CreativeMorningsOrangeCounty @creativemorningsorangecounty - Tumblr Blog

Our theme for February is CAMINO. It was chosen by our Oviedo chapter in Asturias, Spain and illustrated by Marta Vila.

Camino (pronounced Kah-Mee-Noh) is a Spanish word meaning “path” or “way.”

Our Oviedo chapter had this to say about the significance of this month's theme:

"It’s inspired by the centuries-old pilgrimage of the Camino de Santiago, which passes through our region in Asturias and has been a symbol of journey, discovery, and transformation for generations.”

Watch this video from our Oviedo chapter for more on what camino means to them.

So, what path are you on? If you’re feeling stuck, try moving your body to unlock your brain. Talk a walk, doodle, or sing. Soon, the way will reveal itself. And if you are feeling overwhelmed, slow down and focus on your next step. You don’t have to know exactly where your path leads, just trust that you’ll learn what you need along the way. Wherever you are headed, we wish you, as they say in Oviedo, “buen camino.” May you have a safe and meaningful journey.

Our theme for November is GROWTH. It was chosen by our Sacramento chapter in California, illustrated by Amber Rankin, and presented by Adobe.

When we were kids, it happened fast. We outgrew clothes and shoes seemingly overnight. We constantly reached for things just out of our grasp. We made messes and art without worrying about what anyone would think.

As we shift into adulthood, growth gets harder to come by. Get good grades and a great job. Burn the midnight oil. Struggle against the odds. Then somewhere along the way, we get comfortable with the status quo. Sitting on the couch, watching and scrolling instead of trying and doing.

But creativity demands growth. Not the kind that can be measured with a ruler. It’s about taking stock of your character. Who’s ready to chase wild possibilities and meaningful progress? We must unlearn the need to be perfect and busy. Remember how to play and get our hands dirty again.

It takes curiosity and courage. Because growth doesn’t always feel good. It forces us to shed our old skin, to stumble, and start again. Sometimes, growth happens quietly, in between uncertainty and doubt, the moments when nothing seems to be changing. Until everything does.

Our theme for November is GROWTH. It was chosen by our Sacramento chapter in California, illustrated by Amber Rankin, and presented by Adobe.

When we were kids, it happened fast. We outgrew clothes and shoes seemingly overnight. We constantly reached for things just out of our grasp. We made messes and art without worrying about what anyone would think.

As we shift into adulthood, growth gets harder to come by. Get good grades and a great job. Burn the midnight oil. Struggle against the odds. Then somewhere along the way, we get comfortable with the status quo. Sitting on the couch, watching and scrolling instead of trying and doing.

But creativity demands growth. Not the kind that can be measured with a ruler. It’s about taking stock of your character. Who’s ready to chase wild possibilities and meaningful progress? We must unlearn the need to be perfect and busy. Remember how to play and get our hands dirty again.

It takes curiosity and courage. Because growth doesn’t always feel good. It forces us to shed our old skin, to stumble, and start again. Sometimes, growth happens quietly, in between uncertainty and doubt, the moments when nothing seems to be changing. Until everything does.

Our theme for August is NOMAD. It was chosen by our Ulaanbaatar chapter in Mongolia and illustrated by Oyuna Bold.

Some people feel compelled to travel from place to place. To live outside the confines and constraints of a permanent address. Others have no choice but to leave home in search of a better life. A nomad embraces discomfort, welcomes the unknown, and sees every detour as a new adventure.

Have you heard the call of the open road? Ever dream of being a digital nomad working from exotic locales? Crossing borders and time zones to discover fresh inspiration and share-worthy views. But following your nomadic spirit doesn’t require collecting stamps in your passport.

The act of creating is its own journey. So, meander through your ideas. Roam between different styles. The most important thing is to take the first step. It doesn’t matter where it leads, because the joy is suddenly finding yourself somewhere unexpected.

Whether you’re racking up frequent flyer miles or navigating a change in your creative career, remember that motion fuels imagination. Wander. Wonder. Repeat.

Our theme for May is REVIVAL. It was chosen by our Fort Worth chapter in Texas and illustrated by Mariell Guzman.

“Everything old is new again” sums up the revivals that bubble up throughout culture. Clothing styles, art movements, and all kinds of things come back into fashion decades after their original popularity waned. It’s a useful paradigm. Take something old, dust it off, and adapt it to suit the present moment.

But are there really no original ideas left? Has everything been done? Does it matter? New context adds new meaning. You can recycle whatever you want, just make it your own. Lots of things from the past are worth saving from obscurity.

What we need is a few more revivals.

A revival of empathy and understanding.

Kindness and caring.

A revival of handwritten notes and holding open doors for strangers.

Let’s pursue hobbies and join clubs instead of optimizing and monetizing every hour.

Bring back boredom and curiosity.

It’s time for a revival of the golden rule.

It’s up to you to distill the best of the past and create a better future.

#cmrevival

Our theme for April is CROSSROADS. It was chosen by our Wroclaw chapter in Poland, illustrated by Joanna Gniady, and is presented by Adobe.

We all reach turning points in life that change the course of our destiny. Should you break up or give your relationship another chance? Accept that job offer or strike out on your own?

What’s the best way to go? Continue straight ahead? Or turn left? When you’re faced with a crucial decision, there’s no map that shows where the consequences lead. And sometimes, you only recognize a crossroads when you see it in the rearview mirror.

No wonder that in folklore and mythology, crossroads represent a gateway between our mortal coil and the supernatural realm. An in-between place of transition, where worlds collide, and anything can happen next.

Legend has it that the greatest blues guitarist in the world, Robert Johnson, met the devil at the crossroads of two dirt roads at midnight and struck a bargain to trade his everlasting soul for masterful skill. But there was no deal with the devil. In reality, he practiced like hell.

So, how do you decide which way to go next? Just pick what feels right. Because there’s no wrong choice. Only different journeys to where you’re meant to be.

Our theme for March is PARALLEL

It was chosen by our Kuala Lumpur chapter in Malaysia and illustrated by OLI.

Like train tracks receding into the distance, our lives eventually reach the end of the line. And for a large part of our journey, most people tend to live parallel lives. We go to school, hang out with friends, get jobs, and take care of our families.

Just look out the window at the home or office across the street. We exist side by side with strangers. Always keeping the same distance of anonymity between us – even though we have so much in common. All of us are trying to build a better life for ourselves and our loved ones.

Of course, we are not carbon copies. The differences make our lives our own. Her black coffee. His energy drink. Their chamomile tea. So, we may never see eye to eye. After all, mathematics proves that parallel lines never meet.

But unlike those train tracks, our paths don’t run in straight lines. We can meet someone new at every turn. Look someone in the eye and smile. Reach across that gap between us and make a connection.

We may be living parallel lives. But we don’t have to go through them alone.

Our theme for January is JOURNEY. It was chosen by our Muscat chapter in Oman and illustrated by Salim Al Salami.

Simplicity provides clarity, but layers give our work a richer complexity and depth.

Musicians fuse melodies, harmonies, and rhythms to create more dynamic compositions. While other artists use a juxtaposition of colors, textures, images or materials for greater visual impact. The creative magic happens when those choices conjure different interpretations and emotions.

Because people have layers too. Just like a collage is created by overlapping layers of found materials, we pile up experiences that form our beliefs and reactions.

The cliché “beauty is only skin deep” means that a pleasant appearance does not guarantee a virtuous character. We are a mess of competing emotions and personality traits. So how we act to the outside world doesn’t always reflect how we feel inside. We make polite chit chat when it takes vulnerable conversations to form meaningful connections.

Surface level pleasantries and superficial decoration have their place. But it is the layers that give life meaning. We must peel them away to discover our deeper truths.

Start your new Journey! ✈️

Our theme for January is JOURNEY. It was chosen by our Muscat chapter in Oman and illustrated by Salim Al Salami.

Let’s go. Let’s get out there and see what the world has waiting for us.

By putting ourselves in a new environment or experience, we gain a different perspective. That sense of discovery sparks fresh inspiration. If your brain feels stuck, try moving your feet.

So, let’s travel somewhere we’ve never been. Either down the street or across a far-off border, there’s so many places to explore. Or we can take a metaphorical journey like unlocking personal growth in therapy, advancing on our career paths, or undergoing a spiritual awakening. Or we can enjoy a journey into imagination through a book, film, or other work of art.

As we travel through life, everyone you meet is at a different point in their own unique journey. Some of us know where we’re going. While other paths are full of twists, turns, and obstacles thrown in our way. The trick is to embrace the detours and delays. Because there are no shortcuts on a journey of self-discovery or creative expression.

Just please remember: you are not traveling alone.

#cmjourney

Our theme for November is THREAD.

It was chosen by our Derby chapter in the United Kingdom, illustrated by Carla Dee, and is presented by our global partner Adobe.

Have you ever pulled on a loose thread in a sweater or sock? Things can unravel quickly.

The creative process can feel like that. A nagging thought, an imperfect bit, or a big tangled mess. But maybe that thread is trying to tell you something. Follow it and see where it takes you.

Because thread is both a physical and metaphorical tool of creativity. In film and literature, a “thread” is the progression of a plot line or theme that helps tie the narrative together. While in sewing, weaving, embroidery, and knitting, the “thread” physically embellishes and holds the piece together.

No wonder a loose thread is so hard to ignore.

It turns out that all the good and bad in your life is forming a beautiful tapestry.

Our theme for October is VISION. It was chosen by our Riyadh chapter in Saudi Arabia and illustrated by Razan Alshalan.

How do you see the world? How do you want to change it?

Vision refers both to the sense of sight and our ability to imagine the future. Are you focused on the little details? Can you see the big picture?

As we age, our eyesight begins to deteriorate; seeing objects up close gets more difficult. And as we gain experience, what we want to accomplish evolves. Will your life grow darker or brighter?

Each creative act involves seeing something in your mind’s eye then attempting to make it a reality. A painter, an architect, and every other type of artist or craftsman has a vision for their work. What message, emotion, or impact do you want to convey in yours?

You are your own visionary. What do you want to see?

#cmoc #creativemorningsoc #creativemornings #creativemorningsorangecounty #CMvision

Our theme for September is REFLECTION.

It was chosen by our Oklahoma City chapter in Oklahoma and illustrated by Aditi Heins.

Just like an echo is a reflection of sound… and how a camera lens focuses reflected light to form a photograph… our subconscious reflects on our experiences to form our beliefs.

Without reflection, there can be no personal growth. Learning from our past yields greater wisdom and happiness. But don’t let self-awareness turn into self-absorption. Take heed of the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own handsome reflection in a pool of water.

Reflecting on difficult moments can be painful but also healing. When our Oklahoma City chapter selected this theme, they mentioned a reflecting pool at the site of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing that was designed to help people reflect on how they were changed by that tragic event.

Pondering the world around us and following our curiosity adds depth to our creative work. As William Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet, the purpose of acting is “to hold as 'twere the mirror up to nature.” While George Bernard Shaw said, “you use a glass mirror to see your face; you use works of art to see your soul.” (Although Bertolt Brecht countered, “Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it.”)

Reflection turns our traumas and triumphs into lessons. It’s how we can create a vision for a brighter future.

CM/OC June Happenings

🎤 Join us on June 21st to hear from Matt Barnes!

Matt Barnes is the Owner and Strategic Director of Rogue Creatives (as well as the Owner of Rogue Collective, Rogue Aviation, and as of a few weeks ago, his own custom lightsaber which might be the most impressive thing on that list). Matt went to school for far too long and has advanced degrees in Education and Organizational Leadership.

Rogue Creatives is Matt’s creative agency where he uses those degrees to help organizations define their personality, voice, and values and make sure that their branding represents them incredibly well using his own Strategic StoryTelling Framework. Matt lives in Costa Mesa with his wife and five kids.

🧡 Volunteers needed!

Love to smile and want to create amazing experiences? We're looking for volunteers to help with day-of support for @creativemornings_oc events.

Fill out this Volunteer Form us to join our growing team, especially if you're interested in social media or photography.

✨ Our theme for June is PATTERN

This month's theme is PATTERN. It was chosen by our Chennai chapter and illustrated by Nishant Saldanha.

Our Chennai chapter’s selection of this theme was inspired by the art form kōlam; which features patterns of dots that are encircled or connected by straight and curved lines. These intricate, geometric designs are created on the thresholds and floors of houses, temples and businesses using rice flour. The practice is deeply rooted in South Indian culture to welcome guests into the home and bring good fortune and prosperity.

Which patterns in your relationships, work, and habits are worth repeating? Which ones should be changed? What new pattern do you want to create?

Thank you for May VIBRANT

Thank you all for coming to our May Coffee Reunion! Join us in the future as we continue to celebrate the unique voices and ideas that make our mornings brighter! 🌈✨

🎥: Thank you to Casesar for capturing some of the beautiful moments mixed in with conversations at our last coffee meet up! @sheeshur@ube_productions

We're coming back!

🌞 CM/OC IS COMING BACK IN 2024!

After a few years of hibernation, we are excited to share that as of this upcoming spring our chapter has a brand new host and we are working hard to reboot the chapter! We appreciate all the interest and check-ins over the hibernation years.

We have lots of new ideas and are looking forward to building up momentum again. You'll be the first to hear when our first event is happening. Watch this space!

👋 HELLO FROM YOUR NEW HOST

Hey! I'm Ivan Ji and I'm excited and honored to step in as the new chapter host for CM/Orange County. From being an early volunteer to being a speaker, and now coming in as a new host — it all feels full circle.

A big thanks to our former host and good friend Megan Anguiano for all her care and passion over the course of her tenure. I have big shoes to fill! Stay tuned! We have lots coming.

☕️ GETTING INVOLVED

It takes time to build up momentum and get the right team of people together to make this magic happen. We're looking for passionate new volunteers, partners, venues, and more. If you are excited to be part of rebooting our chapter, please reach out here: [email protected] In the meantime, spread the word and follow us on Instagram!

We’re looking for a new host in Orange County!

In 2008, Tina Roth Eisenberg, also known as Swissmiss, started CreativeMornings out of a desire for an ongoing, accessible event for New York’s creative community. The concept was simple: breakfast and a short talk one Friday morning a month. Every event would be free of charge and open to anyone.

Today, attendees gather in 200+ cities around the world to enjoy fresh coffee, friendly people, and an international array of breakfast foods. Volunteer hosts and their team members organize local chapters that not only celebrate a city’s creative talent, but also promote an open space to connect with like-minded individuals. We call ourselves an engine of generosity and live by our manifesto.

CreativeMornings Orange County's previous host has since stepped down so we are now looking for a replacement. Could this be you?

If you are:

- passionate about your local creative community in Orange County - psyched to lead a small volunteer team to put your own spin on CreativeMornings - excited to be a part of a global network of the nicest, most creative people you've ever met - one to use the words humble, driven, resourceful, generous and connected to describe yourself - ready to grow as a creative leader in your city

...we’d love to hear from you! If interested, complete our standard New Chapter Application, which consists of a written application and video, and we’ll be in touch.

We will conduct a follow up interview with the top candidates.

We look forward to receiving your application!

CreativeMornings

P.s. Insight into what it’s like to be a host. And more insight. Okay, last one.

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