A Blog is Worth a Thousand Words
It's fascinating to me the various sundries that abound in this cyberworld known as 'blogs'. Each one is different as the person that pens it, and each gives an insight into the personality behind the words.

Each blog that I read is like a mirror into the soul. Whether the writer is aware or not, the contents and presentation of the blog or journal speaks volumes, perhaps more loudly than the words of the author herself--or himself, whichever the case may be. Chosen colors, fonts, graphics, all weave together to tell a story about the person who created it.

I suppose that is why I have been such a blog junkie lately; browsing them is like looking at little bits of twinkling creativity thrown into cyberspace. I bet some bloggers had no idea they were so artistic.

Beginning of 'The Artist's Way'
I have embarked on the journey known as The Artist's Way, and I was able to make a few notations last night. One of the things I discovered was that I have never been uncomfortable calling myself an artist. After reading the Introduction, I realized my motives for exploring this path are a little unconventional. I'm not branching in this direction for 'typical' reasons (and I use that term very loosely). The truth is, I have no problem acknowledging or releasing my creativity; I've always been this way. I could draw before I could write, very well actually. I've always had a flair for the dramatics, which led me to pursue (and achieve) a Bachelor of Arts is Theater. I love to write, and I've found quite the venue in journaling. Situations as they were, I have even written and directed my very own play that I truly believe was the will of God for me to do. Problems with creativity? Nope. Not me.

All that said, I want you to notice I am speaking of 'conventional' genres of creativity. These are modes that produce tangible, physical results. You can touch my paintings. You can read my words. You can watch my play. The areas of blockage I want to shake lose are those that effect my relashionships with others. I want to be able to live in my creative state, not just slap it on a canvas and leave it to dry.

I am a Christian and the one business Jesus called us to make our own was souls. Living, breathing, precious souls that live inside those we communicate with everyday. The teller who takes my money at the bank, the baker who hands me cakes from behind the baking case, the secretary who tells me to wait at an appointment---those are all wonderful souls waiting to be talked to, loved, and respected. How can I share what Christ has done for me when I don't know "what to say"? How can I share a burden with someone who is hurting when I search for words that do not come? How can I rejoice for someone's blessing when my own receptor is switched off?

I want the creativity within me to flow into communication. Without pure communication, open and honest, there is nothing. There is no love, no joy, no peace. The amazing thing about my conversion to Christ was the complete awareness of who He really was, the Great Creator Himself. It was the ability to embrace Someone wholly and completely, with no reservation or holding back. This is how I want to be with people, completely transparent and effervescence. No hiding, no walls. The only true way to get to know people is to allow them to get to know you. Only then can trust and friendship be established, even if your meeting with them lasts 15 minutes. For me, that is pure creativity in motion.

I do find, however, that there are some aspects of the book that I can do without. Not because I am afraid of it or don't understand it, but because I have already lived it. For those reasons, I will recall a philosophy I employ almost daily: "Take what you can use and leave the rest". That, my dear friends, works for me.:)

10.28.2003