Last Friday, I had the joy of attending TEDxCalgary‘s event FLOW.
As an artist and writer, I am continually immersed in creative energy—whether I call it the muse, collective consciousness, my creative essence or simple, The Flow.
FLOW is dynamic energy. Quantum physics teaches us that energy exists as either particles or waves. In our daily lives, we mostly function as particles, but in our creative endeavors, we ride the waves.
Creativity is like a river, constantly flowing, shifting, and creating. Every day, I sit at my desk and gaze out at the Bow River, its ever-changing flow reminding me that all life is energy, and energy never stagnates, just as creativity is part of the energy of each and every human being on this planet.
So, where are you in the flow? Remember, you are not the river; you are part of the flow. Are you stuck in a belief that your current state, no matter how uncomfortable or sublime, is the only place you can be? Or can you embrace a belief that celebrates your creative nature which is an ever-moving, ever-changing state of being human in the flow of life?
Be like the river and flow free.
Attending TEDxCalgary’s event reminded me of a powerful moment I shared in my TEDxCalgary talk, Lessons in Love. In it, I retell the story of becoming so lost on the road of life that one day I stood at the side of a river and wished I could unhook gravity’s hold on my body, allowing myself to fall into the river and be washed out to sea. I was not that powerful, thankfully. But I was powerful enough to change my state of being and reclaim my love of life so that I could unhook myself from the trauma that brought me to that moment and flow with grace and ease through all life’s changing moments.
I invite you to watch my talk, where I delve deeper into this experience and the lessons it taught me about love, resilience, and the power of embracing life’s flow.
I cannot remember a time when I did not write. As a child, I created stories, wrote in my diary, and had pen pals all over the world.
In Grade 8, I wrote a story I was really proud of: a tale of two spies—a strong, decisive woman and a brawny man—on a mission to save the world. They succeeded but met a tragic end when their car exploded as they were about to celebrate. My teacher praised the story but insisted I couldn’t kill off the heroes. “Why not?” I asked. “They’re my creation.” She explained the need to cater to the audience’s desire for happy endings.
Since then, I’ve struggled to write without tying my stories up in pretty bows, to let go of the need to write cautiously and neatly.
This is why I created my 6-week course, Creative Essence Unleashed: An Artful Journey. For the past four years, I’ve written poetry with a group of women, freeing myself from the “Box of Tidy” and writing from a place of deep, raw wisdom. Combined with the freedom of art-journalling, I have unlocked the blocks that kept me tied up in writing
I LOVE it and want to share this freedom and joy with others. Creative Essence Unleashed: An Artful Journey launches on May 22 at a special introductory price.
Join me in this beautiful, intimate space to explore, unravel, design, create, and become. This course combines simple art-journalling techniques to create a holistic environment where ‘anything goes’ and everything becomes. Embrace the freedom of art journaling and discover the limitless potential within you.
I’d be thrilled to have you on the journey with me!
For the last few years, the gifted and soulful Brian Pearson has been the guide of an online community, The Mystic Cave, which offers sanctuary to those searching for spiritual depth beyond conventional religions.
Brian describes The Mystic Cave podcast as “a haven for seekers—narratives, dialogues, and musings on the spiritual quest beyond the boundaries of church land.”
Our paths crossed when I was organizing an annual Christmas benefit concert, to support formerly homeless veterans, at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church in Calgary. As the head pastor, Brian not only opened the church’s doors for the “Christmas at The Madison” benefit concert but also graced the event with his soothing voice and masterful guitar play, captivating everyone, including my daughters.
With time, Brian ventured beyond the church to establish The Mystic Cave and, in doing so, has become a cherished friend and mentor.
Today, as I listened to Brian’s conversation with the luminous Meredith Heller—poet, educator, musician, songwriter, and a woman of incandescent spirit—on his podcast, the muse stirred and whispered her melodious urgings into my heart.
In the stillness of the morning, with my beloved asleep beside me and Beaumont the Sheepadoodle stretched at our feet, I lay immersed in the quiet, attuned to the breathing that filled the room, a lullaby of presence.
I listened. I felt. I heard.
The words beckoned.
With the exquisite silence of dawn wrapped around me, following the tender gratitude in Brian’s sign-off and the lingering echo of Meredith’s poetry dedicated to Lady J, the words surged within me, spilling forth with fervent ease.
Thank you Lady M by Louise Gallagher
Love found me broken pieces scattered without rhyme or reason lost in the darkness of knowing the way home was through the pain of having been broken open to Love.
May we all find the courage to surrender to the call of the creative flame within us. May it compel us to rise and fully experience this transient, stunning life in all its fleeting beauty and ephemeral joy flowing in the enduring nature of Love.
And may this April Poetry Month awaken you to the poetry of your life.
April is Poetry Month. A month to create and celebrate words that rhyme, words that flow on gentle wisps of promise, words that stir hearts to dance and cry and spin about.
This is the third poem I’ve written this poetry month. It arose unbidden, like a memory awakened by the sound of a laugh, a retreating figure, a voice on the phone, as I sat down to journal this morning.
It seems to pair well with this image I created as part of my She Dares series.
I hope you feel the call this month to read a poem, share one, perhaps even cast one to a page in the hope the words will flow into images that make your heart want to dance as you come alive to the poetry of life.
John Steinbeck once remarked, “And now that you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good.” This quote might as well be describing my writing space. It’s not flawless, but for me, it’s excellent – actually, it’s fantastic.
I’ve always encountered obstacles in creating the perfect workspace. Full disclosure: I’m what you might call a ‘space consumer’. Much like how I utilize every inch of our 15-foot by 4.5-foot kitchen island while cooking, my studio sees every available flat surface in use during my creative endeavors.
For a while now, the idea of reorganizing my studio to dedicate a specific area for writing has been on my mind. Initially, the thought of restricting myself to a writing corner seemed too limiting. Plus, I worried that it was some kind of decadant to have two areas of our home ‘just for me and my writing’? – at least that’s what I kept convincing myself.
However, a persistent internal voice challenged this notion, suggesting that perhaps these thoughts were self-imposed limitations. Why not stretch my thinking beyond them?
Thus, on Friday morning, propelled by an inner urge to “Get out of bed and create a writing space in your studio,” I took action. No second-guessing.No hesitation. I got doing.
The task wasn’t minor, but it was gratifying. It also came with a reminder to myself: to cease the accumulation of art supplies and the hoarding of miscellaneous paper scraps ‘just in case’.
My ‘Writer’s Corner’
The decluttering and rearrangement yielded a transformed space. Now, I have two surfaces dedicated to my art and a cozy corner desk for writing.
This change has brought a sense of satisfaction, contentment, and inspiration. It was so invigorating that I spent the entire day yesterday writing!
Of course, my art supplies still demand an extensive reorganization, but that’s a task for another day. Currently, I’m reveling in the clarity and peace of having a designated space that, when I sit at my desk, silently encourages, “Now we write.”
My morning writing desk
I still adore my morning writing spot in front of the large window on our main level, offering views of our yard and the river. The sight of the river flowing past, and the distant views of traffic on the bridges invoke a sense of calm and wonder. It’s delightful.
Yet, there’s an undeniable charm in a snug, personal space that beckons my curiosity and kick-starts my creativity. Here, I can spread out my papers and let my thoughts flow freely – a luxury not afforded by the great room’s writing area in our home, where sticking notes on walls or scattering pages on the floor isn’t feasible.
Now, I can do just that.
Claiming your creative space is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity for nurturing your creativity. Whether it’s a small corner, a whole room, or just a dedicated nook, creating your own sanctuary for creativity is a right we all deserve. It’s about making a space that resonates with you, where your ideas can flow freely and where your artistic soul feels at home.
What about you? Do you have a special spot – a corner, alcove, room, or attic – where your creativity thrives? What’s holding you back from creating it?
Maybe it’s because I’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately, grappling with worries about my sister’s health (though still in ICU, she’s slowly improving every day). Or perhaps it’s just exhaustion setting in. But this year, contrary to my usual practice of keeping Christmas at bay until after my birthday on December 9th, I’m letting its festive spirit seep in a bit earlier.
In my studio, I’ve found myself eagerly creating Christmas-themed images – with watercolours no less! A medium I seldom work in. It’s been fun and I’ve even planned the name tags for our dinner table on the big day—a rarity for me, as I often convince myself that working under the pressure of an imminent deadline is the ultimate creativity booster.
However, the truth is, deadlines and pressure don’t really inspire creativity. In fact, I find that planning, researching ideas, and experimenting with different themes and tablescapes are far more conducive to sparking my creative juices.
This resistance to early Christmas celebrations stems from my childhood. My birthday often got overshadowed by the festive season, with ‘the party’ frequently skipped over because Christmas was a grand affair in our home. My parents would be busy in the kitchen, crafting culinary masterpieces with the same zeal I imagine Santa’s elves demonstrate while preparing toys for children around the world.
As an adult, I decided that my birthday mattered and that Christmas could wait its turn.
Despite my efforts, however, the omnipresence of Christmas is undeniable. The moment Halloween decorations are put away, big box stores are awash with Christmas paraphernalia.
It’s challenging to escape the Christmas frenzy, whether you’re a believer in the Christ-child or not. The season’s spirit permeates the air, with twinkling lights adorning lampposts and front doors decked out in festive bows, bells, and baubles.
This year, as Christmas nudges its way into my consciousness earlier than usual, I realize there’s a silver lining to embracing its spirit ahead of my birthday. It’s an opportunity to redefine the essence of this festive season in my own terms, to make it about more than just the glitz, glitter and glam.
The fact is, it’s almost impossible to ignore the commercialization of Christmas. At the same time, however, its important we not lose sight of its true meaning. It’s not about the biggest tree, the most expensive gifts, or the most elaborate decorations. Rather, it’s about the warmth of family kand friends gathered around a dinner table, the joy of baking cookies with children, and the laughter that fills the air when friends reconnect. It’s about the simple acts of kindness, the moments of quiet reflection, and the recognition of our shared humanity.
This holiday season, no matter your celebration or remembrance, I invite you to join me in shifting your focus from spending to sharing, from buying to being. Let’s make Christmas a time to honor the joy of human connection, to cherish the moments spent with loved ones, and to reach out to those who might be alone during this season. In doing so, we not only honour the spirit of Christmas but also enrich our own lives with genuine happiness and contentment.
As I look forward to celebrating my birthday and then Christmas, I am reminded that the greatest gift I can give and receive is the gift of presence. Presence in the moment, presence in the lives of those I care about, and presence in the joyous celebration of life itself.
This Christmas, I hope you join me in stepping into the true magic of the season not through the things you buy, but through time shared with those you love and the memories you create together. I hoipe you embrace the spirit of Christmas not as a commercial holiday, but as a celebration of life, love, and the gift of being together. In that embrace, let’s make it a time to honor our human condition with joy, for that is the true essence of Christmas.
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As part of my ‘self-care’, I am off to coach at Discovery Seminars for five days. It’s an opportunity to be of service and to be embraced in a circle where love shimmers in every shared word, breath and act of kindness. It’s a time to be part of contributing my best to inspire others to find their own light so that together, we can create a world of peace, harmony and joy. And it’s a time for me to be restored, refreshed and revitalized.
In my studio, I’m immersed in the writer’s circle I discovered during the initial COVID lockdown. This group emerged as a beacon in the solitude, connecting me to a world beyond the confines where my husband, C.C., along with Beaumont the Sheepadoodle, and I huddled for safety against an unseen virus stalking the globe.
Three years on, the lockdowns have faded, but our circle endures. Despite occasional absences, like one poet last night, our bond remains unbroken. This circle is a treasure, a sacred time for writing. Sparked by the poems our circle priestess, Ali Grimshaw, of Flashlight Batteries shares, I welcome its invitation to simply let the words flow, effortlessly, without judgement or caveats or hesitation.
Last night, Ali introduced a poem by Kim Stafford, former Oregon state Poet Laureate. I’ve long admired Stafford’s profound and mystic style, reminiscent of the mystery of the cypress forests and exquisite beauty of his native Pacific Northwest. His words, both lyrical and relatable, woven with natural imagery and rich with personal and communal narratives, offer solace and a reminder of our interconnectedness.
The poem, “Advice from a Raindrop,” struck a chord. In it, Stafford writes:
Think you’re doomed to disappear, just one small voice among millions? That’s no weakness, trust me. That’s your wild card, your trick, your implement. They won’t see you coming
These lines fueled my free-fall writing, igniting thoughts about being more than just a drop in the ocean.
Every Drop Countsby Louise Gallagher
Do you think
there are so many drops
in the ocean
swelling
into a wave
pummelling against the shore
that your drop will not be missed?
Think again my friend.
Your drop is felt
in the difference your bring to life
when you stop falling
into the belief
your drop doesn’t count.
No one can count the drops
of water in the ocean,
but every drop counts
to make the tide
Ebb and flow. Ebb and flow.
My friend.
You are the drop. You
are the wave
of the ocean
swelling
and pummelling
against the shore.
Ebb and flow, Ebb and flow
My friend.
Every drop matters
your drop no more
no less.
May you know today, and everyday, the uniqueness of the difference you make in this world is needed, wanted and very precious. As are you. ❤
Watercolour on paper — the little flecks are gold glitter sprinkled over it (hard to capture in a photo)
After a considerable hiatus, I decided it was time to reacquaint myself with my studio, a space that had been longing for my return.
Yesterday, I ventured in with a practical goal: to reorganize, reduce, recommit to daily artistic practice as well as creative writing (Since returning from my writer’s retreat in Ireland last month, I still haven’t touched the play I began crafting on that retreat) . I planned to relocate my ‘working’ desk out of the alcove at the bottom of the staircase, to a cozy corner near the French doors in my studio. This strategic move wasn’t just about logistics. It was more about capturing the serene beauty of my backyard, with its picturesque view of trees gracefully lining the river bank and, to create a welcoming space where I could write everyday, immersed in the creative energy of my studio.
In the midst of tidying up, arranging pens, and storing away the paints I had used weeks earlier for crafting name tags for a dinner party, something unexpected happened. I stumbled into a moment of spontaneous creativity.
Inspired by an Instagram video I’d seen a few days ago, I delved into the art of crafting simple yet charming Christmas cards using watercolors and pen. The focus was on replicating the artist’s technique of painting small, ball-like ornaments. What began as a practice session quickly turned into an exhilarating, yet meditative, journey of fun and discovery.
This playful interlude became more than just an artistic endeavor. It offered a respite from the heavy thoughts that have been weighing on my mind – concerns about my sister’s health, the ongoing turmoil in Israel, Palestine, Ukraine, and other troubled parts of the world. In those moments of artistic immersion, I found a sense of lightness, a reprieve from the world’s burdens.
The studio transformed into a sanctuary where possibilities felt endless, and even a fleeting sense of peace seemed attainable. Soft music played in the background, complementing the rhythmic flow of the river outside, a soothing reminder of the world’s continuous, unrelenting beauty.
In this creative escape, I realized something profound. While I may not possess the power to alter the course of global events, I am capable of calming the storms within my own mind. The fears, the worries, the disturbing thoughts that often invade my peace – I was reminded that I can quiet them, even if just for a while.
Those moments of artistic play were a gentle nudge, reminding me that amidst the chaos, love remains a constant, resilient force. And that, no matter how harsh the winds are blowing outside, it’s in these personal spaces of creativity and joy that we find the strength to face the world, reassured that even in the darkest times, love endures.
What about you? How/where do you find peace in turbulent times?
PS. Good news. My sister woke up yesterday. Though the intubation tubing limits her ability to talk, she can and did smile. The infection still rages and the doctors will be doing a CatScan today to see how much of her body it’s invaded, but, the fact she woke up is a great sign!
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, words of encouragment and presence. ❤
In March 2007, I embarked on a journey as a blogger, committing to daily writing, seven days a week. This discipline persisted for about five years until life’s complexities – work, responsibilities, and the inevitable “busyness” – prompted me to reassess. Gradually, my posts became less frequent, transitioning from a Monday-to-Friday routine to a more sporadic ‘when inspiration strikes’ schedule.
However, in recently having retired from the workplace, I’ve realized the importance of consistency and discipline, not just in writing but in life. Since stepping away from formal employment, I’ve missed the structure of having to turn up, pay attention and be accountable, not just to myself but to others. For me, ‘a job’ fosters focus and self-discipline in my life. This realization was driven home during my recent solo writer’s retreat in Ireland, where I successfully reintroduced a structured routine into my life. Since returning, I have not touched the project I began on that retreat. It’s become clear: it’s time to embrace this structure once again.
Now, in my defence, amidst the horrific natural and man-made devastation, violence and wars unfolding around the globe, my sister’s health struggles have been a profound emotional journey. She remains in ICU, still in a deep sleep following major surgery over a week ago. My daily visits, standing by her bedside, sharing messages of love and support, have been emotionally draining. This exhaustion has clouded my thoughts, dampening my drive and creativity.
I’ve come to accept that I cannot alter my sister’s path. My role is to hold space for the best for her while continuing to live and create meaningfully in my own life. In this period of emotional turmoil, I confess to succumbing to self-pity. This isn’t self-reproach but a candid acknowledgment, a form of ‘tough loving-kindness’ to break free from the despair and worry engulfing me.
Which is why, in the darkness of an unseasonably warm November morning, I have chosen to mark this day as my turning point. It is time to reconnect to the practices I know create better in my world.
To begin, this morning I revisited a long-abandoned practice: my morning pages, inspired by “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. This practice of free-hand writing three pages daily was once a cornerstone of my creativity, which I had set aside when I began blogging. Today, as part of my recovery process to embrace peace, calm, balance and love in my daily living, I recommit to this and other nurturing practices.
What about you? What practices have you abandoned that once lifted and supported you? Where in your life is there a need to reconnect and recommit to self-care and activities that bring you joy and strength?
What if we embark on this journey of rediscovery and renewal together?
I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas in the comments section below. Your words inspire me and open gateways for us to create better in the world, together.
I created the image a year ago for the 2023 She Dares Boldly Calendar – she continues to stir my imagination and fits well with today’s post.
The calendar page turns, November makes its entrance, embodying the silent prowess of a leopard stalking its prey, rich with anticipation and a deep, intrinsic knowledge. The Arctic winds, far from being mere specters on the horizon, now gently lap at the remnants of these gilded autumn days, whispering subtle reminders of an October snowfall that is gracefully receding into the embrace of memory.
Seated at my desk on this first day of November, I gaze upon an open calendar, its pages no longer saturated with the relentless demands of meetings, deadlines, and the constant pressures of projects to complete and new ones to conceive. This chapter of my working career within the not-for-profit sector, which began as a six-month contract with an employment services agency two years ago, has come to a close. The final email has been sent, the last phone call concluded, and the proverbial ‘i’s dotted and ‘t’s crossed.
My gaze shifts to the traffic, steadily flowing across the bridge towards the city center, mirroring the river that glides silently by, steadfast between its banks.
Memories surface of a time four years prior when I last stepped away from the formal workplace, worn and burdened, feeling empty, like a broken vessel filled to the brim with exhaustion and heartache. The tumultuous final months in that workplace necessitated a retreat, a six-month respite devoted solely to healing, rejuvenation, and reigniting my imagination and sene of being present, free from life’s encumbrances.
Today, however, I step away with a heart buoyant with achievement and energy, poised to embrace the opportunities I am creating to ‘live large’ and ensure my most meaningful contributions to the world reflect the change I aspire to both create and embody.
I am enveloped in gratitude. Gratitude for the prologue to my formal working career, a narrative that truly resonates with my passions, abilities, and creativity. Gratitude for the privilege of collaborating with a team of unparalleled dedication and accomplishment, committed to both the clients we served and the agency’s mission. Gratitude for the lasting friendships forged, with individuals who have indelibly impacted my life and the world. Gratitude for every moment, every lesson, every connection.
As I stand on the threshold of the days, weeks, and months to come, excitement courses through me. Excitement for the potential to create, build, and achieve; for the dreams I have tenderly nurtured; for the seeds I have sown in the fertile grounds of autumn’s repose; and for the promise of a new day that awaits me with each sunrise.
In this moment of reflection and anticipation, I am anchored by a profound sense of gratitude. I carry with me the lessons and memories of the past, and step across the liminal space of the past fading away and the future unfolding with an open heart, ready to weave a tapestry of dreams and actions in the rich soil of possibility. Here’s to the journey ahead, filled with boundless potential and the promise of newfound adventures and fulfillment.
I was gifted the opportunity to work with the amazing Ewan Nicholson and the team at Inter Pipeline to create a video of Andrew — a Prospect client who has been part of the Inter team for the past four years. What a wonderful final project to leave on!
Dare Boldly 