Episode 18: Finding Creativity in Loss with Amber Thomas

Amber Thomas of Mr. Thomas and Me is one of our internet favorites. She’s genuine, geared for engagement, and so, so smart. We chatted with Amber about all the projects she has going (hint: it’s a lot of awesome), how her creativity changed as she experienced the loss of her father to dementia, and how she uses the internet in ways that keep her inspired.

Here’s where to find Amber:

Blog: http://www.mrthomasandme.com

Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AmberThomasMakes

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrthomasandme

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrthomasandme/

Confetti Community: https://www.instagram.com/confetticommunity/

It Begins Here: An Anthology that features Amber’s art and words

Here’s where to find Ashley:

Website: https://www.BrooksEditorial.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/brookseditorial

Instagram: http://instagram.com/brookseditorial

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/brookseditorial

Here’s where to find Abbigail:

Website: https://www.InkwellsandImages.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/abbigailekriebs

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbigailekriebs/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inkwellsandimages/

Mini Book Club:

The Crossroads of Should and Must by Elle Luna

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Rework by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull

Quotes from this Episode:

“I’m comfortable online.” - Amber

“I’ve tried to put myself in a box like that so many times and it never works. It burns me out.” - Amber

“Blogging is my hobby. I make zero dollars doing it. So it’s only going to be what I love to do.” - Amber

“My creativity is that spastic, frenetic kind of energy. I have to be intentional with my time.” - Amber

“If you are feeling like you aren’t making progress in any area, try batching tasks.” - Ashley

“My brain doesn’t volunteer to line up things for me.” - Amber

“We pulled ourselves back into a very sacred space.” - Amber

“I’m allowed to talk about myself and my story, but not at the expense of anyone else.” - Amber

“I don’t ever want the private expense to be greater than the public good.” - Amber

“It’s wonderful when your giftedness aligns with doing something for other people.” - Abbigail

“Creativity is really hard to grow when you are in the middle.” - Amber

“You just have to start again.” - Amber

“Find that one beautiful moment of each day.” - Abbigail

“It’s great to know what drags you down personally so you can unfollow it.” - Ashley

“Be intentional: what do you want your life to look like? You have to make your online life look like that. FOllow things that get you closer to that point.” - Abbigail

“I’m not using the internet right if when I leave it I am angry with myself.” - Amber