darren r hill

the creative minimalist

Category: Lifestream

General life stuff that doesn’t fit another category

Time for a Fresh Look!

Hello worlds

So, here’s the deal. I’ve been looking at the current layout and, it’s starting to feel a bit like that comfy but worn-out jumper you just can’t part with. It’s familiar, sure, but let’s be honest, it needs a little TLC.

That’s why I’m diving head-first into a redesign! Expect things to get cleaner, fresher, and hopefully more exciting. But here’s the catch: as I’m sprucing things up, you might notice a few wayward bits here and there. Buttons may not work as expected, or some text will be out of place – although nothing new there. However, these hiccups are all part of the journey to a shiny new space.

I’m hoping this redesign won’t take too long. I’m working hard behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly and gets back to ~~the normal vague state~~ complete awesomeness in no time.

So, bear with me as I embark on this makeover adventure. I think it’ll be worth it. The plan is to make this site more of a hub for all things the creative minimalist.

Thanks for your patience and support. May your creativity shine forth.

Thank you for reading this post. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
namaste
d
xox

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23 March 2025
Mid to End Feb Creative Field Notes

How have I felt this week?

I have often felt that creative people absorb the news and current events surrounding them. Like many, I have been watching partly in horror and partly in sadness at the way the world is polarising and pulling apart instead of pulling, or at least, working together. I am not suggesting that my “brand” of politics is best, I don’t, but there must be a better way of sorting the current crises that are afflicting the humanity of this planet.

Anyway, these events are affecting my creativity. I am working on FAWM and I have noticed that I am writing lyrics reflecting underlying fears. These fears are both of a personal and worldview nature. It is interesting how one can influence the other.

I have also been knee or neck-deep in WordPress. It has been a while since I got down and dirty with this wonderful and amazing piece of software. The main issue with this is that it has changed so much that I am uncovering new features as well as reminding myself of old ones.

What have I created this past fortnight?

Sculpting Sound

I am pretty much on track with FAWM. I have finally got around to sharing some rough mixes on the site. I’m not overjoyed at the songs so far but it is good to have a daily challenge of getting the song journal out and seeing where I end up. A major theme running through things is change, both in the world and in my life. I think this may be a major step in my Odyssey this year.

While FAWM has been going well, I haven’t managed to spend much time on the Wheel of the Year collection. This isn’t due to losing interest but because I was playing catch up on FAWM for a while… my fault.

Weaving words

I have an idea for a work of fiction. I have begun writing bits and pieces for it using Scrivener. I don’t know how far it will go or even if it will be a thing. It currently has my interest though. The concept, without giving too much away, is a narrative working on two levels around a diary or journal. It is dark but I’m not sure if it will fall into a specific genre as yet. It is very much in the early stages.

Multimedia/Mixed media

I haven’t got into any visual work beyond a couple of simple social media posts. I felt a little overwhelmed with all the options I had here. Streamlining my process has become important to get anywhere with the ideas I have.

25 in 25 highlights and lowlights

I have about half of the habits needed for my 25 things in 2025 in place. I am going to add more as I move forward and make sure that I don’t slip up on any of the ones I am keeping.

In conclusion

This past fortnight has been a struggle, but I am feeling positive about where I am and where I am heading. I am sure that this year of Odyssey will throw up more than a few obstacles but I am building some foundations that will benefit me.

Thank you for reading this post. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
namaste
d
xox

If you enjoyed this post please support my writing by making a donation of any amount.

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23 February 2025
Odyssey my word of the year 2025

My word for 2025 is Odyssey. It is a guiding word, something to meditate on during the dismal grey days of February, or the oppressive heat of June. I believe this provides the perfect balance between a dedicated journey with purpose alongside the very real distractions of living and being.

Odyssey
noun
a long and eventful or adventurous journey or experience:
journey, voyage, trek, travels, quest, crusade, pilgrimage, wandering, journeying;

It doesn’t limit itself to the self-development or spiritual growth of a pilgrimage but can encompass it. It is a me sort of word, with multiple meanings and aspects around a theme.

Of course, one can’t truly think of the word “odyssey” without a brief mention of Homer’s renowned classic. I find the Wikipedia entry on the poem’s themes particularly insightful.

> Crucial themes in the poem include the ideas of nostos (νόστος; ‘return’), wandering, xenia (ξενία; ‘guest-friendship’), testing, and omen

Or, a journey to a place, without a set course, with friends, family and others, a journey that will test my skills and abilities, and provide moments of spiritual contemplation and revelation.

On a more practical note, this odyssey will involve music making, digital and traditional art, multimedia, lots of learning and looking after my physical health.

I’ll share more as the year passes. I have been working on 25 goals/habits for 2025. The first and primary one is to vlog/blog each week, so I’ll have plenty of opportunities to let you know how things are going.

In the meantime, I have to do some preparation work for January. I still can’t believe we’ve spent another year in orbit around our star. I hope and pray that it was a good one for you, and may 2025 bring blessings to you all.

Thank you for reading this post. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
namaste
d
xox

If you enjoyed this post please support my writing by making a donation of any amount.

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29 December 2024
rhythm as a metaphor: vlog

A simple introduction to how I will be achieving my creative goals in 2024. Part vlog and part poetic metaphor. Watch here or on YouTube.

Thank you for reading this post. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
namaste
d
xox

If you enjoyed this post please support my writing by making a donation of any amount.

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8 January 2024
My word for 2024

Each year I choose a word. A word to guide me, a word to inspire me, a word I can see above my desk when I doubt, or fear, or worry, or… celebrate. This year, 2024, my word is INTENT.

“Too many wasted nights
obsessed with the flickering things in my life”
Ancient Water by Future Islands

I get distracted too easily
by the flickering,
the incorporeal,
the incorruptible,
the sublime and the ridiculous

But 2024 will be focused
2024 will be met with INTENT

Every flickering moment of my existence will be intentional.

Thank you for reading this post. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
namaste
d
xox

If you enjoyed this post please support my writing by making a donation of any amount.

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29 December 2023
Issues and maintenance on the blog

There are one or two issues with the blog at the moment. These are finally making me get around to doing a little maintenance on the site. This shouldn’t affect your visit, stay or gentle browsing, but things might change from moment to moment. It is possible some bit or piece may be gone one minute, moved the next and finally after a quick breath back in its old position. I am hoping most of the work will be behind the scenes until eventually, a new and shiny, clean and clear site will emerge.

Hold tight, please place your trays in their upright position, and enjoy the journey.

Thank you for reading this post. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
namaste
d
xox

If you enjoyed this post please support my writing by making a donation of any amount.

Sign up for my (ir)regular newsletter to keep up to date with my creative adventures, including special offers, and join me on Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | Pinterest

25 July 2023