Because It Must Be Said {My Mulitlayered Post}...
About a month ago {yes, just one month} I had the idea for this course. I was in the shower and the whole kitten caboodle came to me: the course, the material, the photo, the promoting. It was all right there. I hustled through the whole shampoo, wash, shave cycle so I could get out and, dripping wet, I found a paper and pen wrote down as much as I possible could about my vision so that I could put it all together more formally once I was dry and adequately dressed.
Creative ideas and dreams are funny...and you know that when they come to you all pre-packaged that they are somewhat divine and completely meant to be. I grappled over a few details {when to host it, should I charge, where should it be held}...but for the most part, the Creativity Boot Camp was formed in my head, in entirety, before the end of the day. Trust me, I had my doubts, misgivings, and insecurities. Who did I think I was? And {and this is the God's honest truth} if I had not loved the photo/button for the course so completely, I would have talked myself right out of it!
What happened as a result is something that I never would have anticipated. The response was huge! At first, I was just so intimidated: host a fun creative exercises for a few of my friends...no problem...but speak about creativity and guide so many through such a personal journey...I just didn't know if I would live up to anyone's expectations. But the response just kept getting bigger and bigger. And as I began officially writing the course, it all came together so beautifully and I was pumped! People were writing me saying how this would be perfect for them and it would help them through a tough time in their lives or that they really needed a creative push. It all just fueled the burning fire I had for this course!
And now it has begun. And, although I am not ordinarily the weepy type, I have been moved to tears multiple times this week over the heart and soul that people are putting into this, the revelations they are making about themselves, and the impact it's having on their lives. The Creativity Boot Camp has taken on yet a whole other layer. I'm seeing that this course is meaningful to people; that it is helping people. I'm seeing people all over creating, connecting, and embracing what is in their hearts. I'm seeing them reaching out, making friends, and discovering their courage. And I can see so clearly what God had intended for this course that day in the shower. And I'm so glad that I said yes.
I just want to say thank you! Thank you to everyone who is participating in this course, to everyone who has emailed me, to everyone who has commented, to everyone who has said thank you to me, to everyone who is putting their selves out there, and to everyone who is supporting and encouraging the other participants of this course. You have made this a remarkable experience for me and I am so happy to be "coaching" you in this journey...although I think it is really you that are coaching me!
70 comments:
It is good to hear that you were apprehensive to go through with it, as I was apprehensive to join in on it. I only did so at the prodding of my cousin and some Flickr friends. I knew I couldn't make daily deadlines. But that wasn't the point of the class, the point was for me to grown and learn. And believe me I am. Thank you!
Thank you for putting this all together and by reading the assignments I assume it took you a lot of time to get this done, but at the same time I see how much love you put into this as well.
I can not thank you enough for pushing me in ways I didn't even expect. Thank you for sharing so freely.
You are an amazing woman for putting this course together so perfectly.
Hugs, xoxo
thank you maegan for your generous idea and sharing it with us all. you are reaching and touching so many people, it's wonderful to watch. x.
Ok, now you have me with a lump in my throat.
Thank you again.
Nancy
beautiful peonies and i'm glad the course is a MAJOR success!
Finding your blog was one of the BEST things I've done in a long time!
Thank you so much for doing this course! I am enjoying it a lot and learning to try to think way outside the box!! I am so Thankful to know you and to have you " coach " me through this journey! God Bless!
We love you Maegan!!!!!!!!!!
I love your story about how it all came to you! I am loving your class - your writing is beautiful and the exercises are great!Thank you!!
A million thank yous for all of your hard work!!!
And I'm giggling that you were in the shower - I've often joked that I need a waterproof pen and paper in there. Always ideas while showering! :)
I only found your blog and the boot camp blog just last week and really wasn't sure what it was all about, but decided I would give it a try. On the first day I was thinking about doing some kind of collage which has now morphed into a photo grouping in a light box. I haven't actually posted anything yet because I had to make the lightbox, but I have been playing with my ideas. I should have something on my blog by later today or tomorrow for sure. I am being stretched in my creative thinking, but what I am really enjoying about this course is the community of creativity that I am feeling a part of -- the pictures I am seeing are amazing and so inspiring. Thank you so much for doing this -- many blessings to you.
Question -- will the Boot Camp blog stay available for those who start late? There is something cool about being a part of it while it is happening -- but I think it could and would still be used after the 2 weeks if it was available.
I have had those moments where creative thoughts just flood my brain but usually mine are in the middle of the night.
I am a speech pathologist on break for the summer and up until now have felt lost with how to use my time. I was torn between housework and creative projects and was getting noting accomplished. The second I saw your boot camp botton I was in. It was exactly what I needed. I have been wanting to learn how to use my camera for a long time but did not know where to start. Your prompts are amazing and the support is beyond encouraging. I have learned more in four days than I could ever have imagined. I wake up excited every morning to read your update. I cannot thank you enough. Devine intervention indeed. I am so glad you said yes.
meg-
all i have to say is that i absolutely LOVE that you admitted that about the picture/button! : ) it made me laugh because that is totally my way of thinking, too.
I think maybe we should be saying THANK YOU!! This has been nothing but fun and a learning experience for me. I'm so glad that you decided to put together this awesome camp for us. It's just been the best so far, and I'm so looking forward to the rest!!
Sorry we got you crying. Glad they were good tears though.
Your ideas and inspirations on this course are amazing and so are you. It's so lovely seeing something and time that is given freely. It's in short supply nowadays.
Today's 'outside' shots will be taken tomorrow as I've been too busy to get out there. Going to make time to get some shots tomorrow. Last time I took random outdoor shots, it was raining and I ended up with ones of the tv aerial amongst others!! Will be interesting to see what I get this time.
Huge thanks, hugs and love for being such a nice person xx
oh Maegan, I was getting a little choked up there... you are so sweet! I love how you write and how you put this all together. thanks again:)
I love it when things pop out as a whole like that!
I have to say that this experience has been one full of personal growth for me. I needed this so much. Every day you give me something to think about and things are starting to fall into place for me during a time that I desperately needed it.
So thank you so much for doing this!
Jacilyn
Don't cry! You've made everyone so happy!
Thanks so much for doing this!
these are such beautiful photos and words to go with them. I just love that you trusted to do the class. I am adoring it and so thankful!
no. my sweet girl.....thank you !
Well, a big thank you to you! I'm having so much fun on the course, and my previously kept-behind-bars mischievous side is coming out to play because of it. Thank you again :)
no, thank you! i am learning so much about myself through CBC, and you are touching and teaching so many others ... you are amazing and generous to have done this. thank you xo
One month ago! My mouth just hung open! Amazing job. I love it! As Kim Klassen would say... "YOU ROCK!"
Wow; I'm floored that this idea came to you as a semi-complete package. I've read of that happening to others too and I know I can't imagine how awesome that must feel (and scary too).
I so appreciate the territory this course is covering and am grateful for your moment of inspiration that has opened up the hearts and creative souls of so many.
Thank you Maegan for putting together this amazing creative camp! So glad I found out about it ♥
Aww, Maegan, thanks for this lovely heart felt post! Now I'm tearful:) Yes, I believe, if the whole idea came to you at one time in the shower, it must have been straight from God. And what else could you do but say yes:) I guess you must know a little how Moses felt! I can't thank you enough for doing this for us. I love the challenge. I love working on something together as a group. I love how you are making us think. It's a good good thing. ♥
I'm so glad you said yes :) This has already been an incredible experience. Thank you for sharing the backstory, I honestly thought you had this in the works for quite some time!! You are incredible.
It's an honor to take part in your course!
Thank YOU for taking the time out to do this for all of us. I have already created so much beautiful art and it is all because of you dear!!
As I haven't said it yet - Thank You. I'm not saying it because it is polite and what everyone else is doing, but because I mean it. You have spurred my creativity (particularly through my creativity journal) in more ways than I thought possible and, although I am already getting behind, I know I will keep striving to continue. You have motivated me and through the course have opened my eyes to a whole new dimension of writing - that of a visually creative person - which is nothing short of fantastic.
Maegan, this is a wonderful thing that you are hosting. It helps me to have a dircetion to go each day, tohave prompts and journal assignments. But more importantly, when I was at the deepest stages of my depression, exercises like this helped me begin to see the beauty in the world again and gave me something to look forward to. You are too kind and wonderful for doing this.
xo Erin
and thank YOU for putting together this camp & for all the inspiration you're giving us! Your pictures AND your heart are just beautiful.
I just want to take a minute to say thank you. Things are rough right now with my son's recent surgery, complications, and now recovery and doing these assignments gives me some "me" time and some creative time that I so desperately need. I'm learning things about myself, feeling better in the midst of this storm and that's making me a better wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, etc... You get the picture. Thank you for inspiring me Magean!
This challenge has been exactly what I needed. I needed have permission to call myself an artist. It still sticks as it rolls out of my mouth but I know it will get easier the more I say it. It has also made me refect about why I need to do this.
Thank you for taking the time and energy to put this together for all of us to participate in. I am grateful!
Your peonies are beautiful.
Bev
married2mydreamman.blogspot.com
Well, my first thought is Amen. Isn't God's presence in our lives amazing. That you were moved to do this and so many of us seemed to be needing somthing like this, me included. And here we all are, connecting. Yes, amazing that you brought all of this together. Thank you. Bless you.
Thank you so much. Even though I've gotten behind having to finish my postcards a day or two later already I am sticking with the project. The journaling prompt has been the best for me and I'm trying to make a more visual imagery journal versus the usual written responses however the writing has helped me immensely. I'm so excited to see what is next and challenging myself to get out of my comfort zone and GROW! So thrilled that is the next word prompt too! It fits in my my day four homework. Those pictures were helpful in making me see things differently in my own backyard. Thanks a million!
I'm gobsmacked that you put this together so quickly. It's been a real outlet for me so far.... my life is in a bit of turmoil and the daily prompt is really helping to keep me focused. The journal part is beyond me, but the opportunity to create images and be inspired by others' images is a gift.
The best ideas always come in the shower! I think you are absolutely amazing to have put this course together for all of us. You are following your instincts, putting yourself out there, and we all love it! You are touching and changing so many lives, thank you!
You are doing a great job- we are maybe strugling a bit, but hey- we do force our minds to think of ways to solve the days task. I love the way I start thinking of my self as an artist (I almost dont dare say it ) and that what I love to do is usefull and artistic. I know so much about knittin and other crafts- I just dont have the time- and now when kids are growing older I can find the time to do creative stuff every day. I know know how important this is to me & and has been for years.I am so happy we still have 9 more days
beautiful pictures and beautiful words! I am so thankful for your vision and thankful that you followed through! it would have been so busy to brush it off as dreamers often do, myself included. But, the impact your course has made on my life is so great already! I am in my late 20's and I have spent most of my 20's running around trying to figure out what i want to do. i have always loved photography but have been to afraid to try anything with it, this course is the push that I needed. I realize how happy I am when I am behind the lens. I am ADD and have always had trouble with classes, and following through. But so far i have finished every day, and its because I actually enjoy what i am doing, what a difference it makes huh!? I have decided to keep it up, follow this dream out and see where it leads. I need to keep this love in my life even if its only a side thing, who cares, all i know is it needs to be there, it is part of me. So, thank you Madeline for offering this course! You are amazing!
I put Madeline looking at your blog name and then I realized your real first name is Maegan! so sorry! thank you Maegan! thank you thank you thank you!
Not sure how to express what I feel after reading your piece, just God is great! Thank you for listening to what he said to you. This is an amazing journey at a time in my life that I need to focus on the beauty of this world. Thank you. Your photos are amazing!!!!! God bless you and keep you.
I think you have done a great job and I am having a blast doing the course. I have been challenged in new ways and that is perfect. I kind of balked at Heavy Metal, almost didn't do it but then I got an idea and just went with it. Thanks for the push.
Kate
Glad you are enjoying coaching this as much as I am doing it.
Wow, I am amazed that you put it all together in a single month. That is awesome.
I am finding that the title 'Boot Camp' is so right, it is really pushing me and keeping me on the boil all the time to stay up to date.
I'm another person this came at just the right time for. I had just set up my own writing website and decided that I needed to focus on my writing and then this come along to help me do so.
Thank you so much for saying yes.
I cannot thank you enough for this course for it has had a bigger impact on me than i would have ever thought possible and will change my creative life for good, for i am slowly beginning to realize that creating and being creative is the deepest longing of my soul and that i need it as much as oxygen to be happy and feel good about life and myself. i have always doubted my talent and was soo afraid to show it to the world cause i have always thought that it was never good enough.
But since the last couple of days i am beginning to build more and more confidence from all the priceless,authentic and heartwarming response i got from the fellow bootcampers giving me credit for my creativity,thanks you guys !!!
this course has opened up a passage way for me to connect with my long lost natural ability to create and everyday i am amazed at how quick i come up with idea's and visions,i never knew that i was capable of that.........and it's just day five........Imagine where i will be in two weeks !!
i am having such a great time following this course that i don't want it to ever end.......so i have decided that after the course i will create my own daily prompts : ) : )
thank you madeline for bringing this to the world and listened to your voice within that guided you to this idea.
i think there are a lot of wounded artists out there that really benefit from what you are providing with this course( i know i am ) and need a little bit of healing : )
p.s: have you ever read"the artists way" by julia cameron ?
I'm glad you did too as I am having fun with it too.
Thank YOU Maegan! I'm another one that's found out a lot more about myself in jus the first few days of the course! I'm a little excited and (I must admit) nervous about what else I might find out!
xxx
wow i have to say thank you so much for putting this course together for us - i'm so much enjoying it. the assignments have been great - i've loved making my small piece of art each day and i every morning the first thing i check is the next prompt. i am also loving the journalling prompts too. you are so special to do this for others - thank you xxx
Actually, I am having so much fun, I would like to pass you on 3 awards! You may already have them, but if not, you should! Please go to: http://rmontalban.blogspot.com/2010/06/passing-on-love.html to collect them...
Thank you for allowing us this awesome opportunity. In these few short days, I have already learned so much about myself. You can be very proud of what you are doing for us all. Again, thank you!
I do some of my best thinking in the shower :)
Life can be crazy kind of busy and I'm being so careful with regard to what I commit to and can complete. I decided if I can come up with the why and decide what I would like to get out of this journey I would sign up. I read your posts and it hit me. My goal...I want to look through the lens with a more creative eye. Needless to say I signed up and you have not failed to inspire. You have me moving out of my comfort zone (that is no easy task) and taking a look at how I express myself with my camera. Making changes. Seeing differently than ever before.
Thank you Maegan!
Isn't it amazing what can happen when we say yes to a divine idea? When we say yes to anything?
Thank you for your work, your passion, your courage. It has meant a lot to me already.
Thanks I really am enjoying the camp. Sorry I have to pull out early, but vaca calls. I have learned that those shower "talks" are always a good ideas. I usually get great ideas in the shower or in the middle of the night.... I think this is because its the only time my mouth is shut and I can actually listen.. lol
It has been a great fun and every photo I have entered so far has hit explore. Making yourself do something that you would not have... great idea. So glad you listened in the shower. :)
Words can't adequately thank you for listening and acting on that shower idea. You are changing lives. I've met amazing people, feel my confidence grow and for the first time feel like there is an artist inside of me. Getting paired with you in that swamp so many months ago was such a blessing in my life.
Love your photos and your blog! Check out The Way I See Things for two new awards for you :-)
Dawn
http://www.thewayiseethings.typepad.com/blog/2010/06/-winner-winner-chicken-dinner.html
This has been such a wonderful and challenging experience. As I was packing and preparing for for a two-day drive with my children and dog, I wondered how I'd keep up. I've been inspired and encouraged, so I've been determined...and the payoff has been wonderful!
Thank you for sharing your inspiration, your creativity and your gifts!
I'm having a hard time actually participating for some reason; maybe I just have too much going on right now. However, I have been reading along daily and I am amazed by what a wonderful program this is. You could definitely charge for it in the future!
Thank you so, so much for working on this and putting it out there for us. You've done a wonderful job in not only the course materials, but also bringing everyone together as a community!
Oh my dear........THANK YOU... this Boot Camp is so so fun and inspiring and you are an amazing writer and encourager of us. I read what you write and think; wow, she's 'deep'...hehe (old word). Thanks.
Loving the Boot Camp, your warmth comes over in every assignment and I love how you are checking out people's reactions and adapting your instructions to include everyone. Well done and thanks.
I am so happy that you did put this together! You are right it is so cool how much everyone is pouring into it ...it shows again and again. Personally it is helping me blossom and grow.
kt
Many thanks to you, sweetie, for having the courage and determination to take on the challenge that started as an idea in the shower. (I love that...that's where I get lots of ideas myself.) I've loved the camp so far, even though it has been challenging for me time-wise. I've already learned so much about how to call up the creative spark when I need it. I can't thank you enough for that.
Thank you for being obedient to God's call. I stumbled upon your course when someone else tweeted or blogged about joining, anf though this isn't the prefect time or season to add another thing to my "to-do" list, I knew that it was a God assignment.
A revolution in creative freedom shall burst forth.. all because you stepped out of the shower!!
seems this is what a lot of us have been needing - thank you for your vision, and all of the hard work that you're putting in. We all benefit.
Thank you, Maegan, you are a star!
I hope you don't get tired of hearing this, but this course was JUST WHAT I NEEDED. Every day, reading your thoughts and admonishments, it's as if you are taking my hand and speaking to me directly. This has been such a gift and I cannot begin to thank you enough. It has opened the door of infinite possibilities and has shown me that guess what? I'm an artist. Something I have always admired in others and longed for in myself, but just didn't have the courage to see.
Thank you thank you thank you.
my sister has been doing this class and its day 5 ,but i am going to start... I will hopefully catch up or back tract .. Thank you so much.
I'm so happy I came across this and I'm so happy I put myself out there! I am a little behind but I'll catch up soon! Thank you soo much!
I happened across your bootcamp blog and was wondering if you might ever be interested in doing it again? I didn't happen acrossed it until after you have already started and I just LOVE the idea. I'll definitely be watching for a round two...
Thank you for sharing your creative process. Thank you for saying yes. God wants to bless us so much, if we would just say yes to him. This has been an inspiration + a blessing to so many!
thank YOU for stepping out and doing this! it has meant so so so much to me, I cant even explain in this little blog comment! My thoughts, feelings, vision, life is much more open and in awe because of this short time of inner reflection and inspiration. so, I join the other 70 comments in saying THANK YOU!!!
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