life of a georgia Artist

P hoto by Rod Long at Unsplash.com What are societies rules for flourishing in a shared space? Why do some people shy away from sitting at a communal space and why some go into it with ease? What is needed in this communal space to be a viable community space? Oh Sociology you keep me on my toes. Ray Oldenburg has a theory that we need a home space, a work space, and a third place. He says: " They are locations where we exchange ideas, have a good time, and build relationships." If we do not talk to one another in this space it is not a viable third place. It should be an enticing place that draws us in and allows each and every person a place of safety. It is a place where ideas and conversations flow as fast as the coffees are poured. It is where you can meet and discuss books, musics, relationships. It is a place to come and just be yourself without judgement or harassment and make new friends.  A Great Good Place  This is where you can find Mr. Oldenburg o...

Photo by  Tim Gouw  on  Unsplash Coffee Houses are full of people on their phones or laptops or both. There are no connections to anyone. We now go in, get our beverage of choice and plug in our earbuds. We do not smile at the person next to us, we do not speak with our neighbors, our total goal is to go in, get on an electronic, and pray no one wants to talk to us. We are missing the bigger picture. We are not connecting and connection is one key to remaining happy. We need to say hello, we need to ask how someone is, we need to feel like we are part of the bigger picture. When we huddle down and desire to become invisible we battle things like depression, anxiety, and loneliness.  Smiling at someone is not going to cure these mental health issues, but smiling accompanied by talking, sharing things about ourselves helps with these items. We battle lonesomeness by connecting with others. We build tribes of friends. We collect people who can aid in our mental h...

Photo by  Eepeng Cheong  on  Unsplash Writing. Hours of work. Our thoughts gathered on paper. We toil for hours for that perfect opening sentences. We yank our hair, we curse our loud, we stomp, drink, argue with loved ones, but one word is never placed on the page.  Why is writing so difficult? Why as writers do we doubt we are enough to write something wonderful? We know how to write, edit, and revise. We know the writing rules. We have learned the technical but not the creative. I have taught a few writing workshops and I want you to try this exercise. It got the groups off running. Write on your page: There is a blue fish. The blue fish is a house door. Now think about:  How do you get in? Why is the fish a door? Is he friendly? Does he bite? By personifying something it allows your mind to see things in a different light. It awakens the brain to say, "This is not right, but why?"  When you see things differently your writ...