February 16, 2005

• The Wisdom of Dr. Seuss:
  

  
  

  "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. "
  

  
  

  
  

  "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened. "
  

  "I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living. It's a way of  looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope, which is what I do, and that enables you to laugh at life's realities."

  
  

  
  

  The "wisdom" of misslill: I think everyone needs to stop once in a while and reconnect with their inner child. The world of today is hectic and stress filled and seems to be determined to wear us down to the bone. Now and then we need to take things back to their simplest level. To do something not because you have to or should do. To enjoy something in a quiet gentle way.

  
  

  
  

  Adulthood seems to rob us of the ability to be easily amused. Babies are fascinating to watch because they are in turn so fascinated with the world around them. We need to recapture that sense of fascination and ease of delight.

  
  

  
  

  Often we are robbed of delight by fear. Fear of what people might think about what we do or say. We want to maintain our sense of  "dignity" or "pride" so we forgo the pleasure of indulging in something that might be considered eccentric or childish. Heaven forbid we should do something that we aren't "good" at.  Yet I believe that this is one of the paths that can lead to increased creativity, and increased creativity can lead to increased  happiness and satisfaction. 

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  I sing my heart out , completely out of tune and full of joy. I love to draw, paint ceramics, do woodburning, pottery, you name it and I'll try it. Heavens, I even write poetry!!   I will never be a Picasso or a Madonna or a Longfellow, but I am a misslill and that is just fine with me!

  
  

  I challenge everyone to try something they have always wanted to do, but never had the nerve. Ride that merry -go -round, fly that kite, draw a flower. Do it publicly or privately, but do it and enjoy the process, never mind the result!!

  
  

  
  

  The old hound and I are going to see Julia Cameron when she comes to town next week to give a lecture. She has written some great books, including The Artist's Way. I would recommend her books to anyone who has ever thought about opening the floodbanks and letting their creative juices flow. I look forward to seeing her in person.

  
  

  
  

  Anyone interested in seeing her in Toronto can follow this link: http://www.learningannex.com/default.taf?sctn=D1&cnum=2410TR&cat=&_function=detail

  • 9:53 pm
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