Bonjour Y'all

What to hold on to

2012-01-31T08:46:00.002-05:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S

This post was inspired by, and goes out to, two dear friends of mine.
I hope you both find peace and know that you are loved very dearly.

The 'things' we should truly

hold on to in this world are,

ironically, the very things

that we cannot touch.

— WENDY HUDGINS

Stay curious.

2012-01-20T19:40:00.016-05:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
New website is up. Take a peek.
Now it's easier to follow the creative sparks
...and stay curious.

©2012 Wendy Hudgins

Send

2012-01-17T19:26:00.016-05:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
I've successfully set-up my new email address for BONJOURYALL:
wendy@bonjouryall.com Stay curious.

What defines us

2012-01-05T18:12:00.012-05:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K

The new FB 'cover photos' are essentially our online bumper stickers.
What does yours say?
And have you been to Pinterest yet??
©2011 Wendy Hudgins

New Hopes. New Year.

2011-12-31T16:39:00.015-05:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
Tough. Beautiful. And grow.

Those are the three words I used today to describe 2011. And for 2012, I thought that since Pinterest is my new creative inspiration-addiction, I would post my aspirations for the New Year there. To be reminded of my hopes for the New Year.

Yes, my 'hopes,' not resolutions. 'Resolution' has always sounded like a chore to me, a mandate, heavy expectations or something to improve upon. Implying something was faulty.

I believe we're all imperfectly perfect. Doing the best we can. With the tools we have. I also look forward, in the New Year, to inspiration, travel, and... love.

Bonne Année, à tous!
©2011 Wendy Hudgins

Hi... my name is Wendy. And I'm on Pinterest.

2011-12-15T22:23:00.011-05:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
Wow. My world just radically got a bit more inspired this week. Inspiration is officially OFF the charts. Pinterest is a bit like coffee. If you haven't started, don't. I'm really hoping this is a phase. And that it will pass... But. I. Freaking. Love. This. Don't say you weren't warned.

What's your name?

I'm @bonjouryall (of course).
©2011 Wendy Hudgins

Homage to the can of cranberry

2011-11-24T08:04:00.020-05:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
What's yours? In today's festivities of food, what's the one food that simply can't be missing from the table for you?

At first I went right to my mom's Pawley's Island Pie. But nope, hands down for me, it's the simple ribbed slurp-slop of that can of cranberry sauce. No embellishments, no prep-time, no overcooking (okay, maybe that last one is why I like it). But seriously, I got to thinking about this...

Why the can of cranberry?

Over the past couple weeks I was fortunate to be able to see my family in Atlanta. A surprise 65th birthday for my dad, seeing my mom, dad, and sisters and their spouses, and very happy to see my grandma and grandad, 92 and 94yrs old, and my sweet-fun 2yr-old niece Zoe. But the highlight of the week was getting to meet two brand new members of my family. Baby Reed and baby Allison. One month apart and baptised together on Sunday.

Meeting new babies who are part of your family, your blood, was intriguing to me. It was sort of like meeting two new neighbors. But you're getting to know them as they don't yet have distinct personalities yet. And of course, no traditions... yet.

Today, for Thanksgiving, I am very grateful to be spending it with dear friends up here on a beautiful November day in the DC area, but was stumped when my friend who is hosting insisted there was no need to bring anything.

At first, my thought was that I didn't want her to have to provide ALL the food. We should help out. Then I realized why I was stumped on this request. Everyone's holidays are quirkily and uniquely theirs. And the desire to 'bring something' was also our desire to bring a part of our own traditions and share with others.

Growing up, and as far back as I can remember, my mom would prepare a scrumptious spread, dad would carve the turkey. All of mom's dishes were in the oven at the right time so rotation seemed flawless. The fine silver was often brought out, and in their current house it was one of the few days a year we'd eat in the dining room.

But with all the fuss, preparation, and formality...

...it was the simple, ribbed slurp-slop of that can of cranberry sauce that in it's simplistic way, simply 'made' the holidays for me. Though, of course, it wasn't just the can of cranberry sauce. There's nothing terribly earth shattering about the way Ocean Spray puts it together. But rather, for me its 'as-is' quality amongst all the other dishes that have been so fussed over, mixed, prepared, primped, and baked. It's also all of the memories that this little can holds -- of being a part of so many family gatherings -- that make it, in my book, just as regal as the turkey.

In Atlanta, as I was watching our family grow on the younger end with these two precious little cherubs, my nephew and niece, I was feeling a gratitude that my grandparents are still present and a part of my life, I realized that all of our families are in flux. We change, who is or isn't in our life changes. Life is on the move. Always.

Our family trees gets new roots and leaves fall, too.

There are friends of mine who've lost family members over this past year or so who I am thinking about today. I know a tradition of gathering together like Thanksgiving or Christmas may be hard. Missing that person. But I hope in the memory of that person, that life, that you are able to gather some comfort and joy. And peace.

If the can of cranberry is missing from the table this year, the memory of wonderful gatherings is still there. If a person is missing from the table this year, I pray that the memory of their beautiful life is still there with you as well.

And for life, memories, traditions, even change, and yes, cranberry sauce... I give thanks.

©2011 Wendy Hudgins

Shine your light

2011-11-17T14:44:00.004-05:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
— MARIANNE WILLIAMSON

Found this while clearing out some very, very old emails. Still LOVE it.
It's a speech often attributed to NELSON MANDELA.

Even if

2011-10-11T22:02:00.009-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
How many skeptics does it take to change a light bulb? None. They fear change, even if it can make the world a brighter place.
—UNKNOWN

Comments about this post:
CG — The last dying words of the Buddha, were: "Make of yourself a light".
WH — Brilliant.

Shine on

2011-10-06T11:12:00.003-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
My suggestion for the Apple store windows.

Mac Daddy

2011-10-05T22:36:00.015-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K

Thank you to a visionary with the ability to
'wow' us in a 'wow'-starved world.

Image is the actual Apple off of my very first Mac.

In your life

2011-10-03T20:23:00.009-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
There comes a point in your life when you realize:
Who matters,
Who never did,
Who won't anymore...
and who always will.
So, don't worry about some of the people from your past,
there's a reason they didn't make it to your future.
—UNKNOWN

Inspiration can come from anywhere. This was from an email today.
Keep your eyes open... ALWAYS be ready to be inspired.

The doors

2011-09-13T10:37:00.005-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
Maybe there's a reason why
all the doors are closed,
so you could open one that
leads to the perfect road.
— K. PERRY

Inspiration can come from anywhere. Yes, even Ms. Perry.
Keep your eyes open... ALWAYS be ready to be inspired.

Story People

2011-09-12T20:23:00.014-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K

I picked up this Brian Andreas print of his 'Story People' in Galena, IL back when I lived in Chicago. I continue to LOVE the sentiment. WAKE UP! This print is actually hanging next to my front door. Good thing to be reminded of before heading out into this crazy, beautiful world.

Soul-stretching

2011-08-21T22:15:00.005-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
Not everything you create will be a masterpiece, but you get out there, and you try, and sometimes is really happens. The other times you're just stretching your soul.
— MAYA ANGELOU

A Time

2011-08-14T16:32:00.005-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K

I love Quotables cards.
Brilliant words. Beautiful type. Great inspiration.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

2011-08-12T17:07:00.029-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
We will likely have to go through some heavy moments in our lives, ones that will put us to the test to really stand up for ourselves, for what we feel is right in our life. But I believe these moments can, if funneled properly, push us through to a better place. Even if we don't know what that will look like or who will be there with us.

What scary thing are you going through? Does it feel like you can't see the end of it? Maybe you're in a tunnel... but you are still moving. We are never still. Our lives are never still. Keep going. Keep going. Keep going. And then 'keep going' some more.

But don't rush it. Don't rush the process. Trust it. Then walk it.

Howevery wiggly and windy it is.

All of the beautiful, love-filled, lasting, and authentic things of your life came into your life without your even trying. You were simply being you and they were attracted to you. Even if the timing didn't seem right. But the timing is always right.

So just get on with being 'you.' That's your job. Don't worry about others. And have faith that those things will find you again. Have faith that the beauty of life and love will always find it's way to you even when it feels universes away. Maybe it is in a tunnel. Just not quite ready to emerge yet. Keep going. Keep going. Keep going. And then 'keep going' some more.

There's a light in the dark where the sky splits apart where the stars find a way to shine through all the spaces in between. Yes. Breathing underwater, indeed.
MBR, you're wise beyond your years. HK[isses]

Regarding the craziness of each of our journeys, this reply to a post I saw on SARK's FB page today was simply precious...

SARK: Our healing and changes do not happen in steps like a ladder — they happen in spirals and layers.
A follower's reply: love that! Also loop-de-loops and sometimes tunnels where you can't see and aren't sure where you are going. (Kind of like Space Mountain or other roller coaster).
My reply: a-men!

And today I also saw another link SARK posted that simply rocked my world. Check out Kris' story, her Crazy Sexy Life. Wow. Beautiful inspiration.

Different than hers, but I'm walking through a Whiskey Tango Foxtrot* moment. Use these tough 'moments' as fuel to launch you to a beautiful place. But to get there, you must first be honest with yourself about exactly where you are on your path, now.

Where are you standing?

Right now. Not last year. Not next year. But right now.

Where is your 'you are here' on your map? Because it's only then, after you are honest about where you are, that will you will be able to truly move forward in your life. So, keep going. Keep going. And then 'keep going' some more.

Even if it is in spirals and layers.
* See Kris' story. Loved this.
©2011 Wendy Hudgins

Still Standing

2011-08-12T10:15:00.010-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K

baby, you gotta

walk by faith,

and not by sight.

Love this song by Monica. Beautiful.
A friend shared this 'anthem' with me.
Play it loud! I am still standing...

Tired. Weak. Worn.

2011-08-09T20:06:00.039-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
Precious Lord,
take my hand,
lead me on,
let me stand.
I am tired,
I am weak,
I am worn.
Through the storm,
through the night,
lead me on
to the light.
Take my hand
precious Lord,
lead me home.

When the
darkness appears,
and the night
draws near,
and the day
is past and gone.
At the river
I stand,
guide my feet,
hold my hand.
Take my hand
precious Lord,
lead me home.

I was deeply moved by this song, and the loss it captured. Mid July, I sang this song in church. Solo. It reflected a journey of mine. Breaking out of comfort zones and trying to be honest about the walk I am walking. I felt the words deeply that day. In our journey, I believe there are no wrong turns. I just believe if we walk with our eyes open we can better determine if the direction we are heading is working for us or not. We may stumble. We may make mistakes. But mistakes are inevitable. We've never been down this part of the path before. And mistakes aren't always bad. They can inform us. We can change our mind. We can ask for help. We may even walk with someone else for a while. But it is still 'our' journey. Solo. And no one else will ever be able to walk our journey but us. We can ask for direction. GPS. But ultimately each of us will have to make our own decisions (and live with them) on when and where we turn on our path. Guide my feet, hold my hand. Indeed.

And continuing along this seemingly endless journey that seems to be about leaps of faith and breaking out of comfort zones. And if you can forgive a voice break here and there. And can turn the volume down just a bit before listening. Then I present to you this simple version of the solo I sang in my church, Precious Lord.

Goal

2011-08-09T10:55:00.015-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
A goal is not always meant to be reached, it can also serve simply as something to aim at.
— BRUCE LEE

Thanks to the Hill family blog for sharing this nugget of wisdom.

Move

2011-08-07T20:41:00.007-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
We will go to and through a lot of places in our lives. In our minds. And in our hearts. If it's beautiful, we still must move through it. So cherish it. But if it's tough, we still get to move through it. So keep walking. Oh, the places you'll go. Keep moving. BE moved.

.
Great find, Ross.

Centered

2011-08-05T07:33:00.025-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S

Centered.
I think it means getting deep into the raw, vulnerable, authenticity of our souls. 'Centered' means that those hunches we feel in our lives will apply no matter which way our life is leaning.

It applies whether our lives are 72° and sunny.
And it applies whether our lives are dark and foggy.

Balance.

If you've ever written in a journal, or reread something you wrote during a tough time in your life, and you find that those words of yours still apply in a good time you may be going through (or vice versa)... then those are authentic, centered feelings. Balanced. And good ones to listen to.

A friend of mine and I will often copy and paste eachother's own words, and then email them back to the other person. Our own words, sent right back to us.

Only we truly know the complexity of the path each of us has to walk. It's a winding journey, and sometimes has unexpected sink holes. But no one else can walk it for us. Even we ourselves may see and know we need to make a turn ahead, but unless we do it... ourselves... it simply will not happen.

Others can share their perspectives on what we are going through, and I believe that can be a great help. Maybe they have walked a part of that path and can shed wisdom to save you some trouble, or guide you to a beautiful part of the path ahead. Or they can say "hey, you're almost there, you're doing great!" Or they can also hold up a mirror to help us see the things we already know and are already saying.

But ONLY YOU possess the centered wisdom, authentic to you, of the direction you need to go in. Even if it's not a fun place to go to, or through. If the centered place in you is guiding you in that direction. Trust it. Go.

Trust it. Go.
You possess that wisdom.
You need to listen to that wisdom.

And if it's truly centered, it will apply whether our lives are 72° and sunny or dark and foggy.

Balance.

Case in point of 'our own words':

"When there is absence in our life, even if it hurts, or we ache, or we cry, or we are lost, it can also be precisely the condition needed for us to be filled-up. With the presence of something new. With a new job, an illumination, a new opportunity, with God, with a brilliant idea, or a friend." — Absence. Presence. 4/24/2011

"Let go. Hang on. Listen. Follow. Ask for strength. Patience. Allow yourself to be guided. Keep your eyes open. Go for it. And be grateful for this moment, however it unfurls, this moment is your life." — 365 4/24/2010

Yes!
Center. Listen. Trust. Go.
©2011 Wendy Hudgins

Absence of fear and control

2011-08-02T18:37:00.007-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
I had a dream last night that I was flying for the first time. And in the dream I could pilot my flight with the thoughts in my mind. Since there wasn't any up or down everybody was all around, when we sang, we all sang together, oh, what a beautiful sound.

Ooh, ooh, sha la la la la This is the future soul song.

I had a dream last night that I was singing and the sound of my voice, seemed to come from every mountain top like it had no choice. And when my voice rose so did the sun, when the trees sang the harmony as one, every living soul sang the most beautiful melody ever sung.

Ooh, ooh, sha la la la la This is the future soul song.

Before the war the only words and language said "Let there be light." Those that can see it are the ones who believe it and put up no fight. And in the absence of fear and control is the sound of the surrendering soul, louder than the dogmatic persecution I sing it like 'you got that right!'

Ooh, ooh, sha la la la la This is the future soul song.

— PRINCE | Future Soul Song, 20ten

Accepting

2011-08-01T07:50:00.004-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
There are two primary choices in life:
accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.
— D. WAITLEY

Four-letter words

2011-07-31T12:39:00.007-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
Love.
C’est.
Life.
Hard.
Slow.
Fast.
Easy.
Hold.
True.
Good.
Pics.
Past.
Idea.
Deep.
Dive.
Don’t.
Seek.
Find.
Mask.
Mess.
Feel.
Fine.
Hope.
Work.
Play.
Fair.
Even.
Home.
Like.
Hate.
Help.
Hero.
Bust.
This.
Zone.
Dawn.
Yoga.
Rain.
Tree.
Sage.
Mood.
Mind.
Wise.
Path.
Road.
Soul.
Song.
Sing.
They.
Stay.
Well.
Weep.
Sigh.
Look.
More.
Risk.
Loss.
Keep.
Save.
Undo.
Redo.
Wake.
When?
What?
Damn.
Come.
Back.
From.
Blue.
Blur.
Ache.
Yuck.
Sigh.
Calm.
Door.
Open.
Able.
Want.
Less.
Dusk.
Wish.
Only.
Soft.
Star.
Pray.
Hope.
Heal.
Each.
Epic.
Bump.
Pain.
Fall.
Funk.
Mine.
Over.
Done.
Then.
Wait.
Jump.
Into.
Give.
Take.
Talk.
Rose.
Felt.
Nice.
Long.
Walk.
Fire.
Glow.
Free.
Will.
Soon.
Mend.
Wash.
Able.
Undo.
Miss.
Wipe.
Each.
Hazy.
Tear.
Fell.
News.
Info.
Grab.
Hand.
Wink.
Grin.
Leap.
Just.
Once.
Upon.
That.
Time.

Whew.
©2011 Wendy Hudgins

No. 6

2011-07-30T12:03:00.002-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K

"Every just so often, the words of another
...seem to work out just fine."
— PRINCE

Indeed.
©2011 Wendy Hudgins

Your path

2011-07-29T08:54:00.006-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
There is no set path for you. There cannot be. In all of time, past, present or future, there will never be anyone else exactly like you in this world. No one else can walk your journey. No one else will ever know it as completely and honestly as you. It can be messy or beautiful. Or both. Your heart is trailblazing. Sometimes it will be a lovely journey. Sometimes a really challenging one. Sometimes it will make sense. Sometimes it won't. There are no rules. There is no set path. But like an inner compass, and wherever it leads... listen to it, trust it. And follow your heart.
©2011 Wendy Hudgins

Flower Power

2011-07-17T17:51:00.022-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
Maybe this is one of the reasons I love flowers so much. This may also shed some light on why I lean toward optimism even in really difficult moments.

In 2007, a year of massive transition for me, I went on a rebuilding trip with my church to Louisiana after Katrina & Rita had devastated those areas. We were taken into the lower 9th ward by a wise, funny, deeply charismatic man who had moved back up to DC and attended our church while displaced from his home.

As he walked us through a neighborhood that used to have many houses, people's homes, where family memories, love, turmoil, history and new life was housed... now stood only the concrete foundations that once supported those very memories.

Barren. Like an old parking lot. Stripped of memories. Stripped of life.

There were only concrete foundations and... sprouts... of green.

Okay, so they were weeds.

But it WAS new growth. In the shadow of devastation.

I meandered off on my own with my camera, as I'll often do on group trips, when a little mini-daisy caught my eye (photo).* Okay, so it was also a weed.

I realized that in our lives, deep below what we can see or even anticipate as 'possible,' lies the very source of life. I believe that's why when you hear people saying "I need to center myself." They are trying to tap into that one, singular, universal well of living.

There are a lot of things that can knock us down in life. Things we thought would stand forever. Things that can scare us, make us bitter, angry, or shut out the idea of welcoming beauty that we each deserve in our lives. Every one of us deserves to have happiness. And perhaps there IS an opportunity to rebuild what's fallen down.

But time and time again, when I see 'life' springing up from unimaginable devastation like this, that I'm reminded of 'possibility.' Of the power of time. And the power of fresh starts. We can't even imagine what our futures may look like.

Beauty can turn into devastation.
But devastation can morph into beauty.

It's in that unknown, in that transition, that faith takes root.
faith is being sure of what we hope for
and certain of what we do not see.
— Hebrews 11:1

And even in a delicate little flower like this, lies the strength. The power. To come back. To shine. To love. To bring beauty to the world. And thank God for that.
* click the photo -- for video and one of my favorite songs
©2011 Wendy Hudgins

Beautiful Flower

2011-06-18T16:35:00.007-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
Gorgeous. Powerful. Love her voice. Love the words.
Have you done a beautiful little flower sketch yet?

Wendy Hudgins

I'll think about that tomorrow

2011-05-21T10:03:00.004-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
...well, if there IS a tomorrow.

What would you say to people today? What would you do?
If everything were to disappear tomorrow.

These predictions have happened before. "The end of the world."

But what strikes me about this prediction, is the notion that SO many of us are aware of it, commenting about it, I'm blogging on it right now. But at the same time hardly any of us believe the end will actually come tonight at 6pm (and in which time zone will this happen?). There are actually more parodies than preparations. But as a Christian, a Methodist, I'm offended by the 'Christians' who stir all this fuss up, as the bible actually states, 'NO man will know the hour.'

But yet, there is something about this particular prediction, or its timing perhaps, has gotten us to think. A LOT of us. And it tells me that we want more out of our lives.

Then we should CLAIM more out of our lives!

If everything were to disappear tomorrow. Take the momentum of today... What would you say to people? What would you do?

I'd do an iChat with my sweet, silly 2yr old niece, Zoe. I'd call my grandma, who is 91 and we'd laugh and chat about stuff. I'd play with my dog and one of his favorite toys, and give him cheese and treats. I'd sit out on the patio with a book and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, a candle and the Adele station on Pandora. I'd paint. I'd go for a walk, laughing and holding hands with my boyfriend and head out for gelato. We'd go ride the train together with his son, and have a sparkly manicure party with his sweet daughter. I'd go get a crêpe. Nutella and banana. I'd pray. I'd take a nap. I'd get together for dinner with my neighbors and we'd have eachother in stitches. I'd write a note (or a blog) for whoever survives this impending apocalypse. And then I'd tuck in to bed with the book I just started... and fall off to sleep.

Simple joys.

And while there'd be no bungy jumping, sky diving or things like that for me... there are two long shots that have been on my wish lists for years. Two things I would want to do before the end of world as we know it: head to a vintage Porsche dealer to drive my black 911 Carrera, and have breakfast with Prince. Then, I'd feel fine.

Life is complicated, it's busy, it's full, but there is so much beauty in the world.

Why must we only see this beauty in these crisis moments? Why must we postpone our joy? Our living? Our loving? Why can't we live out loud, like this, every day? Why does it seem to take an apocalyptic prediction, a tsunami, a terrorist act, or other breaking point for us to live the life we want to live?

Bonjour y'all! It's been a good ride here on earth.

And as for what comes next...

"I'll think about that tomorrow."
— SCARLET
©2011 Wendy Hudgins

Special Report

2011-05-02T05:37:00.022-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
I'm blogging this on the morning of May 2nd, prior to any [additional] news coverage and opinions about yesterday's event.

Brothers and Sisters. I was watching this show for the first time last night. Sunday night, the first of May. Interesting tangled web of relationships. I can relate. I was all comfy on the couch in the living room with the dog sleeping next to me. And they were just about to hit a critical relationship turning point with one of the charact... "ABC NEWS SPECIAL REPORT."

My stomach sank.

A bomb? An assassination? Just seeing those words, presented in what felt like Walter Cronkite throw-back slide-graphics, made my heart instantly sink and my mouth went dry.

Gut instinct. Oh, Jesus, what now. What are they about to tell us.

"Osama bin Laden has been killed."

Wow. Then a mix of feelings...

Everyone who was around to remember the event on that gorgeous, blue-sky September 11th morning, knows exactly where you were. What you were doing.

I had returned from an amazing year living in France to work as an Art Director and Creative Spark at Disney in Orlando. I didn't yet have a pet. It was just me. Not even one year yet, at my new job.

I was in the bathroom, getting ready for work. It was a beautiful day, the windows were open. The Today Show was on TV in the living room and a local Tampa radio station was on in the bathroom where I was.

"A plane has hit the World Trade Center."

When the guy first said on the radio it seemed a bit random and out of place. Small plane, likely. What was the need to tell us in Florida about a little Cessna? At first I wasn't really rattled at all.

We had never experienced ANY-thing like what were about to witness unfolding before our disbelieving, innocent, pre-airport security eyes.

But that morning the brevity of his words on the radio and the randomness of this interruption, twice, were enough for my curiosity to lead me to the living room to witness a paradigm shift in the way our world would be.

Katie Couric was on the Today Show, unscripted, on the phone with a woman semi-near the towers. Video was airing while they talked. And it looked scary.

But my simple thought was, "I hope they can get a fire and rescue team up there before the fire spreads." Was it a small plane? An accident? A terrorist act? No one knew. Not even Katie and Matt. It couldn't have been the weather, there wasn't a cloud in the sky.

No one knew, just yet, what was happening. Or why.

Then as we were watching, live, a second plane hit the other tower and new videos were coming in. Shit. This is bad.

It felt like the country was under attack.

Was this over? Would there me more? What's going on? We had NOTHING to compare this too.

Keep in mind, many of us still hadn't even bought our first cell phone, nevermind digital video, photos, or texts. I believe I was still developing film from my POS film-camera at the Walgreen's in Hunters Creek. YouTube did not begin until February 2005. Camera phones were early 2000's at best. iPhone June 2007. Facebook? Twitter? Status? Never heard of them.

Phone. Email. Those were our options for communications.

And before today, all the liquids you care to bring with you on a plane, tax-free, body scan-free. I remember the first time I witnessed my grandparents — my grandparents — getting frisked. Our world as we knew it was being transformed. Things were about to be different and they were not going back.

We watched the TV, glued to it, and I desperately waited for 'the rescue teams' to come and stop this terror. Save these people.

It couldn't happen. This event was too big. And it was already underway.

All you could do was sit there and watch. Awful. What are those poor people seeing? It's so bad inside that they're opting to jump out of windows? Jesus.

People were casually walking away from the buildings, halfway paralyzed by the same curiosity and disbelief we ALL shared on that dreadful morning.

Then it began.

The top of one of the buildings began to implode and fall. I thought it would go down to just the area that the plane hit. Which would have been bad enough.

But. The. Whole. Building. Collapsed.

It was gone. Gone. No longer there and part of the NY skyline.

Along with anyone in it. Or below it.

Oh, this is catastrophic.

Then all I could think then, was that anyone near that building needs to get away. NOW. And the cloud of 'dissolved building' erupted and came roaring, rolling through the NY streets like that scene from Indiana Jones.

Wow.

Our country had been attacked? On our soil?

This isn't supposed to happen. We're America. Who hates us this much? The leadership of America prior to this time had been one that reached out. We hadn't yet acquired the infamous cocky, inexperienced leadership, and global bad-reputation. The economy was great, real estate was good, we played well with other [countries]. Even eachother for the most part.

I called every person in my family. Are you okay? I love you.

Disbelief.

I called a dear friend of mine, who was a big part of my moving to work at Disney. He had just left the day before, to be in NY for filming a new TV spot for Disney with another Florida creative friend of mine. I remember the message I left him. "Ross, this is Wendy, get out of NY. Now. I don't know if you already have 4,000 msgs informing you of the events -- but in case this is the first, we've been attacked. Get. Out. Now." He did. He and Tom were fine.

Then the first unexpected transformation.

I decided to drive on in to work. I remember cowering in the seat of my brand new Jetta looking up to the sky as if I could see and drive away from an impending attack. I was scared. Then at four-way stops, no one would go. Too polite.

You know they say the calm before the storm? We were all SO nice to eachother, compassionate, respectful, gentle with eachother. It felt like a live scene from Disney's Chip & Dale.

But we've been experiencing the 'storm' of discontent, disrespect, ever since that overly polite, calm, caring, compassionate aftermath day of 9/12/11. As a country, we haven't been able to come together like that since then.

Very sad.

Our country (the one that normally rushes to help others) was immediately offered help by the world. An outpouring of support, protesting these horrific acts in an effort to ward off terrorism from spreading further.

But 43 turned it down, pulled up his britches, tipped his cowboy hat. And essentially said "we don't need you."

Launched a war, dissolved an economy, and made America look ridiculous overseas. Our respect had been tarnished. That's a hard thing to get back. I'd been traveling to France for a decade and after the 9/11 attack noticed a distinct shift in attitudes. Most folks were able to separate the idea that not all Americans supported 43.

Fast forward. Nearly a decade. Now our own political parties are so charged, leaders or wanna-be leaders, are SO shamefully disrespectful (Trump) that the country may implode again, at our own hands. But before that happens... last night...

...the source of the original chaos was stopped.

On Wikipedia, they post this when history is in the making: This article is about a person who has recently died. Some information, such as that pertaining to the circumstances of the person’s death and surrounding events, may change as more facts become known.
On May 1, 2011, U.S. President Barack Obama announced on national television that bin Laden had been killed in Abbottabad, Pakistan by American military forces and the Central Intelligence Agency and that his body was in U.S. custody

After a long period of rest and peace, we'd been in the midst of a history-making decade that began at the hands of this evil person.

But as I watched last night, my feelings were calm, quiet, and mixed. I hate that it had to come to this... but as a kid would say, "he started it."

I am relieved he is out of the picture, and I know this, in itself is a huge accomplishment, but doesn't in and of itself end this out-of-control problem of terrorism. It may escalate it. And with the party-like celebrations that spontaneously erupted... my fear with this mentally and morally unsteady group is that they will retaliate.

Do we really want to fan that fire? I don't.

Also, a quick side-note. Looking back to my having watched the CSPAN Coorespondents' Dinner coverage Saturday night, and being in touch throughout it with my boyfriend who was attending it, something struck me... a gut sense or observation that Obama seemed bit preoccupied. Distracted.

Now, it all makes sense.

Looking back is easy. Looking ahead is not.

Be safe today.
©2011 Wendy Hudgins

Set the world on fire

2011-04-29T11:03:00.019-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
Now you KNOW I loved this sermon. Yes, it was royal pageantry, pomp and circumstance, but just for a moment of this early morning of our 'busy' world filled with tornadoes, war and uncertainty, a dicey economy, and with twisted politics, it sure was nice to be lifted up and encouraged. These words were lovely, timely, and full of hope.
Now, steady on...

The Bishop of London's Sermon 
29th April 2011

“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” So said St Catherine of Siena whose festival day it is today. Marriage is intended to be a way in which man and woman help each other to become what God meant each one to be, their deepest and truest selves.

Many are full of fear for the future of the prospects of our world but the message of the celebrations in this country and far beyond its shores is the right one – this is a joyful day! It is good that people in every continent are able to share in these celebrations because this is, as every wedding day should be, a day of hope.

In a sense every wedding is a royal wedding with the bride and the groom as king and queen of creation, making a new life together so that life can flow through them into the future.

William and Catherine, you have chosen to be married in the sight of a generous God who so loved the world that he gave himself to us in the person of Jesus Christ.

And in the Spirit of this generous God, husband and wife are to give themselves to each another.

A spiritual life grows as love finds its centre beyond ourselves. Faithful and committed relationships offer a door into the mystery of spiritual life in which we discover this; the more we give of self, the richer we become in soul; the more we go beyond ourselves in love, the more we become our true selves and our spiritual beauty is more fully revealed. In marriage we are seeking to bring one another into fuller life.

It is of course very hard to wean ourselves away from self-centredness. And people can dream of doing such a thing but the hope should be fulfilled it is necessary a solemn decision that, whatever the difficulties, we are committed to the way of generous love.

You have both made your decision today – “I will” – and by making this new relationship, you have aligned yourselves with what we believe is the way in which life is spiritually evolving, and which will lead to a creative future for the human race.

We stand looking forward to a century which is full of promise and full of peril. Human beings are confronting the question of how to use wisely a power that has been given to us through the discoveries of the last century. We shall not be converted to the promise of the future by more knowledge, but rather by an increase of loving wisdom and reverence, for life, for the earth and for one another.

Marriage should transform, as husband and wife make one another their work of art. It is possible to transform as long as we do not harbour ambitions to reform our partner. There must be no coercion if the Spirit is to flow; each must give the other space and freedom. Chaucer, the London poet, sums it up in a pithy phrase:

“Whan maistrie [mastery] comth, the God of Love anon,

Beteth his wynges, and farewell, he is gon.”

As the reality of God has faded from so many lives in the West, there has been a corresponding inflation of expectations that personal relations alone will supply meaning and happiness in life. This is to load our partner with too great a burden. We are all incomplete: we all need the love which is secure, rather than oppressive, we need mutual forgiveness, to thrive.

As we move towards our partner in love, following the example of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is quickened within us and can increasingly fill our lives with light. This leads to a family life which offers the best conditions in which the next generation can practise and exchange those gifts which can overcome fear and division and incubate the coming world of the Spirit, whose fruits are love and joy and peace.

I pray that all of us present and the many millions watching this ceremony and sharing in your joy today, will do everything in our power to support and uphold you in your new life. And I pray that God will bless you in the way of life that you have chosen, that way which is expressed in the prayer that you have composed together in preparation for this day:

God our Father, we thank you for our families; for the love that we share and for the joy of our marriage.

In the busyness of each day keep our eyes fixed on what is real and important in life and help us to be generous with our time and love and energy.
Strengthened by our union help us to serve and comfort those who suffer. We ask this in the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Become

2011-04-25T19:25:00.002-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
"How does one become a butterfly? You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar."
— TRINA PAULUS
©2011 Wendy Hudgins

Absence. Presence.

2011-04-24T21:44:00.026-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
I'm listening to an ambient Pandora station called New Age Essentials. The sun has fallen on wonderful Easter Sunday in DC, and the windows are open with a cool breeze coming in. Very meditative. Calm. Perfect opportunity to reflect. I also had a cup of Chamomile tea tonight for dinner.

Yep. That's it. A cup of tea and honey. For dinner.

Ate way too much from a wonderful Easter dinner this afternoon.

Completely stuffed. No room for more.

We gathered together and some words were shared before eating. I love that it IS called "blessing" or "grace." We are blessed. And full of gratitude. Caught up with some great old friends, saw so many new babies, and all of the joy and change of today gave me pause...

An empty tomb was the premise for today's sermon. "Running on Empty" was the title. Late last night I shared a link to a current Walmart Easter ad with our pastor, my friend, who used that as a lead-in to her Easter sermon. We are rushing. Filling up with stuff. To have more. To get there first. And she later touched on something that I needed to hear...

An empty tomb was the premise for today's sermon. When there is absence in our life, even if it hurts, or we ache, or we cry, or we are lost, it can also be precisely the condition needed for us to be filled-up. With the presence of something new. With a new job, an illumination, a new opportunity, with God, with a brilliant idea, or a friend. Or as was the case, so unexpectedly for me exactly two years ago today, with the one who still lights up my life.

We have to make space. We have to let go. We have to be open.

I normally only put my photos on this blog, but a former neighbor* posted the photo [above] this evening.

What a perfect, perfect, perfect, image.

Years ago, I read somewhere that if you are desiring something, or someone, or some change in your life... you have to make space for it, for them.

Prepare a space for their presence to come into your life.

When we clutter our minds, our closets, our schedules, our heart (with old baggage), how can there possibly be room for something new and beautiful to come in. To feel welcomed, comfortable, and invited. And, likewise, we have to let go when something is no longer suited for our life. It is only when that clutter is absent that beauty, strength, new life, new possibility can come in. Like a flower in a garden.

Or take the Byzantine, frozen-in-time, northern Greece monasteries of Mt. Athos that inspired the meditative mindset I'm in. For them (like it or not), it was women. For them to stay focused on their work of getting closer to God, of being open to receive, they needed focus. So for them it was no women.

What do you need to clear out of your life? To let-go of? In order to move forward. To be able to be filled up with something new and wonderful?

I feel that the photo above by Roberto Neumiller, represents how our lives can tend to appear sometimes: over-crowded, slowing us down, clouding our direction, blocking our view, and holding on to way too much baggage.

Yes we are busy.

And that's not a totally bad thing.

But while there's a lot going on in ALL of our lives, think about the ADD-inducing overload of our iPhones and Blackberries, we need to remember to set those things down.

We need to remember we need to shed some of the old baggage in our life. To let go. And be open to welcoming in new beauty. New possibility. New life. Be willing to take the risk, to trust, to make the space in our life for, and be expectant for it to be filled with, beauty.

An empty tomb was the premise for today's sermon.

Empty yourself. Create absence.

So you can be ready for the presence of greatness...
in whatever form your life needs at this moment.
©2011 Wendy Hudgins
*I used to babysit him when he was 3yrs old with a little teddy bear and he now flies jets over Afghansitan and other rugged places in the Middle East.

Slight Variations

2011-04-20T19:45:00.003-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S

©2011 Wendy Hudgins

Last tweet and a bundt cake

2011-04-20T18:50:00.010-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
In a world with knee-jerk comments, and distorted notions of what constitutes success and what it takes to begin to achieve it, tonight's thoughts comes from this evening's news...

AT THE END
They shared a last tweet of a brave and brilliant photo journalist killed in Libya today. Those would be his very last words. What if what you upload, share, or tweet today... are your last words?

Language creates reality. Words have power. Speak always to create joy in your life.
—DEEPAK CHOPRA

AT THE BEGINNING
The factory making bundt cake pans up in Minnesota is still making them and business in booming. They began after the war with just $500. Take away? If you have a good idea. Begin it.

The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it.
—W.M. LEWIS

Which are you?

2011-04-19T15:16:00.014-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
Are you dreaming your life? Or living your dreams?

Scribble down 3 of your goals on a piece of paper.
Place in: super-fun frame, recycled frame, or float frame.
Display where you are most often (office? home?).
Read them.
Follow them...

Inspired by a wonderful lunch today with a dear friend.
©2011 Wendy Hudgins

Who are you?

2011-04-13T21:46:00.008-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
Take away all of your labels...
[who are you?]
—DEEPAK CHOPRA

I've been intrigued by Deepak Chopra since the first book I read of his while living in Chicago. This simple but profound statement was an online post of his that I just saw. I was captivated. Wow.

Think about it. No longer a "southern, sister, art director, daughter, girlfriend, aunt, [political party], [religious 'party'], white, 40-year old, female, brunette, graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago," He actually says, "Take away all of your labels and you are the Infinite Being." No more stereotypes. No more sides. I was captivated. Wow.
©2011 Wendy Hudgins

Orange. Purple. Silver.

2011-03-29T18:25:00.021-04:00

B R E A D C R U M B
I just returned from a trip to see my youngest sister in Colorado Springs. Her husband is in the Air Force.

There was a time when my two younger sisters, Susan and Elizabeth (just two years apart), were almost like identical twins. Whatever I'd get or create for one sister, I'd have to get or create the same for the other. Then one day gradually over time each of their very unique personalities shined.

Now, in our family, we three sisters are: a creative, a physical therapist, and a CPA. But that's just one single label on the vast complexity of each of us as a human being.

I've always been an advocate of this quote I have posted in my home:

"Man's main task is
to give birth to himself."
—Erich Fromm

Blending in or standing out. This is the dance of life. And I believe we all teeter between these two polarities at various times throughout our lives. But we should stand out. Be more than a single label on the vast complexity of each of us as a human being.

Two things from this past weekend's trip caught my eye:

First, we went to the Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel. Just as we walked inside I noticed a small camouflage bible for the service men and women. Camo, so that (EVERYthing) would blend in to the surroundings. Would stay safe.

But then my eye was turned upward to the wildly sparkling colorful ceiling of sun-soaked stained glass slivers cutting toward the sky like the contrails of a jet reaching to the heavens. And it was the bright colorful unique ones that were the eye candy. That were such an absolute delight to look at. To photograph. To look at again. I was like a child looking at the gumball machine in the grocery store.

Second, was a little book that I picked up as we were browsing around at Barnes & Noble. In this little trivia book, I learned this: There are no words in the English language that rhyme with orange, purple, or silver.

Not only did those colors stand out in the tall, tall ceilings of the chapel but they can't be matched, there's no synonym or rhyme for them. They are unique.

So, be an orange, purple, or silver.

Be unique. Be unryhmable. Be wildly sparkling.
©2011 Wendy Hudgins

The first four letters

2011-03-16T17:50:00.006-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
The first four letters inside the word heart...
To get to the fullness of our
heart, we must first hear.
—WENDY HUDGINS
©2011 Wendy Hudgins

One

2011-03-15T18:49:00.006-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K

our world is small. our heart is big.
an online image of the tsunami's devastation in Japan in contrast
to the simplicity of the Japanese flag. thinking of all of these folks
who lost everything, maybe loved ones, or even their own lives.
©2011

Why does it take a broken elevator?

2011-03-15T13:38:00.011-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
Why does it take a broken elevator? Or an heartless attack on an American city? Or a hurricane? Or a tsunami? Or nuclear meltdown? For us to have more compassion with one another. And boldly act on that compassion. There's a show that breaks these monstrous tragedies down to daily bite-size versions of doing the right thing:
What Would You Do?

You don't have to be Christian or Jewish, speak English or Spanish, have money or not. You have to care and have the audacity to act on it. Period.

When an elevator gets stuck, these 'strangers' who you wouldn't otherwise breathe a word to, may very well save your life. May even become life-long friends. If your home is dissolved by a force of nature, you don't care where the help comes from.

Someone on Facebook today just posted this,

"Knowingly giving ones life to help millions of others reveals the truth of what the human spirit can be... why is it only during times of horrific crisis that we put our differences aside and extend ourselves to each other."
— C. COSCIA

Why indeed.
©2011 Wendy Hudgins

What's on your bucket list?

2011-03-14T21:11:00.035-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
I recall in 3rd grade, my Sunday school teacher had asked us, "if your house caught on fire, what would you grab to take out with you?" Even at the ripe, wise, old age of [well, however old I was in 3rd grade] I knew she was fishing for us to say, our Bible. But I thought to myself, I love God and all, but you can always get another Bible.

My answer? I'd take photos with me. Those are irreplaceable.
My inquisitive and wandering nature began.

Perhaps I'm struggling with the recent involuntary and instant loss both of human life and of the 'things' that were deemed important amidst the absolutely surreal tsunami that resulted from Japan's recent earthquake. But these folks must now go on, many, without their loved ones. And most without their once treasured possessions.

In the end we all know we can't take any of the physical things we surround ourselves with, with us. But, if you could fill one bucket with up to five items, possessions, tools, etc. from your home to grab in an emergency, what would they be?

______________
______________
______________
______________
______________

These are a few of our favorite things. But they are not us.
They make us comfortable, but they are not critical.

Certainly the things we have do bring us a sense comfort, or status, or hold memories. But what's interesting is that when you are separated from those 'things', you actually find you already and still carry a great deal of your life in your mind. In fact, the 'thing' itself is of no consequence, it's the importance you put on it that gives it value.

"C'est le temp que tu as perdu pour ta rose qui fait ta rose si importante."
It's the [time/love/value] you have given to the rose that makes the rose so important.
— Le Petit Prince

My hope is that we never ever have a need to fill our bucket. And that when we say, you're in our thoughts, you take great comfort that that's a very safe place where you can stay for a very long time.
©2011 Wendy Hudgins

Give it up

2011-03-08T15:34:00.052-05:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
Closer to God. Closer to fine?
I'm trying to tell you something about my life
Maybe give me insight between black and white
The best thing you've ever done for me
Is to help me take my life less seriously, it's only life after all
Well darkness has a hunger that's insatiable
And lightness has a call that's hard to hear
I wrap my fear around me like a blanket
I sailed my ship of safety till I sank it, I'm crawling on your shore.

I took this photo of some little purple crocus just yesterday on Sligo Creek. These are the first flowers to emerge announcing the arrival of spring. In the winter they were just a little non-descript bulb. But buried away deep in the earth, they wait. And they wait. And after waiting a really, really long time... lentement, lentement, ils apparaissent they burst through and make their debut in brilliant colors as a flower.

Give it up.

In the past I've given something up for the season of Lent. We live busy lives. We can lose ourselves. Our purpose. And life flies by. But this life is not a dress rehearsal. So, I like the hiccup that happens when you commit to let go and release something from your life. Set it aside, or, as I'm planning to do this year, perhaps add something to your life, consistently, throughout these 40 days.

Today marks the beginning of Lent and being inquisitive by nature (what did I do before the internet, I have no idea), I got curious about some of the traditions of Lent. My own personal interpretation of Lent may lean a little toward the pagan side, but there's a profound spiritual connection that can occur as well.

As for some basic questions I had...

Why is it called Lent?
Lent means long. Slow. According to one source, it also means Spring. And... the days are getting longer.

Why pancakes on Tuesday? And eggs at Easter?
Pancakes were a way to use up rich foodstuffs such as milk, sugar, and... eggs before the fasting season of the 40 days of Lent. So then when Easter Sunday arrived it was a time to celebrate, priests would bless eggs, cheese, meats and other items that the faithful had been abstaining from during Lent. Hence, Easter eggs. The bunnies? You'll have to do some research on your own...

How did we get from fasting ...to giving up chocolate, TV, and Facebook*?
There are traditionally 40 days in Lent which are marked by fasting, both from foods or festivities. Today, some people give up a vice of theirs, or do something that will center themselves, bringing them closer to God. Many modern Protestants consider the observation of Lent to be a choice, or opportunity, rather than an obligation.

As for my pagan interpretation and the spiritual connection...

Removing something in our life that doesn't contribute to us being the best us, or adding in something that will get us to that place... is how I see the journey of Lent. By giving up something that interferes or overly influences your life, or making the time for you to contemplate your unique purpose, I believe we can get closer to what we are meant to be in this life.

And being a breadcrumb-follower who just turned 40 last December, this journey of 40 days has a particular connectionfor me this year.

Getting closer to God?

We live in a world that sadly provides more and more reasons for people to distrust organized religion. But humans are the problem. Not God. Humans are fallible. Even in our best efforts, each of us has done or said things that don't coincide with the image we have of ourselves, or maybe the image God has for us. So Lent, to me, provides a period of time to contemplate this. As for God, I can't prove to you that God exists. And I like that. That is why it is called faith.

If you do happen to subscribe to the idea that each of us has a unique gift or purpose for our short time in this crazy and beautiful world, I believe that one of the greatest achievements (and displays of gratitude) is to relentlessly pursue that.

Closer to fine?

What is it for you? Is it being an artist and showing the world something that their eyes were blind to before? Is it to be a teacher and guide a young mind? Be a loving father? Is it to head up a volunteer organization and offer compassion in a harsh world? Is it to be a world traveler and shed light on the beauties, or atrocities, around the world? What is your gift? Your purpose? Why are you here?

In our busy, busy lives. In the routine-ness we fall into. In the over-obligated schedules we hold. When is there even the time to contemplate these things? To become... closer to fine. Closer to God?

If the time isn't there, I believe we must make the time.

Only we (and God) know our deep past and present struggles, and what we want for our future. I believe that we possess more wisdom, insight, and strength than we know. I believe in the core of our being each of us knows what gift or purpose we each possess. And when we can center and quiet ourselves enough, when we can rely on ourselves and connect with God we can regain that hidden strength and purpose. Going out to the desert for 40 days must have been a very centering experience. Shedding outside influence. Getting closer to God.

A few years back I gave up TV. Such a relief. No bombardment of information I really didn't need... or even want. And a freedom to get out, read more, or just relax.

* Then last year I even surprised myself by giving up... Facebook. For 40 days. Perhaps this illustrates the more 'pagan' interpretation that I referred to. But what happened was transformative. Being that I work solo as a professional creative in the DC-area, I don't have 'cube mates' or others in my office to chat with or bounce ideas off of, FB is a god-send. And it has an 'alive' quality about it, with profile pics changing like mood rings, little blips of sweet juicy insights into someone's take on their world in a given day. And that part can make it a bit addictive. So I sought to retreat. To recalibrate. And I loved the break from it.

And this year, I am focusing, more privately, on a new thing for this season.

I can't randomly quote scripture from the bible, I certainly don't profess to be perfect or holier than anyone, I'm not. But I do strive to be the best that I can be while I'm here on this beautiful crazy planet. And I do believe in God. And that where God guides, God will provide. If it's to the wilderness for reflection. So be it. If it's into service and volunteer work so be it. If it's turning off the things in our life that are distractions. Give it up.

In retreating, in this losing of ourselves, we can become found.

After this upcoming period of Lent, of sacrifice... or focus... or addition... perhaps we ourselves will emerge. And blossom. Stronger, wiser, more humble, more compassionate? Even transformed? Opening our own selves up to new possibilities. Like the crocus that emerges and reaches up and out to life. We may just get closer to fine.

Here goes...
©2011 Wendy Hudgins

Gray skies. Blue.

2011-03-02T07:36:00.012-05:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S

Side of a highway in France when the deep passionate gray of the sky was dancing with the glistening brilliance of sunshine creating the light effect that has had artists for years flocking to my favorite country, the motherland, France.

Okay... After finally demystifying the use of an 'e' or an 'a' in the word, gray ('A'merican spelling uses a; 'E'nglish spelling uses e). After having someone-derful in my life for two years now who makes my gray skies blue. And after stumbling across the beautiful talent of Eva Cassidy yesterday as I sought an image of rainy Paris...

...the clouds are breaking.

Spring is eighteen days away.

And the year is off to a good start.

This year I broke down my resolutions for 2011 into TWELVE separate ones. One for each month.

So far, the first two ones have been achieved. January, I completed a two-year project of writing and illustrating three children's books for my 2-yr old niece, Zoe. And February's resolution was to back up my Mac. Perhaps the February resolution wasn't as 'creative' as the writing and illustrating. But I pull and store a ton of stuff my Mac and lost an external drive last year. Inspiration, ideas, quotes, pics. That loss is not cheap to repair. And I believe the world is a crazy blend of the whimsical and the practical. We need to tend to both.

Little by little, this year is working it's way toward beautiful.

In my yard, green shoots from tulips are determined-ly shoving their way through the tough dirt. Little tender blades of fresh green grass are appearing in the yard.

I believe nature, life, us, and blogs... can have moments or long periods where we are just maintaining. Even gray days. Laying low. Hibernation? But I also believe that that's okay. I believe that patience and the down time pays off. Respect it. Because then, with some time, and sometimes without warning. The clouds break. The skies turn blue.... and we blossom.

Get ready. Eighteen days till spring.
Laissez les bon temps rouler.
©2011 Wendy Hudgins

Our to-do lists

2011-01-10T10:54:00.007-05:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
"To-do lists were not intended
for long-term storage."
—WENDY HUDGINS
©2011 Wendy Hudgins

The creative process

2011-01-08T14:46:00.008-05:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K

Procrastination and inspiration.
I've had this image for years, and it still rings true today. Closing out
an absolutely wonderful first week of the New Year... bonne année!
Visual Commentary by Jeff Moores

My outlook for 2011?

2010-12-30T07:50:00.008-05:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
'Happy' 2011!

Click the image for more 'happy.'
Bonne année! Et bonjour y'all!
©2010 Wendy Hudgins

Receiving. Then, giving.

2010-12-25T23:37:00.024-05:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
This is how 'breadcrumbs' and other little traditions of mine begin:
I get an idea. I begin it. Then share it.
Here's a new one I thought of today...

However many gifts you receive for Christmas, consider giving that number of other things of yours away.

Did you get one present for Christmas? Two? Ten? Look around your home. What's been sitting around unused for too long. Perhaps it's a coat, a book, a dustcatcher, those old glasses of yours, towels could go to a veterinarian's office. I'm not talking eBay. Regifting doesn't count either. I mean GIVE away. Donate. And do it each year by 12/31.

Receiving. Then, giving... away.
©2010 Wendy Hudgins

Revealing who we are

2010-12-20T03:44:00.002-05:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
Times of turbulence and challenge pull back the layers of 'who we strive to be' to reveal the 'who we are.' — WENDY HUDGINS
©2010 Wendy Hudgins

Our year in... 'status.'

2010-12-17T10:15:00.012-05:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
Yesterday and today opened what's sure to be a floodgate of 2010 wrap-ups. Your year in [Facebook] Status. I generally do not do applications on FB, but this was irresistable. A funny snapshot from this past year. From Snowpocalypse to a recent huge surprise of my two sisters showing up at my doorsteps for my 40th birthday. Here's a peek at my 2010 (click image for better view):

Breadcrumbs

2010-12-10T14:02:00.005-05:00

B R E A D C R U M B
So... what is a breadcrumb?
Having so many of these recently, I need to share this post again.
©2010 Wendy Hudgins

Friday Photo: A peek into the garden

2010-11-12T08:26:00.025-05:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K

One corner of a room full of 100 flowers.
The two paintings that started this whole project are on the bottom row: Katelyn on the left wall, Susan is on the right.

My Bambi "flower" from Ducky is at the bottom right. And a really special one to me is on the far left, from one of my dearest friends Ross Weldon upon learning I was leaving Florida to move to work with Discovery Channel. The flower count to date is: 129 flowers. With limited space, there are 100 flowers here on the walls of my dining room. Every single flower I've received has a little story behind it. And in diversity of the flowers, and my knowing you, the creator of this little mark of inspiration, they are ALL are so beautiful and special to me.

To everyone who has sent one in, thank you.

I've matted and framed each of these myself (my first job in high school was at a frame shop in Tucker, Ga). There are ball point pen doodles of flowers, full-on paintings, and hand-done collages of flowers. To each of you, I so greatly appreciate your time and contribution to this really special and crazy project I came up with. I absolutely LOVE it! What a beautiful, crazy garden we all are.

To those working on your flowers now, and for those that I'll receive next year and years from now, thank you. Keep sending 'em in!

And... I think I'll need a bigger place!
Silver Spring, MD
PHOTO©2010

11/11 Annual flower count

2010-11-11T11:11:00.012-05:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S

129 sketches, paintings, and collages of your flowers is the official flower count for 11.11.2010. Merci!

I have already framed and matted 100 of them. It is a really impressive thing to see. But to me, personally, it has a really magical quality about it. Thank you. For sending yours in.

This little idea for a Flower Garden was sparked through a painting exchange with two dear friends, Katelyn and Susan, from my year living in France in 2000. Both of their paintings happened to be of flowers. Et voila...

As we all lived in different parts of the country and the world, I was inspired to begin gathering 'flowers' from other friends as well. The garden began in earnest when I moved to Florida. I believe there were about 10 to start. And today's count of 129 illustrates so beautifully to me, that a small idea, a good idea, can blossom if you keep at it. It has wound up being quite an unexpected life lesson. A beautiful one.

The garden has blossomed into a space full of flowers from friends, family, neighbors and people who have inspired me through my life. When I get a bigger space, the other flowers will go up as well, so keep sending in the flowers! I'll be collecting them all my life. And every year on this day, I'll announce how many flowers I've received to date. Of course you know, next year is 11/11/11...
There were also 6 flowers that were really beautiful, but were not hand done, so instead of being the garden they are in the SDR.

To each of you who has taken the time to sketch a little flower for me, for the garden... je dis milles mercis!
©2010 Wendy Hudgins

Portraits of joy

2010-11-09T09:01:00.018-05:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
November 9th. Today marks the beginning of the last 30 days in my thirties. And it's also my dad's birthday.

I got him an unconventional gift this year, but one that simply lifted me up when I first learned about it.

I first heard about this beautiful book a few weeks back on my favorite show, CBS Sunday Morning. It was Halloween Sunday, so most of their tie-ins, unsurprisingly, were fairly macabre. But there was one that -- in nearly 700 pages -- focused on life.

"Every man dies, not every man really lives"
— William Wallace

This book and the words inside, instantly made me take a look at my own life. At his life. And all of the potential that is ahead of each of us. My dad has often said "carpe diem." But often until a tragedy or something comes along to shifts our 'norm' we aren't really, truly, compelled to do that. We forget the preciousness of life. But before I wrapped this up and took it to the post office, I skimmed over 150 little portraits in this book of peoples lives. And in one single phrase, as if the title of a blog entry, their life was sculpted into an image:
"A knack for connecting"
"Always a song"
"Exploring the world"
"Banjos and big dreams"
"25 cats, 55 words"

Snapshots of lives interrupted.

In the forward of this beautiful book, "Portraits of Grief: 9/11," Howell Raines wrote this, "[these stories] remind us of the democracy of death, an event that lies in the future of every person on the planet. Reading these, I'm inspired by the subtle nobility of everyday existence, of the ordered beauty of quotidian life for millions of Americans."

In the intro, Janny Scott wrote, "there was something mysteriously inspiring about the portraits.... the divinity brought to the commonplace, and the preciousness of each life's path."

The divinity brought to the commonplace, and the preciousness of each life's path.

Yes.

That means your path. That means my dad's path. That means my path.

It made me think about my life so far and my life ahead. Am I forming it into something that is a good, strong, faithful reflection of me? Am I doing the best I can to share my insight, skills? To nourish love and friendships? Am I enjoying living my life? It served as a reminder that each of us IS here. Right now. On this planet. Living. And breathing. Now. And we have an opportunity. We are present. That is a gift. Our life is not yet complete. The story is still writing itself.

Great song title... This is your life. Are you who you want to be?

A month from today I'll walk confidently into chapter 40 of my own story.

Why am I being so bold and sharing my age? I think age is stupid, actually. Who cares? I know people in their 90's who are younger than people in their 20's. But I'm very happy with life. With my life. Even with the stresses, anxieties, and decisions I'm faced with. I'm in a good place. I'm healthy. I'm in love. And I'm a work in progress.

And besides, the internet has pretty much done away with any sense of privacy and confidentiality, so I just thought I'd beat it to the punch. Plus, if you go back in this blog, "Bonjour y'all" which happily, friendly-ly translates to a greeting, "hey y'all," you will hopefully see a several entries that make up some of my life. Entries, that even with struggles, sadnesses, and struggles of life, still overwhelmingly paint a portrait of joy.

Wherever you are in your life, and while we can still write our story, make it a wonderful read.

I love you, Dad. Happy Birthday.
©2010 Wendy Hudgins

Two years of blogging

2010-11-07T15:36:00.029-05:00

November 7th. I've now been blogging for TWO years. And in looking back, I am proud of the core message in my very first, rather spontaneous, blog post... a hope for us all. To be better.

I still believe that.

But you have to be able to separate who was behind this message and realize that HOPE is not a political party's message, it's a critical human message.

This past year, I have been overwhelmingly blessed with an abundance of freelance creative work. To each of my clients, and to those of you who have referred clients to me, I am beyond grateful. Thank you! We have supported eachother. We have survived.

Recently, I proudly added National Geographic to that client roster. Several creative projects I've worked on for them recently are tied to tonight's airing of "Great Migrations." Doing research for these projects, I watched early video of this show several months ago. This show is beautiful, though sometimes hard to watch, but a brilliant analogy for where our country is now, spoken through the neutrality of nature.

I live in the DC area and this past year, we've attempted to restore honor and sanity. And I am so thrilled that this is airing now. We need this message. The tag line is "Moving as millions. To survive as one." If we can come together, work together and support eachother. I believe we will survive. When we connect and support eachother, this 'life' thing works. It doesn't mean it will be easy. It means it can work.

To push through things in my life, and to share my inspirations and perspectives, I've hashed out this blog with these simple ingredients (click to view):
creative sparks
twenty-six letters
friday photos
breadcrumbs

Thank you for reading over this past year. For your support, your comments, and your encouragement. What a year. Bonjour Y'all!

And, yes, two years later, I still believe no matter (or in spite of) our differences...

...there is hope for us all. To be better.
©2010 Wendy Hudgins

So, what are you saying?

2010-11-01T13:37:00.026-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
This morning there was a psychologist on the Today Show in a segment on civility in America. Or the lack of it.

This weekend here in DC there was a Rally to Restore Sanity.

This morning the psychologist was saying that part of the lack of civility is in part due to having so many ways to express yourself, and specifically the immediacy of that. And with anonymity, comes less concern about the consequences of what you say. He said that eons ago, if the farmer next door did something to upset you, you had to think about what you were going to say, walk over there, and then face that person — in person. And then continue to live next to them. [See blog: Thirty-three Sparks].

This past weekend at the Rally, I noticed a much different sentiment in the crowds compared to the 'other' rally my curiosity had nudged me to attend a few months ago (the, eh-hem, "bi-partisan/non-political" one about Restoring Honor). As a creative, I was loving the self-expression and uniqueness of the messages at the Sanity/Fear rally. Very creative. Very poignant. Or very funny. This rally on Sanity had a variety of signs — like the variety of opinions in this country. This rally had a range of serious and sense of humor — a critical blend for a country in crisis. Am I wrong? But unlike the blinding shades of Caucasian from the Honor Rally, this 10/30 rally appeared to be a more authentic snapshot of the voices that make up this country. A National Mall that seemed to welcome everyone. Even a simple sign that sums it all up: "I respect you as a person, but I respectfully disagree with your point of view."

And I recalled the much more antagonistic tone from the 'other' rally, "how's that hopey-hopey, changey-changey thing goin'?" Well:
a) Change isn't easy, it requires perseverance and cooperation, and
b) When did hope and change become bad things?

I'm of the mindset that if you're gonna complain about a problem, you can and should speak up, but bring solutions to the table.

We all know that immediacy and anonymity can go sliding downhill quickly. But with those very same tools, we also have an amazing opportunity to have an impact. A positive impact through all of these vehicles of communication at our fingertips.

I'm typing in one of those now. This blog.

On November 2nd, there's another important way you can express yourself and your views. Through your vote. So change your profile pic! Use your blog! Post your perspective! But be respectful, thoughtful, and OWN that perspective, too.

With all of these opportunities to express yourself, your views, your brilliance or stupidity...

...what are you saying?

And yep. There's an app, bumper sticker, tweet, church sign, profile pic, t-shirt, homemade sign, blog and rally for that.

Use it well.

Go vote.

And, btw, I like my hopey-changey. Image in this blog was from the 10/30 Rally in DC ---- I LOVED this 'hat' I saw with these four letters embroidered on it. I didn't get a pic, but this is a quick sketch I did of it.

11/11

2010-10-29T21:57:00.015-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
My Flower Garden continues to grow. And since I'll be collecting these flower sketches all my life, I came up with an idea to update the quantity on annual basis. And I've chosen to do that on a date with numbers that fascinate me: 11/11.

So a week from this Thursday, I'll announce how many flowers I've received to date. Of course you know, next year is 11/11/11. 'Seems like something special should happen on that day. At 11:11 of course...

The collection began the year I lived in the south of France. Two flowers from a painting exchange with my friends, Katelyn and Susan.

Then in Florida it began to grow a little, to around 10 or so.

And with yet another move, up here to the DC area, a place I was unfamiliar with at the time, I realized I needed the 'spirit' of folks who had had an impact on my life. Friends. Family. Neighbors. Mentors. Just a simple sketch. Or whatever folks have felt inclined to share. As long as it was the final piece was done by hand. Even collage. But no photos and no digital art. The nuance in a hand-done sketch (like the 11/11 one I did for this entry) captures the quirky uniqueness that is so special to each of us. Even in 10 ball point pen sketches I have from folks, they all look different. I love that. And that's the essence of the garden. None are exactly the same. I've framed and matted the flower sketches. And it's really amazing to see all of these together.

So if I've been pushy with this request (even sending out Flower kits to some folks), please know this is worth it. And SO special to me. You know I don't make a fuss on stuff unless it's important. So to each of you who has taken the time to sketch a little flower for me... for The Garden... je dis milles mercis! Et revenir ici le 11 Novembre pour une mise à jour!

And if you haven't sent yours in, then quit reading this and go sketch your flower.

Then check back here on 11/11.
©2010 Wendy Hudgins

What's important?

2010-10-27T08:29:00.005-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K

In a painting. In our work. In our home. In our relationships.
In our lives. Find the essential. Shed [or share] the rest.

Our direction?

2010-10-20T17:05:00.000-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
Forward.

Sometimes what you feel and believe is already summed up so perfectly, beautifully, and powerfully... by someone else. Your job is to simply keep passing it forward. To share it. And to live it.

Thirty-three sparks

2010-10-13T09:33:00.013-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
Last night, I was a nervous wreck watching the beginnings of the rescue team in Chile as they lowered the Phoenix capsule to perform it's first test (of course, I love the name they chose for the capsule). I had also vowed to myself that I wouldn't — that I couldn't — watch again until all thirty-three men were up safely and reunited with their loved ones. Too much suspense for me.

Can you imagine the person who means the most to you? Trapped 2300 feet under the earth? With such a precarious rescue effort?

But curiosity had me checking in on this story this morning.

In the word 'life' is 'alive' and when we are alive we are feeling, doing, active beings. Death means still, unfeeling, inactive. Even deep below the earth's surface, these men were very much alive. And our own collective hearts have been beating a little faster over the past 12 or so hours.

The captivating story of this event has stirred a spark within millions of people across the very planet that has entrapped these thirty-three miners. We all feel the compassion and anxiety for these families and the miners about to be brought back to the surface.

Last night after turning the TV off, I went online to read a brief blurb about each miner. All thirty-three of them. And one by one, these rough and weathered miners, these anonymous names, became people in my mind. A father, brother, uncle, carrier pigeon handler (this one intrigued me). They were a simple person. In a terrifying circumstance.

But soon, upon their [hopefully] successful re-entry to the surface of this amazing planet of ours, they will be able to speak for themselves, move, animate, and have to navigate their way into the inevitable spotlight thrown upon them by the intense media coverage. They'll recount their experience. Or try to put it behind them.

They will, as they've been doing for 69 days, continue to survive.

But deep under the earth in tight 90° quarters, it was their collaboration, their festive spirits, their ability to establish and follow a basic system of leadership with the goal of survival literally, figuratively and mentally that has helped to keep them alive.

A concept that should be heeded by the rest of this world that's becoming so increasingly divisive.

Can you imagine if the folks running for offices in November were all down there? Or leaders of rival nations? Or if we could toss together thirty-three folks deep under the earth? Would they be able to keep eachother alive? To keep eachother's spirits up? Think about it.

Michelle Obama
Glenn Beck
A 23-year old cancer survivor
An unemployed 60-yr old
Deepak Chopra
An illegal alien
George Bush Jr.
Dana Carvey
A hardened teenager
A yoga instructor
Hillary Clinton
Sara Palin
A PETA advocate
An NRA advocate
A Global peace advocate
A lawyer
A grocery clerk
A babysitter
Maya Angelou
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
A news anchor
Spike Lee
The Dalai Lama
A member of the paparazzi
Robin Williams
Bill Clinton
Leader of Palestine
Leader of Israel
A hollywood star
Your dry cleaner
Your neighbor
Your sister
Your father

What an amazing example these thirty-three miners have been, as well as the teams of people across the globe who have been working to guide and rescue them. An example of what's possible.

It's a shame that so often it takes such dire circumstance like a mine collapse or a Twin Tower collapse to bring us together, to get us to work together, and to have compassion for eachother.

As I click to 'publish this post.' Lucky #13 just surfaced.

I wonder how long the glow from these thirty-three sparks will be able to shine.

Shine on.

And welcome back.
©2010 Wendy Hudgins

My September experiment

2010-08-31T07:00:00.010-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
"Challenge yourself. Be curious. Discover. Grow."
—WENDYHUDGINS.com

I love my work as a DC area freelance Art Director. But one of the challenges I'm faced with as a creative running my own business, is that there's a lot more to it than just the creative...

So for the month of September* I'm reserving Wednesdays to focus on the non-creative aspects that are equally important to doing what I do. Research. Accounting. Billing. Training. Education. Sketching. Networking. Securing new business. Getting inspired. Organization. Still working... but simply not scheduling any calls or meetings.

When our weeks look like this: - give, give, give, give, give.
I'd like to propose: - give, give, replenish, give, give.

Whatever you do, wherever you are, don't forget to refill the source of your creativity. You need to refill that well in order to continue to pull from it.

*If this post looks familiar, I first did this 'experiment' in February. It worked.
©2010 Wendy Hudgins

Friday Photo

2010-08-20T16:12:00.001-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K

August = Peaches
PHOTO©2010

Friday Photo

2010-08-06T11:25:00.008-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K

Storm rolling through at sunrise in early August.
Pawleys Island, SC.
PHOTO©2010

Homage to the motherland

2010-07-14T09:21:00.007-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S

Happy Bastille Day!
PHOTO ©2010 Wendy Hudgins

Friday Photo

2010-07-09T22:38:00.015-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K

Giverny, France
For Meg and Rev; Jean-Marie and Claire Joyes.
Vive les fleurs, partout!

PHOTO ©2010 Wendy Hudgins

Friday Photo

2010-07-02T10:21:00.010-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
THE EYES OF A CHILD [no. 5] -A FRIDAY PHOTO REPOST

Standing by a creek in Stone Mountain, Georgia. 1978.
Taken near the home I grew up in, this is my first photo (Polaroid). Looking up.
Try looking at things from a different angle... from the eyes of a child.
PHOTO ©2010 Wendy Hudgins

Two lessons from goldfish

2010-07-01T10:55:00.017-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
THE EYES OF A CHILD [no. 4]
FEED THEM — It's a simple exercise. When we feed goldfish, they get nourished. They grow. A good thing to remember for ourselves, too. Have you fed, or nourished, yourself lately? What do you require to avoid feeling sucked down the flusher?

PROVIDE A HEALTHY PLACE TO GROW —
Check your fishbowl.
©2010 Wendy Hudgins

Bright copper kettles

2010-06-30T11:04:00.012-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
THE EYES OF A CHILD [no. 3]
When you were a kid, what were your favorite cartoons? What was your favorite toy? What was your favorite afternoon snack? What was your favorite movie?

I love the author, Barbara Sher, and there's an exercise in one of her books that asks you to go back and answer these and other questions. They shine a light on and tap into a core direction that your soul, your life, your 'self' longs for. Or gravitates to. Or is skilled at. Listen to that. Tap back into that. Mine were: coloring, teaching, imagination, and performing.

For a more light-hearted and fun spin on those questions...

I've also read that when you fix that favorite snack of yours, or watch that favorite movie, there's a mental 'time travel' that happens. You can feel swept off to a carefree time of being a kid. If even just for the duration of the Sound of Music, a Bugs Bunny cartoon, peanut butter crackers and chocolate milk, or The Fox and the Hound. In fact, my dog's name, Copper, comes that movie.

And he is one of my favorite things.
©2010 Wendy Hudgins

'To do' ta-da

2010-06-29T06:57:00.021-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
THE EYES OF A CHILD [no. 2]
When kids won't finish their food, we turn it into an airplane. When they need to clean up, we turn it into a game. So, can't we also use that same philosophy on us? When we need to accomplish something that we're dragging our feet on, why not turn it into a game? Make it fun.

Everyone has 'to do' lists. For the current items on yours, plus those stubborn ones that seem to get transferred from list to list, over years, even, I've come up with a fun way to knock them out. Grab-bag them! That's right. Have fun with your to do list.

Think fortune cookie strips of paper. Write each item on a single piece of paper. And all of these items, big or small, important or silly, are things you've been wanting or needing 'to do.' Place them all in a small, fun container.

Each morning, place the lid on your container. Shake it up. Then grab two items (this way you get to choose one). And that's your thing 'to do' for the day. Then, well... nike.

Just do it.

Ta-da!
©2010 Wendy Hudgins

Jingle Bells, Googly Eyes, and Little Boxes

2010-06-28T21:34:00.036-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
THE EYES OF A CHILD [no. 1]
Yes, I have a box with that label. Can I tell you how much fun it is to be a creative? A big bunch. There's an essay you might be familiar with called, “all I really need to know I learned in kindergarten.” I also have a quote in my office from Matisse, “all your life you must see with the eyes of a child.” YES!

Kids want to be adults.
And adults often long for the spirit of a child.

Wanting to be a grown-up, a 4-yr old stumbles around the house in dad's big fat shoes. Or a 7-yr old gets into mom's make-up and smears red lipstick. On the wall. Ginger ale in a champagne glass. Then, I think of how adults long for a nap or more play time, and would probably be better off eating more vegetables, playing fair, learning to clean up their own mess. Or catching a lightning bug on the way home from work on a hot summer night.

There's a fresh inspiration, resiliency, and wonder that kids possess... along with a hearty belief in immortality that if they jump off the back of the sofa, nothing will happen. When we adults go to make a move in our lives... we're more analytical.

We need to keep it simple. Fun.

“All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten”
by Robert Fulghum
Most of what I really need  to know about how to live, and what to do, and how to be...  I learned in kindergarten.  Wisdom was not at the top  of the graduate school mountain,  but there in the sandpile at Sunday school.   These are the things I learned:   Share everything.  Play fair.  Don't hit people.  Put things back where you found them.  Clean up your own mess.  Don't take things that aren't yours.  Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.  Wash your hands before you eat.  Flush.  Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.  Live a balanced life -  Learn some and think some.  And draw and paint and sing and dance.  And play and work everyday some.  Take a nap every afternoon.  When you go out into the world,  watch out for traffic,  hold hands and stick together.  Be aware of wonder.

In a small way, how can you fun-up your life? Kid-style? Maybe a Tootsie pop if your presentation goes well tomorrow? Draw on your walls at home? Eat ice cream for dinner? With sprinkles. Maybe take a retro lunch box to work? Or maybe, in your filing of 'papers,' 'tissues,' and 'ribbons,' you make a box labeled “Jingle Bells, Googly Eyes, and Little Boxes.”

Why? Because I said so.
©2010 Wendy Hudgins

Deep. Water. Horizon.

2010-06-16T22:55:00.011-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
[ CLICK IMAGE TO SEE BP VIDEO ]
BP may have been the actual company that tripped up via their sloppy and unsafe practices. Practices that led up to the April 2010 explosion that would claim the lives of 11 people. An explosion that has ruined an otherwise huge, healthy body of water along with the wildlife that call it home, and the people who make a living off of those waters. But in this atrocious environmental disaster, it ostensibly could have happened to any of the oil companies. BP just gets to be the focus of our attention for this go round.

Plus they have a good acronym for comedians. Big Puddle. Bad Publicity. ‘Better Pray.

But do you remember the death of Princess Diana in 1997? While the paparazzi may have lead to her death in the name of snapping a photo, the paparazzi would NOT have been so reckless and money-hungry to GET that photo in the first place if WE weren’t so hungry for the gossipy-tabloids. So, who was to blame for that ‘accident?’

The paparazzi, the tabloids, AND us.

With this current disaster, there is plenty of finger pointing to go around. And I’ll admit I just returned from a 1200+ mile road trip. But if our cities were set up so we didn’t need to drive as much; or car companies were held to a higher standard; or if we didn’t have our current appetite for driving which depends on oil (and in a recession we want it cheaply), perhaps this disaster wouldn’t have happened in the first place.

At the making of this video, we are on day 58 of the leak. And we point the fingers at BP. Their practices led up to this explosion. It IS their problem this time ‘round. A Big Problem. But who else needs to refine things?

The oil companies, the car companies, AND us.

But I’d argue that until the leak is capped, and the oil is cleaned up... we really all just sound as if we are bureaucratic firemen standing outside a burning house. Who CARES how the fire gets put out. Just put the freaking fire out. THEN we’ll settle up on who’s fault it is. Day 58 and accusations are still spewing. Day 58 and oil is still spewing.

Who’s side am I on?

Fair question.

I’m on the side of, “let’s solve this problem and get things back to normal for the Gulf region.”

Who’s side are you on?

©2010 Wendy Hudgins

Purple Heart

2010-05-31T22:37:00.007-04:00

B R E A D C R U M B

Diving in the clear ocean waters of Fiji.
This purple sponge seemed to be in the shape of a heart.
PHOTO ©2010 Wendy Hudgins

Friday Photo

2010-05-28T12:33:00.005-04:00

A - C R E A T I V E - S P A R K

Looking up through the clear blue waters of Fiji.
What the ocean is supposed to look like...
PHOTO ©2010 Wendy Hudgins

Essential is invisible

2010-05-27T05:00:00.000-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
It is only with the heart that one can see rightly.
What is essential is invisible to the eye.
— ANTOINE de SAINT-EXUPERY
2010 Wendy Hudgins

Joys and concerns

2010-05-26T05:00:00.009-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
My church is amazing. Personally. Professionally. And spiritually. It's a Methodist church in Silver Spring. And besides the sermons, or even a hymn that can move me, sometimes to tears, we nearly have to be cut-off after the passing of the peace. In other churches this 'greeting time' can sometimes feel awkward or forced, even. Not ours! Even if you don't know everyone in the place, you feel welcome. Like family. You share. You listen. You applaud. You console. You care.

Each week there's a time for folks to voice their 'joys and concerns.' I've heard everything from the inevitability of death that will fall on all of us. To a sick goldfish. To a graduation. I even recall one week, when a woman lifted up a concern. She was going in for cancer surgery, but her prayer was for the woman who would be substitute teaching in her class. I loved that.

And a year and a half ago I experienced a little scare in my own family. But after hearing folks lift up this thing here, and that person there, it occurred to me that today, in this moment right now...

I have a joy.

It is... that I have no concerns.
2010 Wendy Hudgins

Not everyone

2010-05-25T20:22:00.004-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
Death is more universal than life;
everyone dies, but not everyone lives.
— A. SACHS
2010 Wendy Hudgins

He can call me 'Flower' if he wants to

2010-05-20T06:00:00.001-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
As my Flower Garden continues to grow (now at 63 flowers), I wanted to take a minute and highlight one of my favorites. When I worked at Disney as an Art Director/Creative Spark, our on-site Disney illustrator-extraordinaire and general happy-spirited Scotsman, Don "Ducky" Williams, did me the honor of drawing a very particular "Flower" for my garden. Ducky drew me a blueline sketch of the sweet little skunk from Bambi.

Here's a clip I just found of the artist himself in his fabulous, crazy, creative studio. Miss you, Ducky!

©2010 Wendy Hudgins

Friday Photo

2010-05-14T05:00:00.001-04:00

What are you planting?

2010-05-10T11:12:00.008-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S

What you plant — you will harvest.
— FROM A SERMON ON THE RADIO
If you want apples, don't plant a pear tree.
If you want faith, don't plant doubt.
If you want good, don't plant negativity.
Think about it. And what are you planting?
©2010 Wendy Hudgins

Friday Photo

2010-04-30T08:34:00.003-04:00

365 day journey

2010-04-24T17:54:00.021-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
I am really, really grateful for a simple encounter at a little, local coffee shop back in 2008. And for a whack on the head that I got one year ago... today. With yellow tulips. Funny the turns that life takes. The surprises it has in store. If this lasts one more day or till I'm 95, ce n'est pas important. I am blessed and very, very lucky. Already. But most of all grateful. Marc Broussard has a song, and apparently yes, there is 'hope for me yet.' Scrap your script of life. Go with your gut. Let things happen. Feel the fear and, yes, do it anyway. Let go. Hang on. Listen. Follow. Ask for strength. Patience. Allow yourself to be guided. Keep your eyes open. Go for it. And be grateful for this moment, however it unfurls, this moment is your life. Make it a bon 'journey'. So, yes, jump. And if you break your leg? Well, don't jump like that again. But what if. One time. You jump. And you fly? What if.
'21'... To the one who lights up my life. Who took a chance on me. Who calms me down. Lifts me up. And makes me laugh. Really hard. You are amazing. I'm so glad you are in my life. I'm ylp and very lucky.
©2010 Wendy Hudgins

Friday Photo

2010-04-23T20:42:00.004-04:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K

Sky in the creek

2010-04-05T17:12:00.019-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S

Je ne cherche pas, je trouve. What if, this week, instead of looking for what we're looking for, we allow ourselves to simply see what's there before us? To find? To be surprised? Or open to the unexpected?
©2010 Wendy Hudgins

[Good] Friday Photo

2010-04-02T10:01:00.002-04:00

Shadow of the real thing

2010-03-30T12:56:00.002-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
Character is like a tree,
and reputation like a shadow.
The shadow is what we think of it;
the tree is the real thing.
—ABRAHAM LINCOLN
©2010 Wendy Hudgins

Friday Photo

2010-03-19T08:12:00.004-04:00

A - C R E A T I V E - S P A R K

Walking down a road in Giverny, France.
(Down the road from Claude's place)
PHOTO ©2010 Wendy Hudgins

Just the next thing

2010-03-15T09:01:00.031-04:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
Life is a series of changes and adjustments. And this annual time change each spring is only an hour. So why, then, does it always feel so big? Especially on that first Monday. After getting a delayed start to today, I found myself thinking over, and motivated by, these words. Thought I'd share. For our 'to-do' lists, just break it down a bit...

There's not everything,
just the next thing.
—GENIUS

Brilliant.
©2010 Wendy Hudgins

The stubbornness of spring

2010-03-10T00:05:00.010-05:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K

I like the stubbornness of Mother Nature. And while I know we're not quite done with winter, she's moving forward. And what a very welcome sign of that... the first crocus' along Sligo Creek.
PHOTO ©2010 Wendy Hudgins

C'est la vie

2010-03-09T06:48:00.031-05:00

C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
"Be happy for this moment, this moment is your life."
- OMAR KHAYYAM
This is a quote I have as a magnet on my fridge from quotables and I so appreciate it. Perhaps especially on the days that don't feel all that wonderful. Our lives, emotions, go through so many phases and changes. Creativity waxes and wanes. We must be patient in those moments that we don't like, or that don't make any sense to us.

I've also heard this phrase: 'sunny weather, rainy weather, neither is permanent.' This is life. It's changing. And thank God for that! Somewhere along the line, there was a perception that steady, constant happiness was the thing to strive for. But look at nature. Look at our planet. Look at a teething child. Change is part of life. And it's not always pretty... nevermind easy.

And while we may not be able to grasp what any one moment means while we're in it, try looking back on those moments... I'll bet they make a little more sense now. They might even give you courage or patience for something you are about to face.

I link to a webcam of the Eiffel Tower, and I love seeing the changes that surround it. So, I snagged these screengrabs over several months to illustrate that the dark, foggy moments are as much a part of life as the brilliant, colorful ones. Sound familiar? Sounds like life.

Take a look... changement, vraiment c'est la vie!

©2010 Wendy Hudgins

Rain. Parades. Patience.

2010-03-08T22:05:00.019-05:00

T W E N T Y - S I X - L E T T E R S
I am generally not an Oscar-watcher, but got caught up in it last night. I was very happy that 'Up' won. Squirrel! But I turned off the award show shortly after this memorable moment when Music By Prudence director Roger Ross Williams went up to accept an award and was kanye-ed by some seemingly random woman.

Prior to this evening I'd never heard of the movie. Nevermind it's director. But, quenching an apparent drought in my blogging lately, I was really moved by something on Larry King tonight. Larry gave this man the floor tonight to... well... make the Oscar acceptance speech he'd intended to give last night. A little awkward, but sweet nonetheless.

Did you know his mother, his 87 year old mother, flew on a plane for her very first time just to be there? No one in that audience would know. He was kanye-ed. Did you know that the name of Prudence's band, 'Leona,' means rain? He goes on, in this day-later speech tonight, to say that in Zimbabwe — rain is a gift from God.

I think it's interesting that sometimes you have to wait after you feel like you have been wronged, or interrupted, or derailed, to realize that this 'wrong' may very well have been a blessing. Or a mercy.

Had his parade last night not been rained on... we wouldn't be talking about him or his film.

Sometimes we need to maintain patience and grace. Then look back to be able to better understand the mercies that have been laid on us. And how they will unfold. And impact our lives.

And now, my blogging-drought is quenched. On my first Sligo walk today since the DC snowstorms of February, snow has melted, sidewalks are reappearing, and crocus are blooming. Even forced blooms from a dogwood branch that fell in the snows are finally beginning to open.

Mother nature doesn't lie. While the snows may not be over, if we can keep our eye on the inevitable spring to come, I know that focus, and patience, will be rewarded.

Move forward, be kind, have mercy, have patience with others. With ourselves. With life. As, be it from a drought or a freeze, we will thaw out. Come into our own. Begin to blossom again. And get ready to get on with the rest of our lives, our weeks, our day.

Patience. Focus.
©2010 Wendy Hudgins

Friday Photo

2010-02-19T00:01:00.006-05:00

A - C R E A T I V E - S P A R K

I love tulips — in the apocalyptic DC snows of 2010.
I love flowers — anytime.
And I especially love FLOWER HUNTING.
PHOTO ©2010 Wendy Hudgins

Your 'Life Soundtrack'

2010-02-15T14:58:00.002-05:00

A - C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
"If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got." Those words are from an Aerosmith song, that I've referenced before (and I'm sure this won't be the last time).

Does your life get in a rut? Does it feel frustrating, in constant crisis, mundane, stressful, too routine, stuck, or overwhelming? Maybe it is just not what you want? Or where you want to be? Well, a friend of mine finds life to be in a bit of a rut right now, so I randomly blurted out this idea... try changing the soundtrack of your life. Literally.

Imagine your life as you want it to be. What would that sound like?

I sent my friend a simple iTunes gift certificate for $10 to help jump start this idea of a new 'Life Soundtrack.' Search around. Try something out of your comfort zone. Grab songs that perk up your ears. That move you. That inspire you. That kick your butt. Or calm you. Whatever you need. But try to bypass the tunes you're used to or that you're comfortable with. If you want to switch tracks. If you want to get to a new place with your life, try grabbing some new stuff. Ear candy.

Dream big. Listen to your life. Your life's needs. Then feed it.

How does that sound?
©2010 Wendy Hudgins

Heart. Head.

2010-02-13T16:01:00.005-05:00

A - C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
If I create from the heart,
nearly everything works; if
from the head, almost nothing.
— MARC CHAGALL

Friday Photo

2010-02-12T00:05:00.006-05:00

A - C R E A T I V E - S P A R K

Saturday morning, the way Copper sees it.
WASHINGTON DC — No sooner did this get shoveled (nearly 30"), the Blizzard of 2010 hit (adding another 20" of snow). Spring? Are you out there?
PHOTO ©2010 Wendy Hudgins

Friday Photo

2010-02-05T10:22:00.006-05:00

A - C R E A T I V E - S P A R K

DC snow, second of three storms within this past week.
The third one is on schedule to arrive later today. 18-24" expected.
Weather Channel: "Powerhouse Winter Storm to wallop the Mid-Atlantic."
©2010 Wendy Hudgins

Our thoughts

2010-02-02T00:05:00.000-05:00

My February experiment

2010-02-01T16:00:00.008-05:00

A - C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
"Challenge yourself. Be curious. Discover. Grow."
—WENDYHUDGINS.com

I love my work as a DC area freelance Art Director. But one of the challenges I'm faced with as a creative running my own business, is that there's a lot more to it than just the creative...

So for the month of February I'm reserving Wednesdays to focus on the non-creative aspects that are equally important to doing what I do. Research. Accounting. Billing. Training. Education. Sketching. Networking. Securing new business. Getting inspired. Organization. Still working, but simply not scheduling any calls or meetings.

When our weeks look like this: - give, give, give, give, give.
I'd like to propose: - give, give, replenish, give, give.

Whatever you do, wherever you are, don't forget to refill the source of your creativity. You need to refill that well in order to continue to pull from it.
©2010 Wendy Hudgins

Revealing resolutions [no. 1]

2010-01-31T14:27:00.014-05:00

A - C R E A T I V E - S P A R K
So, today is the last day of January in this New Year. The month of fresh exciting resolutions that seem to just dissolve into thin air? How are you doing with yours?

I had decided to do my resolutions a little differently this year. Over many years, observing what motivates the people I know, I have realized that what works for me, may not work for you. What works for you, may not work for me. For me what does not work for me is setting a goal and telling others about it. Trust me, I'm hard enough on myself. I don't need others hounding me. But that motivation works for some.

So rather than blurt out one resolution for January 1st — one that is supposed to last the whole year, but is lucky to survive one week — I've decided to break my resolutions down month by month. Revealing my resolution at the end of that month. Presumably, said resolution would have been accomplished.

As for January, I'm proud to announce my resolution was accomplished.

I completed, writing and illustrating, the prototype for a children's book for my niece's first birthday. It's called, "Spring Tickles" and I will be publishing it through blurb.com. It will be the first in a series of books I have in mind for her.

Okay, now... on to February.
©2010 Wendy Hudgins

Friday Photo

2010-01-29T11:11:00.001-05:00

A - C R E A T I V E - S P A R K

Abbey of Sant'Antimo in Tuscany, Italy
Origins of this abbey date back to 352AD.
PHOTO ©2010 Wendy Hudgins