All posts by Chris

The Concept

As a family, we make it a point to explore something new and intriguing wherever we go, often seeking out historical sites or unique points of interest that are off the beaten path. However, not everything captures our children’s attention equally. This inspired me to conceive a project: what if I created a story to accompany our adventures, bringing the experiences to life and sparking their imaginations? After all, much of the excitement lies in how an experience is presented. And so, our adventure stories were born, eventually evolving into a collection that we now proudly call our family adventure journal!

The Approach

Initially, I aimed to create several stories to get the kids excited about activities like nature walks or visits to places that aren’t centered around games and activities they usually gravitate toward. We crafted simple stories to highlight points of interest in a fun way, featuring talking creatures and a touch of innocent magic. These elements, familiar yet tailored to our real-world adventures, helped bridge the gap between the digital and natural worlds.

By focusing each story on an adventure, I began directing their attention to specific things, like the wonder of a natural feature or the significance of a historical event. To make these moments even more special, I included related materials. Initially, I worked in reverse, matching these materials to upcoming activities and adding Adventure Journal entries and artwork afterward. The plan is to prepare these stories in advance, creating a collection of potential adventures for them to explore as we embark on our next journeys.

Engagement and Follow Through

This project requires dedication, so I’m developing a background for the journal itself, ensuring a seamless transition from fictional characters to stories tailored to our family activities. I’m also finding ways to capture our children’s experiences in their own words as they grow, creating a cherished family keepsake that we can enjoy for years to come.

The Beginnings … 

It begins a little something like this…

• Start with a Journal that will last for some time, have space to expand and is something that you find aesthetically pleasing. Etsy has some great Handmade Journal options if you need some inspiration! Remember size does matter, smaller journals that are more for personal use may not work. Here is what we chose to use. The one shown below was purchased from reimaginedonline.

• Having already created the backstory, I can weave some of those elements into the initial pages, for this please visit our Adventure Journal Page.
• Create your first set of adventures but base them on fictional characters your children can relate to.
• Make the Journal into an Art project!

• Be sure to leave room for your kids to add their thoughts and experiences, whether this is a set of pages set aside for them, or have them write a short letter that you can insert into an envelope pasted inside the pages. (Note: if you are starting this with very young kids, you may have to complete this part until they can do it on their own, may be a fun way to capture your memories as well.)
• Share with your kids, and let them help you plan the next set of adventures that they will get to participate in.

Angel Oak Park, SC

There are places that just exude a sense of mystery and wonder, they spark the imagination. In these spaces if you have a moment to immerse yourself in the surroundings without the distractions of the modern world, anything becomes possible.

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Exploring the Role of Coffee Shops as Third Places in Creative Life

In today’s fast-paced, digital world, finding a place that offers a sense of community and inspiration can be challenging. This is where the concept of the “Third Place” comes in—a space that is neither home nor work, but somewhere people can gather, socialize, and be themselves. Coffee shops have emerged as quintessential Third Places, offering more than just a caffeine fix. They provide a unique environment where creativity flourishes and artistic expression is nurtured. This article explores how coffee culture and the ambiance of these Third Places play a pivotal role in fostering artistic expression. Think of your own third place, where do you spend most of your time away from home and work?

Understanding the Third Place

The term “Third Place” was coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg in his 1989 book, *The Great Good Place*. A Third Place is a social environment distinct from the two usual social environments of home and work. Key characteristics of Third Places include accessibility, a sense of comfort, and a feeling of community. These spaces are inclusive and welcoming, often serving as a “home away from home.”

In contemporary society, coffee shops epitomize the Third Place concept. They offer a relaxed atmosphere where people can gather to work, socialize, or simply unwind. This blend of accessibility and community makes coffee shops ideal environments for fostering creativity and artistic expression.

Coffee Shops as Creative Sanctuaries

Coffee shops naturally embody the principles of the Third Place concept. They are accessible to all, often located in central areas, and welcome a diverse clientele. The ambiance of coffee shops—characterized by cozy seating, warm lighting, and the comforting aroma of coffee—creates an inviting space for creativity.

Many coffee shops are designed to foster a sense of calm and inspiration, making them popular spots for artists, writers, and musicians. For example, Les Deux Magots in Paris was a favorite haunt of Picasso and Hemingway, while Café de Flore has long been associated with the French literary elite. These establishments not only provided a place to sip coffee but also served as creative hubs where ideas flowed as freely as the espresso.

Personally, finding a local coffee shop that one can simply exist for any length of time is a great pursuit. Once found you will find yourself coming there over and over again, just to get that sense of calm that is present no where else in your life as that extra space to reach into your creative realm allows you to shape your reality in just the smallest part.

The Ritual of Coffee in the Third Place

The rituals associated with coffee consumption in Third Places add to their appeal as creative sanctuaries. The process of ordering, brewing, and savoring a cup of coffee is itself a sensory experience that can enhance creativity. The rich aroma of freshly ground beans, the warmth of a cup in hand, and the complex flavors of a well-brewed coffee stimulate the senses and the mind.

In coffee shops, coffee often acts as a social lubricant, breaking down barriers and facilitating conversation. For artists, these interactions can lead to collaboration and the exchange of ideas. The simple act of sharing a table or a conversation over coffee can spark new creative ventures and collaborations, reinforcing the role of coffee as a catalyst for artistic expression.

Artistic Expression in Coffee Shops

Coffee shops are not just places to consume coffee; they are also spaces where artistic expression comes to life. Many artists use coffee shops as informal studios, sketching or writing amidst the bustling atmosphere. The ambiance of a coffee shop, from the hum of conversation to the eclectic mix of patrons, provides rich material for observation and inspiration.

Numerous coffee shops actively promote artistic expression by hosting exhibitions, open mic nights, and art classes. For instance, Café Grumpy in New York is known for its rotating art exhibits, while Portland’s Albina Press frequently hosts poetry readings and live music. These events not only showcase local talent but also create a dynamic environment where art and coffee culture intersect.

Coffee-Inspired Artwork and Community Engagement

The relationship between coffee and art extends beyond the walls of the coffee shop. Many artists find inspiration in coffee itself, creating coffee-themed artwork that explores the cultural and sensory aspects of the beverage. From intricate latte art to paintings and photography, coffee continues to inspire artistic endeavors.

Coffee shops often engage with their communities by hosting art-related events and workshops. These initiatives, such as art classes or open mic nights, provide platforms for local artists to share their work and connect with audiences. For example, The Wormhole Coffee in Chicago hosts monthly art shows featuring local artists, while The Coffee House in Lincoln regularly organizes community art projects. These activities reinforce the role of coffee shops as vibrant centers of creativity and community engagement.

Embracing your Third Place

The symbiotic relationship between coffee culture, the Third Place concept, and artistic expression is evident in the vibrant life of coffee shops. These dynamic spaces nurture creativity by providing a welcoming environment, fostering social interaction, and inspiring artistic endeavors. As Third Places, coffee shops play a crucial role in modern society, offering a haven for creativity and community. Whether you are an artist seeking inspiration or simply a lover of coffee, exploring your local coffee shop as a Third Place can open up new avenues for connection and creativity. Embrace the aroma of inspiration and discover how coffee can fuel your artistic journey.

Anne Springs Close Greenway

There are always opportunities to share the world with our children, but sometimes we find it hard to present it in a way that will get them excited to visit a place or experience something new. One way that we have been trying to get them to connect with what we are exploring is creating small stories that will drive their imagination and get them wrapped up in the adventuring mindset. Below is one such story that we have been working on for a local favorite. As we share more of these stories and adventures we will be posting them with some basic information related to the adventures we have. Enjoy!!

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In the realm of digital art creation, artists are continually seeking innovative tools that enhance their creative processes. MidJourney and Adobe Firefly are two such AI tools that cater to the needs of digital artists, albeit with distinct approaches and features. This article aims to compare and contrast these platforms to help artists make informed decisions based on their specific requirements and preferences.

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November 1, 2023

The beginning has come, time to write and write and write some more! This year, I have made some goals to ensure that I am staying on track and on target. In addition to buckling down and focusing on the writing itself, I will be working to keep myself accountable to sticking to the daily milestones and targets that will lead to a successful book. The focus that we put into Preptober this year has built up some much-needed confidence to go after this target like I never have had before.

So to all of those who are participating this year in NaNoWriMo, I wish you all the best in staying focused and keeping the words flowing out onto the page. May your creativity shine and that we all reach our goals.

And NOW, the end is near… With the final 2 days of Preptober coming to a close, and NaNoWriMo about to begin, where did we land? Are you Ready? Let’s check out our final Preptober details and then get ready to move into our full writing mode, or as close as we can get.

The leaves have started to change color and more fall as I contemplate the changes to come. They pile upon the ground as the words flow out of my mind and into the twisting avenues of my story world. We are making progress, I tell myself, and I can almost make myself believe it. Preptober led us to some interesting places, and we were able to get much of the prep work done ahead of our NaNoWriMo journey which will begin tomorrow.

The Progress

The work area has been prepared and a clean and clear desk is waiting to start the writing activities. We have updated Campfire with our story details and added in more of the world-building details to help shape the environment. Campfire is now linked with the NaNoWriMo portal and the project is ready to be tracked.

Our scene list spreadsheet has been updated and we have a map of where we want to go. Our characters are being shaped and molded by the milestone events that we have planned and we will spend most of the month figuring out the intricacies involved in shaping them into dynamic personalities that come alive off the page.

Being Creative

Leveraging the new AI concept generation for imagery, like MidJourney and other services, helps bring some words and ideas into a visual design. While this will not be material to our story development, it will help to continue to spark ideas for scenery and character design as I work through how to build the story around the rest of the world I envision.

Let’s get started…

While I sit tonight waiting on entertainingly dressed families wandering through the neighborhood seeking free candy, I am excited to have some time to focus on the shaping of the story. The ideas are starting to flow and the excitement is building. Let the writing begin! Follow our progress and the story.

The last several weeks have been very hectic with work and the writing schedule, so I am condensing the previous 3 weeks into a single update as we are working to close out Preptober. As I have stated before, I am expanding most of the work that has been completed to this point, focusing on shoring up my main character and working to better define support characters so that they fully enrich the story progression.

It just goes to illustrate that even when an idea is already in progress, there is always more we can do to help improve our writing process and the details of our stories.

Week 2:

Week 2 has come to a close…

Closing out Week 2, I am considering what my ideal November writing experience would look like, this step is very important. Just with training for world-class athletes, visualizing how the process should flow and what to do when things are not in that ideal state helps you to find ways to overcome challenges and reach your Goals.

As for me, I have seen that the end of the year is hectic, work, kids’ events, and family obligations are always demanding time, so when would I write? In the past, I have tried to do this in the evenings, but the lack of motivation and the desire to stop making decisions does not make that time well spent. Moving it to first thing in the morning has some merit and may be part of the answer.

It essentially boils down to the ability to focus for a set amount of time. In short, I will be leveraging the Pomodoro technique and using some time during the day to nail out as much detail into the story as I can, using the off hours as a planning period or buffer if I am trying to complete an idea.

Week 3:

Wrapping up Week 3, Some Thoughts

The end of Week 3, brings a lot of focus to your main characters. You have to have quite a bit of interest in your characters for them to develop well on the page, you must care about them in some way and essentially form a relationship with your invisible friend that no one else can imagine until you share your work.

With that said, part of what draws me to my main characters, is that I found myself curious to see how their pairing would evolve, the interactions, the dialogue. Strong personalities, I am very used to working with them, but putting those same patterns into the story form makes for an interesting writing experience, which I am hoping will translate well to the reader at the end.

Having such a duty-focused MC who is challenged constantly by his companion, helps them both to evolve their world perspectives. It forces me to consider many more aspects of the dynamic than is shown in the writing and has such a varied effect on how they make decisions and interact with those around them. To say I am fascinated would be quite an understatement.

Week 4:

Do you feel ready, well, do ya?

As we draw near to the end of Preptober activities, I am left with the question, Am I Ready for this? I already know that I am not, though I do feel like I have a plan and a reasonable chance for success to close out this NaNoWriMo experience. What I have experienced in the past is the many varied ways that life can get in the way, not an excuse by any means. Its reality, there is always something that will need attention, and since this is not my only focus, there will be other demands on my very limited time.

I have put years into considering the aspects of my story world, how the different groups, ecosystems, and patterns will interact, and surprisingly that is not what concerns me about my story world. My concern lies in that I feel many authors rely on the external factors of the environment to push the story with a focus on many of the esoteric aspects of their creation. It is effective in many situations, however, I want my story to be able to stand alone without the need for those components, that they add flavor but are not the meat of the experience for my readers.

While I have planned and visualized different ways to ensure success, I know there will be challenges for me to agonize over, but at the same time… Why would I let that stop me?

Don’t be a stranger!

Hopefully, you are ready for your NaNoWriMo experience, please feel free to share your thoughts and experiences as well!

Something a little different:

This year my Preptober will take a different path than it has in previous years. I am not starting a new project during this period which feels a little off to me, though finishing an in-flight one is just as essential. Some of the normal milestones that I would typically be working through are already set, which alleviates part of the prep work, and with the time that is freed up, I will repurpose to expand and enhance the current project.

With this week’s activities completed we will be moving more into the prep phase for the activity that is coming up in November, training if you will on how to handle the low motivation and writer’s block events that are sure to happen. Stay tuned!

Adventure Series 2023

Have you ever experienced total darkness? Seen rocks that look like they have been melting for eons? Delved into the deep places of the earth to see what natural wonders exist beneath the surface on which we live? If not, you really should check out the many caves and caverns that are open to the public around the country. For our adventure series, we will kick off our experiences by taking our little ones on guided tools of several of our regional underground treasures. This was one of my favorite school trips when I was younger and it has always stuck with me, so getting to experience that wonder again through the eyes of my children really makes this worth the effort.

I know that many people may have an aversion to going underground, whether it is a mild case of claustrophobia or a general aversion to dark and potentially creature-filled places. That is understandable and this may not be an activity for you. For everyone else, I would challenge you to not have some fun wandering around and seeing the colorful and beautifully majestic scenery that you may find. 

From where we live we have a decent number of options available to us, and I have not been to most of the ones on my list so I am almost as excited as our girls are for this experience. 

1. Linville Caverns, NC [https://www.linvillecaverns.com/]
2. Luray Caverns, VA [https://luraycaverns.com/]
3. Forbidden Caverns, TN [https://forbiddencavern.com/]
4. Dixie’s Caverns,  VA [https://www.dixiecaverns.com/]
5. Bristol Caverns, TN [https://bristolcaverns.com/]

While you should not expect to fight a Balrog during one of these excursions, you should keep a mind to safety, for yourself and the creatures that reside in the geological wonders.

Recommended Tips for your Excursion:

• Dress for the temperatures, Going underground can get cold, even if it is hot outside, so dress appropriately. 
• Leave no trace. What makes exploring these natural wonders routinely enjoyable for all is that they are kept as pristine as possible, meaning clean up after yourselves. Every little bit can add up over time so please do your part.
• Don’t touch the walls, most guides will tell you the same advice, and many places have rules about it as well since the oils from our skin can impact the development of the caverns for years and decades in the future. Keeping your hands to yourself is imperative, even if that rock formation looks so smooth and soft you struggle with the impulse.
• Remember that you are encroaching on other creatures’ homes, just as when you visit friends or family if there are things that the guides are asking you to do, please follow the instructions. For example, Bats in the area are highly susceptible to a fungus that causes white-nose syndrome (WNS), it is typically debilitating if not fatal for them. So when you are entering or leaving, you may be asked to clean your feet so as to not help the spread of the fungus spores. This will help protect the ecosystem, not just those tiny little bats hibernating deep in the caves.

New and exciting experiences tend to leave an impression on us and can shape many of our behaviors well into the future. As a parent, getting to share these adventures with my children and seeing their wonder and reactions to something I have long become accustomed to, makes me appreciate the novelness of the experience and I am only encouraged to do more with them.

Check out more of our ongoing adventures!