In January, 2012, I taught myself to knit. It took me a while to learn how to knit and purl using the illustrations in my knitting book. The first piece I knitted ended up looking like the blade of a saw. It was supposed to be rectangular!
I continued my new hobby and soon I had scarves and hats for my loved ones. I even knitted gold and black stripes into the matching set I did for my nephew attending college in Tennessee.
Then, last spring I tried a sweater on circular needles. I haven't finished that project yet, but I have finished several ruffle scarves.
Today, I started my first baby blanket. I'm going to a baby shower on Saturday, and I hope to have the blanket finished by then. I want to give it to the mommy-to-be for her baby boy.
I think knitting is fun because it's both art and craft. In knitting, I enjoy the process and the product. I can use a pattern or strike out on my own to create something new. Creativity is the same way.
Today's creativity is simple.
February 11, 2013 - Creativity
1. Find an activity you've been wanting to learn.
2. Take the first three steps toward learning it.
I'll let you know how the blanket turns out. I'd love to hear what you're learning.
~The Nassau Nerd
Monday, February 11, 2013
Friday, February 8, 2013
Grocery store creativity - Day Five
I admit, I don't enjoy grocery shopping. With scanning sales flyers, clipping coupons and analyzing nutritional values, I find the whole process time-consuming. That said, I love having fresh food in the house and knowing we have meals for a week or so.
Today, I challenged myself to be creative at Winn-Dixie. Along with my list, my coupons and my purse, I carried a small writing tablet and pen. My creative challenge? To use my writer's sense of observation and come up with three ideas for stories set in a grocery store.
I must say, having a creative goal made my time walking the tile floor under the fluorescent lights much more fun.
I came up with more than three ideas, but I'll share the first three I had...
1. A conflict arises between two senior citizen shoppers who crash while maneuvering the aisles in their mechanical wheelchairs.
2. A cashier keeps notes on all the shoppers who come through her line. She knows who attempts to use expired coupons, who snacks on cookies while they shop and who hangs out in the produce section looking for a date (among other things).
3. A musician (and grocery shopper) decides to perform live music inside the store instead of having to listen to the selections on the store speakers.
I had several more ideas too!
Next time you have to do something you're not looking forward to, try a little creativity!
Today's Creativity - February 8, 2013
1. Think of a chore you don't love doing, but one that has to be done.
2. The next time you complete the chore, consider observing your surroundings and writing down story ideas.
Enjoy your creativity!
~The Nassau Nerd
P.S. See you Monday.
Today, I challenged myself to be creative at Winn-Dixie. Along with my list, my coupons and my purse, I carried a small writing tablet and pen. My creative challenge? To use my writer's sense of observation and come up with three ideas for stories set in a grocery store.
I must say, having a creative goal made my time walking the tile floor under the fluorescent lights much more fun.
I came up with more than three ideas, but I'll share the first three I had...
1. A conflict arises between two senior citizen shoppers who crash while maneuvering the aisles in their mechanical wheelchairs.
2. A cashier keeps notes on all the shoppers who come through her line. She knows who attempts to use expired coupons, who snacks on cookies while they shop and who hangs out in the produce section looking for a date (among other things).
3. A musician (and grocery shopper) decides to perform live music inside the store instead of having to listen to the selections on the store speakers.
I had several more ideas too!
Next time you have to do something you're not looking forward to, try a little creativity!
Today's Creativity - February 8, 2013
1. Think of a chore you don't love doing, but one that has to be done.
2. The next time you complete the chore, consider observing your surroundings and writing down story ideas.
Enjoy your creativity!
~The Nassau Nerd
P.S. See you Monday.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Risky Business - Day Four
Creativity is about risk. Maybe that's what is so exciting about it.
Just a few days ago, I submitted some poetry to a literary magazine. Of course, I don't know if my poems will be published. What's more important to me, though, is that I submitted them. Even though a voice in my head told me they'd never get published, I sent them on anyway.
To submit, I had to complete three simple (yet risky) steps. First, I had to research the submission guidelines for the literary journal I selected. Second, I had to format my poetry correctly, according to their guidelines. Finally, I had to prepare the e-mail submission and send it. No, it didn't take long to do these things because I had already written the poems, but the process involved risk.
Being creative involves pushing through fear and taking risks.
February 7, 2013 - Taking a Risk
Today's creative activity involves taking a risk. What risk are you willing to take today?
1. Choose something 'risky' to do. (It could be as simple as learning to crochet or as complicated as going back to school).
2. Take three steps toward completing your 'risk'.
I'll let you know when I find out about my poetry.
Please let me know about your risky business.
~The Nassau Nerd
Just a few days ago, I submitted some poetry to a literary magazine. Of course, I don't know if my poems will be published. What's more important to me, though, is that I submitted them. Even though a voice in my head told me they'd never get published, I sent them on anyway.
To submit, I had to complete three simple (yet risky) steps. First, I had to research the submission guidelines for the literary journal I selected. Second, I had to format my poetry correctly, according to their guidelines. Finally, I had to prepare the e-mail submission and send it. No, it didn't take long to do these things because I had already written the poems, but the process involved risk.
Being creative involves pushing through fear and taking risks.
February 7, 2013 - Taking a Risk
Today's creative activity involves taking a risk. What risk are you willing to take today?
1. Choose something 'risky' to do. (It could be as simple as learning to crochet or as complicated as going back to school).
2. Take three steps toward completing your 'risk'.
I'll let you know when I find out about my poetry.
Please let me know about your risky business.
~The Nassau Nerd
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Rectangle, clock or amusement park for fleas? - Day Three
February 6, 2013
I found some old computer parts in a drawer. They used to be housed inside my husband's machines. I remember laying them aside some time ago thinking I could make something out of them. But what?
As I gaze at them again today, I focus on new possibilities. My goal is to use my creativity to think of these parts in new ways even if my ideas are considered 'dumb' or 'impractical' by some.
I challenged myself to see if I could come up with 15 uses for them. It was hard. Here's my list:
-Clocks
-Rectangles in a shape collection for kids
-Circles in a shape collection for kids
-Mirrors
-Tracing tool (for stairs, circles, rectangles)
-Blocks
-Rough surface (to teach sense of touch)
-Smooth surface (to teach sense of touch)
-Practice equipment for using screwdrivers and screws
-An amusement park for fleas (if they crawled around on the rough side)
-A 1" X 6" measuring tool
-An aerial view of a techno-city
-A study of how metal and plastic can work together in one product (maybe Democrats and Republicans need to study this)
-A device for creating a spinning sound effect
-A performing arts stage for Barbie dolls, stick people or rocks
Here's a picture of the three computer parts.
February 6, 2013 - New Possibilities
1. Find something around your house you're tempted to throw away.
2. How could you re-purpose the product using your creativity? Go for 10 ideas, even 15!
I'd love to hear your thoughts.
~The Nassau Nerd
I found some old computer parts in a drawer. They used to be housed inside my husband's machines. I remember laying them aside some time ago thinking I could make something out of them. But what?
As I gaze at them again today, I focus on new possibilities. My goal is to use my creativity to think of these parts in new ways even if my ideas are considered 'dumb' or 'impractical' by some.
I challenged myself to see if I could come up with 15 uses for them. It was hard. Here's my list:
-Clocks
-Rectangles in a shape collection for kids
-Circles in a shape collection for kids
-Mirrors
-Tracing tool (for stairs, circles, rectangles)
-Blocks
-Rough surface (to teach sense of touch)
-Smooth surface (to teach sense of touch)
-Practice equipment for using screwdrivers and screws
-An amusement park for fleas (if they crawled around on the rough side)
-A 1" X 6" measuring tool
-An aerial view of a techno-city
-A study of how metal and plastic can work together in one product (maybe Democrats and Republicans need to study this)
-A device for creating a spinning sound effect
-A performing arts stage for Barbie dolls, stick people or rocks
Here's a picture of the three computer parts.
February 6, 2013 - New Possibilities
1. Find something around your house you're tempted to throw away.
2. How could you re-purpose the product using your creativity? Go for 10 ideas, even 15!
I'd love to hear your thoughts.
~The Nassau Nerd
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Creativi-tree - Day Two
February 5, 2013
My thoughts on creativity this morning started with fear. What is it we're so afraid of when we unleash creativity? Why does creativity threaten the status quo? So much of our education these days revolves around setting a fixed goal and meeting it or working toward a particular product. Certainly, following through on tasks is important and productive, but sometimes a fixed goal limits us.
Facing an unknown result is also productive. Sometimes, the process is just as important as the product. Maybe it's the veering away from what's comfortable that is so disconcerting to people.
February 5, 2013 - The Creativi-tree
Here's a photo my husband took recently. The tree is located in Callahan, Florida.
1. Examine the photograph of the tree
2. Think about what it represents to you.
_____________________________________________
The tree represents the unknown to me. It's similar to creativity. When we allow ourselves to use our God-given creativity, we stand back and let the Creator work through us (maybe through art or writing or music). I never realized it before, but I think trusting in God each day shows how exercising our faith is a creative act.
When I write a story, I often don't know the outcome. I love the uncertainty. I enjoy giving up my thoughts on where the story should go and just letting it meander here and there. Honestly, I think God made humans creative beings so we can live fully and experience the vibrant colors of life.
What does the tree represent to you?
~The Nassau Nerd
My thoughts on creativity this morning started with fear. What is it we're so afraid of when we unleash creativity? Why does creativity threaten the status quo? So much of our education these days revolves around setting a fixed goal and meeting it or working toward a particular product. Certainly, following through on tasks is important and productive, but sometimes a fixed goal limits us.
Facing an unknown result is also productive. Sometimes, the process is just as important as the product. Maybe it's the veering away from what's comfortable that is so disconcerting to people.
February 5, 2013 - The Creativi-tree
Here's a photo my husband took recently. The tree is located in Callahan, Florida.
1. Examine the photograph of the tree
2. Think about what it represents to you.
_____________________________________________
The tree represents the unknown to me. It's similar to creativity. When we allow ourselves to use our God-given creativity, we stand back and let the Creator work through us (maybe through art or writing or music). I never realized it before, but I think trusting in God each day shows how exercising our faith is a creative act.
When I write a story, I often don't know the outcome. I love the uncertainty. I enjoy giving up my thoughts on where the story should go and just letting it meander here and there. Honestly, I think God made humans creative beings so we can live fully and experience the vibrant colors of life.
What does the tree represent to you?
~The Nassau Nerd
Monday, February 4, 2013
The Challenge of Creativity - Day One
Hi,
It's Monday, February 4, 2013, and today, I'm starting a challenging venture.
I'm going to do something creative every weekday for a year and chronicle it here. It might be something as simple as collecting rocks with my daughter for her rock collection. It could be sharing a song I write about feet or clouds or sorrow. I may choose to share a picture I sketch to music.
To me, creativity is the way we connect to our Creator, and I want to add more creativity into my life.
I hope you'll join me on this journey.
Here's today's creativity:
February 4, 2013
-Look up a random word in the dictionary.
-Write something using the word.
________________________________________
The word I looked up is: mutable (adj.)
The definition is: prone to change: inconstant
I chose to write a short poem based on the word. Here it is:
Change is a given
If you're livin'.
Creativity is mutable
And usually inscrutable.
See you tomorrow.
~The Nassau Nerd
It's Monday, February 4, 2013, and today, I'm starting a challenging venture.
I'm going to do something creative every weekday for a year and chronicle it here. It might be something as simple as collecting rocks with my daughter for her rock collection. It could be sharing a song I write about feet or clouds or sorrow. I may choose to share a picture I sketch to music.
To me, creativity is the way we connect to our Creator, and I want to add more creativity into my life.
I hope you'll join me on this journey.
Here's today's creativity:
February 4, 2013
-Look up a random word in the dictionary.
-Write something using the word.
________________________________________
The word I looked up is: mutable (adj.)
The definition is: prone to change: inconstant
I chose to write a short poem based on the word. Here it is:
Change is a given
If you're livin'.
Creativity is mutable
And usually inscrutable.
See you tomorrow.
~The Nassau Nerd
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