Linda Covella, Author

My theme for the Blogging from A to Z challenge is Creativity. Today’s post is V for Village, as in “It takes a…”

Throughout this challenge, I’ve written about the importance of being true to yourself and your creativity. About creating something that comes from your own intellect, heart, and soul.

But, you can’t go it alone. You need the advice, feedback, and support of a community, whether it’s family, friends, or peers.

When I started getting serious about pursuing publication with my children’s writing, I took some online writing classes. Previously, I wrote, isolated but safe, in my little office. The only feedback on my writing came from an occasional personal rejection from an agent or editor. The form rejections spoke for themselves.

In the classes, it was difficult for me to put myself out there, to have the teacher and students read and critique my work. Still, I knew when the class ended, I could go back to my hiding place in my office. But I did get a taste of the benefits of having fellow writers provide helpful criticism.

One of the students and I hit it off. I liked her writing and her sense of humor. She wanted to form a critique group, but I just wasn’t ready. Actually, I was still afraid, possibly shy as well, to have people read my work on a regular basis. We kept in touch, and she’d occasionally nudge me about the group. I kept putting her off. I think a year or more went by before I finally agreed.

It was one of the best things for my writing I’ve ever done. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today, my stories wouldn’t be what they are, if not for those five writers. We were all “newbies” when we started (about 10 years ago now!), and together we learned the ropes of writing and the publishing world.

So, what I’m saying in this post is, be fearless in your creativity, listen to your instincts, follow your style. But get support from your village, and give support, too. Join a critique group, take classes, visit museums, go to your peers’ events—their art showings, their book signings.

And listen to what they say about your work. Take it to heart, and then follow the path your heart tells you to take.

Your village will be there to support your decision.

My theme for the Blogging from A to Z challenge is Creativity. As I mentioned in another post, to be creative, one needs to think outside the box. And Italian painter and sculptor Umberto Boccioni did just that. Born in 1882, Boccioni was at the forefront of the revolutionary Futurist movement.

Though the movement was founded in 1909 by F.T. Marinetti, Boccioni was one of the first to incorporate Marinetti’s ideas into the visual arts.

The Futurists were interested in technology, and their work depicted the movement of a modern dynamic urban environment with such subjects as working people, electricity, and speeding trains. The Futurists dreamed of Italy becoming the epitome of a technologically advanced society.

One of Boccioni’s most famous paintings is The City Rises. The painting, almost ten feet wide, shows workers constructing an electric power plant. Not only was the subject matter new for the era, but the style was also ahead of its time with Boccioni’s brushwork and abstract qualities to his painting.

In 1912, Boccioni switched from painting to sculpture, creating what are considered some of the most important sculptures of the Futurist movement. Below, his bronze sculpture Unique Forms of Continuity in Space again shows a style that could have been created by a modern-day sculptor.

Boccioni tragically died in 1916 at the age of 33 when, after being drafted into the Italian army during WWI, he was trampled by a horse during a training exercise.

New York Times Art Critic Grace Glueck once wrote:

“In the brief life span of the Italian Futurist movement, the short-lived Umberto Boccioni was a blazing comet. … Boccioni was a fiery theoretician of the movement, drafting two Futurist manifestoes in 1910 and 1912 that exalted the force and energy of contemporary life.”

For me, Boccioni is another example of an artist who thought outside the box, who was dauntless in his pursuit of his creativity, and who trusted himself completely.

My theme for the Blogging from A to Z challenge is Creativity. When doing something creative, it’s important to trust yourself.

You must trust your own viewpoint, your instincts. Listen to the voice inside you; don’t shut it out, don’t ignore it. Trust it!

We tend to look at projects from an intellectual point of view. This is necessary. But we also need look at them, feel them, with our hearts.

As Lord Byron said, “There is no instinct like that of the heart.”

Many people are afraid to trust their instincts when it comes to creativity because they’re afraid of failing. I’ve said this in other posts: there is no failure, there is no wrong or right, when you’re creating. The same goes for being worried about ridicule. It takes personal trust and sometimes courage to go against what’s popular or what’s expected.

Trusting yourself means it’s all about you, it’s what comes out of your heart, your knowledge, your life experiences. If you’re afraid of failure or ridicule or whatever is holding back that trust, you won’t listen to the voice inside you. You won’t feel the emotions coming from your heart, the emotions that are necessary to make your creation unique. Remember to trust all that is “you.”

And don’t forget to give yourself a pat on the back. If you aren’t completely satisfied with your results, look for positive aspects of your project. This will help build trust in yourself.

I’ll end this post with this wonderful quote from Golda Meir: “Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.”

Do you trust yourself when it comes to your creativity?

My theme for the Blogging from A to Z challenge is Creativity. To be creative, we rely on our senses, and many creative processes make use of a few or all of the senses.

I have to remind myself to incorporate all the senses into my writing. Descriptions of setting, for instance, are richer and more realistic if you describe the entire environment. This is a helpful article about descriptive writing and the five senses.

The five senses are also important to other creative endeavors.

Sculptors and potters use a strong sense of touch in their work. Sound is important to those who use chisels or other tools. I imagine those who work with clay enjoy that smell.

I know when I paint, just the smell of the acrylics or oils gets my creative juices flowing.

Musicians, of course, rely on sound, but the feel of the instrument is a big part of playing: the pressure of the keys on a clarinet or piano, for instance. I’m not a singer, but I imagine they feel a vibration or resonance in their throats.

Cooks use all the senses: the sizzle of the onions striking a hot pan, the smell of chopped herbs, the taste of a tangy vinaigrette dressing, the blast of heat on your face when you open the oven door, and the sight of a composed salad: dark green spinach glistening with olive oil, plump red strawberries, and white crumbled feta.

Can you think of other ways the senses are used for creativity?

My theme for the Blogging from A to Z challenge is Creativity. I had to do it. I had to include my all-time favorite rock and roll band, the Rolling Stones.

Mick Jagger was my high school rock star crush. And I still have a thing for him. Sure he’s older—way older—but he hasn’t lost that magnetism and showmanship that made him an icon of rock-n-roll.

For those who may not know, pictured from left to right: Charlie Watts, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, Ron Wood

I finally saw the Stones perform in 2007, and then again in 2013. Now in their 70s, they still pour energy and passion into their music. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards wrote most of the songs they perform, and they’ve been partners for over 50 years.

At the concerts I attended, it was amazing to see Mick strut his stuff, prancing and dancing across the stage and the u-shaped structure that brought him out into the audience. His voice is still strong, with hardly any sign of aging. If I can have half as much energy at 70 as he does, I will be happy.

The Rolling Stones are a real inspiration to me to never stop pursuing creativity, to never let go of my passion.

Do you have a favorite performer whose music you enjoy and who also inspires you?

My theme for the Blogging from A to Z challenge is Creativity. Here are some quotes to inspire you in your pursuit of your creative endeavors. I think they are all gems.

“Every child is an artist, the problem is staying an artist when you grow up” ~ Pablo Picasso

“Curiosity about life in all of its aspects, I think, is still the secret of great creative people” ~ Leo Burnett

“Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine, and at last, you create what you will.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

“Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties.” ~ Erich Fromm

“Creativity is a natural extension of our enthusiasm.” ~ Earl Nightingale

“Creativity comes from looking for the unexpected and stepping outside your own experience.” ~ Masaru Ibuka

“Mystery is at the heart of creativity. That, and surprise.” ~ Julia Cameron

“Creativity is not just for artists. It’s for businesspeople looking for a new way to close a sale; it’s for engineers trying to solve a problem; it’s for parents who want their children to see the world in more than one way.” ~ Twyla Tharp

“You see things; and you say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were; and I say, ‘Why not’?” ~ George Bernard Shaw

“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try.” ~ Dr. Seuss

Is one of these quotes your favorite? Do you have another quote on creativity to share?

My theme for the Blogging from A to Z challenge is Creativity. Find your passion, and you’ll find your creativity.

You can’t create something new, exciting, and unique to yourself unless you are passionate about it.

What if you don’t have that passion? How do you “find” it?

There’s lots of advice out there on getting your passion back, or finding it in the first place.

In this article, Martha Beck says finding passion “isn’t like bagging an expensive trinket; it’s like leaving comfortable, familiar terrain behind us and throwing ourselves into the sea. Many of us avoid taking the plunge. We turn away from the ocean, ignoring the roar of breakers, refusing to notice how our hair prickles when we smell the salt water.”

She says we must heed the “yeah” that moves us toward our passion, and ignore the “but” that stops us.

I really love this sentiment Susan Biali, M.D. wrote in this article for Psychology Today: “Discovering what you love most is an adventure in itself.”

Her “five steps to finding your passion” can be very helpful if you’re stuck, unable to take the plunge, or simply don’t know what your passion is. Here are the highlights from her article:

1. Inventory your talents. Everyone has something that they’re good at. Maybe you aren’t an artist, or writer, or scientist. But maybe you are great with kids. Or you have an affinity with dogs or other animals. What about cooking or baking? Gardening? Sports? Do you enjoy helping others in various capacities? “Discovering what you love” and what you’re good at will lead you to your passion.
2. Pay attention to who annoys you or makes you jealous. I wouldn’t have thought of this, but Biali’s point is if you’re jealous of what someone is doing with their lives, that may mean it’s something you long to do as well.

3. Think of what you loved to do as a child. I think this is a great suggestion. When we’re young, we’re basically free of judgments and inhibitions. We know what we like and we pursue those things with passion. I loved to paint and draw as a child, and I started out in college as an art major. Then the reality of paying bills set in, so I changed my studies to something more practical. These practicalities often take us from our passions, and we need to make those connections again.

4. Notice when you hate to stop doing something. Are you immersed in some project, and you suddenly realize a lot of time has passed? Maybe what you’re working on is something you’re passionate about.

5. See your passion hunt as a fun, joyful adventure. The more open you are, the more fun you have, the more likely you are to find your passion.

Is there something you feel particularly passionate about? If you’re still trying to find your passion, how is your search going?

My theme for the Blogging from A to Z challenge is Creativity. Sometimes, to really boost our creativity, we need to think outside the box. We need to look at things beyond our normal perspective.

There are several things you can do to help yourself think outside the box.

*Don’t make assumptions. Don’t take something for granted. Rather, question what is commonly known about whatever it is you’re working on.

*Look at it from a different angle. This can be figuratively or literally. If you’re working on a physical project—a sculpture or an invention, for instance—walk around it, turn it over, add or remove something. In writing, experiment with different voices. Rewrite a scene from another character’s POV. If you’ve created an outline for your story, try deviating from what you’ve planned, whether with a character’s reaction or with the plot.

*Step away from your project. Take a walk or even take a few days off. Observe things around you, but let yourself and your mind relax. It’s amazing how new ideas can come to you when you aren’t immersed in the details of your work.

*Make sure to break up your routine on a daily basis. When you’re in a rut, your mind gets into one as well.

*Talk with others about your project, even those who may not be in the same field. Voicing your ideas helps free up your mind, and ideas or questions from your listeners can trigger new ideas.

*Take a good look at your inner self. What beliefs, inhibitions, tensions are keeping you from exploring new ideas? Talk to others or read about ideas that are contrary to your own.

*Keep an open mind. Be willing to change.

This article says thinking outside the box can be taught, and there are creative studies programs at many universities.

Is it difficult for you to “think outside the box”? Do you have any techniques that work for you?

My theme for the Blogging from A to Z challenge is Creativity. We expend a lot of energy—mentally and sometimes physically—when we’re being creative. And for that, we need to keep up our nourishment.

Cooking can be another way to express your creativity. I love to cook for that reason, as well as for the good food I get to eat (if all goes well) and share with others.

Since Easter is just a few days away, I’m sharing a couple of recipes for Easter dinner—or anytime! Do you have any favorite recipes for Easter or Passover?

Baked Ham

Recipe courtesy of my friend Peter Riegler.

One bit of advice from Peter: “Do not sample the Jack Daniels Mix as I used to. You do get a headache!”

Ingredients:

1 Bone-in Ham

1 small bottle (8 oz) of SueBee Honey (or other honey)

1 pint of Jack Daniels

1 can of Sliced Pineapple, drained and juice reserved

Cloves

1 to 2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper

Toothpicks

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Score the fatty side of the ham in a criss-cross diamond pattern

Poke a clove, stem side down, at every scored intersection of the diamond pattern.

Using toothpicks, add slices of pineapple to the scored ham.

Place ham in a roasting pan, then put in oven, scored side up. Bake 20 minutes per pound.

Meanwhile:

Combine honey, pineapple juice, cayenne pepper and Jack Daniels.

Using a baster, put some of the Jack Daniels mixture over the ham.

30 minutes prior to ham being done, pour the rest of the mixture over the ham.

Note from Peter: I have in the past let the ham soak in the Jack Daniels mixture overnight, and then bake it in the oven. I save the mixture out of the soaking dish, baste once or twice while baking, and then pour the remainder over the ham 20 minutes prior to finish baking.

Lemon Cheesecake

Courtesy Philadelphia Brand Cream Cheese

This is so easy to make!

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups Graham Cracker crumbs

Note: for regular cheesecake, I use chocolate wafer crumbs for the crust. For this recipe, I’m going to use vanilla wafer crumbs.

6 tablespoons butter, melted

4 (250 g) packages Philadelphia Brick Cream Cheese, softened

1 cup sugar

1 cup sour cream

1 lemon, zested and juiced

4 eggs

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat oven to 325 degrees F.

2. Mix crumbs and butter. Press mixture onto bottom of 13×9-inch pan, or a round spring-form pan.

3. Beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl with mixer until well blended. Add sour cream, zest and juice; mix well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until blended. Pour over crust.

4. Bake 40 minutes or until center is almost set; cool completely. Refrigerate 4 hours.

Optional: I like to add these around the edge of the cheesecake: Hollow out fresh strawberries and fill with sweetened whipped cream cheese. These make a great dessert all by themselves!

My theme for the Blogging from A to Z challenge is Creativity. Today I talk about my wonderful mother.

My mother has been my life-long inspiration for creativity. As an artist, singer, and school librarian, she taught me to love all forms of art.

She taught and encouraged me to draw and paint at an early age, supplying me with paints, paper, and an easel. Until I was old enough to take out my own books at the library, she would bring home stacks of books for me to read. I remember calling her up and saying, “Mom, I need more books!” We had lots of books on the shelves, too. After all the kids were gone, and my parents moved to a smaller house, they had a garage sale. And I still wish I had the set of red-leather, beautifully illustrated Childcraft books that they sold. (Since I wrote this, I have a bid up on eBay for an entire set.)

Unfortunately, Mom doesn’t paint or sing anymore due to her age. But I have much of her work hanging in my house.

Her parents saw and encouraged her talent when she was quite young. The story goes that she drew on the wall, and instead of being punished, was complimented on the beautiful drawing. When I was a kid, she did mostly portrait painting. She had a wonderful gift of capturing any person’s likeness. Later in life, she turned to watercolors. Here are some of her paintings hanging in my living room:

Sadly, I didn’t inherit her lovely soprano voice. (I love to sing, but it’s not something you’d ask me to do twice!) In her late 60s and early 70s, Mom sang in the Sacramento Choral Society. One year, my husband and I accompanied her to New York City when the group performed at Carnegie Hall. It was a beautiful, dramatic performance of Carmina Burana. I was so proud of her, and it still makes me teary-eyed when I remember that special evening.

Almost 15 years ago, my husband and I took her on a trip to Europe—England, France, and Italy. Of course, it had been her dream to see the great paintings she’d always studied, and it was a thrill to be able to do that for her. We spent her 70^th birthday in a lovely little restaurant in Paris.

So you can see she has been quite an inspiration for me, that she nurtured and encouraged my creativity. My dream has long been to have one of my novels published. Now that it’s finally happening, I can’t wait for her to see it. I truly don’t know if I’d be at this point in my life without her, without her love and encouragement, and the importance of creativity that she instilled in me.

Is there someone special in your life you inspired you and encouraged your creativity?