Wizard the Wonder Dog

Our dog died tonight. I just wanted to tell you, since many of you who read the blog had met Wizard.

We adopted Wiz from Wayside Waifs nine years ago. He'd been in a home where there was abuse, and, because of that, he considered it his job to protect us. And he always did his job, with unwavering love and devotion.

Everyone needs a Wizard.

It's All a Matter of Perspective, Take One

I wasn't going to post during the holidays, but I know you've been waiting to see how the scarf for Mary turned out.

Well, I think we could safely say it's gorgeous ...

It's All a Matter of Perspective, Take Two

Or, we could say ... what the hell is that?

It is an interesting shape for a scarf, isn't it?

But here's the deal: It's done. It taught me how to cast on, knit, and cast off. And, most importantly, Mary loves it -- because she is a creative soul, and a good, kind child.

My perspective? It's a fabulous failure. And the next scarf will be closer to scarfness. Because that's what fabulous failures do ... they move us toward success.

Happy New Year! And just let me know if you'd like me to knit something for you ...

And the winner is ...

Vicki is the proud winner of the first Creative Instigation book contest! Thank you to everyone who entered -- and keep up the good reading! (Vicki, I'll be in touch re: your book selection.)

Today's creativity tip: Take a break. Being creative requires energy and enthusiasm -- and this week is the perfect time to recharge both. While I don't always take my own advice, I will this time. I'll be back January 2, 2008.

Thanks for being part of my blog, and Happy New Year!

Friday Fun: Dance Better

Once upon a time, Gene Kelly was the choreographer for a show starring Tommy Tune. As the story goes, Kelly wasn't pleased with Tune's performance. So, he motioned the lanky dancer off to the side, and quietly said, "Dance better."

And that was all that needed to be said.

If you feel obligated to make a resolution for 2008, try the Kelly approach. Write better. Paint better. Cook better. Think better. Parent better. Drive better. Act better. Apologize better. Love better.

And, because this is the Friday fun post ... for goodness sake, laugh better! Start here ... with a couple who definitely "dance better."

Bonus! Two Creativity Tips and a Gift Idea.

Tip Number 1 for today: If something has already been done perfectly, don't redo it. This is especially important to remember if you're an editor. Sometimes, the correct editing response is, "That's great. I wouldn't change a word."

Tip Number 2: As we have discussed, there are times when what needs changing is your perspective. And that's the great idea behind "The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs" by Jon Scieska. As he says:

"You may think you know the story of the Three Little Pigs. But you don't know the whole story until you've heard A. Wolf's side of the story. Mr. Wolf huffs, and he puffs, and he has a very bad sneezing cold. He also needs a cup of sugar to make a birthday cake for his dear, sweet granny's birthday. Read and learn. Then decide for yourself--Big Bad Wolf . . . or media frame-up?"

This is a great book for adults and kids. And, speaking of books, if you haven't entered the book contest yet, see the post below!

Read 'Em and Win!

I have this friend who believes print is dead. I need your help to convince him he's wrong. So, tell me, what book are you reading?

Leave me a post about what you're reading, and I'll enter your name in a contest for an incredibly wonderful book. (I'll pick the book to match your interests.) Winner will be selected from people who post by Dec. 23, 2007.*

If there's no book on your bedstand right now, here's a creativity tip to go with the query: Visit the library or go to a bookstore. Today. Seriously. Reading is at the very heart of creativity.

*I'm sure I should have some really small print here telling you about your chances to win, etc. Squint your eyes and pretend.