Friday Fun: Ninjawords

In yesterday's post, I promoted dictionaries.

Today, I'm sharing a new online favorite -- Ninjawords, by Phil Crosby. Enjoy!

Creativity Tips: Remember Reality

Yesterday, I mentioned that we bought Guitar Hero for the kids. Both Kate and Mary have been playing it non-stop, with visits from Chuck, Caroline, Katie, Justin, Lee, Lindsey, Dan and Joe.

Basically, the rec room is now Guitar Hero heaven. They bring their own PlayStation guitars, plug in and rock out.

As far as I know, not one of these smart, talented teenagers has picked up either of the real guitars leaning against the wall.

Does that seem wrong, weird, or worrisome to anyone but me?

P.S. OK, that's not really a creativity tip. This is: I wanted a third "w" word for the last line and couldn't think of any that fit. I picked up the dictionary -- and there it is. Worrisome. If you don't have a dictionary by your side, get one. You'll worry less.

Creativity Tips: Show Up

Now and then, when I get good advice, I can follow it.

For example, in a commencement address she gave at Villanova years ago, author Anna Quinlan repeatedly used the line, "I show up. I listen. I try to laugh."

I liked the line when I first heard it, and I still like it.

This weekend, I had the chance to put it to use. We bought our teenagers Guitar Hero TM. It's an interesting game -- and when you watch the body language involved, clearly a creative outlet.

That said, there are things I'd rather do than watch my daughter rock out to Miss Murder. (One more reason I won't be named Mother of the Year. Add it to the list.)

However, having an audience was clearly important to her. So I showed up. I listened. And I didn't laugh.

Encouraging creativity requires building trust -- and to do that, you have to be there. Really be there.

Try it today. Show up for someone. Listen. Laugh, if appropriate. You never know: Show up often enough, and you could be a hero! (Or, at the very least, you could learn some interesting moves ...)

Creativity Exercise: One Sheet of Paper. One Million Ideas.

Creative Instigation exercises generally begin with, "Get out a clean sheet of paper." When I see that paper, I think of words. When Peter Callesen sees it, he thinks of images.

We all see the world through the prism of our own talents ... and fears, and loves, and hopes.

For today's exercise, look at the world through Callesen's eyes. Get out a clean sheet of paper and write something, anything, inspired by his art -- there's a lot more to see on his Web site. Or grab some scissors and start cutting!

Creativity Tips: Mary Poppins Was Right

I was recently at a Fazoli's restaurant, where employees go table to table with hot breadsticks. A woman about my age -- the same woman who had taken our order -- came over with a smile.

"How many breadsticks would you like?" she asked.

"Three," I replied, since there were three of us at the table.

"Just three? Get a few more, and I can build a breadstick pyramid for you!"

We got the pyramid. And I sat there, dazzled at how this woman managed to find joy and creativity in a job that 92.9% of the world would consider "shift work."

What does this have to do with Mary Poppins? As I left the restaurant, this song was playing in my head:

In every job that must be done
There is an element of fun.
You find the fun and snap!
The job's a game.

This week, let's find the fun!

Fun Stuff!

You just never know where a little creativity exercise can lead ...

The haiku that I wrote as part of a Creative Instigation exercise was published Sunday by The Kansas City Star.

Yay!

(Hey, when I said I believe in celebrating success, I was serious!)

Friday Fun: Test Your Reflexes

Is it just me, or did January 2008 seem like the longest 31 days in the history of mankind?

Anyway, I'm ready for mindless entertainment. And today's link is about as mindless as it gets. Before you count sheep tonight, tranquilize a few! I finally made it to "rocketing rabbit." I may never be a "turbo-charged cheetah," but it's good to have a goal.

Oh -- before you go shoot sheep: I love getting your comments. Let me know if there are topics you'd like me to address, or if you have a creativity tip to pass along. And I'm always delighted to get ideas for posts or Friday Fun chuckles.

Thanks for reading and for sharing!