Coffee with Moe - Autumn Coffee Talk

Autumn Edition 2021

IT’S COFF

EE TIME!

Editorial
Introverts Story
@moe-
creative
06
08
12
presents: Coffee Talk
ISSUE 18: Coffee Talk with Moe
October 2021
On The Cover: There is nothing better
than sharing coffee together. It’s a time
of connection, deeper understanding,
laughter, discovery and so much more!
Let’s join together for a cuppa right now!
For digital Prints & Commission work, please
Contact: monique@moecreative.com

Winter is Coming
Rainy Day Ritual
A Little Birdy...
18
22
26
with Moe
Website: www.moecreative.com
Blog: www.moecreative.com/blog
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/moecreative/
IG: www.instagram.com/moe_creative
Coffee with Moe Digital Magazine is
published in association with Moe Creative
Inc. based in Calgary, Alberta Canada
Publishing made possible by Moe Creative, Yumpo & the
Adobe Suite of Products.
* Art & photography by Monique for Moe Creative inc.
Many thanks to Family, Friends & Inspiration:
Gratefully & alphabetically listed:
AB, AC, AG, AL, AR, BCV, BD, CF, CG, CR,
CS, DD, DK, DL, DO, DR, EC, ED, EN, GD,
GDC, HC, HM, IF, JD, JH, JM, JR, JS, KB,KH,
KN, KW, LB, LD, LK, LM, LOL, LP, MB, MC,
MH, MQ, MS, MY, ND, NH, NS, PA, PB, RC,
RS, SB, SH, SK, SP, SMG, TN, TR, VH, YK.
& all Moe Creative’s clientele & suppliers.
All for whom this issue was created, with
heart & much gratitude.
© 2021 Moe Creative Inc. All rights reserved.

Hello and welcome!
It’s time again for a little coffee talk and
the latest edition of:
Coffee with Moe
While Coffee with Moe might seem like a
simple little creative offering, my wish
is for so much more.
You see, with each issue that I
create, my intension is to connect with
you, to connect you with my art, my heart,
all while carving us out a
little refuge. A place where we can
explore thoughts, ideas and find common
ground.
To spark conversations that may
inspire you to think about your own
perspective, what creativity looks like for
you now and what you want it to look like
moving forward,.
This month in Coffee with Moe, let’s grab
a cuppa and explore some of those
notions, as well as a few ways to help us
feel better regardless of what is
happening outside ourselves.
Lately, that’s quite a lot.
Let’s grab a cuppa and head inside. I’ll
see you there.
XO
Moe

Hello,
My name is Moe and I’m an Introvert.
If you get to know me, I can actually be quite
chatty. But if you’re just meeting me, especially
in a group setting, this fact might be obscured by
my silent exterior. By default I get to hear a lot of
things that people think about introverts. Many
of these things are more speculation than actual
reality. Classic stereotypes that could use a firm
debunking. A debunking I’ve been itching to write.
Without further ado, here’s a list of a few irksome
typecasts, and my personal perspective of how to
better understand an introvert like me.
01. Introverts hate people
This simple isn’t true. Introverts like me (I can’t
speak for everyone) love our people, in small
doses. What I’m trying to say is that extroverts
can plug right into an event and get their fuel from
others. Introverts don’t work this way, ever. Our
energy expires, it gets used up and the only way
we can truly recharge is privately with our nose
in a book, some art, a nap or other rejuvenating
efforts.
02. Quiet = something wrong / a bad mood
This might be the case for extraverts? I don’t
know, I’m not one.
For an introvert, quiet is good. It’s our happy
place and how we let others know that we’re
comfortable in our surroundings. Introverts are
often happiest listening in on a boisterous
conversation, or observing their extroverted
friends hamming it up for a crowd. Often I only
speak up if I feel I offer something new, can make
people laugh or to support a point of view.
Beyond that, I save my energy so that it lasts
longer.
03. Calling out an introvert for being quiet.
Don’t do this, just don’t. This can be triggering
for shy people, plus it’s all around shaming and
bullying. You’re never going to convince anyone
to engage more, through this kind of pushy

coersion. When an introvert has something to
add to a conversation, they’ll most certainly
chime in. Introverts are chatty, but only when they
feel safe and/or inspired to do so. If the person
you’re calling out is shy, you’re adding to their
anxieties and fears. Making an introvert or
anyone else the centre of attention for not talking
is the opposite of motivating. Just don’t do it. It’s
really insensitive and to whomever you’re
spotlighting, it’s extremely rude.
04. Introverts are Weird
It’s interesting how often people think that anyone
who isn’t exactly like them is weird. Introverts
tend to follow their own interests rather than
trends. Sometimes that makes us early adopters,
but weird really just means different than you.
05. Introverts are Self-centred
I find this one hilarious. Anyone who has ever
called me self-centred, has said this to shame
me into dismissing my own needs to meet theirs.
This is a classic projection. Generally when I say
no, it’s because I have other things scheduled or I
actually need to take care of my own mental and
physical health by not over extending myself. I
would expect the same of everyone. Knowing our
boundaries makes us all healthier, happier adults.
Yes, our refuelling is more of an internal process,
it says nothing about how we approach the world.
A few common attributes of an introvert are that
they are thoughtful, observant and
compassionate.
The polar opposite to self-centred.
06. Introverts are antisocial
Nope, not true. Since introverts can’t plug into a
social event to gain energy, quiet is needed for
recharging. All this means is that introverts need
to balance social time with down time. We’re not
energizer bunnies that can go go go in endless...
Cont’d nxt pg

social settings. Certain events take more energy
than others, so down-time required will also vary.
Generally introverts love their people and prefer
to prioritize events that will include time with them
over strangers.
07. Introverts are shy
Shy and Introverted are not the same thing.
Thinking they are the same is why some
extroverts believe that introversion is something
that needs to be fixed. An introvert can be shy,
but most introverts have plenty of social skills and
just need alone time to recharge their batteries.
A shy person on the other hand is afraid on some
level of social interaction. This can stem from
previous trauma or a slew of other factors. You
can go to therapy to overcome shyness. But,
introversion? It’s a trait like eye colour.
08. Introverts lack self-esteem
Not shouting out who we from a mountain-top
doesn’t mean we think less of ourselves.
Considering that quiet solo time is our happy
place, the whole idea seems counter intuitive. If
you’re looking for someone who lacks true self
esteem, you’re better to look for someone who
hates spending time in their own company.
09. Introverts prefer to not have any friends
Like I’ve said before, I love my people. I wouldn’t
trade them in for the world and aim to always
treat them so. In return, I feel grateful to receive
much love back. Not wanting or enjoying my
friends is not something this introvert suffers
from. That being said. I do hit a wall, especially
around bed time and that usually means that
socializing for me, is done for the day.
It may seem obvious. But not all introverts or
extroverts are exactly the same. These are a
few very good starting points in understanding
your introverted friend. But they are by no means
exhaustive.
I think like most people, introverts want to be
respected for who they are and not feel the need
to conform to any particular standard, except
kindness. It’s best for everyone to pay attention

to the nuances that make your friends
originals and appreciate what everyone brings
to your table.
______________________________
Some other great resources you can
access to understand those lovely and
reserved introverts in your life are:
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World
That Can’t Stop Talking.,
by Susan Cain
Quiet Power: The Secret Strength of
Introverts.,
by Susan Cain
I found 6 illustrations that tell a very
interesting story about what’s going on
inside an introverts head.
It all starts with this introduction:
“Dear Extroverts,
We love your energy and your
excitement. But as introverts, we
sometimes feel misunderstood. We wish
you could visualize what’s going on inside
our brains, you might be
surprised! Here are six illustrations of what
it’s like to be in our heads.
Sincerely,
Introverts”
(Here’s the link with illustrations)

From the
Moe on Instagram
Inspiration at your fingertips
Visit www.instragram.com/moe_creative
A place for us to connect, share our
creative hearts and support each other’s
journey in this beautiful life.

Studio
GRANDE OPENING NOVEMBER 1st 2021
Get your new favourite T and more...
Moe Creative’s Studio Shop.
Filled with birds, nature and a dose of
fun. Every detail thoughtfully researched
to serve the environment, social justice
and YOU. Visit www.moecreative.com/Shop

#Moecreativ
Turn this
Each month a new collabourative colouring
page is created. I’ll draw, you colour!
It’s as easy as downloading from a link
provided in the Moe Creative newsletter or
at www.moecreative.com/Subscribers-Library

ecolour
Into whatever colours your fancy.
When you’ve finished colouring up your
page, share it on instagram by tagging
me @moe_creative and using the hashtag
#moecreativecolour so that I can give you
a shout-out across digital space.

To view this sketchbook tour on YouTube, click the link below.
About a year ago, I decided to go on an adventure of a different kind.
I’d heard about this cool place in Brooklyn NY that housed Sketchbooks from
participating artists from around the world. To participate, a person had to order a
sketchbook and within the limited time frame of a few months, return it filled.
While this might not seem to be a monumental task, I do know a lot of artists who
have ordered and never completed their books. Life gets busy. It takes dedication
to a singular multi-piece sketchbook project. It means giving an inside look into the
process of sketchbooking that is normally held as private & personal. Turning in a
completed sketchbook requires the ability to share imperfect ideas and art.
I’m happy to say, I did complete this project and it is available at these locations:
The Brooklyn Art Library is located at 28 Frost St, Brooklyn, NY
The Library Call Number for this sketchbook: 419.10-07
YouTube Sketchbook Tour by Moe Creative
(This Youtube video shows a hidden page not revealed in the digitized copy)
Link to theBrooklyn Library Digitized copy

WINTER I
Oh My Goodness, winter is coming.
Shorter, colder days transitioning us into a
world of white, brown and shades of solemn
grey. It’s a tough reality after a swirl of fall
colour and two seasons of lush energizing
greenery.
So how is it that we are supposed to survive
the months of bleakness ahead?
With house plants of course.
Why are house plants so important?
There have been a ton of studies done
to figure this out. It turns out these little
gems will add health to your home. In fact,
increasing the plant life in your home to 2%
will provide the following benefits:
• Plants clean the air you breathe by
removing toxins from that air. This is
actually a perfect helping hand in winter
while we’re keeping our homes locked
up from the cold.
• Plants reduce fatigue by increasing
• oxygen in the air, increasing your
• energy level.
• Increased oxygen from photosynthesis
also contributes to improved moods
and mental focus
• Caring for something as simple as a
plant can nurture our innate need to
care for others.
• Gazing at greenery has been shown to
reduce stress and tension
• Work from home? Plants can boost
your outlook at work and your
• productivity too.
• Houseplants reduce indoor dust by an
approximate 20%
• You can maximize the benefits of plants
by keeping them in your breathing zone
which is 6-8 feet around where you
• normally sit or lie down.
• The humidity released by plants
• improves respiratory and skin health
while reducing headaches
• Plants increase our already strong
connection to nature

S COMING
All this in exchange for a little TLC.
OK, there is a little bit more to it than that.
Be sure to look up the needs of each house plant
you purchase, so that you can:
• Know the sun requirements of each plant.
• Understand in what season, if any, your plant
needs a boost of fertilizer.
• Know just how much water is enough. Some
plants prefer to dry out completely, others are
much more thirsty.
• Learn ways you can help your plants thrive
Oh yah, and don’t forget to talk to your plants.
They actually use the CO2 that is emitted from
your breath in photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis is how a plant uses light to turn
CO2 and water into food. The cool byproduct of
this process is Oxygen.
For more sweet information on plants, keep
reading. Up next the top plants researched by
NASA to benefit us in our homes...

WINTER I
As mentioned previously, NASA has been
doing a ton of research on house plants to
see how they can be used in flight to benefit
astronauts in space.
Luckily, those same benefits will most
definately help any home owner that
chooses to harness the power of plants.
NASA’s research found that the following
plants remove harmful gases such as
Formaldahyde, Trichloroethalyne and
Benzene.
Here are NASA’s Top Picks:
• English Ivy
• Aloe Vera
• Golden Pothos
• Spider Plant
• Chinese Evergreen
• Bamboo or Reed Palm
• Peace Lily
• Elephant Ear Philodendron
• Heart leafed Philodendron
• Lacy Tree Philodendron
• Corn Plant
• Weeping Fig
• Gerbera Daisy
• Potted Mom
• Red Edged Dracaena
• Janet Craig Dracaena
• Warneckii Dracaena
• Snake Plant aka Mother-in-Law’s
Tongue

S COMING
Don’t forget your furry friends!
Some of the plants on this list can
be poisonous if left in a spot where a
chew-happy pet can feast.
There are plenty of websites that can
guide you along your way. My top
recommendation would be to check
a variety of Vet sites as well as the
ASPCA website.
For North American wide support in
the case of Pet Poisoning call the:
Pet Poison Hotline
18002136680
(They do of course charge a fee)
__________________________
For even more cool information on
plants, be sure to read:
The Secret Life of Plants
by Peter Tompkins and
Christopher Bird
&
The Hidden Life of Trees
by Peter Wohlleben
It has recently been made into a movie
by the same name.
There is also a very cool BBC special
called My Passion for Trees that is on
Youtube starring Dame Judi Dench
and her beloved trees.

Rainy Day Ritual
It's not often that people consider rain as a prescription for stress relief.
But I'm here to change all of that. You see, I've been using the rain to wash that stress
right out of my head and shoulders and psyche for decades.
It works brilliantly.
It all started somewhere way back in the age of CDs. I found a series called:
Solitudes, where a cool Canadian photographer and cinematographer, Dan Gibson,
had captured many moments in nature and had created a huge library of full length
CDS. Nature mixed with soothing music, and sometimes just nature alone. One of the
many natural sound CDs that I bought was called:
Thunder Storm in the Wilderness.
It was captured brilliantly. The sounds of a forest, ramping up to rain and then, a
downpour of a Thunderstorm. If the CD was turned up just loud enough, it was like
camping in a tent without the cold and wet.
One night, after a particularly gross day, I was listening to this CD during dinner and
started thinking. The only thing wrong with a Thunderstorm is that the rain is cold and
uninviting. What if... I turned up the volume and hopped into the shower?

Well, that sounded like my kind of experiment, so I quickly finished up my last
few bites and in a flash, my eyes were closed and the warm shower water
started mixing seamlessly with the storm. Within a few breaths, I felt my shoulders
drop, the tightness in my head release and I was transported into the
woods. Far far away from any worry or concern of my everyday life. Bliss.
Well, today is a few decades later and I can’t say that I even own a CD player
anymore. Thankfully I’ve been able to find the Thunderstorm in the Wilderness
on both youtube and Spotify. If you’re a lover of nature or just keen on
shedding a few layers of stress, give this cleansing little ritual a go.
There are about 4 minutes of pre-rain frog and forest sounds to get you in the
groove before the shower magic begins. Once your in the shower standing
securely, I advise you to close your eyes, listen up and allow your stress to
simply wash away.
Enjoy your escape into this rainy day ritual.

“
Sunshine is delicious,
rain is refreshing, wind
braces us up, snow is
exhilerating.
There really is no such
thing as bad weather,
only different kinds of
good weather.
“
- John Ruskin

A little birdy told me...
XO
Moe
A little birdy told me, just the other day.
That life is more creative, when it feels like play.
“They” would like to tell you, that fun is “Not OK”
But please don’t listen to them, they’re leading you astray.
To be creative is so varied, it doesn’t always look like art.
You can tootle in your garden, or bake a great big tart.
Create sawdust in your woodshed, weld a symphony of sparks
Dance like nobody is watching, tell ghost stories in the dark.
Perhaps get messy with ceramics, take flattering photos of a friend.
Write a poem, do some felting, find some clothes that you can mend.
Why not think of something awesome, that you’ve always loved to do
Make your own creative playtime, that keeps your heart from feeling blue
There’s no rhyme and there’s no reason for how this needs to look
Make some jewellery, knit a handbag, crochet a sculpture with a hook
There are endless ways to practice what you want to call your art
The only thing that’s universal is that you really need to start.
PSST...
ps.
Every once in a while, I find a jumble of words in my head that are just
aching to come out in a rhythmic fury. (Nerd alert!) It makes me smile,
sometimes even laugh at the absurdity of it all. But always, without fail,
it makes me feel like a child again. I created this little poem above for you
to smile and think of what you love in life. On the opposing page, a wee
mystery delivered in rhyme. The reason? It was a project that I created
earlier this year and while I posted it on Instagram, the size might have
made it a little hard to read. So enjoy your trip down the garden path.
Cheers.