CREATIVE INSPIRATION

Shinshin

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In recent weeks, many of the essays and blogposts in my email inbox have dealt with the theme of begin again. Last weekend I participated in an all-day online workshop called Begin Again: A New Year of Poetry (AuthorsPublish.com) that focused on writing, publishing, and craft development goals. Typically I’ve been more of a Pantser (def: a fiction writer who writes without a detailed outline, writing “by the seat of her pants”).

But this year I’m reexamining that way of creating (not just writing), how well it’s been working for me, and what (if anything) to change. To answer these questions, I chose quiet space and time for gentle contemplation where the only sounds are my own. The Japanese have a word for it.

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What I liked about the workshop was that we not only considered concrete, achievable goals, but asked ourselves whether we could commit to the action(s) necessary to reach them. Isn’t that often where “new year resolutions” break down? When we imagine things we want, but never commit to the necessary action steps?

EXCITING NEWS!!

Announcing the launch of my new and improved website, Celeste Pfister Arts. I took down my previous website, Celestial Artworks, two years ago, because it didn’t include the scope of creative work I do and want to share with you. With the help of web designer, Kirin Schmit (her website currently being remodeled at https://designwkirin.com), I have rebuilt an expanded website. This is a preview of my homepage to encourage you to visit me soon! https://Celestepfisterarts.com

I am back in my studio, finishing Resurrection, a 60 x 48 inch acrylic and mixed media work on paper.

I am using these quiet, Shinshin days to look over poems I’ve written during the past two years. I came across this tanka I wrote in 2024.

      Standing before my kindergarten class
      in a trailer behind the church
      the nun hands me a pointer
      alphabet letters above the blackboard
      first teaching moment
             **          **          **

Do you have a memorable first moment? Write about it in the comments or send me a message. I’d love to hear about your experiences.

One of my writing goals is to read more poetry, starting with Carl Phillips’ Pale Colors in a Tall Field (2020)

and this exquisite gem:

Overheard, Under a Dark Enchantment    by Carl Phillips

Compassion first, we were told—and if that won’t work,
compassion’s shadow, pity, to smooth what’s rough.
							                                 We find
just holding the victim’s hand, lately, has been exactly enough. 

Wishing you Shinshin moments this week, so quiet that your own thoughts sound clear and true. Thank you for reading all the way to the end. If you find value here, please subscribe—it is always free. Please visit my new website at https://Celestepfisterarts.com, and let me know what inspires you most.

One more thing to think about:

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