Absence

I've been absent, I know, from writing, and I'm not sure why. Is it because I'm writing elsewhere and my writing capacity is limited? Is it because the cold, short February days are causing me to hibernate and so I have less time in the day for anything? Or is it simply because I am hibernating and I'm feeling apathetic and lethargic and just can't be bothered?

I feel slightly guilty and while I have nothing to say, I feel I ought to check in.

Aha. I realise. That's why I've been absent. I have nothing to say. I'm tired. I'm using my energy to fight the cold. I'm using my energy looking at houses, which takes a surprising amount of emotional energy while I try to imagine living in a space, how it would or, rather, how I would feel in this room or that room, for hours on end, sometimes on my own. Would it, could it, feel like home?

I'm hibernating. I'm digesting. I'm processing. I have nothing to say right now. And I'm okay. I'll have more to say soon, I am sure. Spring is coming.

Being an artist

I just watched this wonderful TED talk on creativity and how to be good at art, whether it's painting, drawing, dancing, storytelling or acting. I found it hard to watch because it's subtitled, but it was well worth it for the message.

If you want to be an artist, just do it. There's no need to ask "Why?" or "What for?" It's not for any reason. We do it because it's part of what makes us feel alive.

You can access the talk by Young-ha Kim here.

The way to a man's heart

Heart shaped beef burgers! :-)

Flowers

Beauty always brings a smile to my face!

Second output from Creative Challenge 2013

Similar beads, but a different design. This one can be worn as a bracelet or as a necklace. I personally prefer the bracelet so I've posted a pic of it being worn this way, but you, whoever you are, can choose however you wish to wear it!

2013 - the year of creation

I accepted an online creative challenge for 2013 a few weeks ago. The challenge was to post my pledge on a certain social networking site and the first five people to comment on my pledge would get a gift from me, made by me. I found out about this pledge, by seeing it posted by someone else. Hopefully I'll get some exciting gifts in the post too this year (!) and in the meantime, I need to make the ones that I have promised.

Anyway, the first one to be created is a necklace, made from random beads I have in my random bead and button drawer. It was fun making it and I hope its new owner likes it! If nothing else, they can re-gift it or make something out of it. The things I create are not fixed or rigid, and I'd be happy for them to be reinvented many times.