Ok Go - This Too Shall Pass

Maybe It's Working

I put up these inspiration/project boards last week in a desperate attempt to break out of this dry season. I’m not sure if it’s working, but I sure like how they look. They seem to be forcing me to look up and away from my screen much more often (very good) and they are terribly easy to change if I so choose (also good).

Like I said, I’m not sure if they are working.

I will say this, however, something started to flow today. And for that I am grateful.

The Lost Things

By Anglea Kohler and Ithyle Griffiths. Music by Alison Sudol.

Still Nothing

…and totally okay with it.

You?

A Dry Season

Tons of output with little to no input can leave a person tired, worn out, and all dried up. It can happen to anyone, really. And today I write to you as living proof.

After months and months of non-stop creative output, I am tired, worn out, and all dried up. There are a thousand different reasons and excuses for how I got myself into this jam. Mostly though, I attribute it to a lack of discipline in the input department.

So, today, instead of sharing some idea, or project, or thing I’m putting out, I thought I’d share with you some of the random bits that I’m currently taking in (books, music, blogs, ideas, etc.) as I attempt to recover from this dry spell. For those of you who find yourself in a similar season, perhaps the following might stir something in you.

Good luck.

And remember that this too shall pass.

• Journal. Always, always, always start with yourself. The quietness of your heart will always tell you more about your next project or great idea than anything you’ll ever find on youtube. So put down the Googler and pick up a pen and paper.
• An article I co-wrote about not ripping people off when you’re in a dry season.
• Linchpin by Seth Godin. Read it and be it.
• Soul Making by Alan Jones. His chapter on the gift of tears is easily worth the cost of the book. This book is especially helpful to those of you who find yourself in larger, corporate contexts.
• The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence. Download it free here.
• Flight 404 video. The music in this just kills me. The visuals are stunning as well.
• A guest post I wrote about scratching around for ideas.
• Mr. Longbrake’s article on Christian culture, celebrity, and systems.
• Poison & Wine video found on Mr. Blankenship’s blog. Full of lovely, melancholic images - what more can you ask for when you’re feeling a little down?

Herald Creative

As some of you might know, one of my three themes for 2010 is Create. Vague you might say (many of you have, in fact). And yet for me it means something very specific: create outside of my job and with others.

So for a few weeks now, something new has been emerging. After a number of conversations with the amazing Bjorn Amundsen and my wife, the result is something we’re calling Herald Creative. Our little mission statement is as follows:

Herald Creative is a collective of artists striving to create order from chaos by instilling media with beauty and truth. Co-creators include Bjorn Amundsen, Blaine & Margaret Hogan, and more.

The first project that we’re excited to release to the public is an old one actually. Bjorn and I, along with my incredibly gifted co-worker and poet, Sharon Irving, created the following piece for Willow Creek’s Easter service last year. The piece is called It Is Finished and can be purchased here from Worship House Media. We hope you enjoy it as we will be releasing more content in the coming weeks.

Brighten Photography

I talk a lot about Ben & Whitney of Brighten Photography. Frankly, it’s hard not to. They are amazing people and amazing photographers. Between the two of them, they have the uncanny ability of capturing the ever-elusive feeling of a moment better than anyone I know. They have a lovely new site, which you should check out. Then you should hire them. Immediately.

*Yes, that is me and the Mrs. :-)

135, I Miss You

I was lonely for you last night so I thought I’d just jump online and Google you. You know how you do sometimes…? And there you were! I was surprised to see you looking so nice there on street view. Still haven’t cleaned off that porch, I see. I panned around and guess what else I saw!? The car that drove me there! They must have taken our photo when we were still living together and on that one day the sun was out. Although we’ve both moved on, I want you to know that I still think of you very fondly. Also, please stop calling. My wife is getting a little weirded out.