To all the perfectionists, worriers and people living with anxiety monsters in their shirt pockets…I understand the struggle! Continuously considering all the possible (negative) outcomes of a given situation, project, relationship etc is exhausting. If you’re like me, you may have learned to live in self-protection mode, which can lead to isolation, holding ourselves back, and keeping our gifts from the world!
Today, I just want to remind us all that, with practise, our future-focused panicking brains can get more comfortable with unknowns. Our brains can even learn to trust the unknown and believe that whatever comes will just be another step forward on our paths to more fulfilling and authentic living!
For me, it has definitely taken a lot of practise (and therapy and self-work) to be able to have some of that trust today. Does it mean I never worry or get anxiety? Nope, I’m still human. Does it mean I can more often than not acknowledge the worry and then decide how to respond to it better? Yes! And “Yes!” is exactly the theme of the next few weeks! In comes the Go-Getter-Otter…
The Go-Getter-Otter by Kristy Fae
Imagine, long ago, this little otter didn’t know she could swim— or that she even liked the water. She wanted to fly. So she tried it. And when her attempt at flying failed, she fell from the sky with a “splish splash” into a refreshing river… and from then on, she was never happier!
If our hearts yearn for something, yet fear and the unknown gets in our way, do we not owe it to ourselves to go out there and try it anyways?! Best case, it works out (hurray!). Worst case, it doesn’t, and it lands you in a new spot where you’ve never been before. A spot where new and miraculous things can happen… even if that thing is just one more “mistake” along the journey that ultimately leads us to our greatest joy!
Now obviously I’m not saying we should go jump into the air with some 2 by 4’s for wings (we must still use our common sense and wisdom to make calculated risks)— but I am encouraging us to take the plunge into something that fear has been holding us back from. That’s it, that’s the homework, dear monster friends.
We’d love to hear about the plunge you take over the next few weeks— share in the comments below or on social media with #artofnonsensetaketheplunge
Remember, we are brave and we can do scary things!
*Splish Splash*
Play. Create. Discover… Be sure to subscribe to the blog to receive Biweekly reminders when we post! Also find us @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTubeor visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!
Happy Monday, Monster fans. I’ve been delighted by our delectable blog themes recently concerning redefining success and writing our own authentic stories— so much so that I thought the topic deserved its very own monster…
So I’d like to introduce you to my new friend, the Sovereign Goblin! This creative cutie is especially helpful when we are mixed up in the muddle of confusion, peer pressure, fear, or those nasty “shoulds” that rear their heads. He reminds us that while there is always going to be people out there telling us how to be and what to do in any given situation (whether well-meaning guidance or unsolicited advice), that we are our own authors and creators. He reminds us to reclaim our self sovereignty!
The Sovereign Goblin by Kristy Fae
While it can be very helpful to get different perspectives from our trusted personal people and professionals alike, at the end of the day, we get to take inventory, reflect, and decide what’s right for us. We also use our past experiences to navigate current ones, yet sometimes this can lead us astray; we must discern whether or not the old story is guiding us or keeping us stuck. It’s important to check in now and then to see if we have any old stories that we’re ready to crumple up and toss into the trash bin.
So over the next few weeks, I challenge you to be aware of what stories are playing like reruns in your mind— then see if any of them can be turned off in favour of a more…well, favourable one! And if you can start to imagine what you want your story to look like, perhaps drawing it would be a great way to start manifesting it into reality…
The monsters and I would love to hear your thoughts below and to see your “new stories” shared on social media with hashtag #artofnonsensenewstory
Happy storytelling!
Play. Create. Discover… Be sure to subscribe to the blog to receive Biweekly reminders when we post! Also find us @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTubeor visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!
Do you have impossibly high expectations of yourself? Do you struggle with perfectionism or thinking you’ll never be as good as “everyone else” in your area of expertise? Do you jump from one achievement to the next without taking time to really honour and celebrate your successes? If so, you are most definitely not alone!
Many of us battle with these thoughts on a regular basis as we compare our work or achievements to the plethora of examples on the internet, in the news or around us day to day. We forget that “different” doesn’t mean “better” and that what we offer is also valuable, important and needed! We don’t always see that even the people who appear to be succeeding beyond what’s humanly possible still experience challenges, bad days, hard times and self-doubt.
Furthermore, those of us who take our personal growth seriously can sometimes be the first to think we are not doing enough “bettering” and we place heavier and larger burdens on ourselves continuously. We can neglect pausing to reflect on everything we HAVE accomplished and we focus instead on the unfinished to-do lists looming in the dark corners of our mind. Let’s stop biting ourselves and start to play nice!
The Success Eater by Kristy Fae
This week, I suggest that you make time to pause, breath and get grounded. From there, I invite you to look at how you define “accomplishments”, “success” or “achievements”. Go ahead and write out the definition you abide by, along with examples (from your own life, those around you or even celebrities etc).
Now that your definition and examples are on paper, examine what words you wrote. Does your idea of success involve external or public recognition such as awards, certificates, diplomas or even words of affirmation from a specific person or group? Is it tied to material belongings or specific items checked off a list? Is it attached to status, a certain position at work or a certain amount of money that you earn? Or is it attached to your internal experience; how you feel physically or emotionally, how those around you benefit from your actions or even some personal insight you’ve gained?
It can be interesting to investigate where our ideas of success come from too— perhaps from an old story we picked up along the way or a value learned from a trusted mentor etc. With whatever insight you’ve gathered from this investigation, you then get to decide if you’re happy with your original definition of success or if you would like to revise it! If a revision feels warranted, write it out anew…
Finally, after one more nice breath in, exhale all of the pressure and expectations and self-perceived “failures” you’re hanging onto. Then take some time to really reflect on what you have accomplished during the last few months or year (depending what time frame feels significant to you). If you’re having a hard time listing successes, reach out to trusted friends or loved ones and get their feedback. Have them write something nice about you, your character, your influence on those around you or the personal journey you’ve been on to get where you are today. I had my friends do this at my Birthday Celebration this month and it was so heartwarming and encouraging! I suggest you keep these messages someone accessible and within sight to reference any time you catch yourself being hard on you! Those around us who adore us often have the positive feedback and difference in perspective we need to view ourselves in a new light and to boost our confidence!
Now, I’m still rewriting my definition of success, but I know it no longer holds onto the social norms I picked up along the way in a desperation to find acceptance and love. My new definition will read something like this: “Success for me can be measured in the amount of joy and peace I feel and spread day to day, and how authentically I show up for myself and others.”
My list of successes over the past year or so, which were spelled out in the invitation for my Birthday Celebration, did not involve “publishing a book, getting in shape, or making more money” which are all on the to-do list somewhere. Instead, my list was about what had brought me closer to understanding and being ME; self-awareness, clarity about my identity and my ability to live and express myself authentically. These are huge accomplishments and DANG did I ever work hard to get here!
The outside world didn’t see the behind-the-scenes work (only my close friends and family that saw me through it), but that doesn’t mean the successes, the accomplishments, the achievements are not there. Because they are, and they are measured in the increase of happiness, groundedness and peace that I feel. These kinds of accomplishments are not fleeting ones where you receive an accolade that gives you a momentary sense of accomplishment. I’m talking about the kinds of accomplishments that change your life forever. The ones that change how you relate to yourself and others, how you show up and express yourself, speak your truth, live your passions, do what is meaningful and fulfilling to you, how you care for yourself, know and honour your own boundaries, heal your wounds, and inspire others to do the same.
Life is never going to be perfect or without pain or challenges or barriers. But it can be more authentic and joyful, I believe. And isn’t that a definition of “success” that you can get behind?
Celebrate YOU, all of you wild creative creatures out there, because you’re doing great! Share YOUR definition of success below or on socials with #artofnonsensesuccess
Play. Create. Discover… Be sure to subscribe to the blog to receive Biweekly reminders when we post! Also find us @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTubeor visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!
Many of us have heard the saying, “The early bird gets the worm”— but there’s much more to the tale than we were made to believe! But let’s back up for a minute…
Welcome back from the Holidays! The monsters and I from Art of Nonsense hope that everyone had a joyous season and a peaceful transition into 2024.
Yes, it’s January: the time of New Year’s Resolutions, goal setting and the mapping out of upcoming milestones. I love the fresh energy of a New Year and the “out with the old” and “letting go of things that no longer serve us” vibes. What I do NOT like, however, is the pressure and stress of living up to my newly set Resolutions or the feeling “less than” when I realize I haven’t achieved all of last year’s goals. Yes, reflection is great. Goals are great. So is reality. So is self-care, rest, fun and quality time with the people we adore. This we know, though, don’t we?
But it’s hard to remember or to live by these values when our society honours striving, pushing and, ultimately, suffering. For many of us, the more to-dos we check off our list, and the less hours we sleep per night, the more accomplished we have become engrained to feel. We’re taught that there is but one way to thrive, and if even one part is missing from that rulebook, we’ve doomed ourselves to failure. But whoever wrote these rules forgot one very critical detail: humans, like monsters, are all very different from one another. We have differences in what we need. What we like. What works for us and what doesn’t. There cannot, and should not, be one universal script for success. So let’s change the story, shall we?
“The early bird gets the worm…and the night owl catches fireflies!”
“Firefly” by Kristy Fae
This is the new motto I’ve created. And if you haven’t guessed it already— I’m a night owl. Like many owly humans, I’ve spent years feeling guilty about my late night tendencies. After all, people around me and messages everywhere were constantly telling me that early rising was chapter one in the “Book of Success”! It’s taken me a lot of years, research and trial and error, to be able to confidently say, “I beg to differ!”
I say, if it works to go to bed early and wake up early? GREAT! If it works better to go to bed late and wake up late? ALSO GREAT! If some other schedule works best? AMAZING! Do that. Let’s not follow our neighbour’s prescription— it wasn’t written for us! Let’s keep in mind that different people have different internal clocks. For example, neurodivergent individuals tend to have circadian rhythms that signal us to sleep at least 2 hours later than neurotypical people.* We really cannot assume that what works for one, works for all. So let’s all stop it with the judgement (of self and of others) and just allow the wisdom of our own brains, bodies and intricacies to guide our narrative as best we can, shall we?
And that’s just on the subject of sleep! We could call in infinite other topics here to illustrate the point, such as what kind of exercise, food or career choices are the most successful. Or which magic pills solve their indicated issues fastest. The best travel spot? The greatest Spiritual practice? We’d be arguing until the end of time. The point is, there is no rule book to achieving success. There is just what we know and decide is best for ourselves. And even that can change continuously!
So back to the New Year’s Resolutions. First off, I challenge us all to think about our Resolutions in a new light. Perhaps starting with some new and gentler phrasing for our goals, like “this year’s intentions” or “things that would bring me joy in 2024”.
Secondly, I suggest that our goals are based more on what we want to feel or experience, such as creativity or flow or newness or love or vibrancy or peace. This may look very different from previous year’s lists that featured very specific and finite goals. Now I’m not saying that specific goals or SMART goals are not valuable or don’t have their place. But maybe this set of intentions, which is meant to guide us for the entire year, allows for a bit more…intuitiveness. Maybe we don’t know the details of what will produce those desired feelings yet, and that’s ok, because we are us in the NOW, and not us in a week, a month or a year from now. If we make an outline so detailed that it blinds us from any new and interesting subplots that may arise along the journey, how will we know that we are being true to ourselves each and every day? We are constantly evolving based on our experiences, shifting values, new knowledge etc. Let’s allow our dreams to shift with us.
Ok. Thirdly. To be contradictory, I am going to set the one and only “rule” for this year’s intentions: it is to make our lists from our unique, authentic needs and desires. That is, from the truth of our heart, our inner wisdom, our honest knowing. Let’s not allow anyone to dictate what our methods, yearnings or dreams “should be”. Let’s tune in to what truly nourishes US!
To Recap:
1- Find a new title for your “New Year’s Resolutions”
2- Make your goals based on what you want to feel or experience this year, not necessarily listing finite goals.
3- Make sure each item on the list is based on your authentic needs and desires!
4- Bonus step: share your list in the comments below and on social media with #artofnonsenseintentions
If thinking about our goals in this way is hard imagine, as we fight against those pesky “shoulds and societal pressures”, we can start tapping into our inner voice in smaller ways. For example, making one small decision today based on a desire or need. Like saying no to someone asking for a favour when we need rest. Or buying that chocolate chip muffin for breakfast just because we want it. Perhaps it’s putting aside a non-urgent task to spend time in nature. If it still feels too big, we can start smaller: parting our hair on the opposite side to challenge our automatic responses, taking a different route when we head out, or wearing two differently coloured socks just for fun! The task is to feel in to what we are really craving, authentically, instead of following the engrained paths we’ve learned to follow.
After some practise, we can start making bigger changes. Perhaps asking that cool person we bump into every once in a while to hangout next time we see them. Or registering for a course simply for our personal interest and pleasure. Maybe digging into a new art medium or project that’s been calling for attention! Let’s start living more authentically, each day, as our unique SELVES. The more we do it, the more naturally it comes, and then the more of it we want. Mmm nothing like that good yummy self-nourishment!
Like the “early bird” saying that many of us have been reciting for years, it’s time to write our own stories. And I’m not just talking about early birds and night owls, there’s everything in between from swans to ducks to woodpeckers to hummingbirds to flamingos…and on and on!
And to each of you unique and wondrous creatures, please know, in your heart of hearts, that no matter what kind of bird you are— there is magic waiting for you…
Happy intention setting— don’t forget to share your list below and hashtag it on social media #artofnonsenseintentions
* For more information on circadian rhythm differences and delayed sleep phase syndrome in neurodivergent individuals, see ADDitude Magazine’s Article.
Play. Create. Discover… Be sure to subscribe to the blog to receive Biweekly reminders when we post! Also find us @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTubeor visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!
Phew, is it just us or is this a busy season?! You’ll have to excuse the monsters and I for being late with our Blog, but here we are!
Last weekend was a big eventful one for us creatures here at Art of Nonsense! We took a trip to the Winter Art Market in Fernwood, Victoria B.C. where many-a-monster found their way to new loving furever gnomes… I mean homes. But also gnomes.
Kristy Fae & Super Max with the Art of Nonsense Booth at the Winter Art Market in Victoria, B.C.
We would like to sincerely thank everyone who helped us with the event and/or dropped by the booth to share in the love of monsterly nonsense and creativity last weekend! It means so much to us to have our monsters and creatures invoking smiles, spreading positive messages, and encouraging self-love. We so appreciate your support!
Back to Gnomes…Gnomes are abound this time of year, and we didn’t want to be left out! So we’ve welcomed handmade Home Gnomes, as well as their mischievous Hobgoblin counterparts, into our Monster Studio for the first time ever! They were a huge hit with their squishy bodies and beany-bottoms, not to mention those dangly legs and tiny shoes. Oh my, the cuteness!
We also introduced another new product into our line: Art of Nonsense Greeting Cards! First up we have the Dancing Dino, who’s sure to bring delight to any welcoming recipient. And in the name of the season, we have our West Coast Christmas Cards featuring a wildly enthusiastic rider on an orca, hauling a sleigh above the roaring ocean waves!
These new products, along with many others such as our Whimsical Art Prints, Beanbag Buds (sensory & fidget toys), fleecy Hand Puppets, and more, can be found in our online Art of Nonsense Shop or on our Facebook Page. Feel free to send us a message at kristy@artofnonsense.com with inquiries about currents products or custom orders!
We also loved the feedback we received at the Art Market about which products our monster-loving fans would like to see, including Gratitude Monster Greeting Cards and a restock of Monster Magnets! Please comment below with which monster products you’d like to see, along with your favourite current ones. The feedback helps us get the monsters you want into your monster-ready hands!
Oh, and if you’re looking for “Creative Homework” this week, try designing your very own whimsical Christmas or Seasonal Greeting Card using your favourite local creature as inspiration. All you need is some folded paper or card stock and either some coloured pencils, crayons, paints, or markers. Feel free to share your creations below or on social media along with the hashtag #artofnonsensecreations
Have a creative and joyful season everyone!
Play. Create. Discover… Be sure to subscribe to the blog to receive Biweekly reminders when we post! Also find us @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTubeor visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!
This little monster went to the market, That little monster stayed home, This little monster had so much fun, That little monster had none! This little monster went “Wee, wee, wee” All the way Gnome…
“Home Gnome” Decoration by Art of Nonsense
The monsters and I are gearing up for our next exciting event, a Winter Art Market, and we are shouting, “Wee wee wee!” in anticipation!
The Community Art Market is taking place on SUNDAY NOVEMBER 26, from 1:00-5:00pm, at the Fernwood Community Centre, 1240 Gladstone Ave. Entry is free, so if you’re in the Victoria BC area, drop by and say, “Hi!” to us at the Art of Nonsense booth.
We’ll have for sale our beloved stickers, magnets, Beanbag Buds, art prints and puppets! And we’ll be introducing some Home Gnomes (one variation depicted above) just in time for the Holiday Season! They’re sure to bring a little pop of colour and joy into your home…or the home of whomever they are gifted to…
Visit the Greater Victoria Social Gathering Place website or their Facebook Event for more details. Thanks to Island Community Mental Health and Greater Victoria Social Gathering Place Society for making this event possible. We’re so grateful to have organizations like this supporting mental health, wellness & recovery in our community.
Come on down and support local artists as they come together to celebrate creativity and the joys of this season!
Beanbag Buds by Art of NonsenseStickers & Magnets by Art of NonsenseArtwork & Puppets by Art of Nonsense
Play. Create. Discover… Be sure to subscribe to the blog to receive Biweekly reminders when we post! Also find us @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTubeor visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!
Don’t judge a ghost by its “covers”… Watch for the sheep in werewolf’s clothing… Little boos grow into mighty scares…
Whatever meaning you want to attribute to today’s illustration, the most important message of the week is this:
“Have a Safe and Happy Hallo-Scream!”
“The Little Boo Scares a Werewolf” by Kristy Fae
Just a reminder, if you’ve also been drawing for Inktober this year, or have been following your own custom prompts like we have here at Art of Nonsense, hashtag your work with #inktober2023 or #artofnonsense on your preferred social media platforms!
Sometimes there’s rhyme but no reason…here’s a bit of fun for you this Monster Monday in honour of Art of Nonsense’s favourite upcoming celebration— Halloween!
“The Choc-o-lot Sneak” By Kristy Fae
The Choc-o-lot Sneak, Such a sneaker of treats, Is a marvellous master— A sneak who sneaks sweets!
He sniffs out the goods, A most terrible feat, And when candy’s around, Well, he won’t miss a beat!
He snatches the loot With his three massive beaks, Then he stashes the stuff In his gigantic cheeks!
Yes, caramel and fudge Are the eats that he seeks And it’s Halloween Night That his food-snatching peaks!
So hide all your bars, All your lollies and gummies— But the only safe spot, Is inside your tummies!
“The Choc-o-lot Sneak” by Kristy Fae
We hope you’re having fun getting your costumes and candies and jack-o-lanterns ready this October. Just beware that mighty Sneak, as we heard him sniffing around here in the chocolate cupboard already 😉 If you’re celebrating Hallow’s Eve this year, tell us how in the comments below…
Have a joyful, creative and safe Halloween season everyone!
Happy October everyone! The tree are shedding, the air is cooling and Halloween is fast approaching. Creative energies are running high (at least they are here in the Monster Studio!) and what better way to honour a creative October than by participating in Inktober 2023! For anyone who doesn’t know, Inktober is a time for artists to create artwork daily based on a list of drawing prompts. This year, a fellow artist and loved-one had an excellent idea: to curate prompt lists for one another.
How fun!
We both have different goals for Inktober this year, and our lists reflect that for one another. She brilliantly chose the word “discovery” for my day 1 prompt, as my intention is to challenge my illustration skills with new subjects and action poses. Gasp— I have to try NOT to draw monsters for a whole month!? Well, truth be told, some monsters will still be sneaking into my artwork this month, whether inspired by the prompts or otherwise 😉 Yet starting off my illustration yesterday, I automatically sketched a monster and had to catch myself, and redo it… as a HOOMAN! But I think turned out pretty well:
In conclusion, if you’re with me, let’s dub the month of October “Discovery Month” and try “drawing outside of the lines”…or the box…or the circle…Perhaps this means trying a new art medium, drawing different subjects, or even ones you’re not comfortable with. Maybe it means reconnecting to your “Little Me” to see what they want to explore! A good place to start is to revisit what you loved doing, or always wanted to do, as a kid…
Expanding the horizons of what we create, as always, can bring new playfulness, creativity and discovery! If you want to join in the fun, hashtag your work with #inktober2023 and #artofnonsense on your preferred social media platforms! You can find the official Inktober 2023 prompt list here. We’ll be sharing @artofnonsense on Facebook and Instagramso be sure to follow us there for more Inktober fun!
Happy creating and discovering, Monster Friends!
Play. Create. Discover… also find me @artofnonsense on YouTube or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!
Well, this coming week is officially calling in the start of Autumn!
Hurray, Huzzah, Hoorah!
Yes, I’m a big fan of Fall. I’m not sure if it’s the falling leaves, the oh-so-fresh hoodie-worthy weather, the ingrained feeling of “back to school” season, or the excitement of Halloween creeping in (okay, it’s all of the above)… but Fall always has me feeling crafty, creative, and motivated to get organized and productive!
The closets have been cleaned out, the desks have been rearranged, the year’s goals have been fine-tuned and, of course, the monsters have been awakened!
In honour of our favourite monsterly season, we’ve finally got our latest Beanbag Buds and Monster Hand-Puppets up for adoption at the Art of Nonsense Shop! Our boisterous little Beanbag critters are the perfect pals to clip onto your knapsack, carry in your pockets, or toss around with your friends. They’re fun fidget toys for all of us sensory-oriented creatures, and of course, they’re cute as buttons! Handmade in Victoria British Columbia, we’re currently shipping within Canada. Drop us an email if you have any questions or custom ideas: kristy@artofnonsense.com
So while the monsters are having fun “Fall-ing” into line… what are your season’s goals? Is there a project you’ve been meaning to get started on? A junk drawer that needs excavating? Or perhaps a routine that needs polishing to bring some freshness into your step? Whatever it is, we hope you’re able to start dropping into your creative energy this week. Perhaps now is the time to take that first small step towards a goal that you’d maybe hung up during the hot and sunny months?
Wishing you a wickedly awesome Autumnal Equinox from all of us monsters here at Art of Nonsense!
Play. Create. Discover… don’t forget to subscribe to keep up with our biweekly blogs and follow us @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. And of course, visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters!
Play. Create. Discover... 