Artistic Endeavors

          We are all artists, even if you claim to not have an artistic bone in your body.  You do – it’s there.  Perhaps you’re underestimating your own creativity. 

            I can’t paint.  I draw only stick figures.  When I try to dance it’s not pretty.  However, from a very early age I loved music and would frequently burst out in song.  Then, in my teen years, I discovered the fulfillment of writing.  Arranging words together in a way that both inspires and describes makes me feel productive and important.   A few years ago, I tried making jewelry – a venture that now garners me compliments and holiday gift requests.

            While I embrace all of the artistic ventures listed above, there are many people I know whom frequently say, “I wish I was creative like that.”  I do my utmost to convince them that they are artistic and there must be something creative they do.  Please don’t ever believe that you are not talented.  For you are, indeed!  The first step is believing that to be true.  Give your creative interests credence.  Do you enjoy cooking?  Take a culinary class.  Have you always been fascinated by sculpted art? Volunteer at a museum.  Maybe you love supernatural-themed books and movies?  Ever tried writing one yourself?  You’re probably well versed in that genre to understand the terminology and style.

            Plenty of people enjoy music but can’t hold a note.  That shouldn’t stop them from immersing themselves in that world.  Start an open-mic night at your restaurant or get a part-time job helping out at a concert venue.  If you grew up fascinated by the lure of the theatre but are too introverted to ever perform on stage, volunteer to be an usher at your local county theatre.  Or, start a blog that details your favorite shows and other interesting facts about the industry.

            The point being, be creative!  We all have interests that make us smile just thinking about them.  Even if you can’t financially afford to pursue an artistic career, find a creative outlet that lets your spirit soar!

A Social Writer

I’ve never really been what you’d call a social butterfly. High school and college weren’t about making friends, though that was a bonus. Instead, I relished the opportunity to learn. I looked forward to, or dreaded, certain courses depending on the teaching style, level of personal interest and motivation. Growing up a relatively shy individual being part of a large group created apprehension within me. If I was out of my comfort zone then forget it! I wasn’t going to the party, dance or any other social event where I didn’t feel comfortable. Eventually, my viewpoint shifted when I came to the realization that how people perceived me took up too much of my valuable mind space.

Thank goodness for creative writing! This tool gave me confidence when I lacked meaning, direction when I lacked motivation and value when the world seemed too big. The words I took the time to select in my writing mattered to me. I took great care in what I put on paper because it was the most valuable outlet I had available to communicate what I’d left unspoken.

Three years ago I took a chance and joined a local writers group. Ever since, not only has my writing strengthened but so has my confidence. What I have to say matters; whether it matters solely to me or anyone else is irrelevant. I love what I do. I’m making an imprint in this world while continuing the tradition of communication.

When I attended the Philadelphia Writers’ Conference on June 3rd-5th of this year I was slightly hesitant at the knowledge that I did not know anyone else there. I kept to myself when I first arrived, put pencil to paper and started writing. That is until I sat down for the opening presentation, closed my notebook and made eye contact with those around me. I became aware of how many other writers there are in the Philadelphia area. And while that realization could’ve amplified my worry of getting published I found comfort in so many others who shared my affinity for the written word.

I met some wonderful individuals during this conference, attended fantastic workshops and was impressed by those who chose to facilitate/instruct the individual courses. This experience is one that will stay with me for many years to come. It reinvigorated my desire to pursue writing on a professional level and that helps make this butterfly soar.

Scene excerpt (part one)

ORIGINAL MATERIAL

For the past few months she’s felt different. More uneasy and uncomfortable than before. She’s been more reserved and in a bad mood even when the day is good. Everything goes her way but yet she doesn’t feel happy. How does that make any sense? Shouldn’t she feel more alive and excited at each new day? What is the matter with her? Is there something missing? Every now and again she just stares at the walls. Beautiful, glorious sights yet untouchable. Out of her reach. Out of her realm. She can see the life flow passed her body as she watches the trees blow or the birds fly. A reminder that life keeps going. Whether we take part in it or not. In some ways she retreats further after pondering that idea. Why mess up the flow by throwing herself in the mix? Safer to just watch life as it is out there. Dream of what is possible without her screwing up the beautiful visions. She could never feel that beautiful. Never be that pure of spirit. Dirtying the beauty by being among the setting.