Those of you who stop by with any regularity often see at least one photo of the stash I garner after the Annual Library Sale. Not this year, but I did bring home some wonderful selections, adult, MG and YA, which were accompanied by another bunch of tantalizing books which my Library Sale Buddy offered me. (She opened her trunk like she had hot merchandise in there – dozens of books she’d read over the year, and was offering to me and other friends. It was pretty funny.)
A few days ago, I was ready to dive in to one of those picks and chose a book by John Irving, Cider House Rules. I’d seen the movie years ago, which was fabulous, but as I 
began the book, it didn’t seem right. I wanted something that would feed my creative self, the me that wants to work on my Middle Grade novel. I put it back on the shelf and drew out the Joan Bauer MG novel I’d picked up, Close to Famous.
I like Bauer’s style – her characters are believable, palpable people you might know or like to get to know. No high drama, but real life in a compelling way. This would both feed my creative self and provide an enjoyable read.
For those of us who create, who aspire to bring something new and of value into the world, feeding that part of ourselves is so important. I know, for myself, it can also get sorely neglected when life’s demands are peaking, and Creative Me can get tossed into a corner like a shucked-off backpack, full as it is of wondrous things.
What writer isn’t enriched by reading, what artist by looking at art that inspires? Imagine a baker who doesn’t sample fabulous cupcakes, tasting every nuance of flavor, checking the texture for mouthfeel – how could she possibly produce truly delicious cupcakes herself without knowing what really good cupcakes taste like? It’s no different with us.
Another way to feed our creative selves is to get out in nature — take a walk, take a drive to a nearby park, sit in your garden, watch a bird, a bee, a squirrel. Nothing fancy. Let the wonders of nature inspire you, help you feel at peace, connected. In that serenity, our creativity can come out to play.
I took the photos you see here on a recent walk – blue sky, sunny day – reminded me of the me that longs to create despite the daily demands of life. It was like a cupcake for my creative soul.
Take a little time for yourself, especially when you most think you have none. Treat yourself to a creative cupcake. Add extra sprinkles; be inspired.
Still A Dreamer 
Thanks for that encouragement, Jeanne. I wish you a good week.
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Anytime! And the same to you. I hope you are feeling well – absolutely wonderful, actually. I’ll be stopping by soon …
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Hey, which book did you buy on my behalf at the sale? Tell me when you are reading it and I’ll see if I can find it here at the same time. (What, you didn’t know you were to buy one in my name?)
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Did I say I’d buy one in your name? You must have misunderstood – I bought THREE in your name! Hahaha.
Cynthia, I never know when I’ll be reading anything or in what order since I came home with 12 books, but I like the idea of reading them at the same time. Here are your 3, just for the anticipation – all with a bit of international flavor. Two were recommended by my book sale buddy and are from her trunk, personally recommended for me – The Dressmaker of Khair Khana – Gayle Tzemach Lemmon and Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum. Your third I got at the book sale itself and had been highly recommended for the longest time by a different friend, big reader and published children’s author – The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency – Alexander McCall Smith. If you want to read ahead, though, feel free! 🙂
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Hahaha…
OK, I have already read the third. So I will check into the other two this summer and shall report back. I hope they aren’t terribly depressing.
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I didn’t get a feeling that they were depressing from the book jackets, but you may want to read up on Amazon or Good Reads first. Tell you what – let me know when you get either one, (or both), and if I haven’t yet read them, (and trust me – I’ve got plenty here to keep me busy!), we’ll read them together. How’s that?
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I for one needed to come here and feed my creative self Jeanne!!! Oh I have missed you so and the only reason I haven’t written earlier is the terrible excuse that you want to put aside time to truly write and give thought to the person you are writing to rather than just dashing off a quick note. I am one of those who seem to be more ponderous and so, please do forgive me for this very late message.
Thank you for honouring your creative self. Somehow, this very precious aspect of ourselves is always the first to go and the last to be nurtured. Just today I had to cancel something which I had impetuously agreed to despite knowing it would be just too much to handle. I am learning to nurture myself without guilt.
Just took a peek at your comment above and saw my favourite author Alexander McCall Smith’s name there together with my favourite no.1 ladies detective Mma Ramotswe! I’m having his latest two books waiting and calling me! Let me know how the Dressmaker of Khair Khana is. I used to visit Khair Khana when I was living in Kabul.
Bye for now. I’m sitting here looking at the shimmering canal outside my window. And sending you peace, restful blessings and quiet contentment. Deliciousness all wrapped up! Love and hugs my dear one. Sharon xx
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Sharon, I am so glad you stopped by and with such encouraging words and to feed your creative self! Yes, we do need to learn to be good to ourselves and not be guilty. I count myself lucky that I have never felt guilty about reading. Now that I know you are familiar with Khair Khana, and I recommended the book to Cynthia, another wonderful fellow blogger, and my friend suggested it to me … well, I will have no choice but to write a post on it when I finish it!
I am so glad you have returned to our blogging world … it’s wonderful to have a friend, perhaps across the world, but so very nearby in heart. Love and hugs to you, too. Jeanne
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