Art Creativity & Wellbeing

This game came in really handy when my eardrum ruptured over Thanksgiving week! It was great to have a little reminder that even on the worst days, there's still good around when we look for it. THANK YOU to my dear friend and colleague Dr. Alice Ackerman for the game.Today and for the rest of the year, I am offering out one tiny little micro practice each week for you… for us… To take into our days and say “I love you lots!” to ourselves.Sending you love today <3KayInvitations for You* Add to your art collection… or enhance somebody else’s… Visit kaylockkolp.com/art. I'm adding new pieces in frequently, what fun!* Earlier this year I founded a group, Dreamers & Doers. It's a place to grow, be in good company, and have some fun! If that’s a space you might appreciate, visit skool.com/dreamersanddoers. Price goes up on 1 January, 2026.* Subscribe to this newsletter and receive chapters of my new book, Hug Yourself, right into your inbox as they are being written by going to kaylockkolp.substack.com.Art Creativity & Wellbeing is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kaylockkolp.substack.com/subscribe

Today and for the rest of the year, I am offering out one tiny little micro practice each week for you… for us, if I’m being honest… To take into our days and say “I love you lots!” to ourselves.In this one, we’re seeing how it feels to celebrate a creative win.Sending you love today <3KayInvitations for You* I am offering an art sale at my website! Through THIS COMING Friday, 5 December, use coupon code GRATEFUL2025 to get 50% off your purchase over $199. So if you’d like to add to your collection… or enhance somebody else’s… Visit kaylockkolp.com/art. What fun!* Today’s practice comes directly from the group I founded earlier this year, Dreamers & Doers. We have been enjoying the community as a place to take a breath and be in good company. To feel understood and loved. If that’s a space you might appreciate, visit skool.com/dreamersanddoers.* Would you enjoy receiving all future episodes of this show directly into your inbox, as well as access to lots of other goodies, and all the newsletter archives? Subscribe for free by going to kaylockkolp.substack.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kaylockkolp.substack.com/subscribe

Hello fellow fun seeker! Today and for the rest of the year, I am offering out one tiny little micro practice each week for you… for us, if I'm being honest… To take into our days and say "I love you lots!” to ourselves.In this one, we’re practicing a simple noticing: what do I need right now? If possible, we're giving it to ourselves.Sending you love today <3KayInvitations for You* I am offering an art sale at my website! Through Friday, 5 December, use coupon code GRATEFUL2025 to get 50% off your purchase over $199. I’m adding more items throughout the sale and I’m even experimenting with offering prints of my art for the first time ever. So if you’d like to add to your collection… or enhance somebody else’s… Visit kaylockkolp.com/art. What fun!* Today's practice comes directly from the group I founded in August, Dreamers & Doers. We have been enjoying the community as a place to take a breath and be in good company. To feel understood and loved. If that’s a space you might appreciate, visit skool.com/dreamersanddoers.* Would you enjoy receiving all future episodes of this show directly into your inbox, as well as access to lots of other goodies, and all the newsletter archives? Subscribe for free by going to kaylockkolp.substack.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kaylockkolp.substack.com/subscribe

There are a couple F bombs! So maybe headphones or listening away from sensitive ears are good choices for this episode today.I love when it happens that stories that I hadn’t really been intending to share just present themselves as what feels right to say in the moment.It turns out that taking you into my art means taking you into my LIFE over this last year-ish, a time of disruption, growth, relocation, retreat… In a word, transformation.Zoom summary below - it did a good job reflecting this episode.If you'd like to see my artwork, go to https://kaylockkolp.com/art – and if you are there before December 5, while my annual art sale is taking place, you can enjoy 50% savings on everything that you see!* If you’d like to become a subscriber to my newsletter, you’ll receive all future episodes directly into your inbox, as well as have access to all the newsletter archives… These podcast episodes as well as other goodies… Subscribe for free by going to kaylockkolp.substack.com.Thanks for being here with me. This one felt pretty vulnerable in some spots! Means a lot to have you along on the ride. <3Love, KayHere are the Zoom AI Summary Notes.. they were pretty spot-on todayArt, Creativity, and Personal StoriesKay introduces a bonus episode of her show “Art, Creativity, and Wellbeing,” where she shares her recent art creations and the stories behind them. She discusses a series of small pastel paintings, including a moonlit scene inspired by a drive home and a series of six sunset paintings that were later transformed into moonrise pieces. Kay explains her creative process and the emotional impact of sharing her art with others.Mini Paintings and Pricing StrategyKay discussed her mini paintings, explaining that they are the size of a Pokemon card and come with a protective plastic covering and a mini easel for display. She described her shipping process and mentioned that she includes a care note on the back of each painting. Kay also talked about her pricing strategy, noting that as her art becomes more successful, she has made some pieces more affordable to make them accessible to a wider audience. The sale is set to run until early December, with a possible extension to the 8th.Art Sale and Promotion UpdatesKay discussed her ongoing art sale, highlighting discounted prices for smaller pieces and a 50% off website-wide savings using the coupon code GRATEFUL2025. She explained her decision to offer more affordable options, particularly for smaller studies, and mentioned plans to introduce prints based on customer feedback. Kay also shared details about a pastel painting she created while sitting in her car, inspired by a scene from a park in Massachusetts.Plein Air Painting ExperiencesKay shared her experiences with plein air painting, including a pastel piece of Hopkinton State Park and a painting titled “In the Bee Garden” created during a trip to England. She described the reactions of innkeepers and fellow travelers to her artwork, particularly the appreciation for her depiction of Yorkshire’s timber and stone elements. Kay also discussed her progression as a plein air painter, highlighting a 5x7 inch painting of Riverbend Farm and a diptych piece, expressing her love for the artistic concept of diptychs and triptychs.Artistic Journeys and Landscape InspirationKay shared her artistic journey, highlighting her fascination with diptychs and triptychs, and described a recent commission piece and an art demo in Colorado. She explained the inspiration behind a painting of Loveland Pass and the Continental Divide, expressing her awe at the natural landscape. Kay also discussed her experience creating watercolor paintings during a trip to Spain, emphasizing the ease of travel with watercolor materials compared to pastels.Galicia Co-Living Retreat ExperienceKay shared her experience of staying at iSlow Co-Living, a restored stone house in Galicia, where she and seven others had exclusive use of the property during their week-long retreat. The hosts, Julio and Ines, who grew up in the area, provided generous hospitality and shared insights about the historical features of the house, including an indoor well. Kay described her artistic process of creating a drawing on-site and later incorporating it into a painting using colors from her other works.Impressionist Coastal Art DiscussionKay shared her latest painting, which depicts a coastal scene reminiscent of the beach near Laxe, and expressed satisfaction with her decision to embrace an impressionist style rather than striving for photorealism. She explained that her work often conveys a sense of motion and energy, which she now appreciates as a strength rather than a shortcoming. Kay also mentioned a previous painting of her son playing the guitar, and expressed relief at completing her latest work.Pastel Prints and Life TransitionsKay shared her excitement about new pastel prints and discussed the process of creating and signing them. She explained how she used a pastel diptych as a reference for a larger painting, which was then turned into a print. Kay also talked about a painting of amaryllis that helped her find mindfulness during a turbulent winter, and one of a Maine sunset that symbolized her family’s intention to move to Maine. She described the challenges of selling their Massachusetts home and finding a new one, ultimately discovering their current home through a Facebook Marketplace posting.Moving Homes and Artistic JourneyKay shared her personal story about moving homes, highlighting the emotional journey and the overwhelming response to their previous house, which received 22 offers and sold quickly. She described the serendipitous process of finding their current home, which they viewed during open houses for their old property. Kay also discussed her artistic process, mentioning that she often creates watercolor paintings in sketchbooks, and she showcased her first watercolor painting, which she made in England.Kay’s Artistic InspirationsKay shared her recent artistic creations, including paintings and prints inspired by her experiences at Wachusett Mountain and Coast Guard Beach. She explained the process of creating prints from two of her sketches and expressed her love for her sketchbook, which she is not yet ready to part with. Kay also described her vision of a beach in Laxe, Spain, called Sea Glass Beach, located on the Costa da Morte peninsula.Sea Glass Beach Cultural ExplorationKay shared her experiences exploring a sea glass beach in Laxe, where she learned about its history as a result of centuries-old shipwrecks. She described the local culture and language, noting the kindness of residents despite language barriers. Kay also recounted a chance encounter with a gardener who redirected her to a different path, highlighting the welcoming nature of the community.Chapel Art and Holiday SaleKay shared her experience painting a chapel called Santa Rosa de Lima, located on a hill above Laxe town, and described the surrounding landscape and her visit with Gloria. She explained the details of her art sale, offering 50% off all items on her website with a coupon code, and mentioned that the sale would likely end on December 5th. Kay expressed gratitude for the opportunity to create and share art, and shared of a new series of mini episodes aimed at providing support during the holiday season. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kaylockkolp.substack.com/subscribe

Greetings friend! I'm geeking out a little bit today on something that's been both a passion of mine and my professional work for more than three decades: human dynamics, the study of how humans interact with each other.We human beings are fascinating creatures.We can seem very unpredictable to someone who’s not inside ourselves.We can even seem unpredictable to ourselves at times.Over the last several months I have reflected on and developed two Universal Laws of Human Dynamics. They are based on my work over the decades as an educator and coach – there's been lots of opportunity to observe humans over all of this time – plus the many years of dedicated learning that I started with as an undergrad and continued with into my graduate degree.These two Universal Laws invite looking at our neighbors and ourselves through a different lens, one that you might find extremely useful in interacting with others.Hope you enjoy this one!Invitations for You* I am offering an art sale at my website! Through Friday, 5 December, use coupon code GRATEFUL2025 to get 50% off your purchase over $200. I’m adding more items throughout the sale and I’m even experimenting with offering prints of my art for the first time ever. So if you’d like to add to your collection… or enhance somebody else’s… Visit kaylockkolp.com/art. What fun!* I’ve been growing a group community over these last few months. It’s called Dreamers & Doers. The people in this group – and I include myself in this – have been enjoying the community as a place to take a breath and be in good company. To feel understood and loved. If that’s a space you might appreciate, and you’d like to learn more or join, visit skool.com/dreamersanddoers.* If you’d like to become a subscriber to my newsletter, you’ll receive all future episodes directly into your inbox, as well as have access to all the newsletter archives… These podcast episodes as well as other goodies… Subscribe for free by going to kaylockkolp.substack.com.Wishing you well! Until we meet again <3Love, KayKay Lock Kolp M.Ed.Founder, Dreamers & Doers CommunityCoaching | Art | Writing | Shows: https://kaylockkolp.comThe quote I live by: “Till this moment I never knew myself.” - Jane AustenArt Creativity & Wellbeing is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kaylockkolp.substack.com/subscribe

Greetings friend! I'm just back from a transformative and restorative retreat in northern Spain where I got some essential solo exploration time and also took part in a lovely and amazing group retreat offered by friend-of-the-podcast Monique Giroux (here's her website so you can get to know her better!) and spent with some truly amazing women.Today's episode is about an important part of my learning, an important reminder as I am integrating back into my life: to place the big rocks first.I hope it's helpful! Especially at this interesting time of year in which we find ourselves.Invitations for You* I am offering an art sale at my website! Starting THIS Friday, 14 November, use coupon code GRATEFUL2025 to get 50% off your purchase over $200. I'm adding more items throughout the sale (which ends on Friday, 5 December) and I'm even experimenting with offering prints of my art for the first time ever. So if you'd like to add to your collection… or enhance somebody else's… Visit kaylockkolp.com/art. What fun!* I've been growing a group community over these last few months. It's called Dreamers & Doers. The people in this group – and I include myself in this – have been enjoying the community as a place to take a breath and be in good company. To feel understood and loved. Throughout this time of transformation in my own life, I've been especially grateful for the community. Our weekly Office Hours feel like fun and meaningful time together, the conversations in the forums are helpful and delightful. If that's a space you might appreciate, and you'd like to learn more or join, visit skool.com/dreamersanddoers.* If you'd like to become a subscriber to my newsletter, you’ll receive all future episodes directly into your inbox, as well as have access to all the newsletter archives… These podcast episodes as well as other goodies… Subscribe for free by going to kaylockkolp.substack.com.Wishing you well! Until we meet again <3Love, KayKay Lock Kolp M.Ed. - Coaching | Art | Writing | Shows: https://kaylockkolp.comThe quote I live by: “Till this moment I never knew myself.” - Jane Austen This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kaylockkolp.substack.com/subscribe

Greetings! Today’s is another in this series of “lost” Tools Chats recorded with my friend and colleague Andrew Moss . It’s about an important tool on my journey that I still find extremely helpful even today, I Am Not My Thoughts. We hope that this will be a super helpful episode for you on your journey.Enjoy!* Would you like to be part of our final Tools Chat coming up in November 2025? Email me here and we’ll get you in the room!* Consider subscribing to this newsletter so that it shows up in your inbox, instead of you having to go search for it :)About this Series…It’s really a podcast within a podcast!In these “Waking Up: The Tools” conversations Andrew and I discuss the essential tools we developed that helped me grow into the person who hiked all by myself across northern England in 2023… After needing a wheelchair to go more than a few steps in 2011.We’ve called this series Waking up: The Tools because they’re featured in my award-winning memoir, Waking Up. We’re featuring these tools here on ACWB in this latter part of 2025, collecting them all together for your listening pleasure.See you soon! Thank you for being along on the journey.With Love,KayKay Lock Kolp M.Ed. - Coaching | Art | Writing | Shows: https://kaylockkolp.comThe quote I live by: “Till this moment I never knew myself.” - Jane AustenArt Creativity & Wellbeing is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kaylockkolp.substack.com/subscribe

Greetings! Today’s is another in this series of “lost” Tools Chats recorded with my friend and colleague Andrew Moss . It’s about an important tool on my journey that I still find extremely helpful even today, The Law of the Universe. A note for paid supporters: with my travel this past month I have drafted, but not yet finished, the chapter of my forthcoming book that should have been yours in October. I am excited to share it with you in early November.. Thank you for your patience ❤️ I appreciate you and your support.This was done as a LinkedIn live back in Spring 2025, so the production and sound quality is a little different than what you’re used to… But we hope that this will be a super helpful episode regardless.Enjoy!* Would you like to be part of our final Tools Chat coming up in November 2025? Email me here and we’ll get you in the room!* Consider subscribing to this newsletter so that it shows up in your inbox, instead of you having to go search for it :)About this Series…It’s really a podcast within a podcast!In these “Waking Up: The Tools” conversations Andrew and I discuss the essential tools we developed that helped me grow into the person who hiked all by myself across northern England in 2023… After needing a wheelchair to go more than a few steps in 2011.We’ve called this series Waking up: The Tools because they’re featured in my award-winning memoir, Waking Up. We’re featuring these tools here on ACWB in this latter part of 2025, collecting them all together for your listening pleasure.See you soon! Thank you for being along on the journey.With Love,KayKay Lock Kolp M.Ed. - Coaching | Art | Writing | Shows: https://kaylockkolp.comThe quote I live by: “Till this moment I never knew myself.” - Jane AustenArt Creativity & Wellbeing is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kaylockkolp.substack.com/subscribe

Greetings! Today’s is another in this series of "lost" Tools Chats recorded with my friend and colleague Andrew Moss . It's about an important tool on my journey that I still find extremely helpful even today.This was done as a LinkedIn live back in Spring 2025, so the production and sound quality is a little different than what you’re used to… But we hope that this will be a super helpful episode regardless.Enjoy!* Would you like to be part of our final Tools Chat coming up in November 2025? Email me here and we’ll get you in the room!* Consider subscribing to this newsletter so that it shows up in your inbox, instead of you having to go search for it :)About this Series…It’s really a podcast within a podcast!In these “Waking Up: The Tools” conversations Andrew and I discuss the essential tools we developed that helped me grow into the person who hiked all by myself across northern England in 2023… After needing a wheelchair to go more than a few steps in 2011.We’ve called this series Waking up: The Tools because they’re featured in my award-winning memoir, Waking Up. We’re featuring these tools here on ACWB in this latter part of 2025, collecting them all together for your listening pleasure.See you soon! Thank you for being along on the journey.With Love,KayKay Lock Kolp M.Ed. - Coaching | Art | Writing | Shows: https://kaylockkolp.comThe quote I live by: “Till this moment I never knew myself.” - Jane AustenArt Creativity & Wellbeing is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kaylockkolp.substack.com/subscribe

Greetings! Today's episode is the first-ever chat with my friend and colleague Andrew Moss regarding the tools that we developed together as I was training to solo-hike across northern England in 2023.This was done as a LinkedIn live back in Winter 2025, and I hear a little bit of nervous energy in my voice as we get rolling in the conversation. I wonder if you'll hear that as well?Today we chat about a tool we call Minding My Own Business. This was, and continues to be even today, something I bring patience for myself with. When I am going through something, part of my brain is really challenged to mind its own business. Hope this is helpful if you're familiar with those moments too.You can look forward to a whole month worth of Tools Chats – “lost episodes”! We recorded them out over winter and spring 2025, and I’ve been really looking forward to the opportunity to get them to you.Hope you enjoy!* Would you like to be part of our final Tools Chat coming up in November 2025? Email me here and we’ll get you in the room!* Consider subscribing to this newsletter so that it shows up in your inbox, instead of you having to go search for it :)About this Series…It’s really a podcast within a podcast!In these “Waking Up: The Tools” conversations Andrew and I discuss the essential tools we developed that helped me grow into the person who hiked all by myself across northern England in 2023… After needing a wheelchair to go more than a few steps in 2011.We’ve called this series Waking up: The Tools because they’re featured in my award-winning memoir, Waking Up.See you soon! Thank you for being along on the journey.With Love,KayKay Lock Kolp M.Ed. - Coaching | Art | Writing | Shows: https://kaylockkolp.comThe quote I live by: “Till this moment I never knew myself.” - Jane AustenArt Creativity & Wellbeing is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kaylockkolp.substack.com/subscribe