Creativity Exercise: Name that Quilt!

Here's the chance to put your brilliance to work for a good cause. Vicki asked me to help her come up with a name for this gorgeous quilt she made. She thought of Square by Square, but isn't thrilled with that. I suggested Square Dance, but that's already been used.

Hmmmm. How about Home Run? There's my idea for the day. Post yours!

Creativity Tips: Move Abroad. Think Better.

I recently suggested you change your space to boost creativity. Turns out, I was thinking small. What we really need to do is change countries.

The report is in, and people who live abroad enjoy a real boost in creativity. Here's the scientific report in the APA Journal of Personality and Social Psychology*. For those of us with two-second attention spans, here's a well-written summary.

I know at least two CI readers who should take this as a good sign to go.

*And you wondered if I still study ... tsk, tsk, tsk.

Creativity Tips: Sparkle

This is mom, enjoying a sparkler at the family's annual Fourth of July blowout at Les and Eva's house. Mary's laughing in the background.

This is why you always bring a camera. Or a notebook. Or a sketchpad.

Because moments like these sparkle. And they burn out far too fast.

Friday Fun: Got Games?

If you got time, now you got games.* Enjoy Get the Glass.

Thanks to hubby Tom for the link!

*I really shouldn't sink to this grammatical low, should I? Oh well ... Happy Independence Day to our American readers, and happy weekend to everyone!

Site Seeing: Whimsy

I read this wonderful line on Whimsy the other day:

I wonder how much beauty we pass by in our hurried, busy lives?

Take a look at the beauty Leslie found, hidden in a field. And consider what beauty -- or whose beauty -- you may be rushing by.

Technology Update: It's Not Me, Babe

Hi all ... The Chief Technical Officer (that would be the hubby) looked around and discovered there is a systemic problem with Blogger that is hitting a lot -- but not all -- blogs, and inhibiting the pre-post function. So, that's why my posts aren't publishing at the time associated with one of my favoritest days of the year, my birthday: 4:22.

Blogger is working on it.

And, speaking of favoritest days and favoritest people: Happy Birthday, Angela!!!!!

Creativity Tips: Go Tell Aunt Janet

To mark the completion of his first book in piano lessons, my nephew Sam played a recital of all the pieces for the family -- fun for us, and a chance to applaud his talent and dedication.

His wonderful teacher, Ann Stein, made the event better by having Sam write a story, using all the song titles in the book. That unified the performance -- and gave Sam a chance to use a different creative tool. (My favorite part of the story? Changing "Go Tell Aunt Rhodie" to "Go Tell Aunt Janet.")

It also made me wonder: What creative tools are we using that could be strengthened by tying them together? Writing and photography? Knitting and karaoke? Baking and painting?

Think about it. Then, go tell Aunt Janet.