Reflections from a writers retreat with Mari Andrew |
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Inside my writer's notebook, childhood self, Tranqulium, and Halloween digital prints. |
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Hello! I am back in New York after spending a week in North Carolina. I went up early to enjoy the beautiful mountains in Asheville. Then, I drove to Boone to a writers retreat at Art of Living Retreat Center called "Creating from the soul" with best-selling author Mari Andrew. I didn't know what to expect, but I got a lot out of it — insights into my creative process, some new friends, and lots of ideas. After our sessions, I'd go back to my room (once I switched from the prison-style dorm to a hotel-style space, more on that below) to draw and write. Read about me meeting Mari Andrew, see a personal doodle I did while I was there, and a funny one about two very different retreats. Then, try an exercise from the retreat that could help anyone (not just creatives) understand themselves better. Check out my new Halloween product and help me pick a title for my Chanukah book (again, I know!) Going on a retreat, being with like-minded people, was an experience that nourished my soul. I encourage anyone to try it for whatever their "thing" is. Enjoy! If you're new to Danielle in Doodles, welcome! I publish this newsletter of my latest doodles and updates most Sundays, and you can see archives here. |
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Meeting author Mari Andrew |
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I told the story in the last newsletter about how I ran into Mari Andrew at a cafe the day after signing up for her retreat. I'm so glad I went, she's so nice, thoughtful, intentional, and smart and had a lot to share from her own teachers. Below is us together and how she signed my copy of her book (!!!). Throughout this newsletter are my doodles of her teaching (she had great dresses on!) taken from my notebook. |
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A TV retreat versus my retreat |
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Before I left for the retreat, I watched Hulu's drama series, "9 Perfect Strangers" starring Nicole Kidman as the guru/leader. She tries to heal and transform nine city dwellers at Tranquilum, a fancy health-and-wellness resort. I couldn't help but compare the two! I think this is funny whether you've seen the show or not. |
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The room I stayed in ... It was a single room with twin beds with very thin mattresses. I upgraded the next day — $80 well spent. |
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How I'm still like my childhood self |
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At the retreat, we did a meditation to think about our child and teen selves. It inspired this doodle. Plus, it was nice to think about as my 29th birthday is coming up on Friday! |
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How to find your purpose (aka North Star) |
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Mari Andrew had a lot of advice for creatives that I'll share below. A lot came back to our soul, who we are. I included a picture of the notebook (with the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop) I used over the weekend. The little old woman is supposed to be my soul! On day 2, Mari talked about how to find your mission or "North Star." |
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I think it's relevant to anyone, not just creatives. I filled an entire notebook page doing this, but you can think about it, type it, draw it, talk it out. If you try the activity below, reply to this email with what you discovered, and I might share it! |
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Write out words that come to mind for each of these five elements: I'm listing some of mine as examples to help you get started. Don't overthink it, these can be basic things! What illuminates you? (this is something that you're passionate about and could talk about all day) Some of mine: travel, learning/practicing language, my doodles, The Bachelor, content marketing, media What delights you? (this is something that makes you happy, but you don't necessarily feel passionate about it) Some of mine: hosting parties, giving great gifts, yoga, handstands, making connections, cooking, drawing |
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What are your skills? (this is what you're good at in any aspect of life): Some of mine: writing, event-planning, rhyming, presenting, staying in touch, remembering random facts about people's lives (even acquaintances) How can you be of service? (who can you/do you want to help): Some of mine: people who want to laugh, who want to connect, who want to feel like someone understands them or is talking about something they thought about, people who use different mediums (Instagram, email, Reddit, YouTube, etc.), people who experienced grief, Jews What is unique about your body? (what makes it unique, what does it need or prefer?) Some of mine: I'm short, flexible, I move slowly, I have a lot of energy to work at night. |
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Then, give yourself a "report card." I scored myself out of 10 for each. I felt I was doing well in everything but listening to my body. I haven't exercised in a while and my schedule/routine has been off for months, especially in the past 6 weeks since moving. (So, I signed up for a two-week trial at a yoga studio and have been loving it!) As Mari said, your mission is where your pain and what you're good at intersect. I'm not sure where this activity will lead me, but I found it very helpful to write all this out as a list and keep adding to it. And, if I'm faced with a decision I'm not sure is right for me, I can come back to this. |
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These are her guiding principles: - Mari isn't afraid to talk about her life and get personal, she finds that's what people respond to. So, see the world as only you can see it and be observant.
- Illuminate that for others. Basically, share your perspective! Build a bridge to your world.
- We want to see and be seen like a child. Embrace your emotions and feelings like a child would and be proud of yourself for what you've accomplished.
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How do you feel about candy corn? I made Halloween products featuring my favorite candy. |
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At work, we debated candy corn. I'm a huge fan, so I drew it for fun and posted it on Instagram. Then, I decided to turn it into a digital phone wallpaper and digital prints. My phone is fully branded right now with my Danielle in Doodles Popsocket and candy corn wallpaper. I love it! |
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| | Phone wallpaper (1/6 options!) | | |
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If you haven't heard, I am writing/drawing a book for Chanukah!! I finished writing it this weekend and am sending it to an editor tomorrow. I found her on Linkedin! I'm going to work on the rest of the illustrations this week along with Alice Blanc, my collaborator (remember her from the Haggadah?) Julia, my sister, will design it. I hope to have a preorder link ready within the next two weeks. Title options: Again, I know, but I thought of more. Reply to this email with your favorite. Chanukah or Hannukah: An 8-day guide to the festival of lights Get Lit: Chanukah (or Hannukah) stories and a cartoon, interactive guide to the festival of lights Ultimate Chanukah Hanukkah in your hands The ultimate guide to the festival of lights De-Light-ful Hanukkah in Doodles
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Thanks for reading! Next week, more updates on Chanukah and some cute doodles about Asheville. Mari also inspired me to consider getting even more personal with my doodles. I have some ideas I'm excited to share later. |
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xo Danielle (in Doodles) Brody |
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