On creativity, and paying it forward (again)

As I have said many times throughout this blog, you don't just have a desire to create; your creations have a desire to be created...



Like this dress (I made my own version of the purple one), which served a very important role in my life circa 1995. See my next post for the full explanation, and find out how it relates to my next "Things to Know" entry...

It is crucial to your emotional (and physical) health to make sure you do not stifle your artistic urges. Creative flights of fancy, ridiculous projects, funny, awful, beautiful and wonderful projects can all coexist in your life. The things you make have a life of their own, and they can work in the lives of those you give them to, or those who see them being worn or used. You can brighten someone's day, give them a laugh, inspire them creatively, start an interesting conversation, or change their mood with a simple (or complicated), handmade item. It is worth doing. And, it is worth doing well.

I finished my second "Pay it forward" gift today, and am anxious to send it. The only hint I will give, is that it is related to this post, entitled "A Room of One's Own". The recipient will receive it shortly. This challenge has been such a wonderful gift for me... Mimi's (www.domestichaven.wordpress.com) reaction to the first one I sent was fantastic. I certainly receive more than I give by participating.

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Pay it forward... (Hint)

I have nearly completed the first of my "pay it forward" challenges.



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Generosity... Pay it forward

Having just been called "ungenerous" in a particularly weird exchange with my mother, I happened upon this post, and decided the universe might be trying to tell me something.

(The details of the fight aren't all that interesting, but I chose to help a neighbor in a big way that cost me personally, only to later discover that he was scamming me. My mother said it was strange that someone as "ungenerous" as I, would go out of my way to help someone, only to find out that he was being dishonest...)

Here a quote from MadHatter's blog today...

“I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I don’t know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.”

Same promise here. We have a year to make good on it. First three to comment will get handmade gifts from me, and make the same commitment to others... okay?