December 2005 Newsletter #2

A Ho-Ho-Whole 2006 Calendar Download

"It is possible to run around this month and still find joy within your spirit as you prepare for the holidays, and it is possible to carry this joy over from the holidaymaking throughout the rest of the year." — Karen A. Dahlman, Get into the Holiday Spirit — Finding True Joy!

In This Issue

• December 2005 Journal
• What's New @ the CP
• Inspiring Success Stories

December 2005 Journal

Creativity Portal's FREE Printable 2006 Quote-of-the-Month Calendar
A Creativity Portal tradition continues this year with our new 2006 complimentary Quote-of-the-Month calendar. The calendar features 12 different creativity-inspiring quotes straight from articles published on our Web site in 2005, and is available to our visitors in a PDF format to download and print right now.

—> Get your FREE 2006 calendar here

Chris Dunmire
Publisher, Creativity Portal

What's New @ the CP

Classic Runner Sled Ornament Project
By Chris Dunmire
Remember those Secret Santa Workshops? With a little imagination and creativity, you can make your own nifty classic "Flyer" runner sled ornaments for your Christmas tree or for 'gifting' away!

Bring Creativity and Spirituality Together for the Holidays
By Molly J. Anderson-Childers
As we approach the holiday season, I find myself seeking a greater truth than Christmas trees and Christmas presents; something to believe in that doesn't involve Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer cavorting with the elves in a North Pole toy workshop.

Keeping a Journal to Help Yourself Write Well
By Sheila Bender
As a writer, I often use my journal to play around with strategies I pick up from other writers' work or with strategies I invent to get myself writing. Playing around with the strategies, in combination with observing the "show don't tell rule", I find my journal writing becomes valuable writing practice.

Interview with Author/Actress Fannie Flagg
By Nancy Mills
Fannie's life has been an amazing adventure of guts, determination, and vision. Yes, her books have been on the New York Times bestseller list; she has starred on Broadway; been nominated for both the Academy and Writers Guild of America Awards; and won the Scripters Award — but she has also had to battle many demons in her life — from dyslexia to depression to hypochondria.

The 7 Secrets of Big Picture Thinkers
By Nancy Marmolejo
From CEOs and independent professionals, to work at home moms and entrepreneurs, Big Picture Thinkers inspire others and lead the way in their fields. Without their visionary insights and actions, our world would be lacking in innovation, new ideas, and fresh approaches.

Connect with Other Artists
By Linda Dessau
There's no reason to feel different when there's a whole creative community out there. This article explores the many reasons to reach out and connect with other artists.

The Value of a Writing Buddy
By B Rutherford Benjamin
Live in a small town? Need to find a sounding board for your writing? Need to find a group that suits you? A Writing Buddy might just be the person for you!

Inspiring Success Stories

Violette's Whimsical Art
By Violette
"If you build it, they will come." Violette's own "Field of Dreams" story began with a solo road trip to the states and a showcase spot on the TV show "Weird Homes."