Fun Fact: You are Worthy! Just a quick drop-in this Monday to remind you of this fact. Just being you makes this true. And the gifts and passions that you like to share with the world deserve appreciation, recognition, or renumeration! So many entrepreneurs and artists undervalue themselves and thus undercharge for their products and services, believing it’s the only way to lead career in what they do. In fact, quite the opposite is true: the more you know your value, and show your value, the more value others see in your work. Take the Faxolotl as an example! She knows her worth and isn’t afraid to show it…
“The Faxolotl” Poem & Illustration By Kristy Fae
If you’re looking for homework this week, try writing down 3-5 facts about yourself that help you recognize your inherent worth… or ask some of your loved ones to give you a few facts about you that they love!
Have you ever arrived at the table, Preparing for something palatable? When what could be seen, Was just SO obscene, That it looked like it came from a fable?!
Potatoes with paws and meatball-ish dogs, And critters resembling your drain clogs, Are some of the beasts That faced my defeats, Along with the spork-headed bullfrogs!
Have you ever run scared from the table, Escaping from things unpalatable? For what had been seen, Was so AWfully mean, It seemed better belonged in a stable?!
But next time you are given a big slew, Of foul-food that you turn your nose up to, Remember one fact, And be grateful that— Though it’s nasty, at least it can’t bite you!
“Palatable Monsters” Sketch by Kristy Fae
Just a fun little poem today, perhaps reminding us hooman-folk to look for gratitude in unusual places (and perhaps inspiring our fussy eaters at the same time?). In all seriousness though, I know from my own experience that during hard times or periods of struggle, it can be extremely difficult to find “the bright side” or the “non-biting side” of things. And while I definitely don’t advocate for ignoring our feelings, even the difficult ones, I do recognize the power in trying to see at least a bit of the other side, if and when we can. For example: I had a tough week. I was incapacitated by an injury and being stuck in bed hurting sucked. Yet at the same time, fun and silly phone conversations with good friends and family came of it, including the inspiration for this poem! I have so much gratitude for my tribe and the goofy moments we share: it fills my heart up and casts light even in the darkest nights. Surprises and joy can come from unexpected places, if we look for it and appreciate it. So let’s keep our hearts open, our creativity flowing… and our eyes peeled…especially if something moves on our dinner plates!
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After a playful gallivant down Creative Lane last weekend, tickled by the inspiration of Father’s Day, I wanted to share this silly poem and illustration I created for my Dad. Well, this also got me thinking about how we are (and in this case, how our creativity is) shaped by those who brought us up and by those who have been or continue to be around us. I, for example, can easily trace back certain traits I share with family members who modelled ingenuity, artistic talent, and creativity in many different forms. I recall teachers and mentors who encouraged my writing and artwork, and how much of a difference it made to have their support. I have fond memories creating unique projects with imaginative and dedicated peers in Film School. How many happy moments of play and inventive stories were created with friends, I wonder, throughout my lifetime? And this week, I am reminded of where a big part of my inner Trickster came from— my dearest Daboo. The Trickster: the one who plays lovingly and for the sake of joy; who teases and jokes to break the daily monotony; who is able to scramble reality in a way that creates hilarity; who can juggle words and ideas like an otter with smooth river stones. What fun it is to release that inner creature, and to have it embraced and appreciated! And what a big and beloved part of me that creative thing has become…
I feel endlessly thankful for all of these wonderful gifts that have shaped who I am and what and how I create today. And I share these ponderings for three reasons. One, to encourage you to take notice of what special talents and gifts you have that you may take for granted. Two, as a motivator to reflect back and appreciate— perhaps even thank— a few of your most influential influencers. And three, to urge you to really put awareness into how you encourage and influence others around you, because your words and actions can and do shape those very individuals. So there you have it, straight from the beast, so please feast on these ideas, if you like, and have yourself a wonderful and creative week! But before you go, come meet the Daboo…!
“The Daboo” By Kristy Fae
Well, have you met our dearest Daboo? If not, I say, you really ought to… With eyes of deep and emerald green hue, And song so strong it’ll make you brand-new!
Beware his cunning tricks— he’ll get you With musings of a red-hot teaspoon, Or willies wetter than a slug stew, And hugs held tighter than a corkscrew!
And when he starts the grand barbecue It’s sure to be a hullabaloo! There’s ne’er been one who can compare to, Our one true and most dearest Daboo!
“The Daboo” by Kristy Fae
Thanks for reading and remember to always Follow Your Creativity! Subscribe for more nonsensical fun and creative inspiration. Also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTubeor visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!
Far-wide are known the Walrus. But have you heard of Ralwus? With tusks that arch along their spine, And scales that shimmer as they shine, The Ralwus are most friendly chaps, Who take the most substantial naps… But do not wake a sleeping Ral— For you might hear it’s mighty call, Then all will know the Ralwus, Such as they know the Walrus!
“Wake the Ralwus” by Kristy Fae
So you got that right? Do not wake this incredible sleeping beast— or wait, maybe you should? After all, wouldn’t the world benefit from knowing about such a unique, beautiful, and LOUDLY talented creature? This goes for all of us, not just the Ralwus. Don’t hide your voice, your presence, your gifts from the world. Rather shout them out to the ever-changing skies and across the wild and tumultuous seas… because you are unique, beautiful and talented. You make a difference just by being you, so don’t hide YOU in a silent slumber. Take up space. Make noise. Be seen.
Is there a passion, a talent, or another form of self-expression that you’ve been keeping to yourself? Can you let it OUT this week!? Even just a little? If so, comment below! Let us find that majestic beast and sing out our mighty Ralwus calls together…
IT’S TIME TO WAKE THE RALWUS!
Thanks for reading! Continue to Follow Your Creativity@artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTubeor visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!
Can you get this tongue twister to roll off your tongue— rhymes and embellished spellings and all? I’m having fun over here inventing new critters and their tails and tales. Have you got any silly willy furry friends to share with me? The key to success here is, you got it, have FUN and get SILLY!
“The Zuzzy Zzama” by Kristy Biscuit
This whimsical children’s illustration is the result of the second lesson of Lisa Bardot’s “How to Draw Fur in Procreate” tutorial that I’m following on Skillshare. Find more of Lisa’s tutorials and Procreate brushes at www.bardotbrush.com
Experimenting with different ways of how to make FURRY, FUZZY, HAIRY creatures come off the page as though you could reach out and pet them is especially exciting for me. Not only do I love furry creatures (and indubitably petting them) but I’m also thrilled about incorporating my learnings into my upcoming children’s book, “My Very Hairy Monster Friends”, featuring nonsense poems similar to the one above! Make sure to follow the blog for updates on this and other uberly creative projects…and last but not least, have a ssuper dduper dday!
The Grim Bitter sneaked into my home last week, and asked me, please, to play. The Grim, you should know, is the gnarliest soul, and not in a cool ol’ way. I know not whether the Grim is more bitter than grim, or more grim than the bitterest thing, But when I denied his request, what did manifest, was nothing that I was expecting! He sat down on his rump, with a roar and a thump, atop all of my chores and to-dos, His face in a frown, he crossed his arms proud, and when I asked him to leave— he refused! “I’ve got things to do, oh why won’t you move!?” but my cries only pleased him much more, “Fine then, I’LL go—” and I tried, but oh no, where he sat, he was blocking the door! So I huffed and I puffed and I shoved and I snuffed until I felt completely enraged, Then I chased him about with a broom and a shout, until my whole house— rearranged! On this went for a week, without food, drink or sleep, to the point that I gave in and sat, And together we groaned, and we pouted and moaned, ’til at last we had no more to add. Then when we were done, he said, “Thanks for the fun!” and went off on his unpleasant way… So if the Grim Bitter calls, it may be wise not to stall— but instead to appease him and play!
The Grim Bitter
Sometimes you just have to acknowledge your frustrations, sit with those uncomfortable feelings, and let out your upset so you can move on and get back to living your life! Whether it’s throwing paint at a canvas, letting yourself cry, taking a day off for yourself, talking to a trusted loved one or a professional— or anything else than helps— well, as the old saying goes: better OUT than IN! What’s your favourite way of blowing off steam when you’re feeling grim or bitter? Let me know in the comments below!
If you’re having a bad day, I’m here to say, That you aren’t alone, and it’s ok! When you need a little pick-me-up, Remember the Down-Upper and his down-going butt, Who, no matter how much his bottom might weigh, Holds his head high, always scouting the way! Because if you go down and forget to look up, You might miss out on the most beautiful stuff!
Whether you’re a student of art, a professional artist, or a creative dabbler, it’s important to step away from the confines of projects and end results once in a while (or even more often than that preferably). Giving yourself time to experiment, scribble, scratch, doodle— and otherwise mess around— can not only be fun and therapeutic, but it can also give way to creations and ideas that could inspire a future project. You never know just what you might find: an outlet, a new technique, or a wacky character that jumps off the page and steals your heart! Here’s the little one born of my scribbles this week… what do you think? Should this Scribbler have his own story?
What Will Your Scribbles Give Life To?
Take some time out this week to do something creative just for the sake of doing it! No means to an end. No agenda. No perfectionism. No erasing or un-doing even! Hide away from distractions and technology while you do it. Give it your full attention. Run wild with it! Take special notice of how you feel during the process— I’d love to hear about your experience and see what you end up with!
You know those days when your energy is so low that you just want to find a burrow to crawl into? Sometimes it’s better to just give in and allow yourself the break you need. ‘Nuf said…
Happy Monster Monday everyone! Today I have a special treat for you. You may have seen this kooky critter creeping around my pages before- but what you may not know is that she made it into the children’s picture book that I’m currently working on! “My Very Hairy Monster Friends” is a collection of short poems accompanied by wild and whimsical creature illustrations. Adventures, life lessons, and celebrating diversity are some themes that come out of this book. I’m ecstatic about releasing these unique creations into the world, and today I’d like to share a sneak peek of one of the featured poems along with the original watercolour painting I did of the Biscuit Monster (I’ll share the actual page illustration when I complete it)! Enjoy…
The Biscuit Monster
The Biscuit Monster is lots of fun,
She eats her cookies one by one,
And if she’s hungry when she’s done…
Hide your treats and run, run, run!
The Biscuit Monster
Thanks for reading and be sure to subscribe to the Blog to follow the progress of “My Very Hairy Monster Friends” and other creative adventures…
Play. Create. Discover... 