Artist Dates
Artist Dates are a fun and easy exercise— an invitation to dedicate time to whatever tickles you!
Here’s how:
1. Go Alone. This is time just for you— nobody else is invited! No phone calls or texting either.
2. Leave the House. Part or all of your date must be in the wild!
3. Keep it Light. Do something that excites you just thinking about it! This is not a time for chores or “I really should’s”. Pick an outing that inspires you, or simply makes you happy.
4. Make it Special. I find a good place to look for Artist Date inspiration is to think back on things you loved doing as a kid— things you always begged to do but never got to, or an activity you used to do all the time but haven’t revisited in decades. You’ll be surprised how much you still enjoy these activities in adulthood!
5. Extra Credit: Pick an activity slightly beyond your comfort zone— go to the movies and see something you wouldn’t normally, eat at a cafe alone, leave your phone at home perhaps.
Get inspired, pick one, or mix-and-match.
No wrong answers!
Take yourself on a walk in a neighborhood you don’t live in. Find your favorite house.
Go to Casa Video— browse the aisles, take your time making a selection.
Visit the library. Pick up a book with a great cover and read a page. Now do the same thing with an ugly book.
Set a budget (bring only cash to up the ante) and let yourself loose in whatever store was your favorite as a child (s/o local favorite Mildred and Dildred). Find a spot at home to display your spoils.
Treat yourself to new creative supplies. Spend the day using them.
Find some grass and lay down. Look at the clouds, decide what animals they look like.
Fly a kite.
Go to a pool. Do an underwater handstand. Fall asleep in the sun.
Pick a recipe, make a list, go shopping at a fun grocery store. Stop for a treat on the way. Go home and cook your heart out!
Visit an international grocery store (Lee Lee International Market, Nur Market, Grant-Stone Supermatket are all fun, local options). Pick some snacks to try.
Find a live performance happening tonight, and go!
Hop on the Streetcar at the beginning of the route. Ride until you see something interesting— hop off to investigate.
Go for a walk and collect exactly seven treasures.
Do a cartwheel. Do a second cartwheel.
Go birdwatching. Set up a bird feeder or birdbath in your yard (Wild Bird Store is local and fantastic).
