Category Archives: Studio Guests

Work in Progress

By Daisy Hickman | Published: February 14, 2012

At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet. ~Plato Before I introduce my Studio Guest, author Kate Lord Brown, I’d like to share a poem for Valentine’s Day. Sanguine Resting near the river’s shore, convinced the sky was within reach, I suddenly realized its nearness was my heart speaking more clearly, propelling itself upward [...]

Also posted in Creativity, Writing & Writers | Tagged authors, how to write, Kate Lord Brown, memoir, Natalie Goldberg, The Beauty Chorus | Comments closed

Beyond Definitive Answers

By Daisy Hickman | Published: January 31, 2012

It’s my pleasure to welcome Barbara Hammond to SunnyRoomStudio as part of my 2-year anniversary celebration. Despite life obstacles, Barbara chose to persevere. To remain hopeful and to believe in happiness. “Sometimes we don’t want to expose the underbelly of our story but that is often where the true lessons come from. Our circumstances do [...]

Also posted in Inspiration, Wisdom | Tagged a course in miracles, A Return to Love, Barbara Hammond, Marianne Williamson, RUMI, The Duffy Chronicles | Comments closed

Genuine Wonder

By Daisy Hickman | Published: January 27, 2012

I’m very pleased to have Jen Knox here as my Studio Guest for the next few days. And I’m especially glad that Jen chose to tackle a prickly subject like writer’s block. While the debate rages on about whether or not the affliction exists, she artfully enlightens us with the truth of the matter. Author [...]

Also posted in Creativity, Writing & Writers | Tagged Barbara Hammond, Jen Knox, LifeThemes2012, To Begin Again | Comments closed

A Miraculous Moment

By Daisy Hickman | Published: December 16, 2011

Do you believe in miracles? Up to you, of course. But if you ask my 22nd Studio Guest, Nikki Di Virgilio, she’ll probably say YES. Here is her inspirational story, shared during this special season of Christmas. Thank you, Nikki, for your guest post. And welcome to SunnyRoomStudio. The Face of Fortitude by Nikki Di [...]

Also posted in Inspiration, Reflection, Wisdom | Tagged fortitude, sacred space, season of miracles, soul reporter | Comments closed

The Sun of Inspiration

By Daisy Hickman | Published: December 2, 2011

If you’ve ever written anything–even a letter to an old friend–you’ll know what my 21st Studio Guest, Melissa Crytzer Fry, is exploring in her guest post. You’ve sealed the envelope, you’ve completed your book proposal, you’ve written the final chapter in a new novel — yet, the voice of doubt chimes in almost immediately. Was [...]

Also posted in Creativity, Idea Sharing, Inspiration, Nature, Reflection, Writing & Writers | Tagged Arizona writers, author process, Creativity, evaluation, Melissa Crytzer Fry, nature, RUMI, sunlight, What I Saw | Comments closed

Trusting Your Vision

By Daisy Hickman | Published: November 4, 2011

Every writer, artist, or creative spirit must contend with public reaction. Out of favor, in favor, sought after, dismissed. There are many possibilities along the wobbly continuum of external review and ratings. Yet, artists and authors know they must work from their own vision, avoiding goals of public approval. It can be a difficult balancing [...]

Also posted in Idea Sharing, Writing & Writers | Tagged artists, ratings, reviews, Steve Jobs, Trish Nicholson, vision, William Faulkner, Words in the Treehouse | Comments closed

Rather Wonderful

By Daisy Hickman | Published: October 7, 2011

My guest, Fiona Robyn, writes that she is “on a mission to help people to slow down and fall in love with the world through writing. Fond of earl grey and home-made cake.” Immediately I wanted to get to know someone who is also fond of cake. Many of us are, of course, but how [...]

Also posted in Creativity, Inspiration, Reflection, Spirit, Wisdom, Writing & Writers | Tagged A Year of Questions, Anne Lamott, author motivation, Buddha, cake, Fiona Robyn, George Harrison, Kaspalita, mindful writing, Stanley Kunitz, The Wild Braid, write, Writing Our Way Home | Comments closed

No Small Thing

By Daisy Hickman | Published: September 16, 2011

Have art and creativity helped to empower you? Have you sought answers to difficult situations by looking within? Do you want to go “beyond” a conventional story line? My lovely guest, Jennifer Paros, is a writer and an artist from Seattle, Washington. She wrote an early chapter book for children called Violet Bing and the [...]

Also posted in Art, Inspiration, Reflection, Spirit, Wisdom, Writing & Writers | Tagged Author magazine, children's book, Eckhart Tolle, Jennifer Paros, Seattle, spirituality, Violet Bing and the Grand House, wisdom | Comments closed

Family Voices

By Daisy Hickman | Published: September 1, 2011

It’s my pleasure to introduce my 17th Studio Guest, Laura Harrington. In her own words (from her website): In college I was an English major, but minored in art history and studied singing seriously, knowing that the rest of life might not give me time to spend an hour a day in practice rooms making [...]

Also posted in Creativity, Writing & Writers | Tagged Alice Bliss, author, family, fiction, Kleban Award, Laura Harrington, novel | Comments closed

Life Lessons: Energy & Light

By Daisy Hickman | Published: August 12, 2011

My guest today is a woman of many talents. Author, artist, mother, spouse, founder of The Women’s Nest. So what fuels Melissa Foster, you may ask. What motivates her to reach out to others, creating a supportive community of women? When you visit The Women’s Nest you’ll see a site banner that reads: Real Women, [...]

Also posted in Creativity, Inspiration, Reflection, Spirit, Wisdom | Tagged author, Chasing Amanda, Come Back to Me, inspire, Megan's Way, Melissa Foster, positive energy, spirituality, The Women's Nest, women, Women's Literary Cafe | Comments closed

Trial by Fire

By Daisy Hickman | Published: July 8, 2011

I’m taking a brief pause from INSIGHT_2011 (our summer journey of meditative guideposts) to share a lovely guest post by my friend, Cynthia Ogren. Cynthia loves words. And she loves Riley, her adorable schnauzer. She recently moved to San Antonio, Texas, and also loves music. I first met Cynthia when I noticed that she sometimes [...]

Also posted in Creativity, Inspiration, Reflection, Spirit, Writing & Writers | Tagged author, Cynthia Ogren, Joan Didion, Khalil Gibran, schnauzer, The Year of Magical Thinking, writer | Comments closed

Across the Blank Page

By Daisy Hickman | Published: June 12, 2011

Every now and then something jumps out at me — a word, an article, a book. Maybe beautiful words of poetry or a flower–a rose, a gardenia, a lily–catch my attention. A profound quote can resonate within me for days. The power of the human spirit is often most compelling. Stories of struggle that lead [...]

Also posted in Creativity, Inspiration, Reflection, Spirit, Wisdom, Writing & Writers | Tagged Alice Hoffman, Author magazine, Bill Kenower, choices, creative writing, Judy Blume, Louis Sachar, Seattle | Comments closed

Now I Can See the Moon

By Daisy Hickman | Published: May 21, 2011

When I launched SunnyRoomStudio one thing was clear. I wanted to share the voices of kindred spirits in this sunny creative space. Getting to know people who share a passion for creativity is so rewarding, for one thing. But, on another level, I have the opportunity to bring a diverse collection of voices to this [...]

Also posted in Creativity, Inspiration, Reflection, Spirit, Wisdom, Writing & Writers | Tagged 1920s, Crestmont, Crestmont Inn, Eagles Mere, historical fiction, Holly Weiss, Pennsylvania, polio, Walt Whitman | Comments closed

Standing at Water’s Edge

By Daisy Hickman | Published: May 9, 2011

When you begin a creative project or simply want to tap into your creativity, do you sense an element of fear or doubt greeting you at water’s edge? It may be a subtle feeling, but it’s usually there. Yet, if you are committed to your work–to creative expression–you forge on. Or try to. “All art [...]

Also posted in Art, Creativity, Inspiration, Writing & Writers | Tagged Anne Paris, artistic potential, artistic support, couarge, Ph.D., Standing at Water's Edge, tapping creativity | Comments closed

Run Free and Explore

By Daisy Hickman | Published: April 20, 2011

Who said it best? Ah, yes, Pablo Picasso. Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up. And since it’s Easter, a time of beginnings, it seemed like a good time to think about children and art — art in all its many forms. [...]

Also posted in Art, Creativity, Idea Sharing, Inspiration, Poetry, Wisdom | Tagged children and art, Degas, Easter, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indianapolis Art Museum, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Picasso, Sarah Arkanoff | Comments closed

Taking the High Road

By Daisy Hickman | Published: April 9, 2011

Somehow I encountered the gifted Susan Pohlman. And her new book, her inspirational memoir. “Halfway to Each Other: How a Year in Italy Brought Our Family Home” was shortlisted for the newly established Inspy Awards. It was also awarded “winner” in the relationships category and “runner-up” in the memoir category at the 2010 Next Generation Indie [...]

Also posted in Idea Sharing, Inspiration, Reflection, Spirit, Wisdom, Writing & Writers | Tagged Halfway to Each Other, Italy, memoir, Susan Pohlman, Thoreau | Comments closed

Out of the Blue

By Daisy Hickman | Published: March 4, 2011

As most of you know, when looking for kindred spirits to grace the corridors of my SunnyRoomStudio, I look for men and women with a wonderful message. Artistry, creativity, enlightenment. A depth of perspective. A willingness to connect in meaningful ways. People who offer us the inspiration of their beliefs, abilities, and courage. So when [...]

Also posted in Creativity, Inspiration, Reflection, Spirit, Wisdom, Writing & Writers | Tagged Asperger's syndrome, Becoming a Life Change Artist, Dr. Kathy Jordan, Dr. Oz, healing energy, Kathy Jordan, Leadership development, OPRAH, psychologist, Reiki | Comments closed

The Power of Story

By Daisy Hickman | Published: February 19, 2011

Stories. At every level of society. Their universal appeal is undeniable. And though Borders announced internal operating changes recently, stories and storytelling are here to stay. The fabric of your world, and mine, is defined by story. In fact, the human condition is primarily understood through the power of story. Ask any writer. Ask any [...]

Also posted in Creativity, Wisdom, Writing & Writers | Tagged Borders, British Columbia, catching courage, Cathryn Wellner, Garrison Keillor, Kelowna, story route, storytelling, Ted Lange, Tom Brokaw, William Bausch | Comments closed

Creative Convergence

By Daisy Hickman | Published: February 1, 2011

During this season of winter torment (it seems I hear more and more people lamenting the harsh temps, snow and ice this time of year), I thought I’d shine a light on an individual with an abundance of artistic and creative talent. Mary Montague Sikes. Or Monti, to many. We may as well find something [...]

Also posted in Art, Creativity, Writing & Writers | Tagged artist, author, Mary Montague Sikes, portraits | Comments closed

Beyond Conventional Wisdom

By Daisy Hickman | Published: January 27, 2011

True talent must be expressed. And though the author of the next few sentences is most humble and unassuming, his artistic gifts and personal determination are most inspiring. ◊ I started painting when I was 15. I failed art in high school. There was no moment of inspiration that cued me in to my destiny [...]

Also posted in Art, Creativity, Inspiration, Reflection, Spirit, Writing & Writers | Tagged art, coffee, conventional wisdom, Liquid Light, memoir, painter, Paul Jackson, watercolors | Comments closed

First Light

By Daisy Hickman | Published: January 8, 2011

As we know from the esteemed poet, Robert Browning, “God is the perfect poet.” Still, many of us try to write poetry and create art, knowing we are up against a tough act. When I encountered Terrill Welch and her artistry, I knew I’d discovered someone who, indeed, had a deep appreciation for the poetry [...]

Also posted in Art, Creativity, Inspiration, Reflection, Spirit | Tagged artist, British Columbia, Canada, Creative Potager, First Light, Terrill Welch | Comments closed

Universal Connection

By Daisy Hickman | Published: December 4, 2010

Writers write for a variety of reasons: to tell a story, to explore creativity, to shine a light on an important subject. And it’s amazing what a difference it can make knowing why a certain book was written. When an author shares the backdrop–their motivation for a project–I’m more likely to take an interest in [...]

Also posted in Creativity, Inspiration, Writing & Writers | Tagged author, C. Lee McKenzie, California, middle grade stories, Sliding on the Edge, The Princess of Las Pulgas, TheWriteGame, universal connection, young adult | Comments closed

Writer Behind the Mask

By Daisy Hickman | Published: November 6, 2010

◊◊◊ The Artist Searching for myself within the confines of my name is a futile mission, a string of letters void of explanation, empty of history or truth, except for what is assigned over time, but an idea comes to me now, and I reach for my paintbrush, discovering the radiance of an ephemeral nature, [...]

Also posted in Creativity, SunnyRoomStudio, Writing & Writers | Tagged Alan Garner, Alderley Edge, An Intricate Dance, Arthurian tale, Carlos Fuentes, characters, Cheshire, Daisy Hickman, dirtywhitecandy, fiction, George C. Wolfe, Jodrell Bank, Nail Your Novel, Poetry, Roz Morris, telescope, The Artist, The Weirdstone of Brisingamen, UK | Comments closed

Metamorphosis via Art

By Daisy Hickman | Published: October 24, 2010

All of the seasons represent change, but autumn can speak the loudest of all. Vibrant colors, shifting landscapes, beauty that transforms itself overnight — each day a new venue, inspiring us with a renewed sense of awe and wonder. I captured this photo this morning, for instance, and decided to share it here to introduce [...]

Also posted in Art, Creativity, Inspiration, Prairie, Reflection, Spirit, Wisdom, Writing & Writers | Tagged art, artist, autumn, Julia Bayly, K.L. Stover, Maine, metamorphosis, novel, owl, society, spirituality, TRUTH, writer | Comments closed

Mary Tabor’s Living Memoir

By Daisy Hickman | Published: October 1, 2010

Natalie Goldberg in “Old Friend from Far Away: The Practice of Writing Memoir” writes: “Memoir is taking personal experience and turning it inside out. We surrender our most precious understanding, so others can feel what we felt and be enlarged. This means that when we write we give up ourselves.” I think you’ll agree that [...]