Strategies for Inspiration

How To Network, Build Community And Creative Collaboration

12/14/2019

NURTURE YOUR CREATIVITY & INSPIRATION HERE!

YourCreativeChord's Nature Products display at Wicked Glass & Wanderlust Designs, 234 W. Main St, Frankfort, Kentucky 859-693-4426

By Jenny Leigh Hodgins

Whether you’re someone who enjoys exploring local shops, looking for something to do, a business owner, or thinking about launching a business, visiting Wicked Glass & Wanderlust Designs in Frankfort, Kentucky is a must. If you’re interested in self-care, spirituality, metaphysics, crystals, reiki, massage, or anything mystical, you definitely want to visit the downtown Frankfort, Kentucky Main Street shop!

But no matter your interests, visit the shop for the life lessons and eye-opening revelations you’ll find there. If you’re in a rut, or feeling a bit creatively stuck, or simply need a healthy pick-me-up, this is the place for you.

The owner, Belinda Davis-Lesniak, has a laid-back persona, allowing you to meander at your own leisurely pace throughout the store. Inevitably, I’ve watched customers gravitate toward the owner with questions or purchases, and become naturally engaged in conversations that span light small talk, questions about her eclectic products, to exploring metaphysical topics, and longer exchanges of a deeper sharing of personal stories.

The owner and her shop exude a positive vibe (and the store smells divine, too! Aromatherapy is real!) that seems to mystically draw people in, inward, yet simultaneously, toward an outpouring of the heart.

I’ve visited the shop several times, and I host YourCreativeChord’s self-care-themed inspiring nature photo products there. (You can also find my notecards, puzzles, posters, kitchen towels, T-shirts, and playing cards online by clicking here.)

Witnessing the friendly interactions between the shop owner and her customers, and having my own share of stimulating dialogue with Davis-Lesniak, has inspired my understanding of community-building.

The owner has an incredible knack for building a sense of community. Though she claims to be an introvert like me, she’s a natural at creating an authentic and irrepressible outflow of camaraderie.

Through this uncanny ability, she forges a network of vendors, local businesses, and individuals who in some way interact or contribute to Wicked Glass & Wanderlust Designs inventory or offerings. The owner is remarkably and enthusiastically always coming up with a new workshop, event, service, or collaboration with someone in the community.

This is an incredible lesson about how to network, build community and creative collaboration. Involving contributions from and giving to other individuals or businesses is an ingenious way to grow a business, create a movement, or simply expand your friendships.

Getting in the flow of a natural exchange, learning something new, or bringing something to contribute are all ways that bring a sense of community to anyone. This kind of interconnection with others is something that fuels creativity and boosts your emotion or mood.

That’s why I strongly urge anyone to visit Davis-Lesniak’s shop.

Click here to learn more about Wicked Glass & Wanderlust Designs, FIND THE SHOP on Facebook, or call 859-693-4426.

Thank you for showing your love of my content with a LIKE or by sharing this blog with others. Leave your comment or ask a question below.

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How To Open Your Heart To Find Beauty Within Suffering & Loss

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Keep Looking For Moments Like These To Celebrate & Appreciate

How To Use Nature To Reinvigorate Your Spirit

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Find YourCreativeChord on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedinand Facebook!

Photos of Wicked Glass & Wanderlust Designs, 234 W. Main St, Frankfort, Kentucky 859-693-4426

NURTURE YOUR CREATIVITY & INSPIRATION HERE!

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Boost Your Creative Energy Through Collaboration

11/14/2019

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Wicked Glass & Wanderlust Designs Shop Owner, Belinda Davis-Lesniak (with newly rescued kitten). Photo courtesy B Davis-Lesniak

Wicked Glass & Wanderlust Designs, 234 West Main Street, Frankfort, KY 40601. Phone: 859-693-4426

Get Fuel for your creative flow here!

By Jenny Leigh Hodgins

Nurturing creativity and triggering inspiration often comes straight from interaction with other creative people. Seeking out these relationships is a common practice for successful creators. Listening to the story behind an artiste’s creative process, or watching their specific technique for an artwork can open up new neurological pathways for your own innovative thinking. This is where much creative spark begins.

It may seem counterintuitive for introverted creators like myself, who thrive in solitary work routines. But seeking out and learning from other creative people is an incredible boost to fresh inspiration.

Hence, I look for opportunities for creative collaboration. That’s why I love interviewing creative people for YourCreativeChord podcasts and blogs. I’ve spoken with creators from all over the world, thanks to the miracle of digital technology.

Positive Creative Community in a Local Shop

I believe it’s important to also support connections locally, and I’ve gratefully found a wonderful collaboration with a local shop and its owner in downtown Frankfort, Kentucky. Belinda Davis-Lesniak’s flavorful shop is a boon to downtown Frankfort, adding a robustly diverse retail experience with energetic and upbeat character.

For those who are far away from my home state of Kentucky, have no fear; this wonderful shop is easily accessed online, too. I also highly encourage a visit to this ‘hidden gem’ of a city, with its geographical position next to the beautiful Kentucky River, and uniquely characteristic limestone and Italianate architecture dating back to the late 1800s.

Welcome To My Exclusive Home For Inspiration!

I’ve chosen this local small business to exclusively host my 2020 inspiring nature photo calendars. Additional products will soon include notecards, posters, puzzles, playing cards, kitchen towels, T-shirts, sketch- and notebooks. All my products feature the beauty of nature with self-care themes for nurturing creativity.

I selected this shop because of the intersection of our mutual branding about fostering positivity, inspiration, harmonious living, nature love, spiritual wellness and self-care. It’s a wonderful fit for my upcoming nature photo designs and new products.

I’m so excited to introduce and offer a bit of behind the scenes insight into this beautiful shop and its lovely, warm-hearted owner, Belinda Davis-Lesniak.

Infusing A New Spirit
With Connection & Compassion

In sync with Downtown Frankfort, Inc’s vision and website slogan, “there’s a new spirit infusing downtown Frankfort,” Kentucky, I felt it for myself in Davis-Lesniak’s welcoming shop at 234 West Main Street (Frankfort, KY 40601), “where new age meets Bohemian with a wanderlust flair.”

I popped in to meet the owner, for what I expected to be a short visit to see her store, Wicked Glass & Wanderlust Designs. Two and a half hours later, I reluctantly gathered myself and my mother for the short drive back to Lexington.

This woman business owner is an incredible inspiration, oozing friendly vibes and opening her heart in conversation to a depth that instantly makes you feel you’ve been friends for many lifetimes. She has a spirit of compassion and creativity that resonated immediately with me (and my mother). The size of her heart was evident as she showed us the stray kitten in a box she had just rescued from the streets.

Her newly opened Frankfort shop is a smorgasbord of spiritually positive products and experiences ranging from native American Indian photography, to metaphysical philosophy books, crystals, tarot cards, pagan, Buddhist and holistic nature-revering practices, to self-care offerings of massage and Reiki treatments, and even Tea Leaf and Tarot readings, ‘Make and Take Earring’ workshops, and guided shamanic journey adventures.

There’s also Alchemy of England jewelry, ‘alternative,’ handcrafted designs from Leicestershire, England, and sterling silver gemstone jewelry. For the Bohemian flair, there are handbags, dreamcatchers, musical percussion instruments (hand drums, thunder makers, rainsticks, egg shakers, and African thumb pianos) and windchimes.

Her shop is a haven for self-care products, including essential oils, handcrafted candles, incense, soaps, uplifting books, notecards, banners, window stickers and a range of calendars.

What I especially love is that local artists’ works, including painting and photography (and my new 2020 calendars) are uniquely featured, infusing the store with an air of vibrant inspiration. The owner’s creative energy enlivened our visit as she shared like a flowing fountain, her ideas to expand the shop’s back section into an area for community workshops, and a way to feature a local artist with a commissioned ceiling mural.

Downtown Frankfort renovations are underway to draw more local artists and business owners to provide a boon of attraction for locals and tourists. Davis-Lesniak’s new, colorful store is a perfect addition to fit this downtown vision.

get inspired here!

GET ways for nurturing creativity and inspiration here!

Click here to learn more about Wicked Glass & Wanderlust Designs, FIND THE SHOP on Facebook, or call 859-693-4426.

CLICK HERE TO FIND MORE upcoming Wicked Glass & Wanderlust Designs' events.

Thank you for showing your love of my content with a LIKE or by sharing this blog with others.

Recommended articles:
LEARNING TO BE CREATIVE

How To Open Your Heart To Find Beauty Within Suffering & Loss

Belief In Your Own Creative Vision

Keep Looking For Moments Like These To Celebrate & Appreciate

How To Use Nature To Reinvigorate Your Spirit

How To Maintain Body Mind Balance As Fuel For Your Creativity

5 Ways To Use Music & Nature For Self-Care

Believing In The Positive

How I Created The Ocean With Music

Find YourCreativeChord on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedinand Facebook!

GET YOUR INSPIRING 2020 CALENDARS WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

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Biking Adventures From Kentucky To Florida

9/29/2019

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Jenny Leigh Hodgins cycling in honor of her brother, John Everett Hodgins.

Jenny Leigh Hodgins riding her Trek bicycle in honor of her late brother, John Everett Hodgins.

by Jenny Leigh Hodgins

My last conversation with my brother, before he tragically died in a late-night car accident ten days before his 29th birthday, was about riding a bicycle. John was a true naturalist, hiker, camper, gardener, cyclist, outdoor-man. In our last chat at our parents’ Kentucky home, he put his all into coercing me to get a bike and take up cycling. So, after he died, in my 42nd summer, I bought my first bicycle since my youth. It was a Trek road bike that cost me almost $1000.

Just before purchasing, I had a bit of a desperate conversation in my heart with John, neurotically seeking his approval of my first fairly-expensive-for-me bike choice. As if on cue, and out of the blue, John’s best friend, James, walked into the bike shop! (Scheller's Fitness & Cycling Shop, which my brother had highly recommended.)

Of all days, he had come to the same bike shop to check on repairs of an old bicycle my brother had given him. I showed him the Trek, explained this was something John had wanted me to explore, and got enthusiastic approval from James that this bicycle was a great choice. I felt as though my brother was speaking to me through his buddy to encourage me to get on this bicycle and roll forward.

Since that day, I’ve ridden my cherished road bike up and down suburban hills, behind the Kentucky Horse Park in (my hometown) Lexington, Kentucky, through Talon Winery & Vineyards for a quick tasting with a cheese snack, to the beautiful Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, the Arboretum on Alumni Drive (both Raven Run and the Arboretum must be explored only on foot, so bring your bike lock!).

I've cycled through winding, country roads where gorgeous horses trotted parallel to my dual road wheels past scenic farms with white fences in Paris, Kentucky. Each of my bike rides is a personal tribute to my brother, his ode to the natural world, and to living fully in the present.

Having moved to Florida in 2006, my days of huffing and puffing up Kentucky hills were replaced with sweating bullets through the heat and humidity of Florida's tropical flatland. I’ve pedaled my way on multiple rides through the Starkey Park Trail in New Port Richey to the Suncoast Parkway, along the Pinellas Bike Trail from downtown Tarpon Springs to the Greek Sponge Docks, to Honeymoon Island Beach, Caledesi Island State Park, Wall Springs Park in Palm Harbor, and through downtown Dunedin.

As I have passed the big five-OH, I’m more interested in stepping off my bicycle for some R & R. There are some fun things to explore along the northern Pinellas Trail if you want to park your two wheels along the way.

SEE MY RECOMMENDED outdoor RESOURCES!

Start in downtown Tarpon Springs and cycle to the Sponge Docks for a look-see (and maybe even buy) at the plethora of small shops on Dodecanese Boulevard. A unique way to explore Greek culture, or introduce a guest to a leisurely afternoon in Florida, is to view the beautiful hand-made Greek jewelry, wonderfully aromatic, organic hand-made soaps, explore a tea and spice shop full of unique fragrance and flavors, or grab a few, big, soft sponges and assorted, fun souvenirs. Make sure you’re wearing a backpack for your treasures!

There are short boat cruises featuring dolphin sightings and sunset views you can book ahead on days with good weather. I love grabbing a delicious Greek lunch or dinner at Dmitri’s On The Water and enjoying a quiet view at the dock alone, or with friends before getting back on my wheels for the jaunt to my car at downtown Tarpon Springs.

On one of my previous rides, upon return to Tarpon Springs, a friend and I got a coffee and decadent chocolate dessert at what used to be an Irish pub (it is now Currents upscale restaurant), and sat outside listening to a young guy playing the bagpipes on the Pinellas Trail at sunset.

Another great bike ride is from Tarpon Springs to Honeymoon Island Beach. Nothing beats a moment to take in the relaxing atmosphere there; colorful kites floating above invisible strings held by kids on family outings, sailboats skating smoothly past the horizon in the distance, the distinctive yakking of sea gulls flying a little too closely as they scout for food, the salty, gentle breeze brushing over you, the warmth of the famous Florida sun, and those beautiful waves of water slapping and bubbling onto the white, sandy shores. Another fun option is to lock your bike wheels to rent a few hours on a kayak, sailboat or a paddleboat at Sail Honeymoon, Inc. The bright rainbow of upright kayaks there has been the subject of many photos (mine hang in my ocean-themed bathroom).

On the way back from the beach, boost your energy at Strachan’s Ice Cream & Desserts on Dunedin Causeway, then ride back to Tarpon Springs for dinner. Burning calories makes you hungry! Speaking of food; you can go all the way to Dunedin from Tarpon Springs to have a scrumptious pan-seared salmon dinner at Cafe Alfresco.

Dunedin is full of options for future bike trips to include leisurely strolls in its abundant, small art galleries and gift shops. On one bike ride, at Lafayette and Rushmford Home, I found an almost realistic, brown Cuban cigar ornament with a glittery red and gold-painted label—a silly, impulsive Christmas gift purchase that held a private history and packed a humorous punch for my four-foot eleven-inch, petite, blonde, younger sister.

One of my favorite places along the Pinellas Trail is an old boxcar called Express Cafe, where you can get an amazingly delicious chocolate smoothie. They also have hot and cold coffee, quiche, breakfast, dessert items and various snacks. A great place to chill on a bench with your bicycle parked close-by in a bike rack.

All these food options give me the sustenance to cycle my way back, taking time to view the lovely Wall Springs Park in Palm Harbor, or stop on top of the overpass at Palm Harbor Boulevard to catch my breath while I snap a few photos of the mangroves down below.

Every bike ride I’ve taken along the northern end of the Pinellas Trail has been a wonderful tribute to my brother’s adventurous spirit, as well as enjoyable, leisurely and refreshing.

It’s about discovery, getting out there, doing new things, touching the spirituality in nature, being present and appreciative of the small things and little excursions, always inspired to continue pedaling ever forward, on to the next adventure. Just have some fun. Get rolling.

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I’d love to hear from you. It means a lot to me that my content is helpful and empowers you. Please take a moment to let me know your thoughts below!

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You can also find me on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook!

Ignite your creativity and inspiration!

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5 Ways To Use Music & Nature For Self-Care

7/21/2019

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This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing but helps me continue to grow my content! Please see disclosure for details. Thank you for supporting YourCreativeChord.com!

IGNITE Your Creativity & Inspiration!

See My Recommended Self-Care Resources!

by Jenny Leigh Hodgins

LISTEN to the podcast here.

We know the importance of balancing our lives with self-care. There are research-based blogs, news, videos and magazine articles stressing this point everywhere you look.

The benefits of taking time for yourself to do something you enjoy, play, relax, rest, or simply do nothing are powerful. Studies prove that doing nothing or taking time to play games or just relax leads to better productivity, inspired creativity, and greater wellness overall.

How To Change Your Old Habits With New Proof
However, getting more accustomed to taking a break for yourself takes practice for those of us who aren't used to it. For people like me, changing old thought processes can feel counterproductive. But I am challenging my mindset habits like thinking, "doing nothing is lazy" or "will cause me to fall behind", because science proves the opposite is true.

Proactively Look For Easy Self-Care Opportunities
Both the success of my entrepreneurial life and my mother's health depend on me being in the best shape. So I'm becoming more proactive toward finding more opportunities to take care of myself.

The truth is that when I feel good, I have more positive energy, take better action and am more compassionate for others. So self-care is becoming more of a priority.

5 Self-Care Ideas To Try
I've found several things work for me. Perhaps some of these suggestions will be helpful for you to embrace a bit of self-care in your life, too.

1. Pool or Garden. When I lived in Florida, I found relaxing in my saltwater pool while enjoying my tropical garden of flowers, fruits, plants, butterflies, bumblebees and dragonflies brought me great relief. Now that I've moved back to my Kentucky hometown as caregiver for Mom, I enjoy the pool here only during summer months.

If you have a chance to swim, whether in your backyard, at your condo or apartment, a local YMCA or gym, take advantage of it. Swimming is great exercise, and even better if you have your own oasis to enjoy while floating in your pool.

2. Cycle. Here in beautiful Lexington, I have found cycling on the Legacy Trail to be another self-care practice. If you are able to ride a bicycle, find a local trail or even just cycle around your neighborhood to refresh your energy.

Pedaling gets your heart rate up, and the fresh air against you while rolling forward feels great. If you're lucky enough to have a beautiful greenway like Legacy Trail, or Tarpon Springs and Dunedin, Florida's Pinellas Trail, take advantage of the adventure.

3. Take A Walk. During cold winter months (when there is no ice or snow on the sidewalks), taking a walk outdoors has become my short, meditative practice. It's tempting to avoid going out into the cold weather, but every time I take a short walk I come back invigorated.

4. Be Still With Yourself. Meditation is another form of self-care and can include anything from watching the sun set, listening to a guided audio meditation, reading upon first waking up, sitting silently with your thoughts, or chanting. For me, just being in nature is meditative.

When I lived in Florida, meandering through my tropical private garden, looking for Monarch eggs or caterpillars, weeding, harvesting pineapples, squash, lettuce or kale, or planting new wildflowers was my meditation.

The quiet of the morning, with the sun just rising, surrounded by greenery and colorful plants eased me into the day. Nature's abundance and life cycles never ceased to encourage me.

5. Explore Creativity. Nature or meditation often may lead to self-expression through a creative outlet. Creative expression is good for the soul and often considered another form of 'play.' Creative play boosts wellness, cognitive function and productivity.

Time in nature inspires me to create. Nature walks and my cycling adventures led me to start taking nature photos with the simplicity of an iPhone button push.

Explore creative outlets like playing a musical instrument, composing music, drumming, taking photos, painting, knitting, writing a poem or a journal entry. Taking an acting class or experimenting with stand-up comedy, or a dance class are all fun options for tapping new creative paths.

Standing Still With Yourself Inspires New Creative Energy
When I take time for nature's beauty, I'm inspired to create music and take photos. Initially, I gratefully absorb the textures, sizes, colors, lighting, shapes, silences, and sounds from the wind, animals, and in the environment.

Being still with my spiritual core while experiencing fresh air and taking in nature's vibrations and visual stimulation, fills me with appreciation and calms my thoughts. This does wonders for stress relief.

Take A Moment To Relax With Nature And Music
Below is a nature video I made as a kind of self-care meditation for you. Even in the coldest of wintry elements, nature is abundant with pleasing, meditative, healing force. Take a moment to relax while watching my nature music video below.

Click on the play button below to enjoy my winter scene nature video and hear my original music, "Moonlight In My Heart".

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I’d love to hear from you. It means a lot to me that my content is helpful and empowers you. Please take a moment to join the conversation below to let me know if you find this blog helpful or if you have questions or suggestions!

My Pinterest boards have more self-care ideas. Please check them out and let me know if you've found any of my ideas helpful.

You may also find some lovely nature photos & self-care mini-blogs at my Instagram account here.

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Recommended articles:
Why Should You Dream Too Big & Harness Your Powerful Imagination?

Defeat Fear & Doubt with Your Courage & Capability

How To Deflect Negativity To Become Happier

Believing In The Positive

My Top Tips For Winning Over Your Insomnia

How To Live A Life of Joyful Creativity

GET Empowering Strategies for Nurturing Creativity & Inspiration!

CHECKOUT MY RECOMMENDED MUSIC RESOURCES & PRODUCTS!

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How To Network, Build Community And Creative Collaboration

Boost Your Creative Energy Through Collaboration

Biking Adventures From Kentucky To Florida

5 Ways To Use Music & Nature For Self-Care

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