I thought it would be a perfect first contribution to this, my first “Be Mused” blog if I shared my four basic C’s of creating. Number one is to Conceptualize. The basis of creation is to have a concept on which to build. No concept- no creation. Most of our concepts are built on others’ concepts. We stand on the shoulders of other creators taking what they’ve learned and fashioning it into something different, sometimes better. So in reality all creation occurs as the result of a previous creator. Number two is Courage. This for me is key in starting a project, particularly a new one. Getting past self-doubt long enough to press forward and see an idea come to fruition requires an “eye of faith,” if you will. Before the physical there is a spiritual, or an internal creation which I have to believe-in long enough to make my idea into something real. When a project is in its infancy I repeatedly refer to that image in my mind’s eye in order to move forward. This, in and of itself serves many purposes. It took six days to create the earth and only then was it a paradise. Thirdly, I would suggest Collaboration. This goes hand-in-hand with conceptualizing but is something more. The encouragement, experience and different viewpoint  of others (whether experienced or not) are an invaluable part of the process for me. Fourth and finally, there has to Celebration. I feel that without a celebration it is much more difficult to begin the process again. These celebrations can be small and internal, but make sure you have one. Being able to celebrate a creation even when it turns out “other than planned” opens our minds to mistakes and better ways of getting things done. We understood this well as children and were much less easily frustrated as a result. Children celebrate everything and I believe this is why they are so creative, because they are free to be that way by their own virtue.

I recently completed my first sewing project. I haven’t sewn since Junior High School. There is another blog for another day in that story. I decided that I was no longer afraid of sewing (Courage). I chose a project that was meaningful, and would be a joy when finished. I decided to make a dress for Ellie. (Conceptualize). I sought out the advice of a seamstress/friend to purchase fabric. I sat next to two ultra-talented seamstresses during its completion both my  sister Jennifer and my good friend Carolynn. They led me almost effortlessly through the process with their calm wisdom and experience. (Collaboration) And when I was finished, despite whatever flaws or mistakes had been made I felt joy and accomplishment ( Celebration) I am likely to do this again soon!! Incidentally, I took Ellie in her new dress for a photo shoot which is yet another case of collaboration and conceptualization due in large part to my sister Amy’s inspiration on the matter of photography. I conceptualized her new haircut two weeks ago and collaborated with my neighbor who is an excellent beautician and yesterday it was created. I hope you will all celebrate with me!