NaJoWriMo Day 1
DESCRIBE THE CREATIVE SIDE
For this your first prompt, describe your creative side. When I refer to creative expression, it can range from doodling in your journal, home decorating, creating a presentation for your job or organization, to singing, painting, or playing a sport.
Write as much as you can about the forms of creative expression that you regularly engage in. Go on to describe the history of your creative expression(s), and how you think your creative side is a part of your personality and outlook on life.
If you absolutely don’t think you have a creative side, write about how you would like to be creative, and what do you think is keeping you from being able to express yourself in creative ways.
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Well I can see right off the bat that my definition of creative wouldn’t have been the same as his. If I’m to take into account all the things he lists, then yes, I suppose I am creative to a certain extent. But then I believe we’re ALL created to create!
— I don’t DOODLE in my journals, but I love to use stickers to mark certain writings. For example if I’m musing about something I feel is a “key struggle” in my life, I have some great KEY stickers to put on that page.
— Needlework is something I enjoy, especially cross stitch and tatting. But that’s not necessarily being creative in my opinion, it’s merely being able to follow a pattern.
— I’m also pretty good at organizing with existing materials. Having worked at a copy shop for years, I had ample opportunity to do design layouts for wedding announcements, business cards, flyers, etc. But my favorite project was the 100-plus-page books for our church women’s retreats every year.
— I suck at home decorating, painting, playing sports, and can barely carry a tune in a bucket.
— I did write a play once for VBS at church, and for two years wrote a column for our denominational newsletter about whatever struck my fancy (it was more a matter of “reporting” what was already there).
— I’ve started a couple stories (using the term loosely), and in 2013 I accidentally got involved with NaNoWriMo and ended up writing a novel, Glencara’s Bane (93K words), in 30 days — at which point my writing creativity up and deserted me, and that sucker is sitting there waiting for the first draft to be edited!
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I honestly DON’T think I have much of a creative side, which frustrates the heck out of me. Obviously writing (and being good at it) is one of my fondest wishes, as was the idea of playing the piano as an outlet for my emotions. But any creative impulses that manage to find me seem to dissipate fairly quickly leaving me more frustrated than ever. I’m not sure if I just have a short attention span and get bored easy or if I give up when things get difficult.
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What I HAVE figured out is that my creative energies definitely took a dip when I quit work in 2003. I’m stuck at home A LOT without my own car, and the lack of mental and emotional stimulation of being out and about has put a damper on my imagination. (You can only reorganize a house so many ways!) I think that lack of inspiration has depressed me — a lot! It’s affected my attitude and made me a far more negative person in my RL than I care to admit.
I started this blog in the hopes of changing that. Meeting all you wonderful people has helped. I am CONSTANTLY BLOWN AWAY by the talented writing I read on WordPress. But the fact remains nothing can really take the place of being involved in the world around you. Now if someone would just leave a car moped bicycle skateboard some form of transportation with a big bow on it for me in the driveway, that might change! (Or if they’d move the bus route a mile or so closer to our house!)
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Picture Sources:
Frustrated Creativity — Uplift
Creative Inspiration — Entrepreneur
No Energy — DHgate.com
K.L. Allendoerfer said:
Here’s my answer to this prompt: https://klallendoerfer.wordpress.com/2017/01/02/mundane-monday-patterns-of-creativity/
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calensariel said:
Please stop by and read Karen’s post at A Thousand Finds (https://klallendoerfer.wordpress.com/2017/01/02/mundane-monday-patterns-of-creativity/) It was a great post, and her response to this prompt was wonderful. She talked about the “flow” of creating.
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“When I am being creative, I feel like I am in a state of “flow” and I don’t notice time passing. Sometimes it passes more quickly, sometimes more slowly, for me than clock time does. But the introduction of clock time, whether in the form of deadlines or every-day requirements, into the process tends to make me anxious and shut the creativity right down. “
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K.L. Allendoerfer said:
I’m actually feeling a bit envious of you, being “stuck at home.” My husband doesn’t like to be at home. He’s always wanting to travel and go out even if we’re not traveling. It drives me a little batty, because he wants me to come with him and he’s almost never home during the day. He also wants to plan another big trip next summer and neither I nor the kids are really up for it. There may be a compromise in which the children and I come home early and he stays longer.
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calensariel said:
Geez… Maybe we ought to trade lives! The only thing that’s the same is Drollery thinks I have to be with him every minutes he’s not at work. Like he can’t watch TV downstairs if I’m not down there with him. THAT was a small victory I did have this year. I started saying no if I didn’t want to watch TV. He didn’t like it, but he’s not complaining about it any more. Sometimes I’ll go down and just watch one or two things we have recorded then come back upstairs. I guess compromise comes in handy, which is what I hear you saying, too. 🙂
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K.L. Allendoerfer said:
Oh man, I hear you on this one! It’s taken me a long time to get him used to watching TV by himself. He does seem to understand that I don’t like all the shows he likes, and he doesn’t want to give up watching some of the ones I don’t like, so he will watch those himself, at least. What is it with husbands and TV?
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calensariel said:
I wish I knew! Drollery just says it’s not the same when I’m not there. My answer to him the night he told me that was, “Then get a darn couch we can set on together!” We need a new on in the worst way. This one kills my back!!!
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K.L. Allendoerfer said:
I like this idea a lot! I’m not going to be able to do every day, but I’ve kept a journal on and off in various forms since 1974 and I’m not going to stop now!
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calensariel said:
Don’t know if I can keep up with it or not. We’ll see!
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Lori Carlson said:
You spark so much creativity in others, Calen. I think that definitely makes you creative (a creator?). If not, we wouldn’t respond the way we do to your words. I always enjoy your posts. They are well-written and thought out. That takes some creativity too.
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calensariel said:
Thanks, hon. I keep practicing. 🙂
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Lori Carlson said:
My pleasure, Calen.. that’s what life is all about.. practice 😀
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Colleen Keehne said:
I think you’re being to harsh on yourself. You are a very talented writer Cheryl. You’re right about being stuck at home, that doesn’t stir the creative juices. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have those juices! Also it’s hard to look at our selves vs. how other people look at us. I look at you and see someone that is a great friend and writer, plus you’re one of the most caring people I know. Step away from the mirror you see self in and look at those of us that love you, in our eyes you’ll see the real you!
Luv Ya Girlfriend!
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calensariel said:
Ah… You’re such a sweetheart. 🙂 (You sure you’re not just saying that ’cause you know I have a surprise here for you??? LOL) ❤ Love you, too, Angel Baby! ❤
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spiritualdragonfly said:
I think your selling yourself short there C…….I’m going to attempt to join you this month….we’ll see how well I do.
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calensariel said:
I will be so glad to see you back. But ONLY if you feel ready, k? {{{Linda}}}
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spiritualdragonfly said:
((((((Hugs)))))) ❤
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