If you are a person who gives your goals 100 percent of effort, you must take breaks to ensure you recharge and refuel.

I looked up from the work on my desk last Friday and left town. I’m in the Amen Corner when it comes to Artist Dates. I use every time out of town as an opportunity for Artist Dates.

Julia Cameron describes the Artist Date: “The Artist Date is a once-weekly, festive, solo expedition to explore something that interests you. The Artist Date need not be overtly “artistic” … art is about the play of ideas, they feed our creative work by replenishing our inner well of images and inspiration.”

I’ve filled up on Artist Dates:

Art

The Harvey B. Gant Center of African American Art: I hung out with the Stroller Tour, moms and dads pushing toddlers around museum. You are never too young or old to enjoy art.

Adventure & Fun

The NASCAR Hall of Fame was a good time. I’m not a race car enthusiast. I failed and crashed out on the Qualifying Simulation.

However, the history of NASCAR Ann France, the wife of NASCAR’s founder Big Bill caught my attention. In the midst of all the men, she managed the finances with an adding machine and cigar box to hold the loot in the infancy of bringing racing to the masses. I imaged her as a spirited woman thriving in this space dominated by men.

Whimsical Art

The second leg of my trip was Naples, Florida. I enjoyed 20 minutes touring a small gallery and was introduced to Hurt Slomen and his bunnies. The gallery assistant welcomed my intrusion and shared that history of Slomen who uses acrylic, resin, and crushes glass to render bunny and butterflies art with price tags of $20,000.

A little light on cash to make a purchase, I enjoyed the opportunity to take a photo of the an infamous bunny.

I also enjoyed the Hoffman’s The Naples Sculpture installation “The Dash” by Kevin Barrett. Shiny and beautiful abstract.

Back to The 9-5

As I pack to head back to Detroit, I feel relaxed, restored, and refreshed. I’ve explored and reflected. Ready for work and to give 100%! “You Gotta Have Artist Dates.”