Wednesday, July 31, 2013

The Courage to Feel Creative: Time to Refresh

After giving this a lot of thought, I've decided to take a break from the series for now.  I know, I know, it’s barely started and why would I want to lose any momentum? The thing is, it’s Summer time here in our part of the world. For me, that usually means paring down the on the obligations, having fewer appointments, less pressure to DO and BE, and of course more time to hang about and drink iced tea if that’s what needs to be done.*wink
Sometimes it helps to think about the bigger picture...
For us to be able to take full advantage of what creativity seems willing to bring to us, it also becomes important to make the time to refresh ourselves and find quiet moments. Summer time around here is the perfect time to slow down and not take life quite so seriously. If I just want to drift from project to project or even play with a new one (oh yeah!), then I don’t want it to get in the way of figuring out what needs to be written for Wednesday’s Courage to Feel Creative series.
Applique all finished up on the red/white & blue fun quilt.
I'm scheming about the next step already...
Please don’t go away mad. Having creativity is not a bottomless well unless it's properly cared for! Clarity about what it brings to our lives helps in the battle to keep it a positive and rewarding thing. In the aftermath of all our crazy family time, I've concluded that someone around here is due for some down time. That of course would be me, which probably means scaling back a bit and maybe even focusing (without really focusing?) on the projects that are open ended, but still extremely interesting for whatever obscure reason. 

AND, (I probably better just get this out in the open), finding time to cut out and make my sister a baby quilt before her new baby arrives. lol  Baby quilts are easy, so it's painful to admit that I'm struggling with getting this one together. Hmm… You can laugh, but sometimes the answer comes after a few lazy days and weeks of ‘not thinking’ very deeply at all….


18 comments:

  1. Your applique is beautiful, and you have to go with the flow of your creativity. I agree summer is the time to slow down and follow your heart.

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  2. sometimes we need a break from one project so we can start another - gives fresh perspective when you come back :)

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  3. I know exactly where you're coming from. It's all part of the process. Take it easy and take care, Byrd

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  4. I totally understand! My creativity depends entirely on me being able to "feel" it...and that never follows a schedule. And babies won't wait, so focusing on that baby quilt just might be your best bet right now! :)

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  5. I think creativity ebbs and flows and its good to take a break every now and then and try new ideas or just to sit and ponder. I've enjoyed reading your thoughts about creativity - its made me consider a new load of possibilities.

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  6. Enjoy your break! It's SUMMER!

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  7. Taking a break opens the mind to new ideas and possibilities... and not just in quilting. In life too! Savor the moments of summer!

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  8. Good for you, Audrey, to take a break, relax, enjoy a lighter schedule. I think by postponing your series you'll have more "participants" after summer is over. It's such a busy time for most everyone with vacations, visitors, and family time. I especially like the flowers on the left of your quilt. Well, all the flowers are fun. Take it easy and enjoy life!

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  9. I love this project! So fresh and cheerful and fun!

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  10. I think taking a break from talking about the creative process is great. Giving yourself more time to engage in the creative process is what we all wish for each other. I absolutely love your new project!

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  11. I'm with you summer is for slowing down and taking life easy. Enjoy your little break.

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  12. Breaks from "the process" are sometimes as necessary as the process itself! And just in time -- did you see Pat Sloan's recent newsletter post? She has a great "Creativity" graphic on it, I forwarded it to your email.

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  13. You've already given us much to chew on, so a break is not going to kill us too badly. I need to finish a couple mundane projects before I can afford to be creative again anyway LOL!

    Very cute flying geese and vining flowers!

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  14. enjoy your time and good luck with the baby quilt.
    i'm looking forward to resuming the conversation when you start it back up again.

    :-)
    libbyQ

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  15. Always good to take a break - that's my thinking anyway. Good luck with that baby quilt!

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  16. Yes, re-charging the batteries is something that I think women often neglect. Enjoy your long slow summer days.
    Your quilt top is beautiful.

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  17. I almost missed this brilliant post... I think taking a break is immensely important for creativity.

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  18. Taking the time to fill the well is a very important part of being courageous and creative!

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