Do YOU need a pep-up with a Project? Brainstorm with ME!

Brainstorming Sessions

• Are YOU self-employed and miss having colleagues to brainstorm with?
• Are you a freelancer looking for some fresh ideas for a project you are working on?
• Are you working on a personal project and need an injection of inspiration?

Then I can help you! 

Tap into my creative mind by booking a quick fire brainstorming session with me. 

I can help you with:

• Ideas, Ideas, Ideas! My brain never stops buzzing with ideas
• Getting down a whole host of options for your project
• Fun and effective marketing ideas to spread your message and grow your business
• Innovative ways to engage people and communities
• Ideas to make your project sing!
• Get you out of a rut by inviting in new and exciting ways to look at what you are doing, what you want to create and how you can do it.
• I guarantee you’ll feel energised after our session and raring to GO!

Here’s what some folks I've worked with so far have to say about me and how I’ve helped them.

Morwhenna is magic. Within minutes of talking to me during our brainstorming session she had me pinned and suggested something that at the time I dismissed out of hand, but days, weeks and months later I realised was spot on.

She talked me out of the limiting corner I had put myself in and re-opened my thinking in ways I had never imagined. She started a ball rolling that is changing my life for the better in ways I had all but stopped believing were possible. Thank you Morwhenna. X

LAURA BENNETT  - Escape Artist's Business Buddy

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I think your ability to generate ideas is amazing!

JAIMIE MACDONALD – Made Curious Coach 

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Morwhenna helped me to come up with some marketing ideas for a couple of travel businesses. She suggested an incredible number of creative but practical ideas in a very short space of time. I ended up implementing some of them for one particular client with great success.

CHARLOTTE DAVIES – SEO Expert

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Brainstorming doesn't come naturally to me so Morwhenna talked me through a brainstorming session. I'm really excited about the ideas that we generated and even more excited about knowing how to brainstorm by myself!

SALLY MILLIGAN - Artist

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For July & August you can book a 30 minute Brainstorming session for £30 / $52 / 38 euros This is a special SUMMER SAUCE offer which ends on Friday 29 August. 

I have a limited number of sessions available – so if you’d like a slice of my creative mind and some stellar ideas make a booking today!

Sessions are available on the following days & times (BST) throughout JULY & AUGUST

MONDAY  - 10.00 – 11.30 – 14.00 – 19.00
TUESDAY - 10.00 – 11.30 – 15.00
THURSDAY - 10.00 – 11.30 – 14.00 

Any questions?

Drop me an email and I’ll get right back to you!

REALLY *excited* and looking forward to helping you with a creative BOOST!

How will the session work?

When you book your slot, give me an outline about what you need help with.  
The session will be tailored to what YOU need. I appreciate everyone has a different way of working so we’ll work together and get the most out of the session for you.  There will be a quick re-cap at the start to clarify what you need help with and then we will start brainstorming! 

The aim is to create as MANY different and varied ideas and solutions to your issue/challenge as possible. Anything goes in these sessions. We'll look at the actual practicalities towards the end of the session.

At the end of the session we will run through all the ideas and highlight which ideas/solutions appeal to you right now to take action on.

You’ll receive a copy of everything that came up during the session. This will be as a PDF which will include an image of the mind-map we've created as well as any additional notes/thoughts and a list of the ideas/solutions you most connected to and want to take action on.

I will also add some extra notes of things to consider around the ideas that you selected as ones you are most keen to pursue now.  

One week after our session I'll send you a follow up email to see how you are getting on and if you need any further creative boosts.

THEN WHAT? NEED MORE SUPPORT?

I also offer follow up sessions and if you need specific help – like getting around blocks to you getting your stuff done – I can support you by coaching or if you want more hands on project help – such as marketing planning, social media, Image/logo creation – let me know and we can discuss how I can help you further.  

Look forward to working with you!

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BOOK A BRAINSTORMING SESSION WITH ME!

To book your session* simply click on the button below and you'll be taken to a diary page where you can choose your preferred time slot.  

I'll be in touch with a link to my paypal account to so you can easily pay for your session without any fuss. You don't even need a paypal account to pay with this method. Once I've received your payment we are all set and ready to rock! 

I look forward to working with you!

*These session will be done over skype unless agreed otherwise.



Sessions are available on the following days & times (UK - USA times in brackets)

Weekly for JULY & AUGUST

MONDAY  - 10.00 (05.00) – 11.30 (06.30) – 14.00 (09.00)– 19.00 (14.00)
TUESDAY - 10.00 (05.00) – 11.30 (06.30) – 15.00 (10.00)
THURSDAY - 10.00 (05.00) – 11.30 (06.30) – 14.00 (09.00)

What would Dolly do?

Sometimes you just gotta channel your inner Dolly Parton...!

Since getting back from my six week trip to Thailand I’ve found it hard to get back into the swing of things. Not really surprising as I’d immersed myself in another culture and worked with a whole host of different people during that time.  It was an amazing experience and to think it took me three years to actually go and do it!

So what does Dolly have to do with this? And Dolly Parton in particular?

Let me explain…

I watched her Glastonbury set on TV and was blown away by her energy and her kindness of heart. She’s was also a lot of fun and as I've discovered a pretty hard working and smart business woman. PLUS she looks pretty darn amazing for 68, doesn't take herself too seriously and always stays true to herself.

I think she’s pretty cool.

So this got me thinking.

Dolly’s pretty smart and a no nonsense kinda gal so maybe Dolly can help if we’re feeling a bit, you know, stuck?  

I’m not suggesting avoiding making your own decision or ‘but Dolly Told me to do it’ kinda thing so not taking responsibility - nah that’s a bit crazy. Rather use this as a game to get your mind to free up a bit and get playful!  Right on Partner!

PS you don’t have to have a blond wig to hand or a rhinestone jumpsuit either…Unless you fancy that of course…And guys – this works for you too!

So want to give it a try? Here goes:

• Have a think about one issue you are facing at the moment
• Grab a piece of paper and write down your issue
• Ask yourself – What would Dolly Do?
• Stick on some Dolly Parton music (One of my faves is 9-5!)
• Move about (if you are called to do so!) FEELS GOOD!
• As words/ images start to flow jot/draw these on your sheet of paper. Don’t think too much about what comes to mind – just get it down. Go crazy! Like Dolly’s outfits. No limits!
• At the end of the song stop and take a few moments to settle yourself.
• Want to carry on? Pick another track and keep going. Stop when you feel you've got everything out of your head (we're tapping into your sub-conscious mind you see)
• Then take a look at your sheet of paper.
• Does anything jump out at you?

Use this as your starting point to find creative ways to help you with your current issue.

You can re-do this exercise as many times as you want to really drill down on your ideas for ways to face your current challenge.

Then create your own action plan with small steps to help you move forward. YES! 

Then - TAKE ACTION! *important bit

Let me know how you get on - either reply to this email or share your experience over in The Creative Adventurers Playground!* How did it work for you?

Here's to Creative Adventures & THANK YOU Dolly! 

Love

Morwhenna xxx

Want more like this direct to your inbox? Then sign up to my weekly playletter! CLICK HERE!

*ps once you're signed up - you'll also get access to my exclusive Creative Adventurers Playground!

THANK YOU!

So my 4 weeks with Art Relief International have come to an end and what an adventure it has been. I hope you've enjoyed following all the ups and down via my weekly playletter, Facebook and twitter posts. There was just not enough time to update everything - so the blog (for now) suffered. 

So RIGHT now I want to say a MASSIVE THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me to be here. Keep an eye out for up coming posts once I've actually got some time to write them and to share what I've learnt as a result. 

Even though my 4 weeks with ARI are over - it's not the end of the relationship. And if you would still like to help me - you can! Skip on over to my Go Fund me to make a donation. Thank you xx

My first week with Art Relief International in Chiang Mai

The week has flown by and it’s been a pretty busy one.

So what have I been up to so far?

Here’s a run down of what’s happened this week:

Monday

I had a welcome induction with Emma (Cultural Canvas Thailand) and Sarah – who is the Art Director for ARI (both lovey)  Ran a workshop at Wildflower home, A really beautiful place outside Chiang Mai for single mothers who come from difficult situations – you can read about that workshop here.

Wildflower Home

Met the rest of the team – Wad, Pepo & Clo. Wad is the Director of Art Relief and also one of the founding members. Pepo is the Arts Co-ordinater and translator. Clo is the driver who takes us to the office each day and also to all the workshops. Everyone has been so helpful and welcoming. Thank you. ;-)

First Thai lesson! Which was fun and hard at the same time. The words for ride and shit are the same. Kee. It’s only the ‘tone’ that you use to say them (High, Low, Rising, Falling) that makes the difference. Easy to get yourself in a pickle with the wrong pronunciation here!!

It rained. Hard. Power went out. I knew where the candles were. All ok. Power came back on after about 30 mins or so. Quite exciting!

The bugs here seem to like me. A lot. 

Tuesday

HOLIDAY! Vesak Day which is Buddha’s Birthday. So the office was closed and we had a day off. I was invited to go to visit a lake and go trekking but as I’m not a moped rider, was feeling pretty tired and didn’t actually fancy trekking in this heat decided to take it easy and only went out in the late afternoon/evening in search of some traditional celebration ceremonies at some of the many Wats (Temples). You know I think I am 'Watted' out already!

Riverside - cleaning up after the rain

Hurrah for ponchos. I deliberately went out in the rain. it was AWESOME.

ps there is a geko in da house!! Well there are actually MANY gekos in da house.

Wednesday

Not sleeping very well and keep waking up in the night ;-( Still being bitten even though I am spraying myself and covering myself up.

Ran two workshops on today. One at Hope home. I found this personally challenging as I didn't know how to relate to the children there as they all have special needs. I couldn't take any pictures here - but there will be a blog post about it on the Art Relief Blog soon

The second was at Starfish Country Home. Starfish aims to provide a quality education and living environment for children so that they can lead happy and productive lives. The Chiangmai Starfish Home currently has 31 resident children and about 40 day care children with some of these children whose mothers are in prison for various crimes, most of which are related to drug trafficking. Several other resident children come from desperate family situations. 

I enjoyed this a lot actually and the kids there were very smart and already had a pretty good grasp of English. They were aged 5-6. And sooo sweet! We made rainbow pictures. Again I couldn't take any photos here but there will be some on the ARI blog.  They also gave us some mango and sticky rice (another tick in the box of things to try whilst I’m here) it was delicious.

On Wednesday evenings it is a tradition to have a 'Family Dinner' at the volunteer house where the ARI and Cultural Canvas Team come over for dinner. It was really lovely thing for them to do. A really great way to get to know the team better and also an opportunity to ask any other questions that might come up. I’m already looking forward to the next one!

Thursday

Thursday was Susie’s last day. Susie is from Norway and has been a volunteer with ARI for 12 weeks. We've been sharing the volunteer house for the past week. I felt sad even though I've only know her a few days. I think given the chance Susie would have happily stayed here as being here for three months she had really set up a life here.

One workshop today at Urban Light - a foundation which empowers boys to live a life outside the grasp of exploitation and trafficking, to continue a Piñata making workshop. Each place we have been to so far we are welcomed with joy, smiles and enthusiasm. No matter how difficult their situations. 

Although I have been reading that this is the way in Thailand and to openly show feelings of upset isn't really the norm. That doesn't been to say they don’t feel anger, fear, sadness, depression and all other emotions. It just means It can be harder to see that inside they are suffering. Putting on a brave face. I guess a lot like in the UK really. I think that’s what’s been so great about what I've seen in the workshops so far. The opportunity to express these feelings in a safe way.

Was feeling rather light headed so have been taking electrolytes in my water. That has been helping, although I did wonder if I’d feel perky enough for my next Thai lesson and then good bye drinks with Susie.

oooh FRESH MANGOS. Oh My.

The Thai lesson with my teacher Lah was again a fun and  a slightly crazy experience. She is such a character! I also learnt some Buddha stories and asked what The Creative Adventurer is in Thai. It is: Gaan awkbaep bpen sing taataai (there are high and low tones here but don’t know how to add in the lines to show that!)

Drinks at Bus Bar. Was  really lovely and a bit sad, evening at the rather groovy bar. Reminded me of a trip I took to Paris many years a go with my good friend Cress. Farewell for now Susie! Hope to see you in London!

L-R Clo, Susie, Pepo, Sarah & Me.

Skyping from here is better quality than from home! (hmmmm BT!)

Friday

BUSY! Mainly as there was a fundraiser this evening so there were some things to do for that. In the morning though I was preparing for my first solo (well not really as Pepo and Sarah were there thankfully!) workshop.

Had a very interesting meeting with Steve and Golf from Forru. Which is an organisation replanting the Chiang Mai forest. I found this particularly interesting due to my links with Trees For Life in The Caledonian Forest, Scotland. 

Today’s workshop was at BEAM - (Bridging Educational Access to Migrants) was founded to help meet the needs of Burmese migrant students who wanted higher‐level college preparation courses and advanced vocational skills training. Most students at the school also work at difficult full‐time jobs in order to make ends meet and are therefore engaged in high levels of study in addition to their workloads. 

These students have been looking at Art History. We choose Pop Art as the theme for today. I created an example and researched the topic to produce some background information. The students at BEAM have a good understanding of English – although it was still helpful to keep the content simple.

Pop Art. Theme for the BEAM workshop. Andy Warhol, Self-Portrait 

They created some great works and seemed to enjoy it. There are some very talented artists there.

Quick dash back to the volunteer house for me to change and eat before going to Small House Kafe for the evenings fundraiser. 

ARI run regular events like this for a couple of reasons, raising awareness of what they do, keeping their name known in the area and fundraising for a particular something they might need. In this case it was to help cover the costs of the exhibition space they are hiring in October for their big annual exhibition.

It was a fun evening although I did feel a bit overwhelmed at times when it started to get really busy.  Maybe I'm an introvert after all?

It was a place mainly visited by ‘Farang’ The Thai name for westerners and I met some really interesting people. One being a journalist (who’s name I can’t remember) who is actually from Turo, Cornwall and who works for a Burmese paper. She has lived in Chiang Mai for about two years.

The Chiang Mai City News photographer also paid a visit, some things were sold, faces were painted and people made donations. I don’t know how much was raised in the end but it had a relaxed vibe about it and raised awareness.

The DJ was mixing some tunes on a very cool piece of kit and I went to ask if he could mix in Pharrell‘s tune Happy. Was politely informed that it was cheesy and the DJ didn't like it. So I am officially ‘Un Cool’ hee hee. ;-0!

There are a couple of things I'm struggling with. Nothing massive but mainly - the heat, the bites (am covered in bites ;-( and having to constantly take my shoes on and off. It's not that I don't actually like this - I do. 

What frustrates me is that due to the fact I need to wear shoes with a strap or lace I'm so much slower then everyone else! (Tortoise and the Hare maybe I need to think about here?) I guess it just makes me feel awkward. 

I'm LOVING the fresh fruit, the friendly welcomes and the food and excited about what next week will bring. ;-) I am feeling like I am being well looked after by the team here.

Here's the ARI blog Link if you want to sign up to follow that blog too ;-)

Art Materials from Great Art - Thank you!

So nearly a week has passed already. Before I get into that though (I'm crafting a post about that now) I wanted to post a picture of Pepo - The Arts Coordinator and Translator at Art Relief International receiving the art materials so kindly donated by Great Art. 

Handing over the donated art materials to Pepo at Art Relief International

They were so grateful for these materials as although a lot of things are cheaper to buy here in Chiang Mai, getting good quality brushes like these and watercolour paint sets are expensive. They were VERY excited to be given them. 

UK company, Great Art donated 10 sets of brush sets and 20 watercolour tins to Art Relief International.

Am really looking forward to using these in some of the workshops. 

Thank you Great Art for being so generous. ;-) You can read about Pepo's role here

The office is pretty groovy and inspiring too..

I am here! In Chiang Mai!

I'm sitting in my guest house as I write this with the sound of crickets (and the occasional dog barking) in the background. I'm tucked away enough from the main street that I can't actually hear any traffic.

So I've made it (along with my luggage) and now the next part of the adventure begins. 
Here's a couple of photos and things that have happened so far...

And I'm off! Early start at Heathrow

At Heathrow Airport super early in the morning! (left home at 04.30am eek)

Went through security really quickly, thought it was going to be much busier

Was wondering if my hand luggage was heavier than the allowed 7kg when the lady at the check in desk said - hmm that's rather heavy - do you have a laptop in there? Yep. OK then that's fine. Off you go. *phew*

Having a loop on my hat would be useful so I could attached it to my bag (will sew one on while I'm here)

The flight to Abu Dhabi was pretty empty so I had a whole area to myself. Which was good as I watched The Lego Movie and there were lots of laugh out loud moments. Everything is Awesome!! la la la la. Had a great seat by the wing though and saw the slipstream over the wing for the first time. That was pretty cool.

When I booked the flight I some how booked myself a special Oriental vegetarian meal option - not quite sure how I did that - so it was a surprise when I was served first with this. 

Can't say it was very good though ;-( However, can't fault the service on the flight. I flew with Etihad Airways and they were very good.

But getting my food before everyone else was actually a bit of a treat on the next flight (I took three in total) as the flight was PACKED! I was seated between some young loves and on the other side a young girl of screaming age. I was grateful for my earplugs and sleep mask! Hurrah!

Had to hang about in Abu Dhabi airport for a bit to wait for my flight to Bangkok. The place was eerily quiet. Where is everybody? Interesting building though.

Waiting at Abu Dhabi airport

The flight was delayed. I couldn't quite understand why, wasn't very clear. We eventually set off. Was an ok flight - as I mentioned above thanks to the earplugs and eye mask!! 

I did get woken up by a lady speaking to me in Spanish and holding the plastic bag the airline blankets are supplied in. 

Having being woken up, I had absolutely no idea what was going on. I guessed she wanted the plastic bag? So just said fine. But really? To wake me up for that! Felt rather disorientated so must have been proper asleep. Hmm probably snoring too..maybe that's why she woke me! ;-0 Anyway, upshot was I missed the connecting flight to Chiang Mai.

Wasn't worried though, as long as I could let Emma know I'd be on a different flight. I was issued with a new ticket for a later flight then went in search of wifi and money exchange. Both sorted then it was time for my next flight. This time with Bangkok Air as it was a domestic flight. Again was pretty empty.

I'm the only one collecting luggage. Empty Chiang Mai airport

Arrive at Chiang Mai airport and I am the only one to collect international luggage. I had a sticker!

I get escorted to the collecting bay

There was no one else around

They turn on the conveyor belt

Nothing happens

Then!

A solitary bag appears...and it's mine. 

*Hurrah* I do a little dance. 

The chap who escorted me to the baggage claim area gives me a funny look.

Emma from Art Relief is there to meet me. Another hurrah! And then she drops me at the guest house I'm staying at until I move to the volunteer house on Sunday. 
*phew* I'm here.

I check in, have a shower then go to sleep for a few hours.

Feeling perky get up around 16.00 local time (6 hrs ahead here) and go to explore where I'm staying. Thinking it's time for a cuppa.

This is the view of the Ping river from the guest house garden. Reminds me of Bristol. The water is the same colour. Bit hotter here though. Thank you to Andrea Jordan for recommending it. All good so far. Clean, simple, good location and very good price at £14 a night.

Decide to have some food too so ordered a Red Curry. DELICIOUS. Cost for the curry and a fresh lemon juice 120 baht. That's about £2.

Have been for a little explore up the road to check out where the markets are and the old city, but it started to get dark and seeing as my sense of direction isn't great at night figured it best to head back then have a proper day of exploring tomorrow. 

Looks like there are some interesting art exhibitions on to so will have plenty to see while I'm here. Oh yes and there's the place that makes paper from elephant poo. Gotta go there.

Bye for now!

PS You can still sponsor me. In fact I'd love it if you could. I'm nearly at 50% of my target!
PPS My security/criminal background check from Disclosure Scotland arrived in the post yesterday when I was already on my way! Grateful for scanners and email so Rich could send me a copy! Another *phew*

PACKED!

Today I'm heading off to Thailand to spend 4 weeks volunteering with Art Relief International. 

WHOOO HOOOO!

I feel nervous

I feel excited

I feel tired - packing took way longer than I expected!!

All packed and ready to go!

OK - I haven't reached my target. Yet.  So will continue fundraising efforts while I'm away...;-)

Current amount raised £1,217 of my £2,500 target which is AWESOME! Thank you SO much to each and everyone who has supported me. You are AMAZING. xx

See you in Chiang Mai!