Tag Archives: Creativity Burst

Creativity Burst: A City Stroll

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A City Stroll
Missing a City Stroll?

Do you miss a city stroll?

In this time of sheltering in place, where one is encouraged to only wander in one’s neighborhood and keep 6 feet distance from people, the days of going to a city — either your own or that of another city you have traveled to – feels long ago and far off from ever being able to do again.

Strolling a city leads me to new ideas, thoughts, smiles from strangers, a spring in my step as I take in new sites and sounds, unusual smells, and more. o stroll is to take in everything through all of one’s senses. It is invigorating and reinvigorating and often leads to a creative burst of energy. I don’t mind walking my neighborhood, but it is difficult to miss one’s city strolls.

Imagine my excitement when I found the blog Kottke.org and found a post where they literally offer you city strolls to take. Ah, these are perfect. Up to an hour of your time can be spent taking a stroll of a new city, such as a neighborhood stroll in Paris, Lithuania, a Floating Market in Bangkok, and more. Actually, not too many more, but these may be enough.

There is very little narration of these walks. Really, it is literally fifty minutes or so of strolling the area with all of the various sites, sounds, people, and more that one takes in in any good city stroll. It’s life in these areas which is all abuzz. I find I don’t even need to be looking at the city scene, but can just keep it on as background noise on my computer to keep me company. It is so novel to listen to a buzzing street vibe. I haven’t heard such a scene in so long, and yet it is so comfortable.

I will admit it right here. I miss it. Listening to the scene, make me feel this acutely. I worry will I ever have the opportunity again to move so freely in my world and take in a simple city stroll in Seattle, where I live, or in some far flung destination? I used to take such a thing and scene completely for granted. Perhaps that is one of the “up” sides of this time. To really cherish all that we had and to appreciate it once we engage again. Somewhere, I hold a hope that all of us will engage in the world as these scenes show.

Given my days are mainly spent indoors, it is wonderful to bring a city stroll inside for a little bit of time. I certainly feel more creative and energized from engaging my senses in this way. Perhaps I will plan my next trip or become motivated to learn more about a certain area. Perhaps it will motivate me to get up and walk my neighborhood and take it in as fully as possible.

Try a city stroll and remember what it was like and have hope we will all stroll together in marvelous spots soon.

Creativity Burst: PostCrossing

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PostCrossing Postcards
Interested in receiving a postcard from a stranger?

I have just come across the site PostCrossing!

Are you one who loves to write and receive real mail? For me, there is nothing more creative than writing a hand-written letter and also receiving one back. The art of letter writing is almost nearly forgotten today, but isn’t it just such a bright creative burst when you do receive something handwritten in the mail today amid the bills and catalogues? An utter delight for me.

If the idea of letter writing is lost, I think the art of the far-away postcard is almost also of a by-gone era. There is nothing I like more than sending posts from far off places to dear family and friends, but my past few trips none of them even arrived. Not only are people not writing them, the mail is not delivering them. Oh what to do?

You can imagine how my creative spirits were buoyed by learning about PostCrossing – a service that invites you to write a postcard to a stranger, the service generates the address for you to write to, and then, in turn, you will also receive a postcard from a stranger. What a delight. For the cost of a stamp, mind you it will be international, you can send a wish, thought, or idea to a stranger in a strange land and anticipate receiving one in return.

I remember many years ago, I was taking tea at a hotel in London. Ah, it was a grand moment. I was sitting there having my tea, writing out postcards, and listening to a grand pianist. All of a sudden, a young woman ran over to my table – a complete stranger – and told me what we could do. She would take a picture of me and I would take a picture of her. Then, we were to exchange home addresses with one another. From there, she said, “One day, it will most likely be dreary and cold, you will receive the picture I just snapped of you here and it will bring it all back in a moment. Promise you will do the same for me.”

PostCrossing feels like a service in the same spirit. We were strangers, real correspondence would arrive, and our days would be brightened. I immediately signed up for the service, pulled out a postcard, dashed off a note, stamped it, and mailed it the very next day. It really gave me such a creative burst of energy to think of a stranger holding my postcard.

Now, I wait for one to arrive for me. Who it will be from, I have no idea. What type of postcard remains a mystery for now. There are far too few mysteries in our lives. Check out CrossPosting to perhaps discover one of your own.

Creativity Burst: Tune Translation for the Times

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Girl listens to tunes to translate for the times

What can get all of us through a particularly stressful time? Listening to favorite music seems to be a way to not only relax, but also take our minds to other times and places that are pleasurable. I am amazed when a song comes on that was popular back when I was 14 and I can remember a specific memory from that time as though it was a moment ago, Music transports us, uplifts us, and can cause a happy affect.

Now, how to use music during a time like this? I tried something this past week that really not only got me thinking about my favorite songs, but how to spoof them to fit the times. I made a series of very brief video clips with me singing a refrain from the song that I changed to meet these pandemic times.

One of the songs I sang to was the catchy tune,”Can’t Touch This.” I danced like a crazy bird and just snag the refrain a few times and then said, “Pandemic, Can’t touch me!” Completely silly and fun. Putting it up on social media took some guts, but I figured others could use some hilarity to their days.

I decided to record a few more. First, I had to think of some favorite tunes that matched the times and have the chance to change a word or two, record it, and post it. My mind really got excited to take on this little project for a few days in a row. It lead me to have a burst of creativity to be sure.

Like,”I’m not leaving on a jet plane, Don’t know when I will go again, Oh, Babe, I wish I could go.”

Ha! The proper translation of this song during these times. I think it would be so fun for people to come up with their song lines that match these times, sing it, record, and post. All of us not only would give ourselves a good laugh, but a burst of creativity too.

Give it a try and “Don’t hand me no lines, and keep your hands to yourself!” (Another creative song adaptation for good measure!)

Creativity Burst: An Intention Capsule Necklace

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Intention Capsule Necklace

An intention Capsule Necklace — one of my very favorite things. I stumbled upon this idea during one of my own Birthday celebrations. I love all of the little knick knacks that can make up a Birthday — balloons, horns, flying wish paper, surprise balls — and one year I stumbled upon this necklace.

It’s a pretty cool idea. It’s a little capsule that is on a cloth chain necklace. A small piece of paper is also included. You are to write your intention on the pice of paper, roll it up tight, place it into the capsule, and wear it around your neck in an effort to keep it close to you.

With all of this energy and spirit around your intention and the reminder of what you intend is with you being worn around your neck and close to your heart, it is a creative way to bring to life what you truly intend for yourself. Each day.

If you don’t want to buy one of these, you can easily make one for yourself. Take a tiny piece of paper and write your intention down on it. From there, roll it up and secure with a rubber band or a tight string bow. Again, you can carry this with you in your purse or wallet or in a pocket on you. You don’t need the capsule to hold it.

This is a way to merge creativity with intention to help you pursue what you intend.

Maybe this is just a little birthday knick knack for kids, but I have found them to be a place to not only hold some good intention for myself, but also to extend this to others. Whether you make one or buy one, bring your intention forth by writing it down and wearing it as you interact with your day.

Creativity Burst: A Four Leaf Clover Walk

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A Four Leaf Clover Walk for St. Patrick's Day
May the Luck O’ the Irish Be With You

May the luck o’ the Irish be with you today! Celebrate with a Four Leaf Clover Walk.

Even if you aren’t Irish, this is the one day that we all feel a little Irish as we celebrate the day together. Traditionally, I think of this day as one where people gather in pubs for a green beer, kids eat green cupcakes, gold chocolate coins jingle in pockets, and we lookout for little leprechauns of luck. OK, maybe that last one is only in our dreams. Yet, it is a day to remember the Irish and to bring a little luck into one’s life.

Today’s holiday is a bit different given we are asked to not gather together. No school, no work, no meeting at the pub — however, we are encouraged to get out into nature, as long as we keep our distance from one another. In that light, today is a perfect day for a four leaf clover walk.

It takes us out into nature. If you have children at home, what better way to spend part of the school day with them today? Bundle up and head to a park. When you arrive, give them the guideline that you are the hunt for four leaf clovers. If they have not seen them before, show them a few examples on line before you head out.

Now, these are not always the easiest to find. So, expand the hunt and let them find any items in nature that look like a four leaf clover, are just green, or any other item that remind them of Ireland. Afterwards, when you gather together, it will be a great opportunity to share what was found and why they picked up the items they chose. It is an opportunity to get creative and use one’s imagination in nature using this lucky Irish day as inspiration.

When you arrive home, pull out heavy card stock, glue, and any other art supplies you may have on hand and let your children create a lucky collage for the day. Not only will you have gotten out on an excursion for the day, but also had a chance to be creative on this special day.

Even without kids, take your own lucky break in nature and let your mind wander as to what reminds you of the Irish on this day. Pick up a few things and place them on your desk – or anywhere else in your home – to remind you of the beauty of nature and your own imagination to connect a holiday to the natural world.

It’s a lucky day! Get out into nature and find some four leaf clovers today!

Creativity Burst: Fluff Your Pillows

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Woman fluffs the pillows

Creativity via fluffing your pillows? Say, what?

Here’s the thing about pillows.. Have you ever gotten out of bed, made your bed, thrown your pillows on the bed, and noticed how they sag and collapse, especially after sleeping on them for a few days in a row? Nothing like a sad sack pillow.

Here is an easy, fun tip to begin your day that may make it burst with some creative energy: fluff your pillows.

That’s right – just grab your pillows and “fluff them up.” Not only will you notice a lift in your pillows, but perhaps your mood too? You can punch them up, you can gently fold them up, you can throw them on the bed a few times — whatever you do — as your pillows fill up, your energy may move into a higher gear than you were starting out at in the wee hours of the morning.

I wonder if the simple act of fluffing a pillow will “fluff” your days in other ways? Perhaps you will be inspired to elevate how you see a stranger and pay the person a compliment. Perhaps you try a new dish for dinner to elevate your weekday meal? Perhaps you realize your pillows are past fluffing and decide to buy some new ones for comfort. The mere act of fluffing something may inspire you to fluff your life in some way.

If you want a list of ways to revive your old pillows, find it here. Revitalizing something flat like a pillow can also revitalize a part of you on any given day. It costs nothing, takes a few moments, and not only will your bed look better, but you may as well.

In this way, a fluff here could lead to a burst of creativity elsewhere. Fluff away!

Creativity Burst: Art Mobiles

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An art mobile hangs and moves in the wind

Are you drawn to art that may not be traditional? If so, you may want to think about hanging up an art mobile – one that you have bought or made yourself. Given I am not very artsy, I wonder how an art mobile would turn out if I actually tried to make one. I am so fascinated with art mobiles, I may just give it a shot.

There is something about delicate pieces of paper, fabric, or other materials (mix and matched even) hanging off of the ceiling, perhaps twirling, perhaps shining (depending on the material) that not only captures my attention, but also gives me a moment to pause and appreciate how something simple and delicate can capture my mind for a little bit of time.

A little bit of time that may refresh me, have me think of something new, help me see the light of the day through a different filter. If there is an art mobile around, I always remind myself to look up and appreciate it hanging there. To better appreciate and see the space I am in in this present moment.

If I were to create an art mobile, it could be as simple as gathering paper, crayons or colored pencils, scissors, string, and a piece of wire to suspend my creative, colorful pieces of paper from. If you were to add a hook to your ceiling, you would have an interesting art piece made by you. Children love little art projects like this, but adults can also enjoy creating an art mobile for themselves too.

Art mobiles provide an outlet to take one’s mind away from whatever is going on and take in the world in a new way. I may just try making one this spring. Butterflies come to mind — along with the bees, of course.

Creativity Burst: Museum Art Collections On-Line

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Browsing museum art collections inspires creativity on-line.
Colorful Art Online

One of the best parts of the Internet? Being able to be transported to places we often are unable to travel to such as museums. It is easier than ever with museum collections on-line.

One of the things I love to do the most is browse museums of art. For me, taking in great art – especially since I am not a visual artist in the least – not only inspires me, but allows my creative side to come out and play. Given I value great art as much as I do, I make time to head to my local museums and, when traveling, visit art museums as I am able to do so.

What I find absolutely amazing these days is that many major museums have on-line art galleries that one can peruse at her own leisure. Some of these museums collections on-line include: MOMA, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museo del Prado, and The Tate. All of these museums are world class and world famous. Taking a few moments out of your day to head to any of these sites to look at some beautiful pieces of art feels like time out of time.

All of a sudden you are in that Museum taking in great works of art — right from your comfortable spot at home or anywhere else you may happen to be. Amazing, technology!

Within minutes my mind is full of artistic imagery, colors, design, characters, faces, landscapes, and more that whirl in my mind inspiring me to take flight simply by browsing museums collections on-line. A creative burst shoots forth. Perhaps I will be moved to a creative outpouring of some kind — it may not be creating a masterpiece, but it could be rather remarkable for your day.

If you love art and want a simple and easy way to take in an amazing collection, give on-line art collection browsing a try. You may find yourself moved without having to move a bit.

Creativity Burst: Cloudscapes

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Look Up! What do you see?

I had the chance a few weeks ago to look up at the sky for a little chunk of time. The sky looked a lot like the picture in this post. Bright blue sky with puffy, large cotton balls floating by me. I love to sit and look at these types of clouds. A few moments in, I will let my mind go hazy — sort of on, but not completely — and then see what I can see.

What do I see? Ah! All sorts of shapes that look like images of animals, cartoon characters, or any other thing that sort of floats up into my mind. I am amazed at how many faces I find — and mostly happy, although I sometimes run into a frown or two. I think what we see in clouds often reflects how we are feeling.

Taking in cloudscapes and playing an imagery game with yourself is one way to access how you are feeling. It also allows one’s mind to turn off the logical, always on, processing mind and move toward the artistic, creative, imaginative side of the mind.

What if you don’t see anything at all? Perhaps your mind is still too turned on? Letting your mind go soft and hazy seems to be an essential element to finding what may at first appear hidden. Oh my, once you start seeing images, get ready! Every cloud that wanders by is going to show you something new.

Looking up at the clouds often fuels my creative side. I can let my mind wander and become inspired by what nature is serving up to me and I can do it for as little or as long a time as I am interested. It costs nothing and can really put you in touch with a part of yourself that is often silenced as we act and think out of our fast-paced, logical mind.

My suggestion? Look up, let your mind go hazy, and see what creative shapes, images, and more you find today.

Creativity Burst: A Homemade Valentine

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It’s a week for showing people whom you love that you indeed love them. There are many ways to show someone you love her. The stores are chock full of cards, chocolates, lace, and more pink and red goods than you could ever imagine. It’s fun to stroll around and take in what has become an overly commercialized holiday.

For me, it’s inspiring to become creative and go old school. Do you remember being in elementary school and making a bright box to receive all of the Valentines from your friends at school? I believe the school rule was everyone in a class had to give a Valentine to everyone else. It was a holiday that was designed to include everyone.

You may be making a similar box for your children’s celebration, as well as picking out and/or creating Valentine cards for your kids’ friends. However, I suggest you pause right there and think about your own partner and friends and become curious with the idea of how they would feel to receive a Valentine from you?

My guess is — thrilled! When was the last time you received something handmade — let alone a Valentine? Yes, you can buy a box of cards, write a kind note, and send them off. Even using a readymade card can lead to feeling creative. Putting heartfelt words to paper, addressing the envelopes, stamping the cards, and mailing them off is certainly old school. It’s a delightful tradition.

Even more creative? Cutting out a paper heart and sending it in the mail or hand-delivering it to your partner and/or nearby friends. A hand-delivered Valentine that you cut out yourself? My word, the creativity is bursting forth.

We always think that simple correspondence projects like this would land flat, but the opposite is true. Most people never even expect a card like this in the mail — talk about putting a spring in someone’s step. I wonder how that person’s day may change and how she will move forward in her day?

Second, for you, working with paper and scissors can reignite pleasurable, old time memories that can allow one to embody one’s creativity and share the gift with one’s partner, family, and friends. It’s simple really. Add it on to the time you are spending helping your kids do their own Valentines or just take a little time, pull out some paper and scissors and a bright colored pen, and create!

Now is the time to show love!