flight of the tumblebee

Real Life in the Real World—Brofisting with Noelle Stevenson

2011-10-24T09:05:00.002-05:00

Today, there are a lot of reasons to beexcited. Firstly, today is the official one week countdown toHalloween (yesssss). Secondly, my interviewee and fellow-blogger,Claire Suellentrop, has graciously posted a guest post penned byyours truly over at General Overachiever (also yessss). Thirdly, Iam finally finished with midterms (read: sane again). Finally—moreimportantly—I get to post a most superbly awesome interview. Superbly-awesome. Superbly. Awesome.

Of course, I thoroughly enjoy every oneof my interview sessions with self-described creative types. Eachinterview provides me with insight, food for creative thought, andmotivation to get out, get down, and get creative. However, today'sinterviewee is a special kind of a big deal. Not only has she provenherself one heck of a prolific digital artist, she has also achievedthe sort of Internetty fame with her Broship of the Ring series thatthe rest of us on Tumblr can only salivate over.

Unbeknownst to her, she also happenedto maybe-sort-of change my life a little bit.

No, seriously.

Her fabulous doodles, her hilariousanimations, and her inspired work on the Tolkien parody, the Broship of the Ring, really resonated with me. I saw her art and just had toknow how she made illustration look so effortless. Without her, I amconvinced that I would have never bought that Bamboo Wacom tablet andstarted desperately trying to learn how to draw digitally. So, Imust take a moment to thank her.

Thank you, Noelle Stevenson, forinspiring me to draw, and draw, and draw. I've learned a lot fromyou, and you're one heck of an artist.

Without further ado, let's take a tripwith the Bro-meister herself, shall we? Ladies and gents, allow meto present the highly creative, digital artist extraordinaire, NoelleStevenson.

Name: Noelle Stevenson

Age: 19

Location: Baltimore, MD

Occupation: Aspiringillustrator

Primary Modes of CreativeOutput: Drawing, comics, writing

Self-Description: Artstudent, overly dependent on caffeine, short hair and a shorterattention span.

Do you consider yourself to be a creative person? What is your personal description of creativity and/or What are the characteristics of a creative person?

I do consider myself a creative person.In my mind, a creative person doesn’t just accept the world as itis; they are always thinking of how it was made, or how to makesomething out of it. Maybe you see a lady with a funny hat on the busand wonder what her story is, or buy a hideous dress at the thriftstore because you want to make a skirt out of it, or watch a movieand you just have to draw the main characters. The world can alwaysbe different or better, and what’s already there always has a storyto tell.

You're one heck of a digital artist and the creator of the Internet phenomenon, The Broship of the Ring. Could you tell us a little bit about how you come up with concepts for your art?

It’s pretty instantaneous most of thetime. I’m a fast-paced artist and I tend to act on whims. So theBroship of the Ring happened when I was watching Lord of the Rings,and I must have had some glimmer of inspiration that said, “What ifthey were modern-day bros?” and that was enough to get me rolling.That’s generally how it happens; I think of something I want todraw, and then I think, “okay, but they have to be wearing catpajamas, and they have to be dancing.” There always seems to bethat second part that just comes out of left field. It’s hard toexplain exactly.

What is the coolest/weirdest artistic project you've ever completed? Interesting/humorous stories from the life of Noelle?

Well, being at art school, I’ve donesome pretty weird art projects before. One time I bought a bunch ofbras at the thrift store and went around putting them on trees allaround campus. I don’t remember if I had a concept or anything. Ithink I just wanted to mess with my teacher. One time in mySculptural Forms class I attempted to teleport a peanut butter andjelly sandwich across the room. It was foundation year, and weirdstuff like that happens a lot, since we have to take classes we don’treally care about. In the illustration realm, I did a piece once thatwas a massive battle between zombified Edward Cullen and Jacob fangirls. That was fun.

Have you always been interested in art? What made you want to go into art as a profession? It's a tough world for artists out there!

I guess it was really obvious from thestart that I was artistically inclined. I was one of those kids whoalways got art sets for Christmas, and my dad would bring home stacksof paper from his business that were printed on one side and blank onthe other, and I would cover them with drawings and comics. I lovedcrayon time at school. So I guess I’ve just always known I wasgoing to be an artist. I don’t feel right when I’m not drawing,so I can’t imagine doing anything else.

What are your primary creative obstacles? How do you deal with them?

As I mentioned above, I’m a prettyspontaneous artist. That works for me in a lot of ways, since it’susually not hard for me to find inspiration and I work quickly, butit also means that I have trouble committing to long projects. I haveso many ideas, but they seem to always come out in spurts and onlyhint at something bigger, when I’d really like to make afull-length comic or write an illustrated novel or something likethat. It means that lot of ideas have kind of just died out or neverreached their full potential, which is frustrating. I’m working onit, though. Art school helps. Having someone tell me to do somethingalways motivates me, so most of my long projects were done for class.I need to work on motivating myself, though.

What is a recent moment of victory in your creative life?

Recently, it was sitting back at 7 amafter a night of nonstop drawing, with only 2 hours until classstarts, and realizing that I was really proud of the piece I made,and that made the night of lost sleep worth it.

What do you think counts as a creative success for you? and/or What do you hope to achieve creatively?

I want to get my stories out of my headand into the world! I want to always make things and have fun makingthem, and for other people to have fun looking at them. And if Icould support myself doing that, then I think that would be all thecreative success I’d need.

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Now, if that doesn't get you off of your proverbial creative tuckus, then I don't know what will. If you'd like to learn more about Noelle or take a gander at her lovely art, head over to her blog, A Girl And Her Demons, or take a stroll down her Tumblr at How Are You I'm Fine Thanks. They are certainly worth your time, so go have a peek!

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Real Life in the Real World—A Chat with Claire Suellentrop

2011-10-17T08:43:00.002-05:00

Last week, when I interviewed designpower-house, Paige Smith, I talked a little bit about the ability toget things DONE. Follow-through is important! Honestly, creativeideas are a dime a dozen. Why? Because humanity is full of wishes,wants, and desires. And, almost any wish begets a creative idea. The idea “I wish I could fly,” for example, inspired many a“Creative Type” to draft plans for flying machines throughout thecenturies. But, it was follow-through and task commitmentthat brought these machines to life (and it was failure that led themto try again). Task commitment. Remember that. That's animportant buzzword in circles concerned with theories of Creativity.

Now, all that rambling is just my wayof saying that I happened to run across another creative individualwith excellent follow-through: Claire Suellentrop from General Overachiever. As the title of her blog might suggest, this girl hasgot a lot going on! She keeps her own, regular blog, dabbles indesign, and even started her own literary magazine. More importantly, she managesto keep up with it all! How does she do it? Let's find out.

Name: Claire Suellentrop

Age: 21 (for just a few moreweeks—weird)

Location: South Orange, NJ

Occupation: Student, writer, graphicdesigner

Primary Modes of Creative Output:Writing, photography, playing around in the Adobe Suite

Self-Description: The polite phrase todescribe myself would be “wide array of interests.” The moredirect phrase would be “mild ADD.” I enjoy moving from medium tomedium; graphic design, culinary experimentation and copywriting allget my gears turning. This may be why my longest-running project isCannoliPie, an online monthly literature magazine.

Do you consider yourself to be a creative person? What is your personal description of creativity and/or What are the characteristics of a creative person?

I happily call myself a creative person, and I believe a great number of people are more creative than they give themselves credit for. They just don’t acknowledge their own ingenuity because their talents don’t fall within the most common creative outlets—i.e. painting, drawing, photography or other fine arts.

A creative person is essentially someone who assesses a situation with a fresh eye. This may lead to a work of art, an invention or simply an original way to solve a problem. In a house of four girls, I’m the only one with a distinctly “creative” major; however, I’ve come home countless times to discover that my business-oriented roommate has rearranged the furniture and given our place a lovely new look. I may be the one handing in posters and web banners as homework, but when it comes to decorating, she totally takes the cake!
You're a self-taught designer. You also started your own literary magazine. In other words, you're quite the pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps kind of gal. Tell us about what you do!

First of all, I’m flattered—thank you! I do…too much  But that’s mainly because I get overly excited about trying new things, which makes it difficult to stick with just one or two hobbies.

Cannoli Pie is one of my biggest creative projects, which I co-edit with this writer. I also run General Overachiever, a blog whose name originated as the placeholder title on my business card. A then-future-employer noticed it, thought it was hilarious, and the term just stuck.

When not engaged in these projects, you can find me copywriting for a few local periodicals or catching up on the newest music in the indie/alternative world. I manage a weekly specialty show called the Campus Buzz on 89.5 FM WSOU, so keeping up with music news is a big part of daily life.
What has been your favorite experience as a self-made editor? Interesting stories?

Coolest experience: seeing my work both open for public viewing and taken seriously by those who submit to the magazine. It’s awesome to have this outlet through which Stephen and I can sharpen our respective skills, while simultaneously giving writers and visual artists all over the world a way to do the same.

Though this isn’t actually a story, one of the most interesting aspects of editing is seeing where submissions come from. We’ve had creatives send us work from as close to home as New York and as far away as Sweden. We just have to wonder—how are people like that finding us? So crazy!
You're also quite gifted in the realm of creative writing! What do you do to stay inspired and motivated in this area?

Now you’re just being kind! Of the editing team, Stephen is definitely the creative writer—i.e. poetry, flash fiction, etc. But on the rare occasion that I do jot something down, the inspiration comes from reading. Always be reading! Seeing others’ work (and this holds true for any creative field) is a fantastic way to discover new techniques and get ideas flowing.

What are your primary creative obstacles? How do you deal with them?

M.O.T.I.V.A.T.I.O.N. Although I revel in the thrill of moving from project to project, carrying the load can get tiring at times. I wrote a brief post on this once, to which I received some great tips on getting over the exhaustion slump.
What is a recent moment of victory in your creative life? (this can be as big as getting signed to as small as writing a song... personally, I'm still reeling from the fact that I filled an entire sketchbook in a little over one month)

Being asked to write for The Aquarian, where I currently submit one to two stories per month, was incredibly exciting. It was the first time a hobby—my blog—had tangibly paid off. A friend and fellow writer saw that I had potential and invited me to join the staff.
What do you think counts as a creative success for you? and/or What do you hope to achieve creatively?

There’s a fantastic quote by Ira Glass, part of which reads “For the first couple years you make stuff, and it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer.”

Creative success, for me, would be to push past the “not that good” stage, to move my writing/design/etc. from “fine, this will work” to “wow, this looks great.” Because great is what reaches people—it’s what matters. Vague, but that’s what I’m working for.

I’d really love to achieve independence through the use of creative skills. Self-employment (which will probably mean keeping my fingers in several different pies for a long time) would be incredible. The flexibility and discipline that required of that lifestyle would, I believe, be great motivation to keep the mental wheels turning.

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Now, that's what I call task commitment (even if the tasks are quite numerous). Claire certainly inspires me to try to stay focused and follow through on my projects. She inspires me to keep blogging, keep writing, and keep designing. I hope your short time with her does the same.

Reverse Brainstorming

2011-10-12T10:38:00.002-05:00

Last week, I touched on the subject of brainstorming whilst discussing ways to improve one's Creative Fluency. Now, brainstorming is probably something with which you are fairly familiar. I would wager that if you were to wander down memory lane far enough, you would come across rudimentary examples of brainstorming in your 4th or 5th grade classroom. It probably looked something like this (click) or this (click). Got it? Remember drawing those little clouds with your main idea written in the center? Yep. That was brainstorming.

Unfortunately, you will also probably remember that this method was used almost exclusively for paper topics. And, if you were anything like me as a kid, you probably also found it annoying to complete. Because, really? When I was in the 5th grade, I didn't need a brainstorming session to know that I wanted to write my first research paper on the Loch Ness Monster.

Don't get me wrong. These days, I am a champion of the brainstorming technique! This is a great, tried-and-true way to drum up ideas. There are, however, alternatives to the traditional brainstorming methodology.

In his book, Conceptual Blockbusting, James L. Adams briefly discusses a technique called reverse brainstorming. Although this idea is ingenious, it is also astonishingly easy: think backwards. You simply ask the question "What should I NOT do?" According to Adams, once you ask this question you will reveal kinks and problems that are already occurring. (e.g. question: "How can we sell LESS coffee and drive customers AWAY from our business?" answer: "Be too aggressive. Ask too many upsell questions.")

Obviously, this technique is primarily used in the business world. I, however, feel the artistic community could benefit from reverse brainstorming, too. I feel that the question, "What is the most cliche thing I can do?" is incredibly pertinent to those attempting to forge ahead and push the boundaries of Creativity. Say, for example, I wanted to come up with a really creative Halloween costume. I might ask the question: "What is the most cliche thing I could dress up as for Halloween?"

Good. We have a starting point. Now that I have a lot of fairly run-of-the-mill ideas, I can work on getting creative. In order to get creative, we use several standard creativity-generation techniques:

1. Combine two (or more) of our "bad" ideas (remember when I talked about that?)
2. Find the common denominator and do the opposite
3. Pick a category and try to transform members of that category into something unique

For example, we could (1) combine the "sexy" category with the "dead" category and create a "Yummy Mummy" (e.g. Ace bandages and gauze with a swimsuit worn over it). Or, we could (2) find the common denominator (e.g. animate objects/"living and/or undead" things) and go in the opposite direction (e.g. inanimate objects). For this category, I came up with (a) a pinata (b) the Little Teapot Short and Stout (zombie version), and (c) a ghoulish iPhone. Finally, we could (3) pick the pop icon/cartoon categories and transform it into something (sort of ) unique (e.g. the Nickelodeon/SNICK logo, a classic television theme song, or Shark Week).

See? Next to no one (probably) will have the same costume as you if you go as Shark Week. More importantly, absolutely no one (most likely) will have the same costume as you if you go as SEXY Shark Week.

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Give reverse brainstorming a try. It won't disappoint!

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Real Life in the Real World -- Paige Smith and Her Bag of Tricks

2011-10-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder how some people manage to be so gosh-darn productive all the time? I sure do. I've been trying to crack that code for years! I certainly manage to have boatloads of ideas, but I rarely manage to pull more than 25% of those ideas into something cohesive and tangible.

Thus, I find it fascinating (every now and again) when I stumble upon a true powerhouse, Renaissance character. I hope you know what I'm talking about here? I'm talking about that person we "Creative Types" all envy. That certain unique someone who not only manages to excel in many and varied areas of Creativity, but also manages to excel in Productivity. The type to get things DONE.

Yes, this week's interview is with a woman from whom we could all learn a thing or two about upping productivity, following through, and being generally fabulous. She is extremely talented, highly skilled, and quite prolific! She also happens to have glorious fashion sense. Without further ado, allow me to introduce small business owner, costume designer, pyro-thespian, and all-around creative-type: Paige Smith!

Name: PaigeGardner Smith
Age: 47
Location: Trussville,Alabama
Occupation: Bookseller / Business Owner (PageBookMedia)
Primary Modes of Creative Output: Costume Art /Theatrical Fire Performance
Self-Description: I’m a house divided. I’m a single mother of four,business owner and full-time retail associate during the week, but onvarious weekends, I travel around the country exhibiting, teaching orpromoting ‘Costuming as Art’ within the costuming/cosplaycommunity. (Want more? Visit Paige's Website)

Do you consider yourself to be a creative person? What is your personal description of creativity and/or What are the characteristics of a creative person?

Yes, I do. I define human creativity as the need/ability to construct solutions, responses and or inventions that go beyond those answers/responses that are typically available to fill a functional or artistic void. The characteristics that define a creative person would surely include the active response to these voids with solutions born from the creative process.

2. You design and build (amazing)costumes (specifically steampunk costumes). How did you firstfind your way into this intriguing and unusual creative field?

I’vealways been an energetic costumer and fan of anthropomorphic art. Asa student of history and costuming art, the Victorian Futurism ofSteampunk was a natural attraction for me. My venture intocreating Victorian Automatons within that genre has been anexpression of tweaking human response to slightly inhuman appearance– a sort of ‘left-of-center’ human mimicry. (Seethis article published in B-Metro Magazine for full details on thisjourney.)

3. What is your creative process like as a costume designer? Doyou plan things out on paper first, or are you more “hands-on”with your approach?

For costumes, I typically do sketches, less aspatterns and more to generate new ideas. The ‘recycling’ ofvintage and cast-off items into most of my costumes entails thatthere is a lot of hands-on experimentation with these items andvarious art mediums before the piece is actually crafted.

4. Whatare your primary obstacles as a designer? How do you deal with theseblocks and/or obstacles?

My biggest obstacles are my own limits withuseful talents like welding, mechanics, leather-working. ButI’m overcoming these obstacles one at a time as I seek otherartists and craftsmen to teach me enough of their skills toincorporate them into my ‘toolbox’ of “things I can nowdo.”

5. Where do you usually look for creative inspiration?

I am alwayslooking at natural objects with an eye toward bending it into the‘slightly unnatural’. I have found that the human eye/mindis accustomed to certain structure. When that structure/shapeis altered – only slightly – it generates an uncomfortableresponse and/or a need for closer study. I’m looking forcommon objects that can be altered in ways that invoke thatdiscomfort and curiosity in observers.

6. What is a recent momentof victory in your creative life?

One of my costumes(with gear and mask) was selected for a 5-day Exhibition in Atlanta –I’m stoked that it was selected from big field of top designers! I’m also the director of one of the biggest Steampunk eventsin the country (The Steampunk Exhibition at DragonCon in Atlanta). This event showcases some of the best genre builders andartists in the country. Over 1000 people stood in line for 2.5 hoursthis year to get a peek inside the event. I’m pretty stokedthat TOR publishing took note of this year’s SPEX and mentioned invia their social media channels recently. (LINK to the original story)

7. What do you think counts as a creative success for you? and/or Whatdo you hope to achieve creatively?

A creative success for me is whenI craft something I can’t wait to show/wear. The responsefrom peers/public is secondary to my own satisfaction with the piece. Creating something that makes it all the way from conception topremiere with my vision intact, is a success.

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If you weren't ready to get up, get out, and get moving before, I'm certain that Paige has inspired you to do so! I am continually bowled over by her abilities as a costumer and impressed by her gumption to get her work out there.

If you'd like to learn more about Paige and her work, visit her Costume Website. I'd highly recommend a visit.

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Apologies

2011-10-05T17:01:00.000-05:00

Many apologies for the lack of post today. I took some time off to rework a few minor details on the layout of the blog and to work on some school work. I will have some quality postage for you all later this week.

In the meantime, a big thanks to CheekyPinkTulip for her suggestion that I "hang" pictures on my back porch. I took her suggestion and came up with a really neat image! Props to Maria.

Please stay tuned for more of our regularly scheduled programming.

10 Ways to Practice Creative Fluency

2011-10-03T10:07:00.002-05:00

This will make sense when you read #8 below

Good Monday and Happy Autumn to you all. Before I get into the meat of this post, I'd like to thank all of you who gave me (and my piece) a vote during Emily Suess's Writer's Week. Your efforts paid off! I came in second place! I could not have done it without your help, so thank you!

Now, today I had planned to bring you a plethora of links and exercises designed to increase and augment your Creative Fluency. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be an awful lot of websites out there that aren't related to elementary education or geared towards teachers. What about adults? What about the lifelong autonomous learners out there looking for good resources?

For those of you who are not familiar with the idea of Creative Fluency, this concept falls under the larger umbrella of Creative Thinking. Generally, Creative Fluency is defined as an individual's capacity togenerate many ideas without a lot of hiccups in the process.

To visualize Fluency, think about how you brainstorm or make a list when coming up with, say, Halloween costume ideas. You might write down the obvious answers first (e.g. ghost, witch, black cat, or this year's top pop icon). However, the more you list, the stranger (and more creative) the list is likely to become. For instance, you may think of costumes that center around plays on words (e.g. Laurie Skelton becomes Laurie Skeleton), concepts (girls dressed up as boys), odd-ball video game characters (e.g. Tetris blocks). The examples given, by the way, are all costumes I saw last year. Two of my best friends dressed up as "boys," which meant they went as a Rooster and a Stag. Clever, huh?

Like anything else, if you want to improve upon your own Creative Fluency, then practice makes perfect. You just have to get out there and do it! The website, Minds in Bloom, has a few examples of exercises to increase Fluency in children that could be adapted for adults. I've done my best to adapt and make additions to their excellent suggestions below. It helps if you keep a notebook in which to make lists, draw pictures, or create thought webs as you work to increase your Creative Fluency. Now, on to the good stuff:

Think of many uses for common, household items
Generate synonyms for overused phrases or words (e.g. awesome, cool, lame)
List unusual Halloween costume ideas (see above)
Come up with different ways to arrange the furniture in your bedroom, dorm room, or living room
Generate solutions to problems you encounter on a regular basis (e.g. the dishes pile up in the sink)
List (or draw!) things common food items could become (e.g. a banana peel becomes an octopus)
Come up with clever themes for a family dinner party
Think of many ways one could incorporate an unusual ingredient (e.g. prunes, chestnuts, persimmons) into dinner (e.g. prune-stuffed chicken, chestnuts with cabbage, chilled persimmons and cinnamon)
Generate unusual (and fun!) ways to get your daily dose of exercise (e.g. play tug-o-war with your dog, take a walk and gather colorful Fall leaves, dance while you wash dishes)
List (or draw) many unusual ways to carve a pumpkin for Halloween!

Can you tell that I'm a fan of October? This list is decidedly Fall/Halloween-oriented. However, you could certainly adapt some of my suggestions for other times of the year. Number 10, for instance, could be applied to this concept demonstrated with particular brilliance over at Momdot.com--many ways to paint a hand!

Well, what are you waiting for? Grab a notebook and get to work! You'll be surprised at what you come up with.

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Note: #8 is a list I had to come up with after I brought home loads of persimmons and chestnuts from my grandmother's farm this past weekend. Prunes? I just happen to have a box.

Let's Cut A Rug, Shutterbug! (Creative Scavenger Hunt Part One)

2011-09-28T09:40:00.003-05:00

Monday, I posted information about my Creative Scavenger Hunt Project. Today, I give you my first specimens in the form of a brief photo essay (a photo paragraph?).

1. A person going about something run-of-the-mill in a creative way = Cupcake decor gourmand!

1. A person going about something run-of-the-mill in a creative way = Cupcake ingestion... gourmand!

3. Lookin' for Art in all the wrong places = Sculpture in a parking lot... or John's Vibram Five Fingers?

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Also, as a side note. Remember when I posted about risk-taking and entering that competition for Writer's Week? Well, the risk-taking paid off! I've made the top ten finalists! But, it's not over yet. I need to grab the most votes in order to make it into the top three.

So, if you'd like to support some creative risk-taking, help a sister out! Go vote for Flight of the Tumblebee, on Emily Suess's Blog! Just scroll down past the winning entries to vote.

Wish me luck!

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A Creative Scavenger Hunt

2011-09-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Example of creative flexibility. Floorboards become vertical textured background!

If I haven't mentioned this before, I'll take a moment to mention it now: I'm currently taking a graduate course on creative problem solving (which I talked about Friday) for my master's degree. If you don't know what creative problem solving is, I highly recommend taking a moment to peruse the Wikipedia entry. It's a fascinating subject!

Even more fascinating than the subject of the course itself are the assignments and projects I have to complete! Before the end of the semester, I have to 1.) create an invention, 2.) practice a new creative skill, 3.) fill an "idea" notebook, and 4.) complete a creative scavenger hunt. That's one heck of a creative portfolio in less than four months! Cool, right? Who knew one could get so excited about homework?

I'm excited about all the projects, but my creative eye is presently fixated on that scavenger hunt assignment. The idea behind the hunt is to gather photographic evidence of seven creative "items" from two different environments. Participants should visit one stereotypically "creative" environment (e.g. an art museum, a fair ground, an art festival, etc.) and one unexpectedly creative and/or stereotypically un-creative environment (e.g. a warehouse, a mattress store, a mega-mall, etc.). In each of these environments, participants should photograph samples of creativity as per the checklist. Once samples of each creative "item" have been found, the information should be presented in an interesting and creative way (e.g. a photo essay, a slide show, a music video, etc.).

Wanna play along?
Of course you do!

Here's what my professor wants us to find:

1. A person going about something run-of-the-mill in a creative way
2. Three examples of creative flexibility (e.g. how many different ways something can be used)
3. Lookin' for Art in all the wrong places (e.g. art in unusual settings)
4. Personification and conversation (e.g. give an object human qualities and make it talk!)
5. Unique and original problem-solving
6. Quoth the Poet (e.g. something Shakespeare would find pen-worthy)
7. Quoth the Diva (e.g. something one would find in an R&B or Country song)

The final project isn't due until the end of the semester, but I've already started snapping shots. This is, by the way, a fantastic idea for brainstorming and inspiration. Why? Because it is an exercise in looking at old things from new perspectives and getting great ideas from the good ideas of others. If you've found yourself in a creative rut lately, this might be just the shovel you need to dig yourself out.

Come on! Let's go scavenge ourselves up some inspiration. (And maybe an "A" on that assignment?)

What would you add to your own personal creative scavenger hunt? Any additions?

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Novel Notes: Of Creativity and Corvids

2011-09-23T11:32:00.000-05:00

Although my usual schedule for this blog is a Monday-Wednesday posting, I just had to share this fabulous example of creative problem solving with all of you.

It's no secret that I'm a lover of the scientific family Corvidae (the group containing ravens, crows, and magpies). They're an incredibly intelligent group of birds with the ability to make tools, to mimic a vast array of sounds, and to recognize themselves in mirrors (self awareness!). They are also, in my humble opinion, the definitive creative problem solvers of the class Aves.

For those of you not familiar with this concept, creative problem solving is a process whereby a problem is solved using innovation rather than well-established solutions. Examples of such problem solving are (1) using a paperclip as a replacement for a broken zipper pull, (2) hiding vegetable purees in the meal of a finicky eater, (3) almost any situation involving duct tape. Think MacGyver, people.

We humans engage in creative problem solving on a pretty regular basis (but perhaps not as often as we should). We're used to finding alternative means to get something we want. Want to hear something amazing? Crows, magpies, and jays can do the same thing!

Just look at this video:

Now, these birds have been trained. But, there are plenty of examples of corvids doing similarly incredible things in the wild. Some crows in Japan, for example, have been caught dropping walnuts into busy intersections so that heavy cars can do the cracking for them!

Don't be outdone by a bird!

What kinds of problems have you solved creatively?

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Creativity - A Game of Risk (but without the little plastic soldiers)

2011-09-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

Examples of creative risk-taking.

People are scared to get down andget creative.

“Well, that's a bold, generalizedstatement,” I hear you saying.

But, no! It's true! Think back tothose impromptu art activities high school and college teacherssprung on you unexpectedly in English or History class. They askedyou to represent something visually—maybe a poster, a collage, or adisplay board. Maybe you were even provided with paints, glue, andold magazines. Back in kindergarten, these materials and activitieswould've been met with uncontrollable, squirming glee. In highschool? The majority cringe and avert their eyes.

“I'm just not creative,” they say.

Last week, I accompanied my friends toa communityart project at UAB's AlysStephens Center whereby people in attendance were asked todecorate metal tiles with available art supplies (e.g. acrylic paint,Sharpie markers, paint pens, and **spray glitter**). While mycomrades and I plunged into the provided materials with uncheckedrapture, I saw a lot of creative wallflowers standing in thewings, awkwardly twiddling their thumbs. Many were teenagers, shyingaway from their peers' artistic enthusiasm. Some were fathers,resisting their wives' urging them to sit and paint with daughters orsons.

“No,” a dad said, irritation in hisvoice. “I just don't want to!”

“It'd just be a waste of paint!”others said, smiling sheepishly as they waved away a paintbrush.

Of course, these artistic anxietiesmake sense when one sits down and really thinks about it. A creativeact is inherently risky business! In his book Creativity IsForever, Gary Davis notes that when one engages in a creativeact, one exposes oneself to potential failure, ridicule, andhumiliation. And, once you've made it past kindergarten, it'slikely that you've experienced all of these nasty feelings inresponse to taking a creative risk.

Yeah. You remember what I'm talkingabout. That really annoying kid in second grade looking over yourshoulder as you doodled and shrieking, “What is that supposed tobe!?” Or, maybe there was a teacher who gave you a C- on acreative writing piece you worked really hard on? Or maybe that poemyou submitted to the literary journal was laughed at before beingrejected? Whatever is was, something back there in your past madeyou adverse to taking risks and getting your hands dirty. Especiallyin front of a crowd.

Other people's eyes, really, are theproblem. Recently, I wrote a piece to enter in the competition forEmilySuess's Writer's week. When I saw the 50 odd prompts, I gotreally excited. I immediately picked a prompt and wrote and wroteand wrote. Then, upon finishing my short story, I realized thatentering the contest meant publishingthe piece on my blog! When I read that particular stipulation, Iimmediately got all cagey and weird. Maybe even slightly nauseated. I didn't want to enter my piece anymore.

I had thought we were supposed to emailthe submission directly to the judges. I didn't want just anyoneto read my work!

“But, wait,” I thought. “Isn'tthat the point of being a writer? That 'just anyone' can stumbleupon a magazine, book, newspaper, or blog and read what you wrote?”

And, of course, my inner voice wasright (my inner voice is way more ballsy than my outside voice). Because being creative means being exposed. For better or worse. So, I took a deep breath and pressed “publish.” Moreimportantly, I pressed “publish” despite the fact that mystory contains a girl urinating into a Ziploc baggie while beingtrapped in an elevator.

Because one only gets so many chancesto paint an oddballpicture, write a weird blogpost, or compose a silly story. And, I intend to take as many ofthose chances as possible.

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What about you? How do you deal withthe anxieties creative risk-taking brings along?

Real Life in the Real World – Down Home Inspiration

2011-09-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

Developingone's Creativity is largely a personal job. Generally, creativeworks neither grow on trees nor fall, completed, into one's awaitinglap (though that doesn't keep me from dreaming of falling novels). More often, it is your sole responsibility to 1.) have theidea and 2.) execute said idea. However, the path to honing one'screative skill set should never be lonely. Inspiration often comesin the form of creative friends, acquaintances, and relatives. Infact, the best part about this Creativity interview project isgetting the opportunity to pick the brains of those who have alwaysinspired me most! It is my great pleasure, therefore, to present youall with an interview I conducted this past week with my maternalgrandmother, Nancy Hamner.

Mygrandmother has always written, painted, gardened, cooked, anddecorated with a certain kind of flair that I find impossible toreplicate. Firstly, this is a woman who writes like a seasonedSouthern Gothic and can spin a ghost story that will make youreconsider descending into the basement. Secondly, this is a womanwho sets a table with color schemes to match what is being served andwho designs backyards Better Homes and Gardens would droolover. She is the quintessential Southern Renaissance woman. And sheis awesome.

Name: Nancy R Hamner

Age: 80

Occupation: Retired

Primary Modes of Creative Output: Writing, gardening and decorating

Do you consider yourself to be a creative person?

Yes I do consider myself to be a creative person. I believe creativity calls for a very active imagination. I have always been blessed with a great imagination. Growing up in a little village with almost no children my age, I was left to find my own world of imaginary people and things. It was a wonderful childhood filled with books and nature and real nutty characters. Even as a small child, I was constantly trying to decorate my mother’s house (much to her horror). I built tree houses and tiny gardens for fairies. My father and my Uncle (who lived with us) were great story tellers, and I loved to listen to them. Those early days of my life furnished me with more stories than I can ever write.
You’re an experienced writer and a member of a writing group. Do you find that feedback from a creative community helps the writing process?

I have found writing groups extremely helpful. They understand your problems and they toughen you up if you are lucky enough to have really good criticism. You think all of those beautiful words you have strung together should be enshrined on a plaque somewhere only to have your writing group tell you they are pretentious and boring. It bursts your bubble, but it is good advice.
What is your creative process like?

I write with a pen and notebook. It's hard for me to write on my computer. I am not a good typist and it slows me down. If it’s a poem, I start with a first line and sort of outline the whole thing, and then work it out. It becomes a puzzle to solve. If it’s a short story, I start with an idea and figure out how I want it to begin and end. It takes longer for the central part. I want the story to have its own sound. Like music, it has to please the ear.
How do you deal with/overcome creativity blocks or obstacles?

Twenty five years ago, my writing muse moved in with me and filled my head with words. Ideas flowed effortlessly and I wrote and wrote. Then, just as mysteriously, my muse moved out, leaving broken ideas and bits of stories to dry up in the corners of my mind like dust. It's back again, but old and slow and forgetful and not a bit trustworthy. I think going back to a writing group that gave a class in writing helped me to start writing again. Actually, creativity never left me. It just took other forms for a while.

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NancyHamner is a published poet who regularly enters (and wins!) localwriting competitions. She has always been (and remains) aninspiration for me as a writer.

Whatabout you? Who inspires you to do what you do?

Are You Ready to Rumble? September Writing Competitions

2011-09-14T08:30:00.002-05:00

When lacking an appropriate photo, it is best to utilize an amusing one.

Lady scribblers! Gentleman scrawlers! Lend me your eyes and ears, for September is a most happenin' month indeed in the writerly realm. No, calm yourselves, the heart-stoppingly hectic, panicky-apoplectic moment of National Novel Writing Month has not yet reached us. You can put that one off until November. However, this first month in Fall has at least two prominent events to offer those inclined to sling a few words.

The first event of interest is Emily Suess's Writer's Week. Suess provides 50 truly oddball writing prompts for the daring contest entrant to finish in a creative way. There is no word limit or genre constraint. The contestant must post his or her piece to a public platform (e.g. some manner of blog) and (this is crucial) link the entry with an “official entry” button. Prizes are lavish, exciting, and hover tantalizingly just beyond our reach. This girl may just have to climb aboard that bandwagon.

The second noteworthy event is Round Seven of NPR's 3-Minute Fiction Competition. The stories for this competition must be 600 words or fewer (and thus able to be read in under three minutes). This round's challenge is about “arriving and leaving,” which means that the stories must contain a character who arrives in town and a character leaving town. The deadline for this competition is Sunday, September 25^th at 11:59pm E.T. Prizes are: 1.) being exposed in public and 2.) an hour-long critique session. Yikes! Don't get me wrong, I'm still going to enter. But, man. What happened to coupons and trivial cash prizes? These prizes are both useful and terrifying.

Now, would you look at that? You now have two things to spur you on your creative way! Competition is a great motivator.

Now. Go on. Get after it!

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Real Life in the Real World - Ally and The Violet Hour Press

2011-09-12T08:23:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday to you all! I hope this week is shaping up to be a creative one. If you're having trouble getting inspired to approach life in a creative way, perhaps it would help to read over a few ways to be more creative on the job or to browse over some simple projects you can complete when you get off work?

Or perhaps it would help to read about an inspiring young woman and her amazing creative work?

Great! You're in luck! I'm thrilled to bring you another interview of a most creative individual. A few weeks back, I asked smart-girl (and librarian fashion icon), Ally Nevarez, if I could ask her a few questions about her creative process as a book-maker and paper-creator. Ally's photos of her work keep this dilettante's artistic sensibilities afloat. Hopefully, they'll inspire you, too!

Name: Ally Nevarez

Age: 25

Location: Seabrook TX

Occupation: Student and Proprietor of The Violet Hour Press.

Primary Modes of Creative Output: Book making, paper making, and letterpress printing

Self-Description: I am a letterpress printer and paper maker working under the imprint The Violet Hour Press. I have an MFA in the Book Arts from the University of Alabama, where I focused on handmade paper. My work is influenced by my love of pop culture, my Mexican-American heritage, and a love for the printed word.

1.) Do you consider yourself to be a creative person? What is your personal description of creativity and/or What are the characteristics of a creative person?

I do consider myself a creative person. Creativity is subjective, but for me it means that you can take an idea or a concept and make it a reality. If you look hard enough, you can find creativity in the most mundane things. Every building, car, greeting card, garden, and book started as an idea in somebody’s head. One of the most important characteristics of creative people is their ability to be resourceful. You don’t need a state-of-the-art facility to make something incredible. Creative people exhibit perseverance, improvisational skills, and an ability to think outside of the toolbox.

2.) You're in the (slightly unusual) business of making (awesome) paper arts. What initially attracted you to this mode of creative output?

Everything in the MFA in the Book Arts Program that I had learned up to my second semester relied very much on precision and cleanliness—perfect black letters, smudge-free prints, accurate spacing between words. When I pulled my first sheet of paper, it changed my life. Every single sheet, no matter how thin or thick or uneven, was beautiful. It gave me an opportunity to be messy and experiment with a variety of colors and fibers. What I’ve learned to appreciate is the added dimension that handmade paper can give to a project. Every sheet has a story, and has the ability to enhance the finished product.

3.) What is the coolest creative project you've worked on in your particular field? What made it so awesome?

The coolest thing I’ve ever done was work on a broadside for Neil Gaiman. I used Twitter to give him updates on the project as we went through the paper-making and the letterpress printing. When he came to the Bama Theatre to speak he invited me backstage to his dressing room, chatted with me, and signed each and every one of the copies. He even tweeted a picture of himself, my collaborator and myself with the broadside!

4.) Are creative blocks an issue for you? If so, how do you deal with/overcome creativity blocks or obstacles?

Sadly, creative blocks are an issue for me as an artist. Most commonly, these blocks stem from having a big idea about something but not being able to make decisions about things like color or size. As a result, I’ve become a devotee of the egg timer. I set the kitchen timer for a certain amount of time and then force myself to work through those issues in that allotted span. For example, if I can’t decide on the size of a book I’ll set the timer for 45 minutes and use that time to fold paper to various sizes and make mock-ups. Usually I don’t need the entire 45 minutes to figure out what I need to do to realize my vision, but the blinders help me focus. It works.

5.) What are your most vital creative tools? What makes these tools so essential?

People are the most valuable tool in my arsenal. Learning new things, getting feedback, and being inspired are so essential in art. I don’t know what I’d do without my friends and colleagues as guides through my creative journey.

6.) What is a recent moment of victory in your creative life?

Finishing my thesis “REPRESENT” was a treasured victory of mine. It was a book I had worked on for over a year, and the content was drawn from experience. It was an interactive book project constructed using all handmade paper, and it was a big draw for the Alabama Art Kitchen. People from all over Tuscaloosa came to the opening to receive a free book and put it together using ephemera I had printed. Making book arts accessible to the community is one of my goals, and that project was a vital part of realizing that goal.

7.) What do you think counts as a creative success for you? and/or What do you hope to achieve creatively?

Creating books that people in the community can relate to is success for me as an artist. I hope to show people outside of the art community that the physical book is a thriving, meaningful art form. In the future I hope that my work speaks to people from all avenues of life. Art can be technically beautiful, but viewers need to be able to relate in order for it to have an impact.

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And there you have her, in all her bookish glory, Ms. Ally Nevarez of The Violet Hour Press. How incredible is it that she worked with Neil Gaiman? Go give this girl some love on Facebook.

What about you? What do you hope to achieve creatively?

Creativity: The Combination of Ideas?

2011-09-07T07:40:00.000-05:00

Combination of Ideas: Nessie and magnets, elephants and pencil holders, classic literature and sea monsters

I'm in the throes of reading Creativity is Forever by Gary A Davis, a text book on creativity with a wicked sense of humor and a penchant for tables and charts. And, oh, I do love tables and charts. But, more important than Davis's deliciously chart-y and table-y presentations of ideas are the actual ideas in themselves. Creativity, in all honesty, is quite a complex subject and rather an elusive beast to study (e.g. it's the veritable Bigfoot of the psychological world). Davis, however, does a very nice job of rounding up and laying out most of the information we have about creativity to date (at least up until 2004, that is). The sheer amount of information on the subject is brain scrambling. After reading a few hundred definitions of the word “creativity,” one's mind begins to reel in true “Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose,” Gertrude Steinian fashion. “Oh!” one cries mentally, “Things just are what they are! Creativity just is what it is. Stop trying to define it!”

But, of course, this can't be an acceptable answer. At least not to those committed to writing books (or blogs) on the subject. Because despite just being a rose, the flower can still be dissected into its parts. What makes it a rose? The petals? The thorns? The aroma? Hmmm...

In Chapter Three, Davis captures one, shining facet on the polyhedral definition of creativity by postulating that creativity is, simply put, the combination of ideas. He notes that many creative inventions can be easily broken down into their original parts (the Snuggie comes to mind). And, of course, many highly respected (and not-so-highly respected) creative accomplishments are, at their root, a simple combination of ideas. T.S. Eliot's The Waste Land, for example, was the result of an ingenious cultural and linguistic scavenger hunt. Similarly, the contemporary bestselling Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is quite obviously nothing more than a juxtaposition of two seemingly unrelated concepts.

Right. Maybe this guy is on to something.

So, today, let's get to combining some quality ideas! No matter your mode of creativity, try to brainstorm many, varied, and unusual combinations of ideas to use in your practice. Make a list. Write them down. Whip them all up into stiff peaks!

What are the strangest combinations you can come up with?

The funniest images? The most seemingly discordant phrases? I bet they're all brilliant.

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Bonus: Another prime example of Creativity As Combination of Ideas. Need proof of these guys' social capital? Take a look at Rolling Stone Magazine.

Conceptualize This: How Fluent Are You in Your Own Thinking Languages?

2011-09-05T10:29:00.003-05:00

(A photo I took from the top of Notre Dame de Paris)

If you're remotely interested in the subject of creativity and haven't read Conceptual Blockbusting: A Guide to Better Ideas by James L. Adams, I would highly recommend that you hop to it! Personally, I find this book highly informative as a writer, a visual artist, and a problem-solver. If you'd like to improve your creative abilities (even if you're not interested in creativity as a subject), then this book could prove a valuable tool. The author is incredibly persuasive in his holistic approach to making your own creativity better, faster, and stronger. He even has this adamant numerophobic thinking about purchasing a book on mathematical word problems and revisiting basic algebra.

In chapter six of his work, Adams attempts to smash one's creative inhibitions to proverbial smithereens by presenting the reader with his or her deficiencies in a variety of alternate problem-solving “languages” (e.g. verbal, mathematical, visual, sensory, etc.). By demonstrating weaknesses and fears in these languages, Adams reveals the chinks in one's creative armor. If one cannot visualize a bunch of grapes accurately, then one will have difficulty reproducing a bunch of grapes in the form of a line drawing. If one cannot accurately conceptualize the way a glass of red wine tastes and feels in one's mouth, then one will have difficulty writing about drinking red wine in a realistic and artistic way.

Now, I can conceptualize the way things smell and taste and look all day long. As a child, I used to practice “pretend eating” (strangely?) whereby I would fantasize about eating specific things (e.g. a hot dog or an ice cream cone) and concentrate until I could accurately reproduce the experience in my imagination. Eventually, I got really good at it. I can conjure up a doughnut right here, right now: the taste, the smell, the look, the shadows it casts. Sensory thinking is, effectively, covered. However, I am quite weak in the language of mathematical thought. Why? Simply put: because I'm afraid of it! Imaginary doughnuts are not particularly scary. Square roots? Parabolas? They induce shudders.

As a rule, I don't enjoy feeling inept or unintelligent. Mathematics and its loyal, academic disciples have (almost) always made me feel inferior. Thus, fearful of finding myself mathematically stupid, I chronically avoided thinking mathematically at all costs, which (of course) left me devoid of basic math skills. These days, I suffer for my sins both domestically (checkbook) and creatively (art). Why creatively? Because, as Adams so eloquently puts it, mathematics is aesthetics. Drawing is geometry. Animation is calculus. Music is abstract algebra.

Of course, one doesn't necessarily need to be a mathematician to create elegant, inspiring artwork, but having another mode of thought at one's disposal certainly doesn't hurt anything.

What is your weakest Thought Language? How about your strongest? Can you accurately visualize eating an apple (e.g. its taste, feel, smell)? Can you accurately visualize the bathroom in your childhood home (e.g. the feel of the tile, the frame of the mirror, the smell of the soap)?

Test your sensory conceptualization. Give some guided imagery exercises a try.

Five Simple Ways to Clear the Cobwebs

2011-08-31T09:35:00.005-05:00

I drew some Blankets fanart last night.

Sometimes Creativity doesn't care that you have a life. Sometimes it will lash you helplessly to its mast, the sirens of your daily chores crying out to you from a sea of to-do lists and agendas. As you pass, you might see the noiseless wail of dishes in need of doing, or the scream of a textbook wanting to be read. But, you don't hear them. Creativity has plugged your ears so full of wax that all you can do is hunker down, weather the storm, and paint and paint and paint.*

Unfortunately (fortunately?), being kidnapped by your own Creativity can be a difficult feat to pull off. Sometimes you just don't want to draw, or write, or paint, or do whatever else it is that marks you as a creative individual. Other times, Creativity simply stands you up. You wait for hours for that wayward mongrel to call you, but the phone just never rings.

Today, my goal is to give that fickle Creativity a reason to kidnap you. The secret? He's a jealous lover. Invite his old rival, Inspiration, over, and he's sure to show up in no time.

Simple Ways to Clear the Cobwebs and Get Inspired:

Go outside. I said “simple” didn't I? No, really. Get out there! It's barely even Fall. Go soak up some sun, take a long walk, find a park and eat a picnic lunch. Nature is full of pretty things that will make your mind do somersaults. Seriously, being outside makes you happier (even Science says so), and walking not only increases your brain's spatial awareness, it makes your brain bigger! There's a reason Frost's path diverged in a yellow wood. He was in one!
Listen to music. Music listening boosts brain function and generates emotion. I can't think of a better combination to start conceptualizing great things. This is my personal go-to solution when I feel burnt out. I plug in the iPod, find a cafe, and draw whatever comes out. Sometimes I come up with a funny phrase. Other times I come up with a whole new character.
Pencil in some relaxation time. Chill out. If you were supposed to have a date with Creativity on Tuesday, but he never showed, you're probably a little frustrated. You need to get him off your mind. So read a novel, browse through a book of paintings, or watch a visually stunning movie. Whatever you do, make sure you do it in a terrycloth robe with a mug of green tea.
Have a long conversation with an engaging friend. Yes. Preferably with your warm beverage of choice. Invite your smartest, funniest, most interesting friend to come sit and shoot the breeze with you. Often, a good chat with great mind will unlock whatever block you've put yourself in.
Go to an inspiring place. A museum. The zoo. The city library. Heck, a local dive. The Waffle House. Go someplace you might not usually go. Walk and admire. Sit and listen. Bring a book or notebook. Just get out of your comfort zone for an afternoon and see what happens. Often, you'll be surprised at what you find.

And, there you have it. The ingredients for my Love Potion #9. Drink a swig of this, and you'll be dancing with Creativity in no time.

What about you? What are your tips on clearing the cobwebs?

*this is my second Greek mythology reference this month

Real Life in the Real World - Creativity in Motherhood

2011-08-29T08:48:00.006-05:00

It's Monday, which means that the elusive creature, creativity, is again on my mind. Actually, because August is the "unofficial start" of Ragweed season, my mind is much more concerned with begging for larger doses of caffeine and wrestling those foggy thoughts to the floor until they say "uncle." Thank goodness I have an incredibly capable and inspiring writer to take the reins of my blog for the day. She's smart as a whip, too!

Last week, I asked Kelsey Markley, creative writer and recent mother of one, if I could interview her about maintaining her creativity while meeting the daily challenges of being a mother (no small task!). I am continually inspired by Kelsey's creative flair and stick-to-itivness as a writer, baker, and photographer. Hopefully after reading this interview, you'll get a healthy spoonful of inspiration yourself! Without further ado, here's Kelsey:

Name: Kelsey Markley
Age: 23
Location: Savannah, GA
Occupation: Ranger wife, full time mom, and poet
Primary Modes of Creative Output: Poetry is my passion. Baking, photography, and crafts are my hobbies.
Self-Description: I write stuff. Sometimes it’s good; usually it’s not.

1.) Do you consider yourself to be a creative person? What is your personal description of creativity and/or What are the characteristics of a creative person?

On the most basic level a creative person is someone who, well, creates.

Culturally we view creativity as having an artistic connotation, but I think that’s a silly assumption. All people are inherently creative, and our creativity manifests itself in an innumerable amount of spectacular and mundane ways. Writing, cooking dinner, performing an experiment-- every day we take pieces of our environment and restructure them into something new. While a scientist seeks to quantify life, an artist seeks to qualify it. Two sides to the same coin, if you ask me.

So, yes. I suppose I would say I’m a creative person. I don’t think that’s anything special, though.

2.) You're a recent mother of a (most adorable) bouncing baby boy. How do you balance motherhood with your creative needs?

Patience, persistence, and perspective!

The fact of the matter is: it’s hard. Sometimes I have to go a week without writing because Liam has a cold or he’s teething. Even on good days I can only sit down and concentrate when the kiddo’s asleep.

The key is not to get discouraged. Find ways to take advantage of the time you do have. Perhaps you can’t sit down each morning and write a chapter, but you can think and plan on your feet. Jot down notes through out the day. The process may seem slower, but progress is progress!

Once I adapted to my new circumstances, I found Liam to be a huge asset. He’s instant inspiration. As Picasso said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” The world through a child’s eyes makes for endless writing material. On top of that, he’s my biggest motivator. I have to write for Liam. I have to achieve my dreams so he’ll know he can reach his. No pressure, right?

3.) Do you find yourself primarily “making time” for creativity or do you usually create only when “inspiration strikes?” Why do you think that is?

In college I was definitely an “inspiration strikes” sort of gal. Of course, in college I had all day to sit around, think, and people watch. Motherhood hasn’t allowed that luxury. I’ve learned to nurture my creativity through daily tasks: be it cooking, adding artistic flares to furniture, or documenting Liam’s life. I try to keep a creative mindset active all day. That way. when Liam goes down for a nap, I’m already thinking and ready to write. On good days I can scrounge together four hours of writing, so I have to make time where I can get it.

4.) How do you deal with/overcome creativity blocks or obstacles?

I deal with obstacles by plugging my ears and singing loudly until they go away. No, really.

I actually don’t believe in writer’s block. I think the concept is an excuse we use to forgive ourselves for bad writing. In my experience, writing is difficult the majority of the time. Creative epiphanies are the exception, not the norm. I try to stay a step ahead of creative blocks by forgiving myself in advance for any bad work I might produce. This grants me the freedom to sit, write, and hope for the best. You could say I’m arguing semantics rather than providing an actual paradigm shift, but hey-- it works for me.

5.) What are your most vital creative tools? What makes these tools so essential?

I’d have to say silence is my most vital tool. I write best when the house is still, and I can sit alone with my thoughts. I prefer to write with pencil and paper for the same reason. I’m a bit ditzy, and computers provide easy distractions. Silence is definitely the most important thing, though. I think it’s important for an artist to be introspective.

6.) What is a recent moment of victory in your creative life?

I’ve spent the summer working on sequence of poems, and I finally arranged them into a progressive order. In a nut shell: my biggest victory of the week was writing my table of contents.

7.) What do you think counts as a creative success for you? and/or What do you hope to achieve
creatively?

For me, creativity is less about the product and more about the process. People talk about the benefits of working out: they feel better, are more energetic, and rest well at night. Writing is a workout for my mind. Poetry makes me feel alive, productive, and worthwhile. I’m more confident after I’ve written for the day.

I’m not sure what ends my creative pursuits are driving me towards, but I’m content to enjoy the ride until we get there.

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Isn't she lovely?

What about you? How do you balance the challenges of life in the real world with your own creative endeavors?

Five Books You Can Read to Improve Your Creative Writing*

2011-08-24T08:15:00.003-05:00

*statement totally and completely based on the author's very biased opinion

Reading is like pre-gaming for creative writing. You avid readers know what I'm talking about here. When you're reading that incredible book and the characters suddenly seem more real to you than your friends on Twitter; when adjective choice alone is enough to make you spew your morning coffee; when every little metaphor starts to shimmer and shine off the page—that's gold in the imaginative vault. You, friend, are officially inspired.

So, of course, tons of people have their Official List of Best Books For Writers to Read Ever. Keeping in mind that lists like these are completely and utterly subjective (and dependent on your tastes as a writer), here are my most recent top 5:

The History of Love by Nicole Krauss – Don't be fooled by the title, this is no rom-com, cotton candy chick lit. This book completely changed the way I thought about writing from multiple characters' perspectives. The miraculous tale unfolds over several characters' life experiences, across oceans, and throughout history. Nicole Krauss, in general, has a way of weaving stories together that I've yet to see matched. However it is the quality of the stories in The History of Love that made me tumble head over heels.
Middlesex by Jeffery Eugenides – I read Middlesex in approximately one hot minute. I couldn't get enough of it! This growing up story of a child born with both sets of genitals is masterfully crafted, tragic, and humorous. Similarly to Nicole Krauss, Jeffery Eugenides tells the story of his protagonist by telling tales of others. The author effectively traces the genetic line of the protagonist's condition from the bottom of the family tree up. Worth a read.
Skippy Dies by Paul Murray – I read this brilliant Irish novel while in Cork not three weeks ago. I must admit, Mr. Murray had me at “Hello” and made me never want to say “Goodbye.” His writing is rich with oddball metaphors and unique descriptions. He plays with point of view, characterization, and plot sequencing in ways that keep the reader constantly guessing. This is most definitely one of the best books I've read in a long time, and it certainly kept me inspired.
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery – This book has been translated from French and, therefore, has some wording issues. Upon entering the novel, one can immediately sense that something in the language is—off. However, once the reader has accommodated him or herself to the stilted nature of the prose, the story is nothing if not engrossing. Muriel Barbery tells the lonely accounts of Renée, a Parisian concierge, and Paloma, a twelve year-old tenant in Renée's building. Somehow, despite the bleak nature of the characters' lives, Barbery manages to make the stories incredibly witty and endearing. Bonus points for good storytelling.
We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shiver – Let me begin by saying that I never would have read this novel had it not been on the reading list for my book club in France (thanks again, Annie!). When I heard that the premise was the fictional memoir of a mother whose son had masterminded a school shooting, I was less than excited to begin thumbing through the pages. Yet, once I dove in, I found myself enthralled. Lionel Shriver is an incredibly persuasive writer, and his ability to get a reader emotionally invested in the lives of his characters is impressive.

So, there you have it. I believe that each of these books has made a very positive difference in my abilities as a writer. After closing each cover, I felt recharged, inspired, and ready to put something down on a page. I can only hope these works can do the same for you.

What are your most inspiring reads? Which books changed your life as a writer?

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Ariadne's String - Winding Through The Maze of Creativity

2011-08-22T07:45:00.005-05:00

(Is it sadly, nerdily obvious from the title that I just finished reading Percy Jackson?)

Before embarking upon the labyrinthine paragraphs that will inevitably arise in a blog about Creativity (with a capital “C”!), I'd like to work on beginning to develop a personal definition of the word itself. “Why is that?” you may ask. “What's the point!?”

Well, I'll tell you. The purpose of finding a personal definition, as any philosopher will let you know, hinges on the assumption that a good argument (therefore a good discussion) begins with a proper definition of terms. Thus, in order to talk properly about Creativity, one has to think about what Creativity actually means.

And, yet. All pretentious, philosophical notions aside, my desire to define Creativity mainly arises from a mandatory class assignment to develop a personal definition of Creativity. Lame? Maybe. Necessary? Definitely.

Like any good English Major, I begin my search for a definition in the veritable Holy Book of Logophiles, the Oxford English Dictionary. Of course, the entry is startlingly simple:

Creativity, n. - The faculty of being creative; ability or power to create.

Why is it that dictionaries always seem to define the noun with the adjective derived from the noun?

Now, at first glance, “the ability or power to create” doesn't seem much more complex than the definition for “Productivity” or “Productiveness.”

Productiveness, n. - The quality of being productive; capacity to produce; abundance or richness of output; fertility, fruitfulness, productivity.

But, many of us will likely agree that “Productivity” and “Creativity,” while related and very much intertwined, are not the same thing at all. So, what is the difference? What is the nuance? When does production become creation? After sitting down to a good, Pooh-Bear-Think as well as picking the brains of some of the smartest people I know, I finally settled on a few key factors I think are essential to defining Creativity:

Imaginative quality
Thought provoking quality
Originality and uniqueness (to a certain degree)
Risk-taking quality (possibility of failure)
Does not necessarily end in a tangible “product”

Of course, a list of bullet points doesn't exactly constitute a concrete definition, but we're in the embryonic stages here, people. This is one sticky subject. So far, I am of the opinion that Creativity is slightly more about the idea of the thing rather than the tangibility of the thing. But, then again...

Help a girl out! What's your definition of Creativity?

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Sources

"creativity, n.". OED Online. June 2011. Oxford University Press. 21 August 2011

"productiveness, n.". OED Online. June 2011. Oxford University Press. 21 August 2011

Head Space

2011-08-19T20:24:00.003-05:00

Up until this moment, Flight of the Tumblebee has primarily focused on personal stories and what I've experienced during bouts of travel. While I would like to retain travel and cross-cultural experiences as part of my content, I believe it's time I take this blog in a new (more concrete?) direction. Starting next week, I will start a new posting schedule. Mondays and Wednesdays will be dedicated to posts connected with the nature of creativity and/or creative thinking. Mondays will remain pretty general, but I would like for Wednesdays to lean more towards writing.

As some of you know, I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Gifted Education. My particular Gifted Ed program is quite heavy on fostering creativity in young minds. This semester, I'm taking a course requiring that I, myself, “master” a new creative skill. Because I've been interested in the subject for a very long time (*cough* and because I just bought a new tablet *cough*), I've decided to try my hand at digital artwork! The lash and whip of a deadline and a grade point average should theoretically keep me on task. Thus, I'm very excited about the opportunity to force myself to practice-make-perfect. While I may still post some of my visual art on this blog, I've found that Tumblr tends to be a better platform for eye-candy. Thus, I will mainly be using this blog as a space to talk about the experience of taking up a new medium.

Don't worry. I'm sure I'll find enough moments of deviation to provide you with the occasional ridiculous animated GIF. That counts as digital art, right? Right...

So, come on, let's get our hands dirty. Let's find out what makes the creative mind tick. Let's toss some paint, sling some words, and smear some pixels! Whatever your interest, whatever your craft, in the words of my most influential art teacher, let's “Make Great Art!”

Last Day

2011-08-15T04:07:00.003-05:00

This past week has been light on posting. Why? Because I'm leaving tomorrow, and when I'm on the verge of departing a most beloved country, I spend my time soaking up everything I love about the place. Of course, I can't do too much with my wobbly, inflamed knee, but I try not to let that hold me back from a big dose of Irishy goodness.

This week has mainly consisted of: eating my very first slice of banoffee pie, trying out the lunch menu at the Electric Bar on the River Lee, watching English Premiership soccer, and drinking about a thousand cups of tea. I've had my last Sunday roast at E.'s family's house. I've said goodbye to the neighborhood golden retriever, Murphy. And, I've had my last jaunt around city center.

I usually find it quite hard to sum up experiences like this... but that never keeps me from trying. So, yesterday, I made a list of all the things I'm grateful to have experienced this summer. I'm not sure a list really conveys the massive smile that invades my face when I reflect on the past few months, but I thought I would share anyway.

Things I'm Glad I Experienced:

Pints of Beamish at the Hi-B pub
Walking in the Lee Fields almost everyday
Scotland!
Sunday dinners with E.'s family
Lunch on the balcony of mine and E's apartment
Walking to the Wilton or the Rendez-Vous for a cup of coffee and an hour of drawing time
E. rigging up the tea pot to make coffee when our French press developed a crack
Watching Peep Show and QI on the couch with glasses of red wine or cups of peppermint tea
Writing a short story from a cafe at the very tip-top of St. Stephen's Green Shopping Centre while watching street performers dance for tourists outside
Finding time to draw and write everyday
Meeting E.'s friends
Attending an Irish wedding
West Cork and Kerry (all of it)
Train rides
Buying fresh fish from the English Market

This list isn't all inclusive, but I think it does a nice job of summarizing my experience. It certainly brings a smile to my face anyway. On that note, I must leave you. The last-minute pack-a-thon must commence!

Life, Lemons, and Lemonade

2011-08-08T06:17:00.004-05:00

Remember last month, back when I fell and hurt my knee on that island with the seals? Well, I probably shouldn't have continued to walk on that leg for two weeks. Yesterday, my knee nearly gave out again on the walk back from Tesco and, this morning, it was swollen pretty badly. After a(n) (un)healthy amount of needless fretting and worrying about what to do, I have an appointment with a local general physician later on today.

As a result, one could say that my spirits are rather low. I have a long and painful history with these knees of mine, and the prospect (however slight) of spending another 6-8 weeks in a cast is, to put it mildly, unsettling.

So, this week I will resolve to not look at the negative. I won't let these worries derail my creativity or make me unproductive. I won't let the misfortune of being the owner of wayward patellas interrupt my happiness. Instead, I will try to inject my life with the miraculously mundane--an everyday sort of magic that slowly (but surely) will spread a smile across one's face.

Question: How? Answer: Silliness. Something I call "being Productively Silly," which is being silly with the goal of "getting out of a funk" or "improving morale." Basically, this involves doing things that may make you feel a little stupid, but are, at their core, fun and funny and totally worth a raised eyebrow. I do this a lot when I'm frustrated at work or stressed out about school or am just bored in general. Sometimes it results in strange looks, which (mostly) I choose not to notice.

Examples of being Productively Silly include:

- 1. Make up a list of puns or plays on words related to your specific occupation. 2. Leave pun-ny notes for your co-workers. (ex: labeling the vanilla base for Frappes "My Vanilla Base Brings All the Boys to the Yard" or "All Your Vanilla Base Are Belong to Us"). 3. Watch and wait for response.

- Leave pleasant/funny/weird notes in strange places around your house/apartment/dorm room for yourself, your roommates, your family, etc. to find. (ex: "You are SO hot right now"; "Coffee date later? Y/N"; "Options for tonight: a) hop a flying carpet to Mexico b.) organize taco party in kitchen") Note: these can be adapted to fit your own brand of humor and cynicism. Just don't be unnecessarily mean in your jokes.

- Organize some mildly weird fun for other people to participate in. (ex: on April Fools Day at work, I coerced my co-workers into playing the French traditional practical joke of putting April Fish on people's backs.) Note: my mother once did this by starting a "Butt List" on the refrigerator--a piece of paper on which we all wrote every conceivable synonym for the gluteus maximus.

- Send something unusual to someone you love that you suspect will make them smile: weird drawings, offbeat flattery, gratitude for important but mundane things, an interesting fact, a hideously stupid joke. (ex: I usually fulfill this with pointless doodles sent to various people)

These are just examples of things I've done in the past, but Productive Silliness can cover almost anything seemingly frivolous that forces you to stop, drop, and get creative. Because when you get creative, you get de-stressed. Really? Yeah, really:

The Healing Imagination- an article on how human brains are hardwired for imagination
The Benefits of Art Therapy - how practicing art can help emotional problems
Laughter is the Best Medicine - the benefits of humor

So, today, I resolve to be silly. I resolve to make bad knee jokes, draw pictures of myself with a wooden leg and a parrot, and design elaborate Wallace and Gromit contraptions to eliminate my need to get up and make coffee. I'll keep you all posted on the results.

Do you ever indulge in Productive Silliness? What do you do? Stories? Tips? Tell me!

First time being Productively Silly? Allow me to help.

Resources:
The Charmed Life Challenge - A blogger writes about doing one, simple ("frivolous") thing everyday for a month.
20 Indoor Activities For Kids - Wise up. We're all just big kids. Go put on a puppet show.
Do Five Simple Things A Day to Stay Sane - an article on planning your attack
The Lost Art of Play - a look at how play might be hardwired into human genetics.

Creative Follow-up

2011-08-04T04:01:00.005-05:00

4-Minute Free Writing:

The tiger lies sprawling gigantic: a pile of fresh fruit or an unfortunate, summer Popsicle daintily melting on the pavement and mixing with your fudgesicle in streaks and stripes under our tropical sun. The eyes are like emeralds on green grass, or those green-glass wine bottles (with which I'm more familiar because emeralds are hard to come by these days). Nothing fierce is in those eyes. Nothing wild. We are too preoccupied with notions of soft fur and pink noses to notice predators anymore.

---

Yesterday, I posted links to a veritable smorgasbord-orgasbord-orgasbord (in the words of Templeton Rat) of writing prompts. Personally, I was most intrigued by Creative Writing Ink's weekly photo-inspiration exercise, so I decided to dig through my old photos for some writing fodder.

Unfortunately, I wasn't particularly inspired by anything in my computer's photo files. What's a girl to do?! In a fit of creative frustration, I tossed my writer's journal to the side (just for a second) and googled "drawing exercises" instead. What I found was a great blind contour drawing activity at Today in Art. The exercise basically stipulates that one find an sketch-worthy object and draw said object using one continuous line... without looking at the paper.

I immediately decided to give the lesson a shot and nabbed a photo of a tiger off Google Images. Of course, I soon deviated from the "one continuous line" and "no peeking!" demands, but I found that the spirit of the exercise really loosened up my grip and allowed me to let go of artistic inhibitions. I even decided to color the thing left-handed! While all of this freedom didn't exactly result in the best picture in the world, it did provide material for a pretty decent 4-Minute Free Write!

Once I'd finished the drawing exercise, my brain was practically screaming to write. So, I loaded up Tunng's song, "Hustle," and got to it.

What you see above is the result of my endeavors. I'm definitely getting into these daily creative exercises. Anyone out there have any good suggestions?

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Writing Prompt Wednesday

2011-08-03T05:30:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, I found that wrapping my mind around a simple writing exercise really got the juices flowing. As a result, I did a little digging around and found a few websites with several writing exercises:

Writing Forward - A collection of writing tips and writing prompts for several genres!

A Guide To Learning English - A resource for ESL students with some great, basic journal prompts one could easily adapt.

Creative Writing Ink - An Irish website offering online creative writing classes with daily writing prompts.

The Journal - Originally a website for journaling software, this website has quite a trove of writing prompts under Support/FAQs.

Personally, I find Creative Writing Ink to be the most intriguing of this list. Because I'm a very visual person, I really like the idea of writing in response to an image. The images this website posts are of a beautiful and haunting quality. I highly encourage you to go check it out!

Today, I will be rummaging through my own cache of photos to use in my creative writing exercise. Who knows? I might even post the result.

Go! Write! Get after it!

(edit: apologies to those who got double posted... I hit the "enter" key too soon)

Where I'm From

2011-08-02T08:50:00.003-05:00

Claire at General Overachiever just posted a great writing prompt. I've played with this prompt in several of my past creative writing classes, but I find that it's fun to revisit these things every once in awhile. You, too, should give it a go! If nothing else, it's a great way to soothe a homesick soul or dredge up some good ole-fashioned nostalgia.

Here's mine:

Where I'm From

I am from oven-hot cast iron skillets, from glacial-cold Red Diamond tea and so many cups of warm, milked coffee.

I am from that old gray house far back from the road; the one with dim and haunting hallways laid with chill, dark hardwood that never received trick-or-treaters on Halloween.

I am from the eighty acre woods full of deer and the goats my grandfather raised. From the tangle of wild muscadine vines hanging loosely from persimmon trees.

I am from Saturday morning breakfasts of sausage eggs and a clan of articulate acrobats, from Nancy and Hoyt, and Sara and Glenn.

I am from boisterous fast talkers and cackling laugh-out-louders. From storytellers and snide comedians.

From mothers warning, “Be careful!” and cousins calling, “Climb higher!” From several trips home from the ER bragging about stitches or pointing gleefully at neon-yellow casts.

I am from haphazard Christmas traditions, a pair of joyfully discarded, ill-fitting Sunday shoes, and a white sundress gathering dust at the back of a closet.

I'm from the humid, arboreal foothills of the worn-down Appalachians. From collard greens and pink, New Year's ham both salty and sweet.

From wedding receptions laced with disaster: the golden fish flopping on the floor covered in clear, broken glass, and ribbons of blood trailing tiny, pale feet.

I am from the mantel where we hung the Christmas stockings my grandmother made us, the stained, faded Lay-Z-Boy in which my father rocked us to sleep, and the scrapbooks full of baby-soft, blonde locks my mother kept. From the billowing white curtains of bedroom bay windows. From wrap-around porches and late night fire flies and quilted star gazing.

From the dash of a blue jay.

From the bark of a collie.

And the croak of toads

And the electric whir of cicadas.

That's where I'm from.

Slim Pickins

2011-08-02T04:13:00.007-05:00

July was certainly been a lean month post-wise. Sorry about that.
Hi there, Internet, how are you?

Ever since E. and I took it upon ourselves to wander aimlessly around the lonesome peninsulas of West Cork and Kerry, my life has been a little crazy. We ended up spending about a week traveling in nomadic fashion from one small village to the next. We visited beaches all over the Atlantic coast. We listened to random conversations in Irish in Gaeltacht areas near Dingle. We ate countless breakfasts cooked for us by old women in B&B's. Oh, those were the glory days! Despite my bum, swollen knee.

You really can't argue with a landscape like that, now, can you? Even those cows are impressed. I don't even really mind that I had to pay 5 Euro to a tourist-trap guy in Kerry to walk through this cow field. Why? Because at the end of said cow field, there was this:

Yep.

Anyway, after driving home through Killarney, E. and I only spent one precious night at home before we had to rush away again! That Tuesday, we awoke at 5am and spent our morning commuting on the 6:15am train to Dublin for E.'s job. Once in the Big City, we checked into a... "convenient" hotel. Ah, well. At least they were located next to a nice coffee shop where I could get a small amount of writing work done. Wednesday mostly involved meetings. Meetings and a brief freak-out by yours truly during which I believed I had gotten lost in Dublin with no way to contact anyone.

The remainder of the week was spent merry-making with a number of E.'s longtime friends at an enormous wedding. Honestly, it was one of the nicest weddings I've ever attended. The bride and groom rented out a private hotel in which all of the rooms had been separately decorated according to various "themes." E. and I got the "Tudor Suite," which was characterized mostly by exposed wood and a giant, fluffy bed. Mainly, I enjoyed dancing and singing until 3am with friends and family of the happy couple to the tunes of an awesome Beatles cover band.

These days, I'm writing and gulping down some Irish culture from the novelist, Paul Murray's, glass. (I'm never sure of how to make possessives grammatically correct in this instance). I'm currently reading Skippy Dies, a curious novel about various characters in a Catholic all-boys school in Dublin. I'm not too far in, but--so far--it's a good read.

How was your July?

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My Little Dungeon Master

2011-07-22T04:31:00.000-05:00

Yep.

Doodles

2011-07-21T12:14:00.003-05:00

Sorry for the lack of updates. I've been on the road! We just got back from our jaunt through County Kerry yesterday, so I've been chilling out and resting my poor, swollen knee. I have, however, drawn y'all some doodles.

Today, I made butternut squash soup. It was a kitchenly triumph of epic proportions.

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Postcard

2011-07-17T16:37:00.009-05:00

Greetings from the road!

Let me begin this post by saying that Dwight D. Eisenhower doesn't get the credit he deserves. One does not appreciate a nice system of national roads until one ends up on a *very* narrow stretch for several miles behind one of these:

Let's just say that it's rather slow going...

Anyway, I write this evening from the village of Kenmare just inside the border of County Kerry. You see, E. and I set off Saturday afternoon on a semi-spontaneous road trip with our hearts set on the Ring of Kerry, one of the most picturesque roadways in Ireland. Our journey began with a tour of breathtaking West Cork and an overnight stay in the Atlanta House B&B in Bantry (which had the *best* scones I've ever tasted).

Today, we spent most of the day on the road, but made a few pit stops at Ghuagan Barra, Garnish Island, and Allihies. Ghuagan Barra, an enormous national park, boasts impressive views of Arthurian lakes, old chapels, and truly gorgeous mountainous terrain.

Seriously, I'm practically shaking hands with the Lady of the Lake here, people. Photos do not do the absolute vastness of this place justice. I am tiny. Nature is huge.

Garnish, a tiny garden island, lies not far from Ghuagan Barra in West Cork. The island is mainly known for its beautiful gardens and the striking Grecian architecture of its buildings. I, however, found the colonies of seals much more entertaining!

Unfortunately, it was on the lovely island of Garnish that my stupid knee decided to give out when I slipped on the damp roots of an ancient tree. My knee swelled up pretty rapidly, and--for a few minutes--I wasn't sure I could walk. So, I had to sit tight on the ground while E. ran to get help. I suppose if my knee had to collapse on me, at least I went down in a beautiful location. My surroundings were so pretty that I barely noticed the crowds of German tourists pointing at the fallen American girl and shouting, "Are you alright!?"

E. came back with two island staff guys who were kind enough to help me back on the ferry to the mainland. Once we hit the shore, E. and I shuffled to a local pub for some lunch and an icepack. After a warm bowl of soup, some Tylenol, and twenty minutes of ice, my knee was tender but fine enough to walk.

We spent the rest of the afternoon careening around tiny coastal roads, and made a brief pitstop in Allihies, a secluded beach town just at the tip of a peninsula. Mostly, we stopped to have a look at the beach. But, we stayed to play fetch with these two:

They brought us rocks. We threw them onto the beach. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

Our trip is off to a pretty good start. So far, I've learned three things: Ireland is still beautiful. Seals are still awesome. Knees are still hurt when they pop out of socket.

I'll catch you on the other side of the Ring of Kerry.

Eavesdropping

2011-07-15T07:50:00.004-05:00

I think my favorite part of spending extended amounts of time in Europe lies in the sheer numbers of languages one manages to encounter in a single day. On the way to the bank, I might run across a group of Spanish students in Ireland to learn English. In the checkout at Tesco, I may hear two men speaking in rapid Arabic. While waiting at the crosswalk, I could hear women scolding their children with the syllables and cadence I associate with African languages.

On the bus the other day, I sat just in front of two French girls studying at UCC for the summer. When I realized they were speaking French, I turned off my iPod (but didn't remove my headphones). I felt a little bad eavesdropping on their conversation. Mostly, I just wanted to see how much I could still understand after being away for a year. To my delight, I understood every single word.

I immediately felt like a linguistic ninja.

Part of me wanted to turn around and talk to them (mostly to tell the girl complaining about her weight that she was miles and miles away from "fat"). And yet, another part of me was quite happy with my ability to listen incognito and unobserved.

Plus, it's annoying when some random foreign person starts yelling at you (badly) in your native language on a bus. Believe me. I've had my fair share of students heckle my friends and me in bad English on various forms of public transportation. And, all I can say is: I will -Not- be that girl.

So, for the duration of the bus ride, I sat and picked the sentences out of their conversation. I found out that one girl loves to snack on grapes, apples, and dried fruit. The other girl said that her weakness wasn't chocolate, but bread. Bread and butter (salted, of course). She could eat it all day! Whole loaves!

I was mildly disappointed when I came to my stop and had to leave the conversation behind. I even briefly considered staying put until I reached Tesco. When I stepped off the bus, they were exchanging various dieting tips and exercise regimes.

While the conversation demonstrated to me that I haven't lost as much French as I feared, it mostly reinforced how much I miss the language. And my little apartment in Rennes.

Note to self: Put up a sign for a language exchange partner in the Quay Co-op.

Arts

2011-07-14T09:07:00.005-05:00

I've spent pretty much all day trying to understand how to draw in Photoshop. Here, have some digital arts:

*The last picture is the result of this conversation:

ME: "So, if we lived in Lyra's Oxford... what would your daemon be?"
E: "I dunno. Probably something lame. Like a teapot."

The Joys of Photoshop Tutorials

2011-07-13T16:01:00.005-05:00

I think I'm going to need more space on my hard-drive...

Your Recipe for Breakfast Success

2011-07-13T15:42:00.003-05:00

After posting about Johnnycakes over the weekend, I generated a bit of interest here and there with regard to the recipe. So, I suppose I'll post it here for your enjoyment.

Cornmeal Pancakes (aka "Johnnycakes")
(from page 645 of the Joy of Cooking 75th Anniversary Edition)

Combine in a large bowl:
-1 cup white or yellow coarse cornmeal
-1 tablespoon honey,maple syrup, or sugar
-1 teaspoon salt

Slowly stir in:
-1 cup boiling water

Cover and let stand for 10 minutes
Add, then whisk well:
-1/2 cup milk
-2 tablespoons butter (melted)
-2 teaspoons baking powder

Add and whisk well:
-1 egg

Whisk in with a few quick strokes:
-1/2 cup all-purpose flour

NOTE: You can quite successfully leave out the baking powder and just substitute self-rising flour if you have some handy.

NOTE #2: I totally photoshopped the above photo all by my little lonesome... with the help of a tutorial. Thanks again, Claire!

Creative Method

2011-07-11T09:48:00.005-05:00

Lately, my attempts to become a more creative individual have been consuming more or less all of my free time. When I'm not sleeping, I'm drawing or writing.

Claire (over at General Overachiever) recently asked her audience how they go about starting projects and how they manage to stay organized. I'm not the most organized person in the world (and I'm not really project-oriented), but I do manage to create a lot of stuff.

Organization, for me, has always been a problem. I am, however, getting better! Last year, I decided that I would 1.) begin writing or drawing everything in one notebook (as opposed to my usual eight notebooks), and 2.) take said notebook with me everywhere I went. I have to say, this mono-journaling method really worked out for me. I wrote and drew more than I have in the past three years.

I also found that reading over what I had written every week or so was a great way to keep track of my ideas. Often, I would jot down a particularly interesting, spur-of-the-moment idea only to forget it instantaneously. Re-reading my notes later helped me cope with my goldfish-like attention span.

Today, I'm dabbling with a new medium: Photoshop. I just took the plunge and purchased a Wacom Bamboo Pen tablet (and, oh, it's so cute). However, I've never really dealt with the digital side of art before, so my dabbling has been a bit frustrating.

Here's to hoping I can crack all these digital secrets.

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Fun With Signs

2011-07-10T05:50:00.007-05:00

I love signs. Pictures really are worth a thousand words. And, in the case of signs, sometimes words are worth a thousand words!

Lately, I've been snapping shots of the most giggle-inducing signs I've seen in Ireland. Then, I play with them...

An advert for hurling and stout.

I find signs involving riderless bicycles particularly funny. I like to imagine that these are propaganda/campaign posters for some Imperial Bicycle Overlord from the Future. Observe:

I don't *actually* know what these signs mean in real life. But, heck, I'd vote for this guy.

Johnnycakes!

2011-07-09T14:53:00.005-05:00

This morning, E and I slept in. After a long week of getting up at the crack of 7:45, we decided that a Saturday "No Alarm Policy" was, indeed, GO!

And yet, this LaurieSafari becomes biologically programmed to wake up at the same time each day surprisingly easily--meaning that my eyes snapped wide open around 8am. However, this lonesome morning time was not wasted. Oh, no no no...

Homegirl made johnnycakes.
Those delightful, light and fluffy cornmeal pancakes. Yessir!

Pancakes are one of those weird things that one would never imagine to be very different elsewhere. One just thinks, "Oh, pancakes. Run of the mill stuff. Everyone knows pancakes." (Or, at least, I did.)

But--as I found out in both Ireland* and France--American pancakes are pretty different from pancakes around the world. Seriously. There's even a whole Wikipedia article about regional differences! American pancakes, it turns out, are kind of a thing. A thing people ask you to make...

Of course, johnnycakes are the Southern variation on the common US pancake. We just add coarse cornmeal to the traditional mix before we toss them in the pan (and then top with molasses... mmmmm).

"Wait, wait, wait. What? Cornmeal!? In Ireland!?" you say. "Surely you jest, madam! Coarse ground cornmeal in quantities large enough with which to bake just simply can't be found outside the Southeastern United States!"

Ha! That's where you're wrong. I stumbled upon some yellow cornmeal down at the Quay Co-op a few weeks ago! I've been itchin' to put it to good use ever since. Ah, sweet serendipity:

E was thrilled to wake up and find some Southern culture on his plate. We ate these bad boys with honey and peaches. Oh yes.

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*E totally edited Wikipedia article on regional pancakes to read "UK and IRELAND" as opposed to just "UK."

Some Sketch Arts and a Mug

2011-07-08T11:20:00.003-05:00

Postal Codes

2011-07-08T10:24:00.005-05:00

(Best Irish House Name Ever)

Shocker and shock! Oh that shocking culture shock, culture shock...

When I first studied abroad in Ireland in 2007, I definitely experienced a bit of cultural disorientation. I had no idea what a 'jumper' was, I had never heard the word 'ye' used in a modern-day sentence, and I had certainly never seen butter used as a sandwich filling. In short, I felt a lot like this: (click).

Yeah, that immersion thing got me, too. The first time I had to use the 'boost' to take a shower I didn't get to bed until 2am because the water took so long to heat up.

Anyway, the basic, 'duh-oh-yeah-really?' point is that Ireland is not the USA. And that, sometimes, culture shock can be fun!

So...

Something you might not know about Ireland: there are basically no postal codes.

Yeah, ok, ok, some people will tell you that there are technically Irish postal districts. But, these nearly-mythical numbers are mostly used by An Post to sort things in the office. No one really knows what the numbers are, and no one writes them on envelopes. Everyone knows that if you're sending a letter, and you write this:

Joe

The Cottage

Togher

The guy in Cork's An Post office will say, “Ooooh, right! Joe! In the cottage!”

Because Cork-An-Post-Guy will know Joe-in-the-Cottage's grandmother who happens to have lived next door to his Uncle Peter since he was three years old. Or, because An-Post-Guy is some ancient old man who will have gotten this same, annoyingly vague address for years. He'll have given up on getting anything with more context and will probably have 'Joe's Cottage' circled in red ink on a map above his desk. So, your obnoxious letter with its annoying address will arrive safe and sound its proper destination.

Somehow.

Because Irish postmen are actually stamp shamans.

Now, to make things a bit more confusing, Irish people also have a tendency to name their houses proper names—a practice I find endlessly entertaining (see above example). But, as creative and amusing as the names may be, it must be hell on postal workers, taxi drivers, and pizza delivery guys. I mean, really. Imagine that you're an Irish pizza delivery guy and its your first day on the job. You get an order for a large three topping pizza (pepperoni, sweet corn, and extra cheese) for this address:

Eoife

The Little Orchard

Stephen's Street

Waterford

No helpful house numbers. You can't count the number of houses until you get to the right address. There are no hints as to whether odd numbered houses might be on the left side while even numbered houses might be on the right. You just have to struggle to make out the tiny, hand-painted sign reading “The Little Orchard” (probably covered in ivy) from your moving vehicle, and hope you don't crash while you're craning your neck and squinting your eyes.

There's no trail of breadcrumbs for you, here, sir. You'll just have to wander around in the rain (your pizza getting all the colder) until you find The Little Orchard.

Yep. You've gone to where even Google Maps can't hear you scream.

---

Finding Terabithia

2011-07-06T04:50:00.012-05:00

Yesterday, E and I went walking. About halfway towards our usual Lee Fields stomping grounds, we decided to forge ahead, cross a bridge, and explore the other side of the river. This decision led us down the ill-paved avenues of Cork's north-side. We walked sidewalks overhung with ivy and passed concrete tablets depicting The Joyful Mysteries. We passed under the shadow of the beautiful Atkins Hall, the longest building in Cork and a former mental institution. Mostly, we tried to avoid getting smushed by speeding cars careening down narrow, winding roads.

Maybe a quarter-mile into our walk, E and I noticed an old woman casting furtive glances as she approached a crude gate serving to separate a fenced-in field from the street. She threw around few more cautionary looks before removing a rope barrier and lifting her leg over the low gate. Of course, E and I followed suit.

What we found inside was breathtaking: a sunlit field on the banks of the River Lee full of tall grasses, pink fox glove, and wild blackberry bushes. No joggers. No dogs. Only the occasional wood pigeon bumblebeeing its hefty belly through the air. This was a regular Terabithia nestled in the cracked pavement of the north-side.

Through the trees, we could see people kayaking downriver. Across the water, there were all the familiar people jogging or walking their dogs along the trails of the Lee Fields (the couple with a pair of Newfoundlands; the thin, runner girl with a Border Collie). Ahead of us, the old woman we had followed shuffled quickly up the trodden down path.

Eventually, E and I turned around when we came to a couple of boys sitting on the riverbank--amidst plumes of smoke--swilling Dutch Gold from tall cans. The old woman gave us a nod as our paths crossed. She was holding a fistful of gathered feathers. Terabithia, it seems, means different things for different people.

I think we'll be back.

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Paint the Future

2011-07-05T05:36:00.004-05:00

For those of you who might not know, my family is awesome. We are nothing if not a hub of pure, unadulterated electric fabulousity; rife with talent and wit! And we look good, too!

But, I suppose I'm biased.

Recently, two of my creatively-inclined cousins performed a song on ukulele. Then, they posted that song on YouTube for your amusement and enjoyment.

Go on, press play.

Beannachtaí on 4ú lá mí Íúil

2011-07-05T04:58:00.008-05:00

Did I mention that I'm taking Irish classes? Well, I'm taking Irish classes. Every Monday evening. Thus, last night, I was treated to the phrase:

"Beannachtaí on 4ú lá mí Íúil, Laurie!" or
"Happy Fourth of July, Laurie!"

I enjoyed my teachers' well-wishing, but I hope she doesn't ask me how to pronounce the phrase at a later date. Irish spelling is hard to get used to, and I have a tendency to pronounce any unfamiliar words with a French accent. Major linguistic faux-pas.

Anyway, my Fourth of July was rather uneventful, but enjoyable nonetheless. Independence Day abroad is always a bit strange. Last year on the Fourth, I was running around Paris gawking at the Pompidou with my younger sister and a troublesome couch surfing host. This year, E and I bought a cheap-o, instant grill from Tesco with the intent of utilizing our apartment's balcony.

The grill is essentially a glorified roasting pan enhanced by the addition of an aluminum grate and charcoal briquettes. Not exactly the latest in grilling technology, but it got the job done.

That is, at least, until the sunny Irish weather decided to take an evening nosedive into the dreary. Our grilled corn on the cob was a little soggy, but still delicious. The rest of the 4th of July fare was cooked on the stove-top to the most illin'est tunes of The Beastie Boys (who tend to use the words "America" and "USA" in a surprising number of songs).

E and I wrapped up the evening with a glass of red wine because the lady at Tesco Express wouldn't sell me two cans of Budweiser without my passport. I suppose I should be flattered that I still get carded in a country where the legal drinking age is 18. Ah well, the beer was more for looks than for taste, anyway.

How was your Fourth?

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Epic Souvenir: The Nessie Magnet

2011-07-04T06:08:00.004-05:00

When I was in Scotland, I picked up the most epic souvenir since that seashell sculpture I brought home from Gulf Shores when I was eight.

Behold, the Nessie Magnet.

It's actually quite lovely. And, I'm on board with anything to which I can add speech and thought bubbles. The possibilities are endless.

What are your most treasured and beloved souvenirs? What about the worst souvenir you've ever purchased/received?

Obligatory Shameless Self Promotion

2011-07-03T15:16:00.003-05:00

Miss Jessie and I have (re)started a letter-type blog in which to scribble down our goings-on to each other. If you're a lover of letter writing, pop on by to give it a browse:

We Used to be Twins

Happy Sunday!

Quote Book

2011-07-02T05:52:00.005-05:00

Thursday afternoon, E. and I were walking the banks of the River Lee in the Lee Fields to stretch our legs and clear our heads. Suddenly, E. stopped short and inhaled sharply.

"What? What is it?" I asked.
"Wow," he said, " would ya look at that? It's just beautiful isn't it?"
"Wow, yeah," I said. "I guess it is."
"Yeah," he said, "look at how glassy the water is! It looks just like a video game!"

"..."

"What?"

---

Somewhere during my high school career, I began writing down in the margins of my notebooks hilarious things my teachers and classmates said. When I got bored during class, I would amuse myself by re-reading all of the strange things I'd written down over the past few weeks. Often, the quotes were even funnier once I had forgotten context. Sometimes when I came home in the afternoons, I'd record these funny bits of conversation in my journals. But, unfortunately, most of these quotations usually got tossed at the end of the year with the rest of my notes.

My brilliant younger sister, however, came up with an ingenious way to record her high school memories. Just before her freshman year of high school, my sister received a beautiful journal from one of our aunts. For awhile, the journal sat unused (as many beautiful journals do) on her desk or in her bookshelf. One day, however, my sister began recording in her beautiful journal the hilarious things her teachers and her classmates said throughout the day. Soon, the pages of her Quote Book were replete with comedy gold. She began carrying the journal with her in her purse wherever she went. She would snatch the book out and scribble furiously during long car rides or family gatherings.

Later, sitting cross-legged on her bed, she would stifle breathless laughter as she re-read the best quotes to me. Sometimes re-reading the quotes would spark a storytelling session, and my sister would recount her days to me.

These days, the pages of the first Quote Book are full to bursting, and my sister has moved on to fill a new journal. Occasionally, however, she'll reach for the book and read a few quotes aloud. Every time she does this, I think, "What a beautiful way to record your life. What a great way to remember that the people you love to be around are actually amazing."

So, occasionally, I take a page out of my sister's book (pun entirely intended) and record those conversations with quirks. Those conversations that I'll re-read later and crack a smile.

Clotted Cream at the Farmgate Cafe

2011-06-30T11:07:00.003-05:00

Ah, the new! Oh, the novel! As you might know by now, I enjoy adventures that involve interesting and delicious food (please refer to: that time I tried haggis). Much like those ridiculous jet-setting chefs you see on the Food Network, my first question when visiting a new place is always: “What's the skinny on the local dish?!” See? I'm pretty much exactly like Guy Fieri. Except my hair is cooler.

Right. So, always, but always have I wanted to try the legend that is a scone and clotted cream. Despite having lived in the land of scone and jam for a fairly lengthy amount of time, I had never (until recently) tasted clotted cream with my scone. Travesty, no?

So, to put this epicurean disaster to rest, Jessie and I set out last week in search of the best clotted cream-scone-jam combo in Cork City. Luckily for us, one needn't wander far before stumbling across the amazing breakfast fare at the Farmgate Cafe in Cork's English Market. Behold:

Tea, rhubarb jam, fruit scone, and clotted cream. This, friends, is breakfast at its finest. The rhubarb jam was also new to me, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. For best results, definitely swirl your jam and clotted cream together with your knife before chowing down.

Do you enjoy trying new foods when traveling? Do you have a favorite local dish from your home region? Do tell.

What's Perspective Again?

2011-06-30T09:35:00.003-05:00

Doodle Bug: DegaBag

2011-06-30T05:46:00.004-05:00

I found Talladega ("Dega") hiding under an SUV at a truck stop last August. He was tiny and dehydrated. My dad said things like:

"Don't you bring that cat near your mother! Don't you show that cat to me! I'll drive off without you!"
Many pleading eyes and several come-on-daddy-look-at-the-kitty's later, we were zipping towards Atlanta with a skinny kitten on our laps.

Arrr...

2011-06-29T16:41:00.004-05:00

A Visit From Miss Jessie

2011-06-29T10:46:00.012-05:00

So, I've been busy. After our jaunt to Scotland, Miss Jessie hopped on a plane to come stay with us in Ireland for a week or so. As you might imagine, this was (for the most part) loads of fun and lots of clicking cameras. Unfortunately, Scotland laced my food with some sort of malicious bacteria, so the first few days of her stay were interrupted by my either being feverishly unconscious in my bedroom or vomiting despairingly in my bathroom. Travel will throw you the occasional curve ball.

However, after this first upset, Jessie and I were free to frolic the streets of Cork, the city we in which studied abroad together. It was nostalgia all around! We revisited the campus of UCC, we strolled Patrick Street, and we ate delicious lunches in the English Market and the Quay Co-op.

We even hopped on a train and revisited Fota Wildlife Park, an island zoo where many of the animals are free to roam amongst their human visitors! We got ice cream and took pictures with kangaroos. Mostly, we did a lot of this:

Overall, Miss Jessie's stay was very nostalgic, and all together too short for my liking. The best part, however, was definitely buying ice cream from this guy:

One vanilla ice cream cone with a flake in it? 2 euros. Buying said ice cream from the creepiest leprechaun van in Ireland? Priceless.

If you'd like to see more of our adventures over the past week, check out this album:

Laurie and Jessie Do Ireland

Doodle Bug: A Joint Comic

2011-06-28T07:33:00.005-05:00

Let me begin by saying that I've known my friend, Jessie, since the third grade. Pretty much from Day One (after we met on the monkey bars), she and I have drawn fabulously hilarious joint drawings together. It's good to know that after 17 years of uninterrupted, solid friendship, some things just don't change. Thank you, dear friend for indulging me in a joint comic when you were travel weary!

Doodle Bug

2011-06-25T15:46:00.006-05:00

I've been doodling in my sketchbooks and journals a lot lately. I just wish I had a better method of photographing them for my blog.

I'm sure it's difficult to decipher what my thoughts tend to revolve around...

Photopalooza: Let's Eat Tiffin!

2011-06-24T09:46:00.002-05:00

Are you bored of reading words? Too tired to concentrate on a paragraph? Did I peak your interest with those tantalizing photos in that last post about Scotland? Are you my grandmother?

If the answer to any of the above questions is a resounding "Yes!" then, boy, do I have the link for you.

Behold, and Shazam!

Edinburgh (and Glascow) 2011

My Picasa Web Album about eating delicious food and gallivanting in greenery! Go to it, friend. Mindlessly browse some pretty pictures. Scotland sure is lovely.

Land of Tartan and Haggis

2011-06-24T03:30:00.010-05:00

Last weekend, I made my first foray into the UK since age 9. Edward and I climbed aboard a tiny aircraft that carried us northward towards Edinburgh, tiffin, and Miss Jessie (a long-time partner in crime). How was it? Excellent, of course!

We arrived late in the evening, exhausted from our toils of packing suitcases, cleaning the house, and grumbling through airport security. Of course, it is always in these low moments of exhaustion that fate decides to throw you a curve-ball. Tired, you say? BAM! Your hostel is the tiniest door in the wall, and will take an extra hour to find! Think of it as a challenge.

Eventually, we found our tiny hostel. There, we also found Jessie. All of these new sights were welcomed with many hugs and subsequent flopping on beds. Despite our group's jetlag and travel-weariness, we did manage to rally our spirits enough to go out for one pint and a few photo ops in the dark.

The next few days were much more exciting. We savored the sights at Edinburgh Castle and The National Museum of Scotland. We took a tour of the royal yacht, Britannia. We tasted whiskey. We indulged in deep-friend Mars bars. We climbed to the very peak of Arthur's Seat!

More importantly, I tried haggis. And, enjoyed it. Most importantly, I ate lots of tiffin at The Elephant House, the cafe where J.K. Rowling penned scrawling notes for the Harry Potter novels. I also took lots of incriminatingly dorky photos of myself writing on napkins while drinking my morning coffee.

A girl and her haggis. Love at first bite!

After three nights of gasping at the breathtaking beauty of Edinburgh (constantly vowing that we would drop our lives to live amongst its wet, chilly stonework), we moved on to Glascow. Maybe I didn't have a chance to get to know Glascow very well, but seeing the "other Scottish city" after oogling Edinburgh's stunning features was rather underwhelming. But, beauty wasn't the point.

The points were twofold: 1.) FREE breakfast in our hostel and 2.) watching Dylan Moran, one of my favorite comedians (of-all-time-ever) perform at the Pavilion Theater. Each moment of the two hour performance was inflated with the breath of incessant giggling, guffawing, and chuckling. Very much worth it. Then, I ate a chicken sandwich.

The morning after my chicken sandwich, I awoke to the feeling of pointy rocks in my stomach and a vaguely swimmy sensation in my head. Surely, I thought, these unpleasant feelings will dissipate with copious water and FREE breakfast, right? So, we all trundled downstairs to the eating area where I stuffed my face with two bowls of milk and muesli, toast, and three cups of coffee. This was good. I love muesli. I love it even better when it's free.

It was somewhere on the bus between the hostel and Glascow airport when things began to go awry. I began thanking all heavenly bodies that I'd saved plastic bags from souvenir shops and tried desperately not to concentrate on the fact that we were moving. By the time we made it through check-in, I was dashing for a bathroom. After security, a conveniently close trashcan. Before the flight, another nearby (but not nearby enough) trashcan. And so on, and so forth.

Once home, I was able to collapse into bed and sleep for a day. I awoke from my stomach-reeling slumber dehydrated, but much less nauseated. Thank goodness.

Sadly, we never did ramble our way to Loch Ness during our stint in Scotland. Luckily, Nessie was doing a book signing in the National Museum and was kind enough to give me her autograph. Dreams do come true.

When Just Any Bag of Holding Won't Do

2011-06-16T10:58:00.002-05:00

If there's one thing I learned as a former high school Dungeons and Dragons nerd, it's this: a bag of holding is the most important magic item you will EVER come across. Period. It also happens to be the one D&D item I wish I could will into existence. “Why,” you ask? Well, let me tell you...

I am addicted to bulk. For some reason, when I leave the sanctity of my home, I feel the need to load myself down with every object I believe might be somewhat necessary or kind-of-maybe useful in the future. “'What if I get bored?” I ask myself as I eye that novel I've been meaning to start. “Paperbacks aren't all that heavy,” as I plonk the book into my purse. After that, all is lost. Chapstick, back-up makeup, notebooks, pens galore, extra kleenex, extra sweater, emergency apple? Yes, yes, and yes and yes!

This is the problem I'm facing as I pack for Scotland for the weekend. Let me tell you, international travel does not smile upon those with heavy bags and backpacks. No, not at all. Take it from a girl who has (successfully) navigated the Paris metro with two XL suitcases, two duffel bags, a purse, and a backpack... TWICE. When possible, always pack light.

So how did I spend my pre-Scotland packing session? Unpacking my monstrous purse so that I could rearrange the contents for a four-day sojourn to the Land of Whiskey, Tartan and Haggis. I have to say, I'm pretty pleased with how I managed. One duffel bag and one purse for two people over four days. Not exactly packing genius, but not bad either!

More importantly, now that I've downsized my luggage, my hands will be free when it comes time to ask Nessie for her autograph!

A List: Things That Continue to Amaze Me

2011-06-15T17:07:00.005-05:00

Things that continue to amaze me:

1. Finding my dog's hair in very unexpected places (e.g. inside a banana, or in my morning oatmeal one week after I've moved out of the country)
2. Germans who sound completely American when they speak English
3. How I still giggle every time I order an "Americano" with an American accent in a cafe when I'm in a foreign place
4. The fact that everyone looks like John Travolta from Saturday Night Fever when you bounce around a city listening to disco on your iPod. (see!?)

5. How ridiculously amusing catchpa words can be (e.g. foudheds?):
6. I'm going to Scotland (forthefirsttimeever) tomorrow!!!

Seriously. Number 6 is probably the most amazing thing on this list. That being said, number 4 is pretty great, too. Honestly, listening to the Bee Gees's "Stayin' Alive" while walking through any city center is like living in a 70s montage. Your jeans will instantly sprout bells and fringe. I implore you to try this if you haven't already.

Velkommen In My Blog

2011-06-15T04:38:00.003-05:00

Let me begin by saying that I don't really know what I'm doing here. In the beginning, I always feel like I need a plan of attack with a journal or blog. I say to myself, “This! This will be what your journal is about! You will post pictures of your drawings. You will write about living abroad!” Then, after weeks of laziness and neglect, all my elegant attack plans tend to Waterloo themselves right off a precipice. I end up waxing poetic about the moon or berating my readers with amateur photography. My web ramblings start to look dangerously like a Livejournal. Meh.

And yet... Over this past year, I found that I indeed have the capacity to stick by a journal (a cute little paper number—one beat-up purple composition notebook). How did I manage to fill its pages? It was my catchall. My wordtrap. My doodle box. And, oh how its pages are fruitful, people. My notebook overfloweth!

Anyway. I suppose I will start by telling you a little bit about myself:

Hi, my name is Laurie and I'm trying to survive my twenties. Over the past two years I have:

Worked a minimum wage job at a local Starbucks
Dropped everything and moved to France for 9 months
Taught 160 children between the ages of 6 and 11 how to speak English
Learned an awful lot about French
Moved back to the Southern United States
Started a graduate program in Gifted Education
Worked a minimum wage job in a local bookstore
Tried to avoid becoming a hipster
Moved to Ireland for the summer

In short, my life has been eventful. I've met all sorts of interesting people and had all sorts of interesting thoughts. I love adventure (especially the small kind). And—when I can't have adventure—I strive to convert everyday occurrences in to the oddball. Mostly, I love to draw and write weird notes.

So, I suppose this journal doesn't have a theme per-say. The gist is consistency. And... I can't promise there won't be a few waxings poetics about the moon on occasion. Old habits die hard.

And with that, I throw up my arms and give you all jazz hands.

Welcome! I say to you!