March 17, 2010

hit me with your best shot

hmmm, should have thought my picture post better today as the occasion really calls for green.  but all around is gray because of the overcast skies.  so, for those that celebrate it, happy st. patty's day.  and may all of the irish blessings be yours.

as always, the time change has thrown me for a loop - i'm waking up at 3:00 or 4:00 a.m. so by 9:00 p.m. i'm exhausted.  of course that could be the running that i'm doing from meeting to meeting.  but the rest of the week should be on a downhill groove after this morning's final teleconference.  everyone seems eager to have the workweek over as most of the kids are out of school.  i know one thing - it makes my job easier as i don't have to run to all of the meetings.  yesterday, i forgot to go home on time because the sun was still out.  (i had wondered why it had gotten so quiet outside my door)

question:  i need a kick start to creativity - what is your best recommended method?  i've tried all my usual and they seem to work for a short time but i get so buried at work that nothing seems to last really.  i know spring is coming and i've been out to experience the new life budding out....but...you know.  i'm looking for the new and quirky.  give me your best thoughts.

can't wait to hear what you think.

28 comments:

  1. Reading helps me get creative. Maybe the time change is why I woke up at 2:30 a.m.?

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  2. i have three things that get me going: 1) step away from doing anything creative for a bit, then i usually come up with some good things to do.
    2) just stay in tune with people who inspire you, help you think outside the box. seeing what others are doing, usually gets me thinking about things i'd really like to do.
    3) do something outside of what you normally do. i'm not suggesting that you stop taking photos because my day wouldn't be the same without your photos, but i'm in a creativity group...and you know i like to write, but in this group, i'm making a collage. something i wouldn't normally do. it's getting me to think about words and to learn something new.

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  3. I enjoy your red today..up close...


    shooting black and white has helped me ..

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  4. I believe creativity comes from the heart some times you just need to wait patiently until you find an idea you feel passionate about.

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  5. hmmmm. maybe go to a good museum? or a botanical garden? or watch some old movies? or try taking photos in a completely different place, like a playground or an old folks' home, or something like that. sorry if these suggestions are lame!

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  6. another trip to seaside would do it for me :)
    but I think I'd need a whole week there to really fill me up :)

    I have a creative project tomorrow that hopefully I'll share on friday...and maybe that will give you ideas.......

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  7. My recommendation is set an alarm clock so that you get out of work on time....less work and more fun....that might do it.

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  8. Hi Char, I love putting on music with a blank piece of paper in front of me and I let my mind wander. Try to capture these thoughts and brainstorm thought the creativity. This is a lovely pic. Great job xoxo

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  9. My inspiration comes and goes. Make a list of things you like (right when you see them) and keep a journal of them to refer back to :)

    xoxo Laura

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  10. I like the ideas list of pics to take, I saw a couple of people mention that in the 356 group. My inspiration always comes from a day trip.. we went to some caves once, or the beach, or a park.

    The other thing to do is get together with other bloggers and you'll be astounded!!! basically travel inspires me. :)

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  11. for being creative happens when it does, I walk a lot, I breath and I try to realx and than It happens, enjoy!!!!

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  12. Ohhhhhhhhhhh....... absolutely stunning shot!

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  13. Mmmm, that photo is luscious.
    Sometimes you can turn on creativity by switching to another art form for the fun of it. I just wish there was more time for all the things I'd like to try.

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  14. That is such a good question. I decided to join a flickr group to motivate me to take more photos. With so much going on in life, it's hard to remember to stop thinking about what you have to do and let your mind drift to what you want to do. Also, I find that I get really good ideas if I take a nice long walk. At least 45 minutes. It just gets me going. Good luck getting creative!

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  15. I love red on St. Patrick's Day.... Ah, yes, the ever-elusive inspiration... Not being hard on yourself when it needs a rest. Stepping away to come back refreshed, with fresh eyes and a new perspective... A long walk might be all it takes. A poem. A trip to a good friend's house, where you can talk for hours and get lost in the company of someone you love... No one thing works for me every time. I'd say more than anything, give yourself the chance to rest.

    xoox,
    -maria

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  16. I don't know how to help you with the creativity. I think it just comes from within.
    It's late as I try to read my favorite blogs. It's a no-win situation and I must go to bed. But I couldn't before I came here and said 'goodnight'.

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  17. the time change is a total bummer..every time.
    to kick start creativity i usually have a lone day in which i hike and browse antique store and then eat sweets...sometimes it helps...sometimes it helps just to be alone.

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  18. Char, I used to worry about not feeling the "love" re: a lack of creative inspiration but now I just go with it and let it sort itself out. For me, it's usually tied into low energy levels and feelings of overload or overwhelm. Everything ebbs and flows including the creative juices!

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  19. I'll try and find a CREATIVE TEA for you today...seeing as YOU won my GIVEAWAY!!!
    Can you send me your mailing address to my blogartists(at)gmail(got)com...thanks CHAR!
    Have a great day
    Char

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  20. Oh my, this is the first time in a long time that the time change has thrown me for a loop. I am thinking this weather hasn't been helping much either.

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  21. i'm on an all time low at the moment. starting anew project helps though,

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  22. Best thing to kick start creativity; try a fun-looking recipe you've been eyeing off, scroll through the blogging community, watch a visually inspiring film (like Amelie) - sleep and dream.

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  23. I wish I could help...

    creativity comes to me when I discover something which I really like...a driftwood made into a table lamp perhaps or a smooth pebble painted with minute seascape..and then WHOOSH!!! another idea pops up..and if I find the materials needed, then that's it..

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  24. I've been in a rut too, I'm struggling to get out. I'm making plans this weekend to see a friend, hoping that will help pull me out a little.

    ps. AMAZING shot! wow!

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  25. I was in a rut myself so I couldn't give you any advice at the time. I think it's too much work, and I don't like it:) But here is my advice today, experiment with something different. I'm trying HDR photography, with mixed results but having fun all the same. And this photo is gorgeous by the way. It's inspiring all on its own.

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  26. glue stick happiness! nah, seriously i second what dani said. doing something different, just for fun (not serious/blog worthy outcome) can often help with the inspiration fade...

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  27. Stepping away is big for me. I get SO overloaded especially on flickr and blogs that it's best to just back away for a bit and let my mind do it's own thing. After a couple days Im rip roaring ready to go.

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i feel as if each comment was between us as we sat and sipped something warm....i love to hear what you're thinking.