The Life of the Imagination

The assignment is to number 1-10 and finish the phrase as rapidly as possible. This is supposed to practice expanding my imagination and inhabit a larger life. The phrase begins as:
"If the best of all possible worlds were reality..."
1. ...I would live close to all my family.
2. ...I would be in full time compassionate ministry.
3. ...I would have my own preschool.
4. ...we would have 10 kids. :-) (Think Chuck's glad the best of all possible worlds is not a reality here.)
5. ...I would live on an organic farm.
6. ...we would travel anywhere whenever we felt like it.
7. ...I would always have enough time to exercise, cook, play music, listen to music, watch movies, read books, get a full night's sleep, and learn new things everyday.
8. ...I would be amazingly flexible.
9. ...I would know what every one of my students is thinking or trying to communicate.
10. ...I could eat cheese and bread everyday and feel like I ate fruits and vegetables.

Who, Me?

The second chapter is encouraging the reader to think about what success and sophistication look like to you. The assignment for this chapter is to write a list of 25 things that represent sophistication and success. Now, I will preface this list with saying that the author's goal in life of success and sophistication is very different than mine. Also, there are sometimes things I think that represent success and sophistication, but they are not what I want for myself. Some examples of things that the author thinks of is red nail polish and leather gloves. Here is my list:

1. A comfortable and stylish pair of shoes that last
2. Going to an esthetician for skincare
3. Being physically healthy
4. Eating all organically (If only I lived 100 years ago!!)
5. Eating a variety of food dishes
6. Owning only clothing that fits me and is not faded (and I wear it all)
7. The ability to help others financially
8. Owning a home
9. Having my home reflect who I am
10. Not allowing things to add stress to life that I am not in control of
11. Spontaneously going on a trip
12. Having a PhD (Funny that last time my list said 'having a master's degree'. Now that I have it, I guess it doesn't seem so successful.)
13. Having your own business that doesn't keep you tied down
14. Establishing and continuing your own traditions
15. Planting and working your own garden
16. Having a calming presence (sophistication)
17. Volunteering for the benefit of others
18. Donating money to charities that make an impact
19. Having kids that reflect good character
20. Being a published author (...of my own book. I was an editor of curriculum, so technically, I'm published. :-)
21. Having a kind and supportive husband as my equal (luckily I have that)
22. Owning land
23. Living a long and healthy life
24. Paying for my children's college
25. Owning something worth taking to The Antique Roadshow :-)

Chapter 1: Setting Off

This chapter is simply setting off into this adventure of creativity. The assignment for this chapter is to spend 30 minutes cutting out pictures from magazines that appeal to you in some way. Then spend the next 30 minutes cutting and pasting them onto poster board. They may cause different reactions like surprise, delight, or even alarm. I really didn't choose any that caused alarm, but that may just reflect the type of magazines I buy. This collection of pictures definitely reflects my craving for nature and natural foods-everything but the chocolate mess in the upper right hand corner. :-) You can also tell how much I crave serenity and relaxation. I'm rarely the type who likes to go to a dance party. I'd rather get a massage or go to the arboretum. Unfortunately, during this time of year, it's impossible to spend much time in nature in Texas because of those 100+ degree temperatures. Can't wait for the temps to drop so I can once again spend a little time outside. This activity helped remind me of who I am and what I enjoy.

Making creativity a priority

Creativity is something I do not have in great supply. However, as a teacher and a Christian, creativity is a necessity. I read the book "The Liberated Imagination: Thinking Christianly about the Arts" in college. It really helped me realize that how you spend your leisure time is a reflection on not only your education, but also your faith. That book talks a lot about how God, the Creator, created us, therefore, we continue creation through what we do and how we spend our time.

My husband and I went to Las Vegas for a few days this past week. We went to see the show "Cirque De Soleil- The Beatles Love". It was amazing! The amount of creativity it took to plan the costumes, the props, the choreography, let alone the symbolism and storyline was mind boggling. I think I may have the creativity to design one of the costumes, and that's about it. So, I decided to make thinking creatively a priority.

I used to be an editor for a publishing company, editing and writing children's curriculum. My senior editor decided we would read the book "The Sound of Paper" and do the creative projects as a team. About halfway through the book, my husband and I moved to Texas, and I stopped reading and doing the activities. My plan is to start the book again, reading each short chapter and doing each assignment. I plan to share my creations on here, if it's possible. My hope is that I'll tap into the creativity God gave me and make it a priority to keep up with it, even when the insanely busy school year begins. Let's hope!