Quote of the Day: Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement. Golda Meir
Today is another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. You can also visit the founder Alex J. Cavanaugh for more info and links.
Today’s question: Besides writing, what other creative outlets do you have?
That’s a great question. I have several. I am involved in the theater arts as a reviewer, director, teacher, and performer. I play the piano and teach private lessons. I teach Youth Theater Workshops in the Brainerd lakes area. A few adults saw the play writing class offering and asked, “What about us?” So, yes, I’d like to guide a play writing class for adults where we all write a 10 minute play/scene, and we perform each other’s work. Other creative endeavors are knitting and baking, especially bread.
Going back to the quote of the day. That tiny spark lives in each of us. I knew it was there even when I was going through some dark times. I saw it. I felt it. I gently fanned it, and one day, I had a whole play written, then cast and produced. And, it was good. Even though it’s scary. Even though I fear rejection and criticism, I’m going to do it again. Any time we put our work out there for the world to see, we take a risk. It’s worth the angst.
Go. Create. Inspire!
Journaling Prompt: What are your creative outlets?
I once made a pound cake. Sadly, it weighed about ten pounds! I admire all you do. Me, I am just a rare blood courier who writes in the wee hours of the morning! 🙂
Oh, no! Writing is very satisfying. Maybe you can find a friend who likes to bake and can satisfy that need. 😉
I love to bake. The problem is I can’t eat it all, so I’ve kind of put that aside unless I’m having company. That bread looks scrumptious.
Thanks. I know. With the boys away at college, I have to wait until they’re home to bake the sweets. I share the bread.
OMG, you do so many other creative things besides writing. Baking, playing the piano, Youth Theater workshops.. how do you manage to write with all this.
Yes. Although, it doesn’t get the attention it needs.
I would eat that! Yes, best compliment you could get.
That’s cool there are so many creative things you can do that are connected with the theater.
Thanks, Alex. Wish I could send you a slice!
That is a perfect compliment!
I love baking too – and playing the piano.
Writing a play sounds like a lot of fun – haven’t tried that yet!
It is. And, yes, heart melt on the bread compliment.
Those are some excellent creative outlets. We definitely need to take that risk rather than wondering “what if”.
Exactly. I’m ready to try again.
I have not mastered the art of baking bread. It turns out tasty, but always falls when in the oven.
Hmm. Not sure I know what to do about that. Maybe you need some moisture in there. Try putting a glass bowl of ice in the oven while baking the bread. It gives it a crisp outer crust.
It sounds like you will be teaching adult classes next. You will be busy.
Scary, but fun!
I make homemade cinnamon rolls for Christmas day breakfast every year – a tradition left over from my beloved grandma Em. It fills the house with the smell of love.
You are very busy and accomplished! I love how much you share your talents with others.
Yes, Lee. Smells, tastes, special foods. They are all part of our history and traditions. And, thanks.
I love baking bread! Kneading the dough is relaxing.
Yes, Shannon, I agree. It’s cathartic.
Mary, your posts are always encouraging and are always what I need at the time I read them. Thank you for pushing us to reach our FULL potentials.
And that bread looks scrumptious!
– Jen
You are truly awesome when it comes to creativity. So much talent. Happy IWSG.
You are truly creative. MS. Awesome. Happy IWSG
Those are great creative endeavours, Mary. How do you find time and energy for them all, especially after teaching?
Few things can beat the smell of freshly baked bread. 🙂