With Ease...

February 18, 2015 Nichole McVeigh

Embody Your Muse - Lucent Vignette Photography

"I beg you, to have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and to try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language. Don’t search for the answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer." - Rainer Maria Rilke

Over the past couple days, the state of Tennessee has been declared a State of Emergency. We have ice everywhere, and while it makes moving around difficult, it is gorgeous. Achingly so, at times. My husband convinced me to go with him on a photo expedition of sorts yesterday (we are photographers, yes), and the photos you see here are some I took in my moments of bravery. Having grown up in the North, one might think - and, rightfully so - that I would find the wintertime here very mild; but, I don't. I acclimated to the area very quickly, and can be seen wearing jackets in the 50's. Yes, I have come to accept that I am "that" woman...

Creative Spotlight: Scale Model

November 26, 2014 Nichole McVeigh

Embody Your Muse - Scale Model - Danielle Shields

Scale Model is an indie rock/pop band based in Nashville, TN. They combine interweaving guitars and synthesizers with catchy vocal melodies and a danceable rhythm section to create a sound that transcends the staples of pop. They will be performing at The High Watt in Nashville on Saturday, December 6.

Scale Model is: Megan Rox - vocals/synth, David Johnson - guitar, Steve Cross - drums/programming

I met Megan Rox last year through a local coaching program, and was quickly drawn to her passion and love for music. We became friends not long after meeting, and I am so grateful for her. On stage, she is a powerhouse, and totally in a zone. Off stage she has a passion for helping people, and the knowledge to facilitate healing as well. I am excited for you to meet her and one of Scale Model's other band members, Steve Cross, on Embody Your Muse!

Creative Spotlight: Amanda Cantrell Roche

October 22, 2014 Nichole McVeigh

Lucent Vignette Photography - Amanda Cantrell Roche

I met Amanda Cantrell Roche a few years ago at an art event in Nashville, Tennessee. She was dancing with some of the members of Blue Moves Modern Dance Company, and I was so impressed with her passion for dance and the grace with which she moved. As a friend, she impresses me even more today. Amazing.

Amanda is passionate about human rights, something that has been of utmost importance to her since her teens, and that intensity shows through in the social justice pieces she choreographs. As you will see here, though; she not only choreographs, she writes and leads workshops as well. I attended her "Boundaries: An Exploration Through Writing and Movement" workshop last year, and came away with a deeper understanding of why I'd set boundaries - some intentional and some reflexive - and whether or not they were all needed at this point in my life.

Blue Moves, the modern dance company Amanda co-founded, will be performing Burning Blue, an evening of fire-inspired dance and theatre at Cumberland Park on Nashville's East Bank on October 25th - this weekend! Amanda's newest social justice piece, "Divine Sparks", will debut that evening. The event is free to attend, you need only RSVP on Facebook.

Inspiration Into List

October 20, 2014 Nichole McVeigh

I'm in Hannah Marcotti's Community Grace workshop right now...learning so much. One of our prompts is to put together a list of things that inspire us currently. Wanting to branch out more with my blog, I figured I would share this list with my readers. Perhaps you could draw some inspiration...

Creative Spotlight: Alicia Maynard

October 15, 2014 Nichole McVeigh

Lucent Vignette Photography - Alicia Maynard

I am incredibly lucky to call Alicia Maynard a friend. I was initially drawn to her work as a makeup artist, and as I got to know her better, realized she is definitely a multi-faceted artist! She loves to experiment with different mediums, and is amazing with them all. Alicia never ceases to amaze me, and I believe I tell her that every time I see her work!

Alicia attended Nossi College of Art in Nashville years back, and moved seamlessly into training in the art of cosmetics while working with MAC. Her portrait painting evolved later, after being advised to use creative expression as therapy while going through a painful life change. As you'll see from her work here, Alicia was wise in listening and applying that piece of advice.

Alicia and her husband, Travis, own Lime Tiger Emporium in Murfreesboro, TN, where Alicia teaches makeup classes, and is planning to offer all-ages and adult-only art classes soon! They have a Halloween party coming up in the shop on Friday, October 24. What a great opportunity to see the shop and meet Alicia and Travis!