Friday Fun: You Can't Judge A Book ...

... by its cover. Watch this. And dream your dream this weekend!

Creativity Tips: How do you define ...

Here's another sister-inspired post: How do you define winning?

When Eva and I go to the casinos, we consider it a "win" if we put 9 cents in a slot machine and get 5 cents back.

We won 5 cents! Yes!

You may think our definition is ridiculous. I'd be hard-pressed to argue. But what really matters is that you just gained a better understanding of us, and how we approach a night out.

Now, take that concept and apply it at home and at work. People aren't dictionaries. We all define things differently -- from infidelity to creativity to love.

So don't just laugh at the question. Ask it. How do you define ... ?

Creativity Exercise: Kiss a Bubble

My sister Eva will be happy to tell you that I am the creative one in the family. My sister Eva is wrong.

Here's an idea she stole from someone (creative theft, the sign of a creative genius), and gave to me: When you're blowing bubbles with kids, encourage them to kiss the bubbles. It adds an entire new layer of active fun to the game.

(What? Did you say you never blow bubbles? When did you stop? And why?)

Fortunately, even without bubbles, this is still a great creativity exercise. Take something you do all the time, and change the sensory experience. Add music, a touch, a taste, a smell. A kiss. You figure it out. I'm going to blow bubbles.

The Votes are In ...

And Groucho Jan wins!

Hey, laughter burns calories.

But, if you're really looking for poll results: #3 scored the most votes, followed by #1. Laughing #2 got a few votes. No one chose lonely #4.

Thanks to Bud for the wonderful photos, and to all of you who voted! Special thanks to Paula, who sparked the idea of using the Groucho photo. Teamwork. It's a good thing.

P.S. Since I received more emails than posts, let me mention that you can always email me a comment. I'm glad to hear from you here on the blog, or one-on-one. And, since I know some people have trouble posting, I am also happy to post for you.

This Bud's for Me!

True story: My mother would look at my school photos, give me a hug and say, "Don't worry, sweetie. Beautiful people never photograph well. Models really aren't that attractive when you see them in person."

You gotta love Mom. But, since leaving Boone Elementary School, I've met a few models and a few mirrors. And yet ... Bud Simpson has done the impossible. He created a photo shoot that was fun, even for phot0-phobic me. The result? Proof that all of us can photograph well, if we choose the right photographer.

But, now I have a new problem. I can't decide which shot to use as the new Creative Instigation blog photo. So, I'm calling on the team. Tell me, here, which one you like best. Or, email me at jan@sokoloffharness.com and I'll keep a tally.

Just say 1, 2, 3 or 4. Let's go for "1" on top. (Yes, I know that line opens the door to bad jokes. I trust you to have some self control. Puh-leeze people ...)

Friday Fun: Leapin' Lizards!

As a recovering broadcast reporter, I think this is priceless. Especially when the guy tries to become Mr. News again. Keep your eye on the lefthand side of the screen for Mr. Lizard.

Thanks to Jody for the clip! (And, no, I will not be doing animal videos every Friday.)

Site Seeing: New Friends

It's been a bit since I sent you site seeing, so here are several places to visit!

Sarah Daly is a new copywriting buddy I met the old-fashioned way -- mutual friends introduced us, and we got together for coffee. You know, face-to-face. You remember face-to-face contact, right? Sarah is a social media expert, who understands Twitter, Facebook, etc. Putting her way ahead of me.

However, I did meet Emma Alvarez Gibson via Twitter, so I'm not completely old-fashioned. There's hope. Check out her blog, complete with the April 3 post on 5 Tips for Twitterers. I can be taught.

And, someone I've never met, but whose work I have long admired -- Joe Posnanski, who brings you two blogs, including one on the future of newspapers. Joe is one reason I continue reading the KC Star, now a one-cuppa-coffee feat.

The joy of reading different writers is hearing how they write, and learning from each one. Have fun!