Do you have something in your life that you have to do? Call it a passion. It runs like an unheard melody, playing through your day, and ensures everything else happens too. It feeds your soul. The rhythm that dovetails aspects of your existence together in an effortless way. When its playing, even the most mundane activities, that you’d happily put off, are accomplished.
It could be keeping the house clean and organized (not mine), finishing the crossword (not mine either), listening to a radio show (nope), go for a run (shakes head) or something else, like creativity (mine! That’s mine!). It is personal to each person, but there will be something.*
If that something doesn’t happen, it’s an itch that cannot be ignored. Distracting. The melody goes haywire as if being played on an old fashioned record player, where the needle has met a scratch on the vinyl. Everything else takes its chance to follow suit, and acts up. Stuttering. Nothing gets done. Not properly, at least.
My thing is creativity. Although happy to use my hands to mould most materials into some kind of shape (see above), my creativity is mainly focused on reconfigurating textiles. I’ve always known it. I become fidgety and unable to settle into a task. Easily distracted. Unless I have joined a seam or shaped some wool. It doesn’t have to be every day. It doesn’t have to be finished. I guess I’m lucky in that respect, but it is a form of addiction. Feed the habit and my brain is pacified.
This week, I’ve stalled, which means everything has stalled. Plenty of knitting, but that isn’t doing it. Not at the moment, at least. Still trying to fathom that one out. Maybe its the drop in temperature. Or a mamoth to-do list, but it’s sewing that’s required. I need to spend time stitching.
I am truly blessed to have a home full of creative people. Children who will encourage and provide suggestions to push me on. The top two photos are evidence of their creativity: a dragon doodle and fridge magnet expressionism. Stories written, poems penned. Looking at them, I realise that my week has not been devoid of all creativity. I encourage them and they encourage me.
I will be sewing this weekend. I just need to commit and cut it out. Believe me, that is the hardest part and my stalling point.
My word of the week is creativity. Or maybe the lack of creativity on my part, which I know is more than one word, so I’ll stick with creativity, seeing as that’s been the word hovering above my head all week. Here’s hoping that next week will go smoothly, as the melody picks up and plays again.
What is your have-to-do thing?
*(Aside: I have a friend who believes that not everyone has a passion. That it is rarer than I imagine. I disagree. Everyone does have one. At least one. Maybe more. They may need to spend some time navel gazing, but it is there. I am yet to meet someone that doesn’t give it away pretty soon. Then again, I am the sort of person that people feel happy to tell their life stories to, on first meeting.)
I with you. I need to be creative to be happy.
You are so lucky to have creative kids. Neither of mine is — at least not in the visual arts. My son was a musician, and daughter is academic. I couldn’t love them more — but it would be nice if at least one of them was interested in the visual arts!
At least they are using their creativity. I’m sure you bounce inspiration off each other, one way or another. Creativity does make me happy!
You are all very creative and talented, and it is good to be surrounded by similar skills and passions so that you can encourage each other. Writing aside, I’m not especially creative, can reading be it? I am always happiest with a good book on the go and feel a bit lost without one! Thanks for sharing with #WotW
Writing is defintely creative and you’ve obviously great at it. I’d say reading counts as a passion, especially if you feel lost without a book. And what a great passion it is!
I like to be creative and my daughter is so very creative and I could tell even when she was a toddler as she just loved drawing and doodling unlike her brothers. When I take time to sit down with my daughter and do arts and crafts, I always enjoy it more than I thought I would. I think we all need breaks from our passions sometimes and then come back refreshed and even more creative
Yes, breaks are good. Too true. It’s interesting that you are surprised how much you enjoy it. I’ve been into schools, working with children and adults. I’ve seen reluctant makers, in the end taking such pride and joy from what they have made. I love seeing that change.
I love your word—creativity!
Of course, it all depends on your perspective, but I think creativity can be somewhat learned. I myself, am not overly creative in original designs, but I do love knitting and many DIY projects!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Interesting point. Creativity comes in so many different shapes and sizes. Touching so many different parts of our lives.I think your life experiences feed into your creativity, along with imagination. All can be creative, but it may not be a passion for all. Isn’t that true of all passions? There has to be an overriding will.
It is lovely to have something that excites you and makes you motivated to do. I am loving your crafts, so talented X #wotw
You are too kind. Yes, something to motivate. Don’t we all need it?
Nice post, lovely photo’s ..Very inspiring!
Wishing you a creative weekend x
And you too, Val. (Toast explanation to follow. I haven’t forgotten. Just ran out of bread!)
Writing, specifically poems. That’s when I’m happiest. Or daydreaming!! #wotw
I love the idea that writing poetry is your creative outlet. I’m with you on the day dreaming, although I’ve never thought of it as being creative. I have an excuse now.
I totally agree, everyone has a passion. Mine is creativity too but is sadly neglected nowadays over household tasks and life stuff. I do find an outlet in writing the blog though. I hope you got to do some sewing this weekend. #WotW
I think writing is an excellent creative outlet and I know I find it one too. Yes, I did manage a bit of sewing and it really helped me to focus my mind again on the other jobs I needed to do.
I love being creative. At present I’ve several things on the go well would do if I could just find the right tools! #wotw
Missing the right tool is annoying. Hope you find it soon.
I love being creative too. Hope you managed to find time to get some sewing done and feel more settled this week as a result 🙂
Yes. Lots of sewing and making this week. It’s helped my focus.
How lovely that you have a passion which can manifest itself so beautifully. Saying that I do knit occassionally and it was fun knitting a scarf with my girl – straight lines but it was fun!
I’m not naturally creative with my hands but can totally appreciate it when I see it. I love trotting around an art gallery whenever I can! I hope you manage to find time to continue and to get some sewing done.
That is the wonderful part about passions. They can be different and appreciated in different ways. I never tire of seeing someone light up when they start to talk about their passion.