take only a few minutes a day. Although I don't really need another thing to do, I figured I could spare a few minutes a day if it means I would feel happier.

My first task is to SAVOR the small stuff by MIXING IT UP. I love the word savor. Every time I hear it, I feel invited to pause, to take notice with my senses, and to enjoy the moment. I decided that my activity would be to slow down when I eat. I have the tendency to "wolf down" my food. I know this isn't good for digestion and by slowing down I get to enjoy the delicious foods that I prepare.

Yesterday I decided to change my lunch time routine and take my lunch over to the "pretty park" located across the street from where I work. It was a gorgeous day, perfect for an alfresco lunch. My husband surprised me and showed up with some warm Brazilian cheese bread that paired up perfectly with my salad. We felt like little kids sitting on the park bench together.

When I finished eating we strolled around the little park. It felt so glorious to be among the beautiful Spring blossoms. I felt my body relax and my heart fill with joy.

I lingered a bit around some rhondondenrons where a fat bee was busily collecting nectar. Have you ever tried to photograph a busy bee? It was a fun challenge.

I think I typically eat as fast as this plump bee works these flowers. hmmmmm

Once again mother nature is my teacher. She says,

My dear busy bee,

Oh how I love your creativity and zest for so many things. Your mind is always busily working on a project idea or brainstorming something new. You need more restful moments throughout the day. Think of your meal times as an invitation to SLOW down and to SAVOR the moment. This will help you to tap into your CREATIVE JOY and to fuel your body, mind, and soul.

Love you always, 

Mother Nature.

I left the park feeling refreshed and I carried this feeling back to the office. As I sit here writing this post I'm realizing that I need to make my meal times more sacred. The best part of this challenge is that I get plenty of opportunity to practice each day.

How about you? Are you a busy bee? Do you make your meal times sacred moments of the day?

Here's to savoring the moment.

Kathryn Costa, Collage Diva

PS: Be sure to check out the Creative Joy Retreat with Jennifer Louden, Marianne Elliot, & Tracey  Clark. 

 

What brings you CREATIVE JOY?

One of the best things about a good question is that I carry it with me for days even weeks and it has me looking at life differently. I love it when I'm awakened and in just a couple of days I'm feeling really awake and energized by the question, "What brings you CREATIVE JOY?"

I'm noticing the things that I do that I love and I'm remembering other things that I've done in the past that I want to do more of. I've been using Adobe Photoshop now for over 15 years and I'm at the point where I can play with this tool rather than fumble and struggle. One thing I desire more of is PLAY. Today's post features a "nice" photo that I altered in Photoshop. I think it took me about 15 minutes to select the photo and alter it. It was a simple little dose of HAPPY and a moment to remind me how much more play I crave in my daily life.

How about you? How will you play today? What brings you CREATIVE JOY?

Namaste,

Kathryn Costa, Collage Diva

PS: This post was inspired by the Creative Joy Retreat with Jennifer Louden, Marianne Elliot, & Tracey  Clark.

PSS: Be sure to click on the photo above to get a closer look of the interesting textures and details.

The Thin Veil Between the Ordinary and Sacred

This week I've been observing how the sacred is present and available in any moment. To see and feel the sacred is about being mindful. It isn't always easy to let go of the details of my busy life that keep me anchored to the ordinary. When I slip into the precious present moment, I see with wonder and awe. I feel at peace. I tap into my creative joy.

Looking through the lens of my camera I can cross the thin veil between the ordinary and the sacred.

What gives you CREATIVE JOY, today?

I'd love to here. 

Namaste,

Kathryn Costa, Collage Diva

PS: This post was inspired by the Creative Joy Retreat with Jennifer Louden, Marianne Elliot, & Tracey  Clark.

PSS: Be sure to click on the photo above to get a closer look of this sacred moment.

What Brings You Creative Joy?

What brings you creative joy?

I love a good question and this one definitely resonates with my spirit. The question came from Jen Louden's newsletter. She points us to the Creative Joy Retreat where she will be presenting along side Marianne Elliott, and Tracey Clark in Garrison, NY in October. As a gift there is a gorgeous Creative Joy Workbook and tucked inside is an invitation to enter to win a spot in the retreat. CLICK HERE to go to the website and click on the workbook. You'll find the contest details on page 65.

Lately I've stalled a bit on my blogging routine and I'm inspired by this question. I'm thinking I may seek out my creative joy and blog about it each day between now and June 15th.

What brings me creative joy?

My very favorite project at my day job is the annual poster I design to celebrate Religious Education Month. This is my 5th year designing the poster and this year I decided to involve high school students. It was so much fun sharing with them the collage process I used for the posters over the years. Today I get to scan the stack of collages that will be worked into the final poster design.

I feel creative joy when:

I bring my love for collage to my day job

+ sharing this passion with young people.

How about you? What brought you creative joy today?

I'd love to hear it.

Namaste,

Kathryn Costa, Collage Diva

I believe in miracles.

I have a stash of fortune cookies tucked into a glass jar. I like to randomly pull them out from time to time to see what my special message is. When I saw my fortune, "Believe in miracles" I knew instantly that it would be my next affirmation.

Do you believe in miracles? I definitely do but sometimes when I desire something so strongly and it seems impossible I forget to believe. Writing about the miracles in our lives helps us to remember that we are divinely supported. This affirmation magnet will be a reminder to you to BELIEVE.

This magnet also makes a sweet little gift for a friend who needs a gentle reminder that there are miracles just waiting for them.

Swing by my Etsy shop to buy this and other inspirational art.

Namaste,

Kathryn Costa
Collage Diva