JoyCanvas Studios

? The Magic of Revision: A Story’s Journey Across Continents ? The revision process is a journey—one of discovery, refinement, and surprising transformation. After deep revisions, thoughtful critique, and a journey across Istanbul, New York, and Paris, I’ve finally reached a version of the first two chapters of Arzu’s Long Journey Home that feels… just right. But Arzu’s adventure is far from over. She still has more places to travel, more hearts to touch, and more wonders to see before she finds her way back to Musi. ??? This story—about a lost doll, a little girl, and the invisible thread that keeps them connected—has evolved in ways I never expected. One key insight from my latest critique? Strengthening the connection between Musi and Arzu, even across distance. So I asked myself: ?? What if Musi could still feel Arzu, even after she was gone? ?? What if Arzu, drifting through the world, still longed for home? ?? Could a whisper in the wind, a feather floating down, or a distant echo of laughter bridge that space between them? Now, the story carries more breath between its lines—a subtle but powerful reminder that love, like the wind, travels even across oceans. ??? ?? A Small Before & After Change: ?? Before: Through the glass, the silver bird soared, Higher, farther, her heart implored. Too late, too far—the world moved fast, Her dearest friend… now in the past. ?? After: A feather drifted down, slow and weightless, landing softly at her feet. Musi bent down, brushing her fingers over its delicate edge. A warmth bloomed in her chest, small but steady. She clutched it tight. Maybe Arzu was still out there. Maybe she would find her way home. The wind stirred once, then slipped away—a promise made for another day. Small changes—big impact. ? ?? Another big shift? I transitioned from rhyme to rhythmic prose, keeping young readers in mind. The heart of the story remains, but now the language flows naturally, letting emotions breathe. ?? And Paris? Oh, Paris came alive in the latest revision, with the help of Le Quack, Ze Artiste Extraordinaire! ???? Because even lost things deserve a touch of whimsy, don’t they? Like the puzzles I love, there’s a moment when the right piece finally snaps into place—that satisfying click. Getting to that place in my writing—where I can feel the rhythm fall into place, where the words land just right—is the same kind of joy. And yes. I, the driver of this story car, wrote that. All me. I checked the tires, I looked in the rear-view mirror, and I even checked my blind spots—carefully switching lanes under the cloak of night. ?? Fellow writers, artists, and creatives—how do you know when a piece is finally ready? Do you ever have those ‘aha!’ moments deep in revision? Would love to hear your thoughts! #WritingCommunity #Storytelling #ChildrensBooks #Creativity #RevisionMagic #TheJoyOfWriting

AI, Driverless Cars & Whole-Brained Thinking: Who’s in the Driver’s Seat? The future is coming fast, and it’s bringing AI along for the ride. But are we the drivers, or is AI taking the wheel? At a recent University of Michigan alumni event in Baltimore, I had the privilege of speaking with President Santa Ono about Michigan’s 2034 vision for AI research. As someone with a computer science background with an M.B.A. from this wonderful establishment, who also thrives in the world of art and storytelling, I left with a lot to think about. ?? The Horse & Buggy → Model T → Ferrari Metaphor AI reminds me of the shift from horse and buggy to automobiles. Some of us are still adjusting to this new ride, while others are already building Ferraris—machines of speed, intelligence, and power. But not all humans are in the same vehicle. Some of us process information differently—perhaps with expressive language challenges but deep receptive genius. (My daughter, for one, is the exact complement/opposite of me, and in the world of language-based learning and tests, yikes, not easy. And yet, she is a brilliant actor who can memorize hundreds of pages of script, off-book in a jiffy). If AI is developed with heart and intention, it can bridge these gaps, unlocking incredible potential. ?? The Driverless Car & Human Agency As a Michigan-trained driver, I learned how to navigate snowstorms, long commutes, and defensive driving. One rule? Assume the other driver doesn’t know what they’re doing. Trust yourself. Be ready to take control. This is exactly how I approach AI. ?? I am always in the driver’s seat. ?? AI is my collaborator, not my replacement. ?? It guides, suggests, and supports—but at the end of the day, the final result is all me. ?? Whole-Brained Thinking: AI, Art & Logic Life is a puzzle—and I love puzzles. They help my neurons fire, engaging intuition, creativity, and logic all at once. I believe AI, when developed ethically, has the potential to be a bridge, not a takeover. It can amplify human ingenuity rather than replace it. We are not passengers—we are co-creators of the future. ?? ?? Would you trust a driverless car yet? If not, what would make you feel ready? ?? How do you see AI fitting into your creative process? P.S. There’s a chance President Santa Ono might be getting a pair of hand-painted Michigan sneakers from me soon… Stay tuned! ?? ?? ???? #AI #Creativity #HumanAgency #UniversityofMichigan #GoBlue #Innovation ?? #ProudWolverine FTW! ?????? Image: Like this puzzle, life—and AI—is about putting the pieces together. The challenge? Making sure we’re the ones deciding where each piece belongs. What a rush when a piece fits, and you hear that snap! One piece at a time. Pure goodness.

?? The Power of Intention in Motion ?? A few years ago, my son played Ocean by John Butler at his high school talent show. If you’ve ever heard it, you know—it’s not just a song. It’s an experience. A story told through strings. ?? ?? Listen to Ocean by John Butler: https://lnkd.in/eW9ZXFFq Since then, he’s honed his gift, blending precision with feeling, much like U2’s Edge. He’s building his confidence, his voice, and his own path, trusting his music is meant to be heard. That’s the power of intention in action—channeling emotion into something that moves through you and into the world. Just like affirmations, just like art, just like love. Just like JOY. I share these affirmations like music flowing outward, of energy shaping what we create, of the unseen forces that guide us when we trust the process, trust the flow. ?? For My Children May they walk paths filled with financial security, personal growth, and spiritual fulfillment. May they find joy in each step they take, cultivating harmony in their hearts and lives. Let compassion guide their actions, and gratitude be the foundation of their successes. May they experience a life rich with purpose, surrounded by love and opportunities that nourish their souls. ?? For My Husband & Me May we enjoy vibrant health and adventures near and far. May this next season be filled with serendipity, curiosity and play, with time to savor the fruits of our hard work and the simple pleasures of life. ?? For My Family May our family bonds be rooted in love, trust, and mutual respect. May we create joyful memories together—whether through travels, gatherings, or shared moments of connection. May this love extend to our broader family, creating a tapestry of support, laughter, and togetherness. ?? For My Friends (Yes, You!) All of the above for your inner circle! May you be surrounded by inspiration, clarity, and boundless creativity. May you trust your voice, knowing that your light brightens the world in ways you may not always see. May joy find you easily, and may success follow in its own perfect rhythm. ?? For Myself May my creative journey flourish, with my writing published and my art reaching the world, touching hearts and minds. May my family see and celebrate this part of me, understanding that while I will always be ‘Mom,’ I am also an artist and storyteller. May I derive deep joy and fulfillment from sharing my creativity, feeling valued and understood in all the roles I cherish. ? A Thought to Carry With You: Energy flows where attention goes. When we align our hopes with gratitude, love, and joy, we create space for beautiful things to unfold. ?? Have you ever felt that kind of connection—when something beyond words spoke to you and you just knew? Let’s send those moments into the world like music, like waves, like butterfly wings. ??? #Affirmations #Intentions #Gratitude #SuccessMindset #Creativity #FamilyFirst #WellBeing #Mindfulness

My Reverse Lullaby – A Musical Approach to Gentle Mornings ? Why a Reverse Lullaby? Mornings can be jarring. It’s Daylight Savings today in the USA, and it’s dark again this morn'! Soon, the sun will get stronger and stronger... For now and specifically tomorrow, it’s Monday… Alarm clocks, to-do lists, and overstimulation can trigger stress before we even get out of bed. That’s why I composed The Waking Song—a gentle, heart-centered 432 Hz melody to ease the mind from sleep to wakefulness without stress. Instead of jolting the body into alertness, this song rises like dawn—gently guiding the mind awake. Here are the lyrics: WAKING SONG (432 Hz Reverse Lullaby) (Soft, slow, soothing—meant to rise like dawn.) ?? Breathe, love, the stars, though never gone, are fading... ?? Night has whispered all it knows... ?? Feel the hush of morning waiting... ?? Feel the light beneath your toes... (A pause, a gentle shift—like stretching after sleep.) ?? The waves have sighed a thousand dreams, ?? The sky has turned from gold to blue... ?? Now rise, love, the world is singing... ?? Rise, love, the day wants you. ?? Hold me close, the light is calling... ?? Hold me close, it’s all in you... (Instrumental moment—like a slow tide coming in… then the song loops, soft but awake.) ?? One eye hazel, one eye blue, ?? A thousand years, the light shines through... ?? Golden dawn in your reflection, ?? A sky of stars still waking too... ?? Hold me close, the world remembers... ?? Hold me close, and I’ll hold you... I’m still blending the right chords and instruments—voice for melody, piano for harmony, and strings for depth. I can’t wait to share it! ?? Do you have a favorite morning ritual to ease into the day? ?? What songs or sounds help you wake up feeling calm and centered? Drop your thoughts below—I’d love to hear! ??? #SoundHealing #432Hz #MusicTherapy #Mindfulness #HealingFrequencies #WellBeing #CognitiveHealth #Neuroscience #Gratitude #SuccessMindset #Creativity ?? Images: Beethoven (he wrote my favorite classic, "Ode to Joy"!) watching from the mist, nodding in approval… or maybe blushing? ?? He's sayin': "Finally! Someone understands my genius!" Or perhaps… "I knew she was ahead of her time, but this… this is divine!" ?? ?? ??

?? The Healing Power of Sound: How Singing and Frequencies Can Reduce Cognitive Stress Ever noticed how a song can shift your mood? How humming a lullaby to a child (or yourself) brings instant calm? Science confirms what ancient cultures have known—sound is medicine. Studies show specific frequencies—like 432 Hz and 528 Hz—can: ? Lower stress ? Regulate emotions ? Synchronize brainwaves into relaxation 432 Hz: The “Natural Frequency” Often called the healing frequency, 432 Hz has been shown to lower anxiety, align with the Schumann Resonance (Earth’s frequency), and promote peace. Nurses listening to 432 Hz music on work breaks experienced lower stress and blood pressure than those hearing standard music. 528 Hz: The “Love Frequency” Nicknamed the “miracle tone,” 528 Hz is linked to oxytocin release—the hormone of love, bonding, and well-being. Just five minutes of 528 Hz music reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) and increases compassion. ?? A 2018 study found that certain sound frequencies, including 432 Hz and 528 Hz, can reduce stress markers like cortisol.If you're interested in the research, let me know in the comments—I’d be happy to share some links! ?? The Joy Frequency While some frequencies focus on healing and relaxation, others are associated with elevated joy, connection, and bliss. ?? 639 Hz – The “Connection Frequency” ? Associated with relationships, communication, and emotional bonding ? Said to enhance positive energy and deepen human connection ?? 852 Hz – The “Awakening Frequency” ? Thought to stimulate intuition and clarity ? Helps release negative emotions and align with inner peace & joy ?? 963 Hz – The “Pure Bliss Frequency” ? Sometimes called the “frequency of divine consciousness” ? Linked to elevated joy, enlightenment, and harmon While there’s no single “Joy Frequency,” a combination of 528 Hz, 639 Hz, and 963 Hz is often used to enhance joy, positivity, and emotional well-being. Why Singing & Sound Matter for Stress Relief Singing itself is a powerful stress regulator. When we sing, hum, or chant: ?? We activate the vagus nerve, calming the nervous system. ?? Breathing deepens, lowering heart rate. ?? The brain syncs to rhythm, shifting into alpha waves—like meditation. Research on brainwave entrainment found that lullabies, slow harmonics, and 60 bpm rhythms help the brain naturally enter a calmer state. This is why lullabies are universally soothing—even across cultures. Music isn’t just about sound—it’s a powerful tool for shaping our emotions, mindset, and energy. ? What if we could intentionally tune into joy every single day? Have you ever used music or sound to shift your mindset? What’s a song or frequency that brings you joy? Drop your thoughts below—I’d love to hear! #SoundHealing #432Hz #528Hz #MusicTherapy #Mindfulness #HealingFrequencies #WellBeing #CognitiveHealth #Neuroscience #JoyFrequency #Gratitude #SuccessMindset #Creativity.

? The Smile Stick Experiment: A Little Magic, A Lot of Science ? I recently came across research showing that smiling can influence mood, even when it feels forced. Our facial muscles create a feedback loop—when we engage our "smile muscles," our brain gets a signal of joy, subtly lifting our spirits. But what happens when sorrow or stress weighs down that smile? ?? I discovered a trick: holding a small, non-toxic rubber stick in your mouth can naturally engage those muscles, gently nudging your brain toward a brighter state. However, some options online aren’t safe for this purpose. ?? So I found something better: a magic wand! A light, smooth, fun alternative, these wands serve as a visual and tactile reminder of the power of joy. But is this just wishful thinking? ?? Science Says This Works! Facial Feedback Hypothesis: Research shows that our facial expressions don’t just reflect emotions—they help create them. Engaging the muscles used for smiling can actually make us feel happier. Strack, Martin, & Stepper (1988): In a study where participants held a pen between their teeth (mimicking a smile), they rated cartoons as funnier than those who didn’t. Their brains interpreted the muscle movement as genuine happiness. Marmolejo-Ramos et al. (2020): More recent studies confirm that even a fake smile can activate positive emotional signals in the brain—tricking us into feeling better. 2019 Meta-Analysis: A review of 138 studies found that facial feedback has a real, if subtle, effect on mood. So, could a simple Smile Stick help shift your mood? Oh, it sure does! I've used this method for over a decade! Let me show vs. tell with these images of my earlier experiments below. Would you try it? #JoyCanvasStudios #TheSmileStick #NeuroscienceOfJoy #MagicAndMindset ?? Bonus: The Science of Happy Music! Did you know that music also plays a huge role in boosting happiness? Studies suggest that certain songs are scientifically designed to make us feel good! ??? ?? The Beach Boys' Good Vibrations → Watch Here https://lnkd.in/e7YjAKy9 ?? James Brown’s I Got You (I Feel Good) → Watch Here https://lnkd.in/eRStiQhU These songs have specific beats, chord progressions, and structures that uplift mood—just like how engaging our smile muscles sends positive signals to the brain! ?? Could combining the right music + the Smile Stick create a double happiness boost? I might have to test that next! ??

Cosmic echoes of joy! ? While I’m deep in the heart of writing and creating, these fun ideas keep bubbling up—like little sparks of inspiration that refuse to be ignored. ? The Anatomy of a Book At my Valentine’s Book Club gathering, I received the most thoughtful gift—handmade, heart-shaped bookmarks. A small but powerful reminder that stories are held, not just read. That books are felt, not just consumed. And then, as if by magic, I found myself flipping through my father’s old surgeon’s anatomy book. The pages I landed on? The facial muscles and the spine. The unspoken communication of the face. The backbone that holds everything upright. And it hit me— The anatomy of a book is no different from the anatomy of a body. ?? The spine of a book holds the pages together, just as our spine holds us upright. ??? The words inside a book, like our expressions, are nonverbal poetry. ?? The binding wraps around it, giving it protection, structure, identity—just like our skin. A book, like a body, is alive. So what if I built them myself? What if, instead of mass-producing, I hand-bound them—cloth-covered, gold-foiled, with art for endpapers, wax seals, hidden messages, and even music woven in? Because for me, storytelling isn’t about algorithms, print runs, or the next viral release. It’s about legacy. Creation. Craft. ?? Signed in gold ink ?? Bound in cloth with hand-stamped gold foil ?? Endpapers that are art—fabric, pressed flowers, hidden messages ?? A wax seal? A secret page? A riddle? ?? A QR code leading to the music that inspired it ?? Each one inscribed with a note: "This book was made under a full moon." Would you hold a book like this in your hands? Would you turn its pages and feel the weight of something made with joy? I saw a beautiful reminder today of the importance of caring for our energy. Joy—a force all its own—is the compass that guides it. ???? Winds stay where joy exists. ? I am the Wind. #Bookbinding #HandmadeBooks #Storyteller #ArtistAtWork #ArzusJourney #DreamsInPages Meanwhile… Donna Quixote is taking shape, not just as a story but as an experience. I am learning to WRITE MUSIC (A reverse lullaby)! Slowly, lol! ?? Alongside this, I’m also working on the mock-up for Arzu—revising the sticky parts and strengthening the arcs. Just when you think you’re done, there’s always more. And yet, Perfect is the enemy of good. Le Sigh. Even Wilhelmina has new thoughts swirling through. These are labors of love made by the gift of precious hours. So, I’m rotating between storytelling, bookbinding research/exploration, and musical composition (music theory is so cool!)—learning, experimenting, creating. I will come up for air again soon, but for now, I’m staying in that organized space of creative energy. Because you gotta get hot to play real cool! ;)

"From Bizarre Magic to Joy – And the Shoes That Walk Between" Ever notice how bizarre magic and joy are two sides of the same spinning coin? One shocks you out of your comfort zone, and the other catches you when you fall. Both disrupt. Both transform. I started with shoes. They aren’t just sneakers. They’re a stage. Then, they evolved into a statement. Now? This July (or the next), they’ll step onto the floor of San Diego Comic-Con (yes, that one), where I will have a booth filled with a dozen hand-painted sneakers—each inspired by the golden-age stories of public-domain comics.?Each pair will tell a story—because feet, like the windmills in the musical they inspired, are meant to keep moving. A story that tilts at windmills and turns pain into power. That’s the thing about bizarre magic— it is about disruption. A pattern break that shakes us awake. It makes us see the world differently. It makes us laugh, gasp, cry. It reminds us we are ALIVE. The unexpected ALWAYS reveals the tricks life plays on us—to make us SEE. And, like all good magic tricks, Donna’s story kept evolving. Because why stop at one medium? Why stop at one kind of magic? Isn’t that what art does? What theater does? It interrupts the expected. It shows us the impossible. Don Quixote tilted at windmills, seeing them as giants that he must defeat. He fought illusions, lost in fantasy, mocked by the world. He was tragic. A fool. Donna Quixote? She tilts at the world itself—not because she’s delusional, but because she refuses to be defined by reality’s limitations. ?? He fought imaginary giants. She fights real ones. ?? He was lost in fantasy. She bends reality to her will. ?? He was a tragic fool. She is an unstoppable force. Where Don Quixote collapses under the weight of his dreams, Donna stands taller, brighter, fiercer—because her dreams are real. She doesn’t fight windmills. She rides them. And so, Donna Quixote isn’t a tragedy. She’s not a fool. ?? She’s a magician. ?? She bends reality. ?? She turns windmills into wings. And so should we. From bizarre magic to joy. From the unexpected to the inevitable. From the trick to the reveal. ?? Stay tuned. The windmills are still turning. #ComicConvention #HandPaintedSneakers #BizarreMagic #Joy #Storytelling #ArtMeetsFashion #MusicalTheater #WindmillsTurn #CreativityInMotion And with that, here’s a glimpse into the world of Donna Quixote, where windmills turn into gears of destiny, colors burst from the darkness, and art becomes an act of rebellion. Scene Excerpt – Donna’s Rebellion Begins (Lights up. Windmills spin.) (Young Donna, paintbrush in hand, stands before a grand, secret stage. Her friends—dancers, artists, dreamers—gather.) DONNA (whispering, electric with defiance): "This… this is the real party." (Music swells. The stage transforms. Paint explodes into light. The windmills turn in time with their movement. For the first time, she is free. And the windmills? They turn for her.)

?? Joy Rides On – A Reflection on Creation, Adaptability, and Donna Quixote There’s something miraculous about creating—turning dreams into something tangible. Whether it’s words on a page, paint on a canvas, a song in the air, or a story brought to life, the act of making is a testament to something deeper than success. My husband recently told me, “You have the gifts of originality and the ability to adapt to any medium.” At first, I smiled. But the more I reflect on it, the more I realize—he’s right. Whether I am painting, writing, composing, or building an entire Broadway musical from scratch, the common thread is joy. Fame? Recognition? Commercial success? Fickle friends. Emily Dickinson was right. They are shadows that shift with the wind. But joy? Joy is eternal. It is the frequency of creation itself. In fact, I believe joy is a frequency even higher than love—because it carries peace, acceptance, and bliss. A windmill that never stops turning, no matter how strong the storm. And so, I am writing a musical. What, like it’s hard? ;) Maybe it was my trip to Amsterdam last fall, Steve’s windmill postcard, a whisper of something waiting to be born. ?? Donna Quixote: The Musical A dreamer. A fighter. A woman who refuses to be defined by the past. Through art, resilience, and joy, Donna rides forward—defying expectations, breaking cycles, and proving that windmills turn, but she chooses their direction. THE WINDMILLS KEEP TURNING This is more than a musical. It is a reckoning. It is a story for the children of unstable love who refuse to let their past define them. A battle cry for those who have lived with the ghosts of chaos and chosen to say: No more. Because windmills may turn. But we choose their direction. But There’s More to This Story… In the dreamlike haze of my 36-hour sleeplessness, this story poured out like a miracle. As if something greater than me was pulling the threads together, spinning the windmills faster, guiding my hand. And maybe—I suspect—a special light is throwing energy into my veins, filling my spirit with song, filling my heart with a twinkle from their eye to mine. Because energy is never destroyed. It lives on in love. And most of all—in joy. Wilhelmina (btw older version better) and Arzu are still very much alive. Each story has its own rhythm, its own breath. But sometimes, another tale arrives like a gust of wind—insisting it be told. I write across mediums, across worlds, across lifetimes. Some stories demand ink, some demand music, some demand movement. But all of them come from the same well—joy. And so, the windmills turn, and I follow. So, if you’re creating today, if you’re making something simply because it brings you joy—keep going. Keep tilting at those windmills. Keep riding forward. And to you, my friends: I joy you. I always will. ??? #Theater #MusicalTheater #Broadway #Creativity #Joy #Storytelling #Resilience #BPDSandwichGeneration #WindmillsTurn #Artistry #OriginalWork?

Made from Love and Joy: A Creative Journey There’s something mystical about creating in the quiet, liminal hours of the morning—when the world is still, and intuition takes the lead. That’s where these hand-painted sneakers came to life, layer by layer, brushstroke by brushstroke. I poured my heart into them, and as I worked through the night, I felt that familiar, almost magical feeling—knowing something special was arriving on the horizon. These shoes are more than just wearable art. They are a tour de force of love and joy (borrowing from my husband, who poetically declared, "indisputable tour de force"... High praise and oh so sweet! ?? ). They capture the nostalgia, humor, and artistry of classic animation, sealed with a satin finish to keep the magic alive. Creating something truly from the heart is always a journey of its own. It’s those moments in the creative haze, where exhaustion meets inspiration, that often bring forth the most meaningful work. At the same time, I’ve been deep in the world of Wilhelmina, wrestling with story challenges and now pushing through to find the right solutions. In the process, I’ve realized that I created something truly unique—a Cinderella meets Alchemist crossover. And with that realization comes another: I don’t have to force this story into a mainstream mold. Its purpose isn’t to fit into a box—it’s to shift the paradigm of thought. To invite readers into a world that expands beyond expectation, beyond what’s familiar, into something transformative. Next up? Finishing Wilhelmina and collaborating with my son, Steve, on Arzu’s Long Journey Home! Creativity always leads to new doors opening, and I can’t wait to step through them. For anyone reading—what are you creating right now? Have you ever had that moment where inspiration strikes in the quietest hours? #Creativity #Art #Storytelling #Handpainted #LooneyTunes #Wilhelmina #Arzu #MadeWithLove #StayTrueToTheVision #ShiftTheParadigm ? Fun fact: I started this project listening to Take Five by Paul Desmond (the legendary saxophonist of the Dave Brubeck Quartet), and as I finished, Take Ten played—a beautiful, solo reflection of its predecessor. It felt like the perfect soundtrack to this creative marathon! ???? ?? For those who want to hear the music that accompanied this creative journey: ?? Take Five – https://lnkd.in/e9PYRyKf ?? Take Ten – https://lnkd.in/emrwQi2S