A Not-So-Simple Concept In Simple Terms

Relationships are alot like working out. The thought is grueling yet intriguing, wanting and expecting instant results are the norm...but not the reality. It takes work, it takes struggle, it takes sweat (good sweat and bad sweat). There are pleasurable peaks and low-blow lulls. There are hurdles on the path to the perfect body; the perfect relationship. Sculpting a body takes well-balanced meals, scheduled routines and check-ins on progress, as does a relationship.

Balance of the needs and wants is a give n' take effort that requires weighing what you want and what your partner wants. Scheduled routines in the form of dates and just hanging in (drawstring sweatpants style) is essential. Check-ins on your ultimate goals: a healthy relationship mandates our undivided attention in the privacy of our own head (Is this what I want? With this person? Am I feeling good about this? ...Expending negative energy? Are you giving enough? Are you getting enough?) Summarize your efforts.

Just like maintaining a beautiful physique, we must maintain a beautiful mystique. For ourselves, for our partners, for our overall well being.

YouLookedBetterNaked.

Last night I received two phone calls from 'restricted' numbers. I never answer those. But yesterday I did (actually my friend answered it for me as I thought it would be great to surprise the 'restrictor' with a deep male hello, rather than my perky female greeting.) Not knowing for sure who it was, I put two and two together. Recently I dated a guy who worked for a company whose motto was, "Look Better Naked." Here's my take on this whole situation:

YouLookedBetterNaked

RESTRICTED.
Gotta love it.
Sounds like I'm in handcuffs.
RESTRICTED.
Or is it that you are the one who's cuffed.
Callin'
Showin'
Incognito.
That you may just be the one who's still thinking.
THINKING.
Don't do that.
You looked...
Better...
Naked.
But that's just about it.
Just 'bout it.

Would U Marry U?

I saw this question on the back of a self-help book in Barnes & Noble the other day and the question has not left my mind since. Not 100% sure why, but it's definitely a question that struck a chord. Maybe it's because I think alot more people need to ask themselves this important Q.

"Would I marry me?" I thought. Well, let's make a list of reasons why I should take my vows in the mirror:

1. I'm funny. Sarcasm, me being at the butt of my own jokes, the goofy gestures, dorky facial expressions and dances that show I don't take myself too seriously all of the time warrant for a good partner.

2. I'm ambitious. With Master's Degrees and certifications in my chosen field, I think it's safe to say that although I may not be wrapped to tightly, my head is screwed on straight.

3. I love to travel. I have started a travel trend for myself where I pick up and go with friends AND alone. I thoroughly enjoy both. I am an adventure seeker and an explorer. My job allows oodles of time for this...Bonus!

4. I'm very much into hygiene. Enough said.

5. I support myself.

6. I love children and enjoy their company and want to make room for my own nuclear family one day.

7. Insane loyalty is my specialty.

8. This should be number one. I have HOBBIES that I must incorporate into my life. I'd love to invite someone into that world every once in a while, and I'd love to "hobby swap" for a day too. (See, flexibility. I'm in love already!)

9. I'm NOT clingy. (Thank God!)

10. I AM REAL. What you SEE is what you GET. I'm honest with my emotions. If I love something, I celebrate it, if I'm upset, I share that too (even if it takes a few minutes). You'll never have to guess with me.

So, back to the question, "Would I marry me?"

The answer: "I do."

Inspiration

So this afternoon a friend told me that the actor, Heath Ledger, died. He was 28. I froze when hearing the news. I had met Heath several years back when working in the television and film industry. Talk about a talented actor with massive amounts of creative juices flowing throughout his body. But now there’s no more of that. His legacy will live on in his existing creative work.

As sad as his death is, I have to take this time to honor his life. The role he played in Brokeback Mountain broke through sexual barriers. I celebrate him and walk away from the sad news with a hopeful message, live your creative life now, for now is all we’ve got.

Something to think about: Alanis Morissette’s song, “I Was Hoping,” contains a lyric that has stuck with me since 1998, “…if I realized how great I was five minutes before I died, I’d be filled with such regret…” Marinate in that for a little bit.

Now consider this: If your hourglass sat before you on the kitchen table, what would you do with the precious time you have left? Make a quick list of 6 things you’d do without stopping and/or pausing. Select one and go do it…the sand is starting to pile up at the bottom of your hourglass.
-Dawn.

The Artist's Way.

Do you paint, write, sing, dance, collage, build houses, etc... If so, then this is for YOU!

I have some great news to share! I was asked to be a contributor on a new blog http://theartistswayblog.wordpress.com for budding artists and established artists alike. The blog will focus on the book, The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron. I am so excited to embark on this journey in creating a community where people can express all facets of their creative process through the use of the book. I, along with three other lovely ladies, will be facilitaing the adventure through each chapter which so eloquently outlines the pathway toward your unique self expression.

Please take a look at the site and join us! http://theartistswayblog.wordpress.com

You won't know if you don't go!

Xo

Dawn.

Have You Ever Felt Creatively Blocked?

A friend of mine posed this question to me, "Have you ever felt creatively blocked?" Below you will find my unedited response:

men block me. it's funny considering i am writing a book about them. but i've been stagnant before due to them...i smoke cigarettes and drink in order to avoid writing about them in the moment...i used to not do that. i used to grab my journal and write poem after freakin' poem about how much of a victim i was. then i decided to can the self pity and turn to self destruct, not good either. i will (and know there will be) a healthier outlet for me other than my vices. i just need to give myself time to find them. i dont like mixing creativity and pain all the time, it's a killjoy.

Writer, Interrupted

So it's been f*o*r*e*v*e*r since I have posted a new blog. I must say (in my own defense) that I have been super busy with all things "book related." For those of you who don't know me, are stumbling upon this page for the first time or are a friend of mine who has simply been busy with their own life, I have been consumed with writing my first memoir. Actually, I call it a "menoir." A menoir is a memoir about men ;) (Got all that?!) Whew!

Well over the course of a month I have been reading tons of books: The Complete Artist's Way, Jarhead, Only as Good as Your Word, The Virginia Woolf Writer's Workshop...magazines: Art and Life, ArtFreak, Psychology Today, Writer's Digest, Poets & Writers...and blogs: Kelly Kilmer, Teesha Moore and ZaZaZu (see the bottom of the page for their links). In addition to all of that reading, I attended the super-cool-way-cheap-I can't believe this is real-Independent Book Fair in New York City the first weekend of December. Let me tell you, I walked away with so much FREE knowledge from their workshops and panel discussions that catapulted me into a whole new stratosphere in Book World. And, I'm loving every minute of it! Everything from writing ideas to marketing to attracting literary agents...you name it, they discussed it.

In addition to my usual visits to my fav blogs, I've been snooping around cyberspace to explore other blogs and websites to find more cool artists. I stumbled upon Judy Wise who is actually featured in the magazine, Cloth Paper Scissors, http://www.clothpaperscissors.com/ and she has her own website, http://www.judywise.com/ I have been thinking of ways to infuse my art into my book...breaking that black and white print tradition. I think you'll understand why when you see her work and Kelly Kilmer's work as well. If I had to categorize my art under any umbrella, it would fall under theirs. Imagine reading a book printed on beautifully decorated pages? I think we need more risk takers, more Sabrina Ward Harrison-types...but original of course! http://www.sabrinawardharrison.com/ I'm on a journey to make my dream of publishing my book a reality. I want my vision of marrying mixed media art and memoir...creating a mixed media menoir = a memoir based on men sprawled across mixed media journal pages. Hmmmmm, I think I'm onto something here folks! Well, for more info and snippets from my book, please check out: www.myspace.com/dawnturzio

Happy Reading!