When I was in my 20s, I read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. It was a safe place for my tender and budding inner artist to land. I quickly felt “gotten.” Cameron understood the path and needs of the artist, and offered many practices for artists to cultivate and nurture their creative spirit. My guess is that most artists have either heard of The Artist’s Way or own a copy of this iconic book.

My favorite tool was the Artist Date, which I have modified to better suit my lifestyle and creativity. In essence, it’s a scheduled time in which an artist explores the world in a way that nourishes their creativity. This practice is valuable for artists and non-artists as all humans are inherently creative in some form or another.

In 2025, I will be exercising my Artist Date muscle by taking myself on regular dates. Here are some of the guidelines and ideas I have in mind for 2025.

• Artist dates can be solo or companion adventures
• Monthly dates will be scheduled and will be honored unless an urgent matter arises
• Each date will be a minimum of 2 hours, but longer is better
• Low to no-cost activities are best, however expensive ones are second best 
• Artist Dates must offer any (or all) of the following:
  • Exploration
  • Adventure
  • Creativity
  • Play
  • Inspiration
  • Learning
  • Curiosity

So what will I do during my time with the muse? Here are some possibilities activities that I am excited to explore:

• Visit museums & art galleries
• Attend music and art festivals
• Shop at inspiring places
  • Book stores and gift boutiques: books, greeting cards, oracle cards, journals, and gift wrapping paper to add to my collections
  • Home decor stores- WorldMarket is a one of my fave stores in which to wander
  • Art supply stores- peruse the aisles and try not to drool
  • Thrift, vintage, and western clothing stores- this makes my heart skip a beat
  • Metaphysical stores- books, crystals, and incense for days
• Gather natural elements and make Nature art
• Go on a picnic to a beautiful location: read poetry, gaze at the sky, close my eyes and listen to the environment, enjoy my homemade lunch
• Take a long drive to somewhere I’ve never been
• Attend a live performance at a neighborhood theatre
• Visit small towns and find their gems
• Follow a spontaneous calling to do something or go somewhere

In January, my Artist Date was a fun adventure to the coast to celebrate a dear friend’s birthday. It was a 3-hour drive from home to the casino resort where I met with 3 girlfriends. The drive to the ocean was beautiful as I drove through forests and the rural coastline. But, I became anxious on the road and had to call my husband to reassure me that my directions to the hotel were correct. Driving long distances through remote places sometimes makes me uncomfortable. This was ironic, because the driving conditions were ideal. The weather was perfect, I had new winter tires, and I had an oil change on my car a couple of weeks earlier. It was a scenic route, but I still felt anxious momentarily. 

But then, I was comforted when I saw a herd of what I thought might have been wild horses. They probably weren’t wild as wild horses aren’t common. They occupied a large piece of land and were busy grazing in the pastures. Whenever I see horses, a feeling that all is good washes over me. I arrived at my destination safe and sound.

I met with 3 girlfriends who were staying at the casino resort for the weekend. I was there for an overnight stay. The older I get, the more I realize how important gathering with women is for my wellbeing. We stayed at a  beachfront hotel and the ocean view was beautiful, particularly from our room first thing in the morning. The tide was low when I arrived and the formations on the sand with driftwood were incredible! It was pure art!.

We went for a walk on the beach, hung out in our room, shared stories, and had a lovely birthday dinner at a tasty restaurant that we all enjoyed. Later, we played the slot machines. I don’t like losing money so I only played $20 and, of course, I lost it. The four of us shared a room and it was so much fun! It was like being at a girl’s slumber party, except we didn’t polish each other’s toenails. Remember slumber parties? I loved it!

My January Artist Date provided me with adventure, exploration, play, and community. Making time for these outings, I am convinced, will expand my horizons and deepen my appreciation for creativity. It will also further develop my ability to notice more. This is why I made Artist Dates one of my commitments for 2025. It’s a wonderful way to enrich life. 

I will be sharing my experiences each month with you. Sharing great finds, and experiences that made me say “ooooh!” and “aaahhh” is what I most look forward to sharing. Can’t wait for February’s Art Date!

What about you? Are you in?! 😉 Are you longing for new doses of creativity in your life? Remember you do not have to be an artist. We are ALL naturally creative. If Artist Dates are calling you please share former experiences that have inspired you or something you’d like to do that would nourish your creative soul. No matter how small or large the experience, every effort to cultivate our creativity is significant.

May you find moments for exploration, play, and creative expression (and anything new and inspiring is creative) this month!

Here’s to our collective creativity and may it shine bright!

Sacreah