think creative thoughts!

and do creative things!

in the past few weeks, i've been generally uninspired to create. it always seems nice, but i tend to get lost in something infinitely less imaginative in the matter of mere seconds.

not so today! today has been quite inspiring indeed. of course, having a breakfast of hot fresh coffee and warm scones [fresh out of the oven and topped with devonshire cream and homemade preserves!] in a room bursting with sunlight, does certainly spark the imagination afresh. although in hindsight, i must confess that it has been stirring up within me during these less creative days. i have made a remarkable discovery about classic children's literature [circa 1860-1920]: the heroes and heroines have absolutely the most glorious imaginations. none of them are well off financially, they all work and study hard, and they have the most thrilling adventures, these children of yesterday's books.

i once read in a book the story of a man whose name is henceforth and forever removed from my memory [both the book and its character]; however, i shall forevermore recall his way of life. he was a poor preacher-man in england, not in terribly good health nor held in particularly high esteem amongst others; he was moved to this and that parish, accompanied by his wife and several children. they had very little money and few possessions, except for these more precious than they all: a small yet beloved collection of books. and each evening, through the reading of these books, this family would embark on the most fantastic adventures around the world and back again, all from the warmth and light of their cozy hearth. i have ever since admired this family's example, and relished in the thought of traipsing the world over, either in person or in imagination.

at work today i spoke extensively with another employee about the joys of old maps and globes. i declare, i am utterly smitten by geography. i remember not one bit of geographical study from my schooldays, but thankfully that lack has not seemed to dampen my current enthusiasm. for my birthday last week, i received a beautiful large National Geographic map of the World. i intend to hang it on my bedroom wall and rapturously devour each continent until i know it by heart.

part two of my birthday adventure was a trip to the city with my mother. we attended a performance of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra to begin the day. [i find it fitting to insert here that i am in love with classical music, and that each time i have the privilege of seeing and hearing an orchestra, i am once again overcome with awe and appreciation. how i would love to learn a string instrument! or all of them! sigh!] after the concert, we collected my grandmother from her home and spent the ensuing afternoon and following day perusing many area thrift stores for treasures.

my favourite find of the weekend is pictured above. i've been gradually updating the decor of my room since my arrival back in the states, and i find it slowly progressing into a lovely storyland. i suppose that means it is a collection of various items which bring utmost delight to my soul and art-loving eyes. there are treasures from all over the world, and books, and pictures, and windows, and lights, and boxes, and instruments, and all sorts of good, pretty things. this globe was a perfect addition to the grand scheme of things! although it appears to have an early graffiti artist's handiwork upon it....