Well, I have to say, Creativity Boot Camp is wonderful. I don't know what I expected, but as I promised myself, I have participated in every aspect of it: journal prompt, creativity prompt and message board conversations, and will do so every day for the next two weeks.
JOURNAL PROMPTWe were asked to write a letter to our end-of-boot-camp-self and not read it for the duration of the 2-weeks of assignments. I did and it is in an envelope waiting to be opened later. It was an interesting exercise. A lot of assumptions and hopes to be addressed.
CREATIVITY PROMPTWe will be receiving one-word random prompts to kick-start creativity each day. Our first prompt was "ivory" which stumped me for a bit. I suppose that's the point! I immediately thought of elephant tusks but had to get to a football game, so no chance to get to African Lion Safari; then piano keys, but there is no piano old enough to which I have access; and, ivory soap; but by the time we got home from football the store was closed. So, I took a walk around and happened upon this:
These are the dogwood flowers as they bloom - in ivory, before they turn pink. I was so happy to discover these just outside my back door. A lesson in "Lee, open your eyes" which resulted in what I think is a pretty good capture. Actually many. This was my favourite of the 40 or so photos I took! Even better, it's vertical. A double creative stretch for me!
MESSAGE BOARD CONVERSATIONS
There are a few topics up for conversation. What an incredible group!
Through Day 1, there was quite a bit of talk about "dreams" with regards to creativity. I struggle with the concept. My response on the message board was:
I don't know that I could call them "dreams" or even "wishes". Plans, maybe. I was always accused of daydreaming and having my head in the clouds when I was growing up. I can't even remember those days but I do remember the constant ridicule - it will shut you down. Then university, and career (70+ hours a week) and 4 kids in 5 years with husband on the road, makes for ZERO time. Spirit crushing: you end up running on adrenaline in survival mode. Right now I'm making plans while trying to remember how to wish, then I'll move onto dreams. Hard to start from scratch!I know that sounds harsh, but it is what it is. I'm facing my fears head on with 100% honesty and hoping to get some good feedback in order to get back to my authentic artistic and creative self. The best part is that my kids benefit from my childhood humiliation and are able to have a mum who encourages their free spirit. I have a lot to learn ... from them! I get so angry with myself that something that used to come so naturally might be gone forever. How could I have let it happen?
At least I've recognized and identified the loss and I am making steps to change and improve things. Fingers crossed my confidence and imagination return!
Have you joined the Creativity Boot Camp? What do you think? Are you enjoying it so far?
Now I'm off to mull and then do the Day 2 assignments.
