Welcome!

Ignite Your Creativity…adding spark to your creative life! 

More and more, people are becoming aware of the healing powers of creativity.  Human nature makes people want to strive to feel good and keep their bodies free from illness and dysfunction.  The two goals most people hope for are to be creative and to improve/maintain health.  Taking our cue from physics, the first law of thermodynamics states that energy is neither created nor destroyed but is changed from one form into another. Expressing your creative energy means the energy within you is given an outlet; it is redirected into a more positive energy.  Everyone is inheritably born with the potential for creativity.  Drawing, painting, writing, acting, sculpting, knitting, dancing, cooking, and playing an instrument are all creative activities that can ignite that creative spark.  Many people already embrace their creativity while others are in the realm of “I am just not creative”.  The key to being creative is taking action!

“Another word for creativity is courage” ~ George Prince

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About Me…

Hello, I’m Belinda (McGrath) Witzenhausen and in a nutshell; I am a Writer, Creativity Coach, Artist, Student, Bookworm, History Geek, Armchair Archaeologist, Amateur Photographer, Coffee Connoisseur & Hubby’s Grossly Under-Paid Bass Roadie. 

I have always enjoyed helping others, as well as being creative. Both my education and work history have revolved around social services, counselling, art therapy, coaching and expressing my creativity be it through writing, art, or photography.

Over the years I have been blessed to cross paths with many interesting and creative people who have been a source of inspiration. I love life and try to make sure that each of my days is touched by the creative process. I make it my mission to help others heal by igniting their creativity, as well as acting as an advocate for young adults with special needs and learning challenges.

Currently, I am working on novels inspired by my love of archaeology and mythology set to be released in 2023. I am also a contributing writer for various mainstream websites, main writer/creator of  BelindaWitzenhausen.com  and WriterzBlox, a partner at Professor Owl’s Book Corner, main reviewer at Boho & Bookish and Urban Word Nerd as well as Creativity Coach at IgniteYourCreativity.net.

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*Updates*

Due to courses and writing I will be taking a brief hiatus.  Please be advised I am fully booked (pardon the pun) and unavailable to accept further book review requests until winter 2023.

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© Belinda Witzenhausen, 2009-2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Belinda Witzenhausen with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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#NetGalley #BookReview ~ Write for Life ~Creative Tools for Every Writer (A 6-Week Artist’s Way Program) by Julia Cameron #Writing #Creativity #Inspiration

Review

Write for Life

Creative Tools for Every Writer (A 6-Week Artist’s Way Program)

by Julia Cameron

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of Write for Life ~Creative Tools for Every Writer (A 6-Week Artist’s Way Program) by Julia Cameron from Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press in order to read and give an honest review.

…Inspiring and optimistic to writers or creatives at any stage, Write for Life is a nudge to honor your creative self by flexing your creative muscles daily…

Over three decades ago Julia Cameron first published “The Artists Way,” and I must admit I still find her books a source of inspiration. I was introduced to the author’s work in my late twenties when on a mission to get back that creative passion I once had. Over the decades, my copy has been read and re-read leaving it with dog-eared pages and a rickety spine, but I still turn to it when I find myself drifting from my creative self. Like her many other books since, Write for Life is an updated and perhaps more writing focused book. The author Julia Cameron, now in her seventies, is still a productive, and prolific writer with over fifty years of writing under her belt and has had an incredibly successful career by using the tools she introduced us to in the Artist’s Way.

There is nothing earth shatteringly new in Write for Life but there is a little more wisdom and thought in this book. She has carved out a long-lasting and successful career and as many of us find, with age we learn to weed out what works and what does not, often tweaking our processes until they fit for us and whatever changes our lives bring. Her focus here is more inspirational, she has practiced what she preaches and her discipline in inspiring and it confirms that you need to show up for your creative self every day. This book, although it might feel repetitive to some, I think acts as a gentle reminder when sometimes we forget that like anything worth having in life our creativity needs our attention and dedication.

Inspiring and optimistic to writers or creatives at any stage, Write for Life is a nudge to honor your creative self by flexing your creative muscles daily. In a slump it came at a perfect time for me to re-establish this practice as it has worked for me in the past but this book acted as a reminder. If you are trying to reignite your spark this is the book I would highly recommend.

Taking a Break

01/23 I will be taking a brief hiatus over the next several months.  Please be advised I am fully booked (pardon the pun) and unavailable to accept further book review requests until Autumn 2023! Stay safe and be well!♥️
Artwork © Belinda Witzenhausen

#NetGalley #BookReview Living in the Light: Yoga for Self-Realization by Deepak Chopra, MD and Sarah Platt-Finger #Yoga #Health #InnerPeace

Review

Living in the Light:

Yoga for Self-Realization

Deepak Chopra, MD and Sarah Platt-Finger

Release date: January 3rd, 2023

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of Living in the Light Yoga for Self-Realization by Deepak Chopra, MD; Sarah Platt-Finger  from NetGalley and Rodale Inc. in order to read and give an honest review.

“….a wonderful life-changing and insightful book that brings light to your spiritual, emotional, and physical health, I highly recommend….“

Living in the Light is a yoga book that offers a unique and comprehensive program based on Dr. Deepak Chopra and Sarah Platt-Finger’s teachings of Royal Yoga. Divided into two parts, the first part is an overview on living consciously or “living in the light” spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Featuring a six week program (M-F) focusing on the eight limbs (ashtanga) of yoga, each day focuses on explaining the lessons of each limb in detail. There are daily lessons, mantras, and exercises designed to help one embody the principle or theme of the day into their daily yoga practice. Dr. Chopra uses his wisdom and wonderful teaching skills to make even the most challenging concept easy to understand and incorporate into a daily practice.

The second part from Dr. Chopra’s Co-Author, Sarah Platt-Finger begins with overview of yoga fundamentals. The book then dives into detailed instruction of about fifty yoga poses each including photos depicting the proper form of each pose, the benefits and therapeutic applications associated with each pose as well as extremely helpful tips that are suitable for both beginners and experienced yoga practitioners alike.

Having had some experience with yoga I still was able to learn so much from this book. I honestly believe it will help me take my practice to the next level and launch a lifetime “in the light.” I have read the book from cover to cover, and this week began my weekly practice, following along with the book again. I look forward to following this practice and I am enjoying the journey so far. A wonderful life-changing and insightful book that brings light to your spiritual, emotional, and physical health, I highly recommend.

Happy Holidays

Wishing everyone a very Happy Holiday season and a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!
Wishing you and yours all the love and joy the season has to offer.  I will be back in the new year!❄

Happy Holidays

#NetGalley #BookReview Why We Meditate: The Science and Practice of Clarity and Compassion by Daniel Goleman and Tsoknyi Rinpoche #Meditation

Review

Why We Meditate

The Science and Practice of Clarity and Compassion

by Daniel Goleman and Tsoknyi Rinpoche

 

Release date: December 6th, 2022

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of Why We Meditate: The Science and Practice of Clarity and Compassion by Daniel Goleman and Tsoknyi Rinpoche from NetGalley and Atria Books. in order to read and give an honest review.

“… an honest and inspirational read, I really found this book helpful and wholeheartedly recommend it…”

Why We Meditate: The Science and Practice of Clarity and Compassion is a book that thoughtfully blends eastern spiritual meditation practices with modern psychological research that supports and explains meditation from a neurological/psychological perspective. Familiar to many for his books Emotional Intelligence, The Brain and Emotional Intelligence, and Leadership: The Power of Emotional Intelligence, author Daniel Goleman offers his experience to support and demystify meditation along with renowned teacher of Tibetan Buddhism, Tsoknyi Rinpoche.

Both authors have brilliantly crafted a wonderful book on meditation suitable for both novice and experienced meditators alike. Offering step-by-step instructions on various meditation practices designed to bring awareness to disruptive emotions such as anxiety and anger just to name a few that if not acknowledged become obstacles to our peace of mind. 

This book is an honest and inspirational read, I really found it helpful, and I wholeheartedly recommend it. It will definitely be a book I return to repeatedly as my meditation practice deepens, learning more each time I read it.

#NetGalley #BookReview ~ Beautiful Writers: A Journey of Big Dreams and Messy Manuscripts–with Tricks of the Trade from Bestselling Authors by Linda Sivertsen #Writing #Inspiration

Review

Beautiful Writers

A Journey of Big Dreams and Messy Manuscripts–with Tricks of the Trade from Bestselling Authors

by Linda Sivertsen

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of Beautiful Writers: A Journey of Big Dreams and Messy Manuscripts–with Tricks of the Trade from Bestselling Authors by Linda Sivertsen from Net Galley and Ben Bella Books in order to read and give an honest review.

… I loved this book, I found it insightful, interesting, and engaging, and would highly recommend it to both novice and experienced writers…

Unique and brilliant, Beautiful Writers is not just any other book on writing. The author intertwines her thoughts into a brilliant and diverse collection of vignettes from authors including Elizabeth Gilbert, Ann Patchett, Terry McMillan, Lee Child, and Danielle LaPorte just to name a few. Every author generously shares their lives, and challenges alongside the reader on their journey. This book is such a wonderful blend, part memoir, part guide on the writing life. Each author shares an intimate and often humorous look into the good, the bad and the ugly sides of “the writing life” and offers sound advice and wisdom that is vulnerable, honest, and yet truly inspirational.
This is a wonderful read for anyone looking for inspiration and advice. I loved this book, I found it insightful, interesting, and engaging, and would highly recommend it to both novice and experienced writers alike.

#Netgalley #BookReview The Urban Sketching Handbook Spotlight on Nature (Tips and Techniques for #Drawing and #Painting #Nature on Location) by Virginia Hein & Gail L. Wong #UrbanSketching #NatureSketching

Review

The Urban Sketching Handbook Spotlight on Nature

Tips and Techniques for Drawing and Painting Nature on Location

by Virginia Hein & Gail L. Wong

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of The Urban Sketching Handbook Spotlight on Nature by Virginia Hein & Gail L. Wong from Net Galley and Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry, in order to read and give an honest review.

… If you are interested in learning or brushing up your skills this book is for you…

After taking a hiatus from urban sketching for a long time I recently began delving back into it and was lucky enough to be introduced to the The Urban Sketching Handbook Series a collection of wonderful and comprehensive guides on learning the art of urban sketching. The newest entry into the series The Urban Sketching Handbook Spotlight on Nature, is no exception offering a wonderful way to take your sketches to the next level. The authors perfectly describe the storytelling aspect behind urban sketching and how to incorporate nature into your visual stories in a way that captivates viewers. The book starts by giving readers the basics of composition, proportion, shape and structure then goes on to give detailed instructions on drawing natural elements, color theory, the concept of notan and the tools artists will need to create their masterpieces. The book also offers workshop exercises and challenges to help you put each skill into practice. 

Overall, I love this series for the simple fact they are all no nonsense, well-written and wonderfully illustrated guides that are packed with tools and techniques suitable for both the novice and expert urban sketchers. I read through The Urban Sketching Handbook Spotlight on Nature a few times and played with a few concepts but I look forward to putting some of the tricks I’ve learned into action with some serious sketches on my next trip out. If you are interested in learning or brushing up your skills this book is for you, I highly recommend it!

To all who celebrate…

Just wanted to wish everyone who celebrates…a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!Wishing you and yours all the love and joy the season has to offer.❄ Taking a break but I will be back in January. I have some exciting new projects coming up in 2022 …please stay tuned!❄

#Netgalley #BookReview ~ #Writing Down the Bones Deck 60 Cards to Free the #Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg #Creativity #Non-Fiction

Review

Writing Down the Bones Deck

60 Cards to Free the Writer Within

by Natalie Goldberg

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of Writing Down the Bones Deck 60 Cards to Free the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg from Netgalley and Shambala Publications, in order to read and give an honest review.

… a continuation of Goldberg’s wonderful process and as always, are insightful, interesting, and engaging….

I remember picking up a copy of Writing Down the Bones about twenty years ago and it was one of the books that helped me fall in love with writing again. Anyone who has worked through any of Natalie Goldberg’s books will know that her approach is unique as it challenges you to think about writing in a unique way and these cards are no different. Through these sixty cards, Goldberg inspires and motivates, offering sage advice and proposing challenges which you set yourself allowing you choose how deep you delve into your writing.

These are great for anyone looking to ignite their creativity, whether you’re looking for inspiration, drafting a novel or keeping a daily journal, these cards are a brilliant addition to your writing/creativity library. Writing Down the Bones Deck 60 Cards to Free the Writer Within are a continuation of Goldberg’s wonderful process and as always, are insightful, interesting, and engaging, I would highly recommend.

A #YoungWriter’s Guide to Covid Fatigue

As some of us are heading into our second and third lockdowns due to COVID-19 we can feel tired and overwhelmed not knowing when we will see an end in sight. If we don’t have a way to channel our frustrations, they can make us and those around us feel miserable. Writing can often offer a great outlet for these feelings. Here are some ideas for writing projects that might help:

Keep a Journal!
I am a big fan of journaling; it can help to just purge on the page. It can help find solutions to problems, establish ideas or just be a safe place to get your feelings out. Journals can also be a great way to see how far you’ve come down the road helping you find things to be grateful for or even track your progress in a certain endeavor. Gratitude journals are also great ways to boost your mood when Covid-fatigue sets in. Did you know, the simple act of expressing gratitude can help us feel happier? It’s true! Research shows that when we choose to focus on the positive things in our lives, we can experience an increase in our overall well-being.

Get Creative!
Creative writing is great for helping us lose ourselves when we can’t go anywhere. Take the opportunity to write your own stories. Set up a writing journal and try to set a regular time to sit down and write, make it a part of every day.
Play a game of “what if”. Start making a list of scenarios that make you wonder. What if a girl finds out she has been chatting online with her future self? What if a man playing on Google Earth finds the lost civilization of Atlantis? Write down as many ideas, no matter how bizarre, and see if you can find a story in them.

Write Reviews!
Face it to pass the time and offer a distraction we’ve all been trying to occupy our time by reading, gaming or binge-watching series or movies, listening to music, cooking, the list goes on. Why not take a moment to share your opinions? By writing a review for others who are stuck at home you are helping them discover something new. You might suggest TV shows, novels, video games, products, podcasts, recipes or anything else that you think others might enjoy.

Writing Prompts!
There are so many websites out there with writing prompts for everyone. Some write fan fiction about their favorite tv characters or expanded on snippets of dialogue overheard. I have used quotes to inspire me such as the ones below.

“Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward.” ~ C. S. Lewis
Write about what happens when your characters’ anger catches up with them. How does their anger manifest itself? Does it cause them to lash out? Has it been channeled into something positive and productive? Do they manage to resolve their feelings? How does their anger serve them in the long run?

“Buying a book is not about obtaining a possession, but about securing a portal.” – Laura Miller
You receive an anonymous package addressed to you inside is an old journal a little worse for wear. Inside there is a name that you don’t recognize so you decide to go on the internet and do a little research on the author. What you discover frightens yet intrigues you at the same time. The writer of your masterpiece is known to have dabbled in the occult until they went missing over a decade ago. It is rumored that by reading the journal you can open a portal to another dimension.
Write about your adventure with this journal. Are you brave enough to read it? What do you find inside? Does this portal exist and if it does where does it lead? Is it a dream come true or your worst nightmare?

“I am intrigued by inanimate objects. They’re a piece of history, someone’s statement and ideas of life.” ~Mike Mills
You have been given the intriguing power of being able to bring inanimate objects to life. What happens when your favorite objects awaken? What is their personality like? What stories do they tell you? Are they indifferent, amicable, or difficult?
Do you have a germophobic toothbrush? Does your favorite pen write you a “Dear John” letter? Does your well-loved old sweater thank you for your loyalty? Does your journal start questioning you about what you have been writing? Does your treadmill reminisce about “the good old days”? Has this power become a blessing or a curse?