Man oh man – I’m way overdue for a blog. So sorry about that. I’m trying hard to make blogging a habit but it’s taking me a while to grow into it.

There’s actually a book called The Creative Habit that everyone should get. Its author, acclaimed and spritely choreographer Twyla Tharp, not only documents her own artistic journey but also provides exercises she’s used over the years to develop her own creative habits.

One of Tharp’s most useful exercises is also the most obvious: simply set aside a certain time each day or each week for your creative endeavor. So, for example, if I were to sit down each and every Saturday at 10 AM to write, I’d get used to letting my creativity percolate at that time every week. Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it?

Initially, yes, it’s not exactly easy. Building constructive habits rarely are. But think of it like a dance step – remember this from my earlier blog about working with wire? The first few times it’s awkward. But as you get accustomed to it, you know it, embrace it and come to enjoy it. You may even miss it if you have to skip a session, though you better have a spectacular excuse and not just be avoiding your newfound habit.

I’ve also used this same approach toward making responsibility and accountability a habit. In this world – and I know it’s not just L.A. – it’s all too easy to weave your way around being dependable, truthful and otherwise trustworthy. I swear it feels like we’re forced to be the opposite of these things.

I’m not saying I’m completely accountable every way or all the time. But I really do choose to be as thoroughly as possible. For example, among my friends I’ve become known as a CLC, a constant latecomer. So I’m endeavoring to be more accountable. Granted, sometimes it’s just impossible due to an unforeseen 3-car pile up on the 405. (That’s a main north-south freeway, for you non-Californians.) But I now force myself out the door earlier than I’d like, and it’s not easy! I’ve spent years building my late habit. It’s very comfortable for me. It feels so right – I really should finish reading that article, writing that e-mail or applying one more coat of mascara before leaving because…because…well, because!

I literally have to make a conscious choice, to remind myself I’m building my accountability habit, and get my ass out the door sooner and not later. And amazingly enough, it usually works. However, I still do break my new habit on occasion. But when I do, I don’t blame my lateness on traffic. I’ll cop to leaving late, accepting the responsibility – which aids my new habit in a different, if not exactly timely, way.


These things affect every corner and cobweb of our lives. How often do you say “I wish/should/want/would/could…but…?” Those big ol’ buts sure do get in the way, don’t they? I think they should be outlawed. Because I’m know for as much for my whole arts and crafts thing as I am for my handbags, I often get told people that they wish they could knit/sew/make their own jewelry, etc. Well, if you want to knit, if you wish you could make your own jewelry, if you really should learn how sew – then do it! You don’t have to do it right this minute. But make a plan. Tell yourself that, as a Christmas gift, you’re going to ask for or give yourself the gift of doing whatever it is you’ve been dodging. Print out our Project Monthlies or scan the web for ideas. Over on the HGTV and DIY Network websites, they have all kinds of ideas and instruction.

So stop avoiding and start doing. Make a date. I will too to further my endeavor to be a better blogger.
XOXO Marty