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Using Pinterest to Enhance Your Writing

Pinterest, besides being a treasure field of hairdos, recipes, DIY projects and home decor ideas, may also be used as a source of something more peripheral: writing ideas. In a sense, you can draw moods and paint pictures in your mind about storylines by paging through the rich collections of images. Here is a list of ways you can use Pinterest to develop your writing ideas:

1. Directs your thinking. I’ve been plotting a book idea for awhile, and I did a simple search in relation to it. The images gave direction to a few more chapters in the book. For example, say you’re writing an article about putting together a care package for a cancer patients. You might search “cancer gift” to begin putting together ideas for your article. You might even start getting more article ideas just by browsing, such as oncologist-approved soap for delicate skin. Pinterest is talented at putting you in the mindset of what you’re writing about so the thoughts start pouring in. Beware, because too many thoughts could start rolling in:)

2. Assists the Brainstorm Process. Pinterest could be used as a virtual brainstorm in itself. If you can’t find a starting point or become completely stuck, browsing through related images could restart your brain gears. Keep a paper nearby to brainstorm or cluster your thoughts. You may even find an effective technique for brainstorming by typing “brainstorm” in the search box. In fact, Pinterest might just be the proper cure for writer’s block.

Source: flickr.com via Anna on Pinterest

3. Trigger. Even when you’re not searching for related images to your writing, you might stumble upon an image that triggers an idea for a blog post or a memory that would form a beautiful poem.

4. Picture your characters and settings. My advice is to create “character” and “setting” boards for any fictional novels you’re preparing to write. You can get as detailed as you would like. What would your character wear? Where would he/she live? What would her teenage daughter’s room look like? Developing strong, rounded characters requires the writer/creator to think about all of these things. You may even start accumulating details about your character that you hadn’t even thought about before. Visualizing settings also helps you work out the logistics of rooms, pathways, and other details about location so you can describe them properly.

Your imagination just takes off with actual images. I find it frustrating to create a character or setting from scratch, based upon my own ideas of person and place. Pinterest puts me in touch with more people and places than I could dream up on my own. I have a hard time conceptualizing settings in my head, but Pinterest is always there to assist with the visualization.

5. Learn new territory. Are you developing a character who loves ballet, but don’t know much about dance? You can always start with a Pinterest image search. You’ll start picking up on information about the gear, outfits, posture, popular ballets, studio layouts and so much more. You can see detailed pictures of the insides of the shoes the typical dancer’s body structure. You’ve been told to “write what you know.” This is good advice, but you can also start “knowing” more by researching.

6. Find a new art medium. I’m not suggesting you give up writing to be a watercolorist, unless that’s your dream. I’m talking about finding a way to express your words in a way that feels natural to you. If novel writing feels right, keep on keeping on. For me, novels never felt quite right.  Right now, on Pinterest, I’m on a hunt for more examples of Art + Writing. I have a few art journal and calligraphy images pinned as a start. I’ve always wanted to combine beautiful words with imagery in some meaningful way, and Pinterest is helping me develop ideas for a new art combination as well.

Link Party:
Mingle Monday Blog Hop

Carrying it All

So, I started ink sketching again. Something I haven’t done since…oh, my college days. I’m not really sure why I ever abandoned it, but some new sources of inspiration have rekindled my desire to put pen to paper. I can even be productive in front of the tube. Wait, did I just say that? I’m not watching TV anymore remember? Anyway… I’ve been going in several other directions lately too, such as a paper bag tag project, the novel-in-progress, word bits and pieces that will one day form a poem, collage art, and so much more.

So, what’s an artist to do? Sometimes on my work lunch breaks I feel like sketching and sometimes I want to write. Reading by the water is another favorite past time. Magazines tell me to keep a gratitude journal, an exercise log, a food tracker and a memory keeper. Writers like to keep journals to stay in the practice of writing and artists carry around sketchbooks whenever the mood strikes. Gurus and life coaches preach the powers of visualization and vision boards. What should an artist/writer/grateful human/dreamer/runner/healthy eater do? Carry around a backpack full of journals that weigh them down instead of lift them off? I think this is why artists always appear fragmented, disheveled and disorganized. It must be!

I can feel the invention wheels rolling in my head again. Something to reel in the restlessness yet fulfill all those roles.

Ten Ways to Ease Muscle Soreness!

I am no doctor or scientist, but I can tell you what works best for me for alleviating pain the day after a kick-a$$ workout leaves me tender to the touch. I will do one or any combination of the below items when I’m feeling the burn the next day. There is a fine line between soreness and injury though to beware of.

1. Stretch well after an intense workout. I did Jillian’s No More Trouble Zones last night and found that the cool-down was kind of lacking. Hence, I am darn sore today and feel like tomorrow will be even worse. It’s always important to stretch all the major muscle groups for at least 30 seconds each.

2. Massage. I had a massage therapist once who said she was removing the lactic acid from my muscles. The next day, I had that internal feeling like I should be sore, but felt no pain. That was amazing to me!

3. Keep Moving. Counter-intuitive as it may seem, it’s important to be active in the days following a tough workout. Even when I’ve worked my butt so hard it hurts to sit, I find it’s best to get up and around the next day up to every half-hour or so. A low-intensity walk or even a gentle yoga workout seems to have a repairing effect. Muscles need a chance to heal to be sure, but they also do best with extra circulation and stretching.

4. Keep stretching. I’m always sure to continue stretching the day after, especially since I’m desk-bound most days. My favorite thing to do is stretch while also rubbing the tender areas–a little massage/stretch treat.

5. Drink lots of water. Dehydration only makes the soreness feel worse to me. I’ve also heard–and don’t know if it’s true–that water helps move the lactic acid through the body and lubricate joints. With all the benefits of water, it can’t hurt to try.

6. Hot or cold pack: Heat increases blood flow to the area while cold reduces inflammation. Both feel nice.

7. OTC relief. WebMD talks about using anti-inflammatory medication. While I abhor popping a pill if I don’t have to, with some of the workouts I’ve done, I probably could have used a little medicated relief.

8. Epsom salt bath: word on this street is that Epsom salts decrease inflammation and draw out toxins, making a wonderful addition to the bathwater. The warm bathwater itself increases circulation, bringing much-needed oxygen to tissues in the process of healing. I usually feel better after a bath anyway.

9. Visualize. Soreness is Mother Nature’s way of letting you feel exactly how hard you’ve worked. It is evidence that your body is building muscle, so visualize it doing so. You’ll begin to bask in the glow of a productive workout! In order to progress, there has to be some soreness.

10. Get enough food and sleep. I always feel like I need to sleep longer after an intense workout and it makes sense. Sleep is restorative and I need an extra dose of it to indeed restore. I also find I’m quite hungry the day following sweat sessions. I have to be careful to eat healthfully and feed my body the nutrients it needs to repair.

Fuel for the Fire

I told my husband this past weekend that the bad things that people do to me are “fuel for the fire,” so to speak. Each time I’m ignored, overlooked or have been snubbed by someone, I use that experience as ammunition for pursuing my passions. I’ll write extra pages in my novel, try to outshine myself at work, or create a goal that surpasses anything the villain has ever done. I’ve adopted sort of an “I’ll show them” attitude.

This is just how I am. I don’t think it’s good to only be motivated by someone else’s actions, but I do think that this is a very productive way to turn something unfortunate into something positive. Even if I don’t “show them,” I’m using that madness to spur myself in a positive direction.

Next time you’re faced with a snub, insult, admonition or bad review, visualize the success of something you’re working on. Place all that extra energy, emphasis and irritation you’re filled with into something productive. Instead of punching a hole in the wall, direct that energy into your passions. It also happens to be very cathartic.

I swear Honey, my book about gaming widows is going to be a best-seller!

Flabby Abs Beware

I just read a great tip that I thought I’d pass along. The article I read was sort of about keeping New Year’s resolutions, but it really deals with forming healthy habits any time of year.

They key is to become emotionally attached to your goal. Don’t just say “I’m going to lose 20 lbs.” Think about how you’ll feel when you’re you’re that much lighter. Think about what you’ll be able to do or do better when that load is lifted, such as run up the stairs, fit into a beautiful dress, touch your toes, prevent a disease, run a 5K, enjoy people’s company without giving any thought to how you look, etc.

When you do work out or eat healthfully, think about how great you feel afterwards. How your lungs expand to capacity and your muscles push out against your skin. You enjoy a greater awareness of your body’s capabilities. Think of how your skin pinkens and your blood pumps like brand new.

Take this tip to another level with active visualization. I’ve been reading a lot lately about how the world’s highest achievers, including Olympic athletes, have a visualization habit in common. Before competitions, they visualize participating and completing their sport with a flawless, victorious ending. Create a vision board, write a letter to yourself, or create an “achievement” journal. Every one of these things connects you emotionally to your body and goals. It becomes increasingly difficult to quit when you’ve become emotionally attached to your goals.