My heart is on fire this morning with the beauty of images and words and the human spirit.
On my way home from an in-person coaching session yesterday, I suddenly felt like not going home at all. The sun was shining, people were out, I didn’t have anything scheduled or pressing to do.
I decided to follow this feeling I can only describe as the desire to experience something new.
I stopped ‘thinking’ and let myself wander. I began walking towards the side of town that I don’t often frequent.
Beautiful Beautiful Books! ~ Librairie de la Basse Fontaine ~ Vence, France
On a corner is an old bookstore that specializes in art and antiquity books and has been there for I don’t know how many years. Every time I look at this store and the wealth of knowledge and beauty inside, I am overcome with a feeling of deep satisfaction knowing that places like this still exist in the world.
This time around, I discovered that the owner had put in a small gallery space on one side of the shop where, among other pieces, he is displaying small drawings by Chagall.
Chagall who lived and WORKED here for God’s sake.
Chagall Drawings ~ Librairie de la Basse Fontaine ~ Vence, France
As I stood in admiration, I imagined Chagall doing these very personal drawings on the spot.
I then wandered around in the old town, looking at the shops and galleries, noticing how some had come and gone. Though the walls are ancient, the old town is always alive with change.
My artist eye became attracted to some interesting spots on the wall. Out comes my iPhone to take photos.
Vence Wall Art ~ Vence France ~ Photo by Linda Hough
I am now reminded of the idea of taking yourself on an artist date as Julia Cameron describes in The Artists Way. What she suggests is regularly scheduling a time where you go out and do something that inspires you creatively.
Suddenly a whole new area of my brain is lit up and my awareness increases. This day is bringing about some unexpected insight.
My walk-about continues, taking me past a popular bakery where earlier this month, I had discovered some bits of delight that involve pralines, chocolate, cream and almonds. Yum!
I didn’t stop because I found myself heading more intentionally towards the Tabac where they sell many items including magazines.
There, I let my eyes feast on the bounty of images before me.
I looked at an article on the Matisse collage exhibit in New York. He too lived and worked in Vence. Every day, I look out at the Chapel he designed and built in the later years of his life and am reminded that beauty and inspiration are always here if one has the desire to see.
Then my eyes fell onto a cover with delightful spots of color. I saw that it is a new magazine called FLOW. I picked it up, took one look inside and fell in love immediately.
FLOW Magazine ~ French Edition #1
When I got home, I discovered that FLOW is the product of the vision of three Dutch women.
I’ll let them tell their own story: We dreamed of a magazine with which we could explore our love of paper. A magazine of unhurried time, all about doing things differently and making new choices. Small happiness, daily life and the beauty of not always managing to be perfect. That is how Flow began. Flow is all about positive psychology, mindfulness, creativity and the beauty of imperfection. We love illustrations and in each issue there is a gift made of our much-loved paper. We print the magazine itself on different types of paper.
That did it for me. They had me at love of paper. Bingo. I’m hooked.
They first published in Dutch, then English and now the first edition in French, which is what I’m clutching in my hands. And true to their word, there is a lovely notebook included inside.
Even now, I feel so alive and inspired by their creation that I can barely type.
This is what it means to have a vision and carry it through to fruition.
Imagine yourself and two of your friends talking about whatever it is that is inside YOU to do.
And then you go home and do nothing.
These women took their vision, their dreams and desires and created something that affects the world. Here I am, sitting in France, completely captivated by their end product.
What if they had just kept talking and done nothing?
There would be no FLOW in the world.
Queen + Adam Lambert in Concert ~ Paris 2015 ~ Photo by Linda Hough
What vision or dream are you holding inside that wants to come out and be part of the world?
What desire do you have that you are afraid to follow?
What creative expression lies inside waiting to be seen, even if only by you?
This week, take yourself on a date of discovery. Wander about in a place that has a special attraction for you. Use ten minutes of your lunchtime to go someplace new. Or drive or walk a different route than normal.
You might find some unexpected inspiration.
You might find a new insight.
You might just find that thing you didn’t even know you were looking for.
Click here to check out FLOW Magazine in English
I have no affiliation with the magazine.
I do love to pass along inspirational resources and tools that work!