Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Ellen Clarke @talaarts.bsky.social · Aug 12

We live in a world where the word "enough" always seems to be running just ahead of us, out of reach, as we run faster, trying to catch it.

twofleas.substack.com

Ellen Clarke @talaarts.bsky.social · Jul 30

When Faith Becomes a Cover for Power: What Are We Really Worshipping?

Let’s not dance around it.

twofleas.substack.com

Ellen Clarke @talaarts.bsky.social · Jul 22

When Empathy Becomes Rebellion

Compassion isn’t weakness. It’s rebellion in a culture of cruelty.

twofleas.substack.com

Ellen Clarke @talaarts.bsky.social · Jun 6

Too hot to function today. 🥵 The A/C units are still sitting in the garage. I've been doing the bare minimum. #heatwave #sendhelp #workingfromsauna I just want to sleep. Some days are just what they are.

(Photo by Neil Bates on Unsplash)

Ellen Clarke @talaarts.bsky.social · Jun 5

That liminal space between the end of the school year and the start of summer feels like nature holding its breath. What do you want to breathe life into during this in-between time? A dream, a project, a new habit?

(Photo by Shen Geng Lin on Unsplash)

Ellen Clarke @talaarts.bsky.social · Jun 4

When I first tried Scrivener, I gave up—too many features, too confusing. My mistake? Trying to learn it before using it. Turns out, it’s best learned by starting simple and adding tools as you go. Dive in, then grow! #amwriting #Scrivener #writingtips

(Photo by Carli Jeen on Unsplash)

1

Ellen Clarke @talaarts.bsky.social · Jun 3

What’s one thing on your to-do list you’re actually excited about? Even the thing you dread most. I’ve been putting off tackling my yard weeds, but 20–30 mins at a time is doable. Beats staring out the window thinking I can’t. Progress > perfection. 🌱

(Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash)

Ellen Clarke @talaarts.bsky.social · Jun 2

I’ve found it’s way easier to get results when I work in small chunks. Last week, I was stuck trying to set my color palette in Podia. Today, with just 30 minutes, I cracked it. Progress doesn’t need hours, just focus and a timer. 🕒✨ #CreativeWins #podiapower

(Photo by Windows on Unsplash)

Ellen Clarke @talaarts.bsky.social · May 29

As May winds down, what’s one thing you’re grateful for this month? I’m grateful for the many small, manageable tasks I completed—each one a step toward my bigger goals. No overwhelm, just steady progress. How about you?

(Photo by CDC on Unsplash)

Ellen Clarke @talaarts.bsky.social · May 28

How do you define a productive day—by what you did or how you felt? For me, it's the feeling of satisfaction after completing what I set out to do. Turns out, my good feelings depend on what I did. How about you? #Productivity #CreativeLife #soulfulwork

(Photo by Ella Jardim on Unsplash)

Ellen Clarke @talaarts.bsky.social · May 27

Something I’m working on this week: setting up my violin school in Podia! My old platform had too many limits; I couldn’t give students everything I wanted to. Grateful to have found a new home that lets me share freely. 🎻💻 #violin #creators #musicteacher

(Photo by Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash)

Ellen Clarke @talaarts.bsky.social · May 22

Tell me about a time you surprised yourself with what you were capable of. 🎨 I did recently, by taking an online painting class! It turns out that trying something new can reveal talents you didn’t know you had. What’s something that brought out a hidden side of you?

(Photo by Ivan Pergasi)

Ellen Clarke @talaarts.bsky.social · May 21

What helps you stay consistent when motivation is low? Tiny rituals for me: taking out my violin, opening the music. Action invites inspiration, especially in small steps. What’s your go-to trick to keep showing up? #violin #writing #creativity #consistency

(Photo by Jabber Visuals on Unsplash)

Ellen Clarke @talaarts.bsky.social · May 20

Quick Tip: I leave my violin out with the case open so I can grab it anytime and “practice” (aka play for fun). Less friction = more joy. What’s one habit or tool that’s made a real difference in your creative flow?
(Photo by Philip Myrtorp on Unsplash)

1 2

Ellen Clarke @talaarts.bsky.social · May 19

This week, I’m showing up for me - AND you! - writing, painting, and building my soulful violin biz. Even 10 minutes counts if it moves me toward this year’s intentions. Tiny steps, big energy. 💫 #CreativeLife #ViolinWithHeart #showupforyourself

(Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash)

Ellen Clarke @talaarts.bsky.social · May 16

Small shift, big heart: I’m now focusing on helping violinists grow technically and connect more deeply with their playing—emotionally, spiritually, soulfully. If you crave more meaning in your music, I’m here for it. 🎻💫 #ViolinWithHeart #SoulfulStrings

(Photo by Rosario Janza on Unsplash)

Ellen Clarke @talaarts.bsky.social · May 14

If your left hand feels tired, check your thumb. It should be flexible with the joint bent. Loosen it up and let your fingers dance. 🎶 #ViolinLife

(Photo by Iain Robertson on Unsplash)

Ellen Clarke @talaarts.bsky.social · May 13

Open strings aren’t cheating—they’re your tuning fork, your reset button. They keep you honest 😁 Use them. Love them. 🎻 #violintips
(Photo by Xingchen Yan on Unsplash, playing with a Baroque bow)

Ellen Clarke @talaarts.bsky.social · May 9

Bach’s E Major Sonata was frying my brain—especially m. 33–34 (all sharps!). 🎻 Tried every fingering, finally landed on 3rd position. Just 10 mins a day, and it's clicking. Micro movements work. Stay curious, not frustrated! #violinlife #Bach #microwins

(Photo by Ellen Clarke)

Ellen Clarke @talaarts.bsky.social · May 7

Violinists, your bow pinky isn’t just tagging along—if it’s stiff, your sound is too. Bend it. Flex it. Let it work its magic ❤️🎻

(Photo by Adam J Wester on Unsplash)

Ellen Clarke @talaarts.bsky.social · May 6

Don’t just play your piece from top to bottom on repeat. That’s the fast track to boredom. 🎻 Play it through once a week, spot the tricky parts, and live there. The goal? A full run-through at tempo—no stumbles, no sweat.

(Photo by Joel Timothy on Unsplash)

Ellen Clarke @talaarts.bsky.social · May 5

Big dreams grow from small steps. Even 5–10 minutes a day: vacuuming, violin, a quick post, or moving one task forward; keeps the momentum alive. Progress isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, even in sweats. #DailyWins #ProgressNotPerfection

(Photo by Lukas Blazek on Unsplash)

Ellen Clarke @talaarts.bsky.social · May 1

🎻 I’ve played violin for 51 years, and it still feels new. I fall in love again by learning fresh music, exploring new styles, and staying curious. Progress isn’t about perfection. It’s about fun! #ViolinLife #LifelongLearning #GrowthMindset #MusicEducation

Ellen Clarke @talaarts.bsky.social · Apr 30

The hardest thing to learn on violin? Not shifting or vibrato. It’s a correct bow hold. It controls tone, phrasing, expression, everything. Small adjustments here = huge results. Don’t underestimate the bow hand. #ViolinLife #BowHold #MusicEducation

(Photo by Denny Muller on Unsplash)

Ellen Clarke @talaarts.bsky.social · Apr 29

🎻 Practice myth I’d love to retire: You don’t need hours.
15–20 focused minutes on one tricky phrase = real progress.
Small, smart steps > marathon frustration.
If you’re stuck, don’t go longer—go smaller.
#ViolinLife #PracticeTips #MusicEducation
(Photo by Faith Knight on Unsplash)