Inspiration

(A special posting for SundayScribblings )


Where does my inspiration come from? It depends on from which perspective the question is asked. If it is about writing and creativity/creative thinking, the answer is everywhere. I just look for it. If I am going to make a trip to Bed, Bath, and Beyond, I guarantee you that before I step in that store, I am not thinking about a bedspread. I am thinking about a man voyaging into the great unknown. This morning, I went to Home Depot to get some plants. It's time to garden. I took my camera. I snapped a picture of Home Depot. I will think of looking at Home Depot from a different angle than anyone else or very few have. I am looking for that ironic twist. My preference is to twist it with a humorist bend.

The newspaper can be another excellent source. Just last weekend, the Sacramento Bee ran an article on builders that are building dual suites for married couples. AHA! I finally found something in print that picks up on a common thought that I have always had. The Bee just didn't go far enough. They also don't have the forum for it. I can guarantee you that I will have an upcoming post around, "who the heck made the rule that says I have to sleep (and I mean SLEEP) with you right next to me if I love you?" The answer is: No One. It is not in the rulebook. Anywhere. My doctor says that sleep is a medicine that we need to take daily to function optimally. Why would I let my daily vital dose of medicine be disrupted just because someone has attached nodding off together as vital to a relationship. In Elizabethan times, the King and Queen had separate quarters. Despite this, there didn't ever seem to be any lack of Princes and Princesses. With snoring, light sleepers vs heavy sleepers, tossers and turners, early risers, late risers, etc, it makes no sense. It is kind of like the toothpaste users. You have the squeezers and the rollers. Don't argue about it. Get separate tubes! My goodness, the things that we attach emotion too that have no business attaching them too.

How about his and her checking accounts? No, not for everyone. For many, it would be the cure to a lot of hassle. Yes, it could mean a lack of trust. Yes, it could mean that you respect each other's use of funds without needing to lord over it. Both camps can be correct. You do what works.

Inspiration? Look at the example I just used. I took a newspaper article about a new trend in homebuilding. I expanded on their idea. This drove me over to the toothpaste. Next stop, finances. If I was going to write and entire article about this, I would go interview people, do research, etc. I just may. It helps to be a bit of a contrarian also. I have been accused of using Nutterlogic. When that comes out, it usually means that I have checkmated (or frustrated the heck out of ) the other person so I just say, "thank you."

Inspiration is everywhere. It is on billboards. It is a trip to make some copies. It is absolutely limitless. Unfortunately, I do believe in the statement that creativity is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. My problem: I don't like to sweat that much!