Tag: Creativity

Twenty 26s in 2026: Analog Project Planning & Action Tracking, Creative Bullet Journal Style

Post author By Blythe Stephens
Post date 7. February 2026
Categories In Creative Living, Reflective Practice

This is a flip-through of my Annual Collections Book for 2026 so far, including my Twenty 26s in 2026 projects, creative challenges planned, notes and memories along the way.

Loosely arranged according to my 8 major focus areas; Read, Write, Create, Practice, Serve, Connect, Sustain, and Adventure; in this way I get a somewhat holistic picture of my intentions and goals for the year. I focus on actions I can take, then see what results occur. Then I reflect, recommit or change direction, and carry on creating!

Pluck Luck in 2026 – Word / Intention of the Year

Declaring my 2026 Word of the Year is PLUCK!

Writing out my word in my Bullet Journal, grounding it in beautiful imagery, verse and rhythm, placing it where I will interact with it daily and be reminded or where I’m coming from in 2026 will provide support for my commitment, provide a solid place for being and making a powerful stand.

December was a Bender of Creation, Celebration & Rest – 2025 Month 12 & Quarter 4 Reflection

The last quarter of 2025 and holiday season were particularly full for me even compared to past hectic years, and I worked (danced, taught, published…) hard, then partied hard with my beloved, friends and family. I then collapsed into a short period of lovely rest to reset before returning to my joyful commitments in the New Year.

Notebook & Supply Lineup – Analog Journaling System for Reflection, Memory, Planning & Creativity

Post author By Blythe Stephens
Post date 17. January 2026
Categories In Creative Living, Reflective Practice

The trending term the kids use online is a “Journal Ecosystem” this cute name peeves me just a bit since every system is does not work together symbiotically as a true ecosystem does.
Still, the concept of relying on analog tools, paper first, for planning, writing, organizing thoughts and projects is absolutely down my alley.
For years creators have used the term “Techo Kaigi” or planner meeting in Japanese, to describe this reflection on current notebooks in use.
Though my main squeeze is dance, if you’ve been around you know that writing, poetry, collage, photography, music and other creative media are very much at play and all current projects find a home in my system.

A November to Remember – 2025 Month 11 Reflection

The month of November in my life was about gratitude, harvest, bittersweet endings/transitions, dancing & prolific creativity! With the Beaver Moon, Transgender Day of Remembrance, American Thanksgiving and other memorable events, in this article I wrap up November 2025 in dancing & making, teaching & publishing.

Over a Decade of Dance Notebooks – A Teaching Artist’s Journals of Class, Rehearsal, Performance

Post author By Blythe Stephens
Post date 21. November 2025
Categories In Creative Living, Dance, Reflective Practice

Often espousing the benefits of handwritten note-taking, in this article and video I flip through over ten years of my own such Dance Notebooks for the curious to peek inside and for me to glean themes, learning, and growth through reflection over time.

October Oohs & Aahs – 2025 Month 10 Reflection

The month of October was action-packed & suspenseful, spooky & cozy, autumnal & full of dancing & prolific creativity!
October is LGBTQ+ History Month and many creatives I know celebrate “Art-tober” or Inktober or such challenges to spark their art, along with seeing the Hunter Moon, World Mental Health Day, National Coming Out Day, Pronouns Day, and Halloween.
In this article I wrap up the month of October of 2025 in my projects, life and events.

Mood Music that Moves Me- Playlists of Songs & Pieces to Inspire the Spirit

Nothing sets the mood like the right music!
Tastes vary, but the exploration of music that moves us is full of delightful discoveries that become lifelong memories.
As a choreographer, teaching artist and coach, music, songs, and playlists are a huge part of my life, my data streaming, and WiFi usage as I disc jockey sessions in real time and build up my library of music with which I resonate.

SeptEMBER was Fire – 2025 Month 9 & Quarter 3 Reflection

SeptEMBER brought the last gasp of Summer in Cologne and I basked in the warmth, as well as events such as the Harvest Moon, Autumn Equinox, back-to-school, Oktoberfest, and more! In this article I wrap up the month of September and Quarter 3 of 2025 in my projects & life.

How to Find & Foster Safe(r) Spaces in a Diverse Dancing Life

Post author By Blythe Stephens
Post date 10. October 2025
Categories In Creative Living, Reflective Practice

As a dance educator and teaching artist, creating a safe space for learning has long been a topic of interest and top priority in coaching and classes Recently my interest has been reignited by working in a context similar to where I myself have experienced feeling unsafe, bullied, at risk: middle school. Being familiar with the concept of Safer Space codes of conduct in the context of queer nightlife, parties, dances, and demonstrations, the same tenets are applicable in a variety of social and educational contexts. Unfortunately its all too easy to see the parallels between middle school meanness and wannabe tyrannical rulers and thugs playing on the international stage. With intersectional diverse individuals feeling increasingly unsafe in current society and human rights under threat, Mental Health Day and Coming Out Day being celebrated in October, it is timely to consider how we can work together to generate loving, supportive spaces for all.