Picking Up Where We Left Off
I haven't written here in years, but it seems like the theme for 2021 is picking up where we left off, so here I am. A lot has happened in the last year or so, you don't need me to tell you that. Suddenly, though, almost overnight the spell seems to have been broken....
Honesty
When did honesty become such a rare commodity and when did it become something that you have to declare instead of it being a given? Putting the current political climate aside where no one really even agrees on what a fact is anymore - which is just insane, let's be...
Taking Care of Yourself When You’re Sick
I'm not feeling well today. Nothing serious. Probably a head cold. I've been sleeping most of the day. On the bright side, I dreamed about the next Star Wars movie and it was pretty fantastic. In my fever dream, Kylo has sex with Rey and their child becomes the chosen...
What Do You Do?
I really, really hate that question. Since we've moved to Colorado and each day is filled with meeting new people, I get asked that question all of the time. "What do you do?" And I really, really hate it. We live in such a career-focused society that what you "do" is...
The Best New Year’s Resolution
It's January 2 and I'm still in New Year's resolution mode. While I'm happy with my theme of "Be Kathryn" for 2018 (and beyond). There is another one that I think is crucial for everyone to follow. What if we all tried to love ourselves more? Don't groan. And don't...
A New Year
Many holidays bring a lot of emotional baggage, but New Year's seems to really pack a wallop. Not only are you exhausted and stuffed from the holiday marathon you just endured, but now you are supposed to make a plan to remedy all your faults and come up with a plan...
Five Steps to Stop Procrastinating
We all procrastinate and we all have a long list of excuses for why we do it, but how do you overcome it? Whether it’s writing your novel, cleaning out your spare bedroom or completing a work or school assignment, you can try out these five steps on a task that you’ve...
Benefits of Creativity
What comes to mind when you think of being creative? Do you think that it is frivolous and unnecessary? Do you think of it as being indulgent or selfish? Or is it something only liberal arts majors think about? The truth is that creativity is vital to being a...
Five Ways to Silence Your Inner Critic
We all have one. That voice in your head that points out every flaw and mistake. It keeps us from trying new things and putting ourselves out there. And when you are trying to explore your creativity, the inner critic seems to have a heyday. "You're not an artist....
National Coloring Book Day & Preview
I think there is a national holiday for everything these days and today is National Coloring Book day. What better day to give you a preview of my "Colorful Life" coloring book? You can download a sample page here. Coloring is still a popular pastime for many (I...
Hi there!
I’m Kathryn Van Auken (pronounced van awwken) and I’m a writer and maker living in Colorado with my husband and two Westie dogs (and a parrot, but he’s a twit, so I don’t count him). I write about creativity, grief and everything in between. When I’m not writing, I craft ALL of the things, cook, read, watch “The Office” or “Bob’s Burgers” for the 100th time and eat queso as much as possible – don’t judge. Thanks for visiting.
Subscribe
Featured In:
