THE BEAUTIFUL PAINTING, Self Portrait of a Bear (featured in the photo above), sits in my home and reminds me I'm on the right path. It was a gift and sage painted by the talented, lovely Jade Webber. It arrived on one of those days when doubts were creeping into my writing, halting my progress with questions. The familiar critic was sounding off, deafening in my ears: Sure, you can write a few good scenes, but it's another matter to be able to write a good story and hold a reader's interest to the end. You already failed twice with MORNING SUN. You know that, right? Two completed drafts, and now you're attempting a third. Can you be taken seriously when you're a woman writing in the voice of a boy, son, soldier, and father? Even with your dad's journal and inspiring life to guide you, do you really believe you can save the story you're trying to write? Save yourself from more failures and put away this work of fiction. The Bear—so regal, wise, and calm—had something different to say. On the other side of him was a note from Jade, bringing me back to a place of trust: Think of this bear as a sage or a guide who will provide wise council at need.On that day I placed the Bear on my desk and in front of the computer screen. His presence, embodying the spirit of a sage and friend, encouraged me to write and not worry about getting each sentence in a perfect state. Keep writing. Keep going. For a long time my fingers remained frozen on the keyboard, my eyes staring at the messy page on the screen. The critic, retreating, was still there. The Bear, a steady force, pushed back the doubts with inner calm and strength. My fingers started to move across the keyboard, deleting the unnecessary scenes, connecting letters, forming words. A sentence appeared, then another. This time I did not judge what I had written. I looked up at the Bear and felt the presence of Jade, family, friends, followers, and readers. I listened to their council and kept going, kept writing. Each day I answered the critic. Word by word. I wrote. -Mia * A top story in Anita's Finding Inspiration Daily and VirtualDavis Daily Digest. May 2012. * * For readers interested in purchasing a limited print edition of Self Portrait of a Bear by Jade Webber, follow us here to Etsy. For more paintings from Jade, join us here at Art to Save Trees. Also visit Jade and her husband, Stephen Lloyd Webber, at their Wellness Immersion Retreats in Italy, Bali and the Caribbean, bringing together creative writers, painters, yoga practitioners, and those interested in sustainability, nature and self-development. These wonderful retreats give you time, space, and structure to work creatively. *
The sun is rising.
The ocean is speaking.
The moon is dreaming.
* THE MOMENTS BEHIND THE PHOTOS ABOVE (sun, ocean, moon, and wind from top to bottom)—Mia at the Shadowcliff in Grand Lake, Colorado for the 13th Annual Lighthouse Writers Retreat in 2010. She steps out to meet the sun. * Stephen Lloyd Webber (Mia's fantastic writing teacher at the Writing Immersion Retreat in Tuscany in 2011 and 2012) shares a breathtaking photo of the ocean near Heaven Hill in Big Sur, California, where he and his wife, Jade Webber, are building a private sanctuary for writers and artists. * At night walking with the moon, dreaming and imagining. * Mia remembers the moment from September 2009. She is on the mountains of Boreas Pass in Colorado, holding a prayer arrow. The wind is whispering. Mia closes her eyes and makes her wishes, trusting all will come to be. ** JOIN US EACH MONDAY IN MAY AND JUNE 2012 for more moments from Mia's journey into writing, leading to the sharing of a new scene and reading from her historical fiction in progress, MORNING SUN. It is Mia's intention to complete her revisions to her manuscript by the end of this year, bringing to you a novel set in Viet Nam and inspired by her father's seventy-five page, handwritten journal. The story takes place from 1944 to 1975—a time beset by famine, sacrifices, doubts, and two wars. MORNING SUN is a story about an ordinary Vietnamese boy's survival, courage, and hope. Subscribe and be part of the journey. ** A top story in Anita's Finding Inspiration Daily and The Becoming Daily. May 2012. *
I WASN'T QUITE SURE about where I was going, only knowing I wanted to create a place to encourage our dreams, give voice to our wishes, and celebrate the joys that will always come from trying. That was two years and eleven days ago on March 15, 2010 when I launched my blog ( my Monday Musings). Since then I have met many wonderful people across the World Wide Web; saw my writing improve by being out there (here) with no safety nets; took flight by trying new things; beat back that small but sometimes persistent voice telling me to stop blogging for all kinds of reasons—real and imagined; listened and learned from my readers, fellow bloggers, and Twitter followers, who inspired me to see and create in new ways. As was the day (Thursday) when I stumbled upon Orie's wonderful blog post: Making the Ordinary Extraordinary. I reached out to Orie and thanked her for sharing her thoughts and celebrating the beauty of an imperfectly perfect life. I also wanted to let her know that her post was my week's surprise inside the orange gift box at Thursday Treasures. In an unexpected moment, I received an email from Orie full of sweetness and generosity. Her note filled me with gratitude. Today reading Orie's email below from 2010, I am inspired all over again. Thank you—readers, budding artists, bloggers, writers, aspiring dreamers, travelers, families, and friends—for being here and making this corner of the World Wide Web a special one. I treasure your presence, your dreams and aspirations, your daring to leap forward and take flight. It is you who makes this place special. Thank you for being part of the journey through the moments, travels, stories, treasures and dreams. From here to there. Let's Do. Dream. Believe. -Mia  SOUL SCRIBBLESan email from OrieSeptember 20, 2010 Hello Mia, I have been away from my computer for short while, and what a lovely surprise upon my return to find your comment of kind words on my blog post and a note from you here in my email as well. As you can see by my posts I am a new blogger and am still learning my way around the blogosphere, and so I cannot tell you how delighted I am that you thought my post would appeal to your readers. Being selected to be part of your 'Thursday Treasure' is encouragement for me to keep writing, to keep practicing courage and "leap fearlessly" towards this new journey. Thank you for this. Your website, ' four days a week', is a very special place that is both intriguing and inspirational. It feels like one of those cabinets with dozens of square drawers; each time you pull one open, there are the most interesting things inside, compelling you to open another drawer and then another, just to see what little treasures you may find. I look forward to come and browse often.
 Having read and enjoyed your post for Monday Musings, I must tell you my favourite part was the paragraph: I left my shoes behind and walked to Mom's garden, her heaven on earth. I stood for a moment and took in the breath of the morning air, my visit home. I dipped my toes into the soil, felt the roots of Mom's passion and love for the things that grow green and vibrant. The imagery and emotions this evokes is lovely; a truly fine piece of writing. Thank you again for visiting my blog and sharing it with your readers. Warm regards, Orie
 HELLO WORLD, my name is Naoko Stoop. I am a Brooklyn, New York based self-taught illustrator. I create childhood images in my loft studio. I’m trying to bring out the five-year old in people through my artwork. Because I believe that is the last moment before children start learning how complicated the world is, and that was when I once stopped drawing. It took me decades to come back to myself. Now? Here I am drawing everyday!
ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL—a beautiful book full of delight and wonder is available at Barnes & Noble. Congratulations, Naoko! And thanks so much for sharing your journey and moments here with us. We love your book and look forward to the next one :-) -Mia
AT THE HEART of a photographer's passion for the art of seeing, a moment of truth and beauty. This week, sharing Donald Verger's note and wish below, and also the place behind the photograph above ~ the whispers of love. Thank you, Don, for this moment. -Mia
"When Don Verger first took up photography seriously, he asked me to review his early work. I studied it and told him he could be the next Ansel Adams. That's a true story, and the intervening years have proven me right. This talented, award-winning photographer is one of those once-in-a-lifetime artists whose work establishes their reputation for generations to come." -Daniel Cheever President Emeritus, Simmons College Art collector
A NOTE FROM DONALD VERGER
On his birthday this past weekend, celebrating friendships, art, and love—
Thank you all, my Friends all, travelers together on our small beautiful Spaceship Earth for your kind birthday wishes and so much more! Your Friendships and Love are so important to me! I wish you all peace health joy and beautiful days.
Days before Joplin, i found little Shashoni Wyoming, almost a ghost town. I wandered down an old street and found a beautiful large mural. A tiny portion of that mural held these words that i photographed carefully to honored them and their setting.
The words and the Image say—
"Put your ear to the sky
And listen my Darling,
Everything Whispers I love You."
I love you all.
Thank you all.
don
_Donald Verger was born in Brooklyn, New York and resides in Falmouth, Maine, just footsteps from the ocean, where he captures the early moments of nature's true splendor. His 2012 Love calendar above is available on Amazon (limited quantities left). For all his 2012 calendars (each celebrated with Don's beautiful photographs), click here. Connect with Don on Twitter, Facebook, and his blog. *Join us here next week on March 5, 2012 for more beautiful photographs by Donald Verger celebrating peace and hope, his Joplin Art Project. Until then, put your ear to the sky ...* *A top story in Anita's Finding Inspiration Daily and The Becoming Daily. February and March 2012. *
SOMETHING SPECIAL arrived last week—the beautiful handmade card above (created by Christina Vizcarra of My Paper, Scissors, Rocks!). It was tucked inside my mailbox, an unexpected treasure celebrating the moments from my friend, Rachel Gellman. She wrote inside: keep writing and smiling! Her note brightened the evening and brought a smile to my face. The spirit of the moment continued a few days later when another friend, Stan Stewart, was celebrating feeling alive. From that joy, Stan tweeted to Ivette López, Elizabeth Jackson, Donald Verger, Anita Bondi and me: What do you celebrate, today?A conversation began. We tweeted to each other our celebrations of the day: - Celebrating beauty and power of breath, friendships, and art. -Mia
- Meeting my daughter for lunch. -Don
- Just returned home. 300 miles. Wonderful time with Carolyn. Thank you! -Don
- 300 miles (and never far) for the ones you love. TY @Donaldverger for sharing the moment with us. -Mia
- Your story of a 300 mile trip for lunch with your daughter really made my day. TY -Stan
- Nice combination: road trip & family visit. -Ivette
- Exchanges like ours are why I stay on Twitter. Bless you! ((hugs)) -Anita
- I feel the same way @anitabondi does about exchanges like ours on Twitter. Hugs ... -Elizabeth
 We hope you'll join us in the comments or on Twitter and share with us (and each other) what you are celebrating. Together let's remember the moments. -Mia*If you love the handmade card above by Christina Vizcarra of My Paper, Scissors, Rocks! as much as we do, we'd be very grateful if you’d help it spread by emailing it to families and friends, or sharing it on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, and everywhere you go. Thanks so much. * *A top story in Anita's Finding Inspiration Daily and The Becoming Daily. February 2012. *
ON THE STEPS OF SPANNOCCHIA, coming together on a writing retreat. Full of laughter and joy. In a moment of happiness, in the photo above. Did we really just meet? It seemed we have known each other all our lives, celebrating Fourth of July every summer with each other. Sharing secrets and sparkles, our writings and wishes. In Tuscany.
We listened to the murmurs of our hearts. We followed our dreams.
-Mia
Spannocchia History and Farmhouses from Spannocchia Foundation on Vimeo. Tenuta di Spannocchia is 12th-century organic agricultural estate and educational center located just outside Siena, in central Tuscany. Spannocchia hosts a residential farm internship program and education/enrichment programs focused on Tuscan culture and history for students and adults. Learn more about our efforts to encourage global dialogue about sustaining cultural landscapes for future generations by visiting www.spannocchia.org ✶ PHOTO ABOVE (top left by Josh Bowen): An inspired group of writers celebrating the Fourth of July on the steps of Spannocchia, last summer in the heart of Tuscany. From left to right: Melissa, Mia, Rachel, Melanie, and Michelle. For more moments and photos from their writing immersion retreat, click here. ✶ VIDEO ABOVE: Capturing the beauty and spirit of Spannocchia, home of the Writing Immersion in Sustainable Tuscany Retreat and much more.
Find a purpose in life so big it will challenge every capacity to be at your best.-Jim Loehr-Above photo by Tet Shimoda.From the White Rim Trail. Moab, Utah.
THIS IS YOUR LIFE. Do what you love, and do it often. If you don't like something, change it. If you don't like your job, quit. If you don't have enough time, stop watching TV. If you are looking for the love of your life, STOP. They will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love. Stop over analyzing. All emotions are beautiful. When you eat, appreciate life is simple. Every last bite. Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people. We are united in our differences. Ask the next person you see what their passion is. And share your inspiring dream with them. Travel often. Getting lost will help you find yourself. SOME OPPORTUNITIES ONLY COME ONCE, SEIZE THEM. Life is about the people you meet, and the things you create with them. So go out and start creating. LIFE IS SHORT. LIVE YOUR DREAM. AND SHARE YOUR PASSION.
✶ This is your life-- MANIFESTO IMAGES & VIDEO provided and written by Dave, Mike, and Fabian of Holstee ~ lifestyle design with a conscience. ✶ ✶ We danced in the delight of inspiration all around and held a raffle ~ giveaway from November 21, 2011 to December 27, 2011. From out of 764 entries, Pam Cooney was randomly selected as the winner. ✶ Pam (@pams_art), a follower of Four Days A Week on Twitter, will receive a print of Rachel Awe's drawing, along with a surprise gift from Mia: a set of Holstee Greeting Cards. ✶✶ In an extended moment of joy, a second winner, Patty, was randomly selected from the readers who posted a comment In The Circle Of Joy. Patty wrote: That is lovely. Light and joy is what I hope will fill my heart!!✶ Patty will receive two mugs (one of them shown below) with the inscription: At our fingertips. An unexpected Place. ✶ Winners (Pam and Patty) will be notified via direct message and tweets on Twitter or by email. ✶ ✶ Thanks so much everyone for sharing your joy and inspiration with us.Thank you for making this small corner of the World Wide Web a special one. ✶ ✶ Here's to doing what we love, and doing it often. We hope you'll join us in the comments section and share your inspiring dreams. Many have said (and we believe it to be true) that in sharing and writing down our dreams, we increase our chances of making them come true. It's also a wonderful way to start the New Year. ✶ :-) _ _✶A top story in Anita's Finding Inspiration Daily and virtualDavis Daily Digest. January 2012. ✶
ART INSPIRED ABOVE: Custom artwork by Rachel Awes, who draws from Mia T. Starr's words. Join in the dance for a chance to win a print of the featured drawing above, plus a surprise gift from Mia. A raffle ~ giveaway below (through December 26, 2011). Connecting and sharing our journeys through the moments, travels, stories, treasures and dreams. ♪♫ ✶ Happy Holidays. ✶ ♪♫ _THE STORY BEHIND THE RAFFLE ~ GIVEAWAY
_I had just returned from an immersion into writing, bliss, and the artful life in Tuscany when I saw a new follower, Rachel Awes, in my Twitter stream. As with all my new followers, I read Rachel's bio and recent tweets. Later I went to check out her blog and learned she was a psychologist, art playgroundist, writer, wife, mother, and friend, who loved listening to the beauty in people. She also sold art for your heart at her Etsy shop. At her blog, she shared her awe and inspiration from the gold she kept finding. On that day, Rachel was also having a Word Giveaway at the Wish Studio. She wrote:  Rachel Awes _i would love to invite you to come play with me. would you share a favorite sentence or saying that is particularly resonating with you these days in the comment section? at the end of july, i will choose one that speaks “draw me” to me & i will put it into picture for you and mail you a print ... your words & all that resonates within you are wildly precious.
thank you, deeply, for considering! l*o*v*e, rachel
Feeling inspired from my writing immersion in Tuscany, I accepted Rachel's invitation to play in her Word Giveaway contest and submitted my words and joy:
We danced in the delight of inspiration all around.
My submission was a line from a story and photo journal I had just finished writing and putting together: Embracing the Sun in Tuscany (which was also recently posted here at my blog). On August 4, 2011 I received an email from Rachel and learned I was the winner of words :-) I was both thrilled and honored. It marked the first time my words inspired someone to *draw* from them. Celebrating that moment and the spirit of sharing in a circle of joy and inspiration, I am sponsoring a raffle for a chance to win a print of the featured custom artwork above (drawing by Rachel Awes and words and inspiration by yours truly). There will also be a surprise gift from me. _
♪♫♪♫
You're almost there.
Scroll and see below for the various ways
to enter the raffle for a chance to win:
post a comment, share, subscribe, follow, like, or tweet.
Come. Join us in a circle of joy and be inspired.
Be part of the magic. Dance in the delight of inspiration all around.
♪♫♪♫
_
Thanks so much for being here. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and happy holidays. We wish you a glorious New Year. May it be blessed, joyous, and inspiring. May it be full of creativity and discoveries, following and trusting your bliss.
Let's do. Dream. Believe.
-Mia
ENTER THE RAFFLE BELOW.
✶Leaving a comment on this blog post is worth 4 entries. Sharing your dreams under *aspiring and inspiring* is also worth 4 entries. All other options are worth one entry each. Enter below for your chances to win. ✶ ✶Twitter followers of Four Days A Week will be automatically entered in the raffle (up to 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on December 27, 2011). ✶♪♫ Thanks so much for being part of the fun, raffle, and inspiration. ♪♫ ✶For readers viewing this post via email or a feed reader, please click through the blog post title or here to enter the raffle, which ends at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on December 27, 2011. ✶ ✶The winner will be randomly selected and announced at the blog on January 2, 2012 when we return from the holidays with a new post. ✶ ✶If you wish to share this raffle at your blogs, please contact us for the widget, or if you have any questions. ✶ ✶Thanks so much for joining us in the circle of joy and inspiration all around. ✶
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