Originality
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Deep thoughts
“To find yourself, think for yourself.” ~Socrates The simplest truths are rarely as simple as they seem. Today’s quote from the philosopher Socrates is a case in point. “Thinking for yourself” is tricky when you’re under the influence of family and friends, popular culture, and social media. There’s always a cacophony of voices sharing views on everything from business to fashion; from politics to religion. So, every once in a while, it’s worth questioning: Am I following my own heart? Are my choices really my own? Or am I simply re-spinning a “brand” I’ve borrowed from someone else? ~CL
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Whose life?
“Whose life are you living, yours or the one somebody prefers for you?” ~Vanita Oelschlager, Write with Me By the time we reach middle age, we’ve established patterns, preferences, routines, and habits. We’ve made some difficult choices; traveled a few paths; tried a few different things. We want to believe we’ve ultimately crafted our own way of living — including the place we call home and how we choose our meals. In reality, each of us is a unique combination of influences — parents, siblings, partners, relatives, teachers, peers, and popular culture … just for starters. Who are your strongest influences? Which ones suggested, or even dictated, the life you’re…
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Getting silly
“Do a loony-goony dance ‘Cross the kitchen floor, Put something silly in the world That ain’t been there before.” ~ Shel Silverstein, A Light in the Attic I adore folks who don’t take themselves too seriously. My father was the King of Silliness, and I inherited his appreciation for all things absurd — including whoppee cushions. When nothing else in the world seems to make sense, which happens often lately, getting silly is my only recourse. Uncontrollable laughter is the very best medicine. This might explain why I think the ginormous yellow dinosaur at Kampville Mobile Home Park in Bear Lake is worth getting out of the car to photograph. We pass this silly thing…
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How to be an original
“Do your own thing. Let others own their own thing. If you copy too much, you’ll find yourself in late night cocktail lounge cover band limbo.” ~Kurt Cobain Hasn’t it all been done before? Is there any such thing as a truly original idea? Contrary to the old maxim, imitation isn’t the highest form of flattery. It’s a creative cop out. My essay on the challenge of finding your own voice and style is featured this week on the National Society of Newspaper Columnists website. You can read it here. Photo by Cindy La Ferle
