Curiosity and the Cat

Are you a curious individual? Do you ask a lot of questions? Do you actively seek the answers to the silence your curiosity? Humanity could learn by observing cats and their methods of exploring and satisfying their curiosity. Cats can be sly and sneaky, bold and courageous, they are persistent in their quest using many available tactics and even creating methods of discovery when the need arises.

Yes, there are times when satisfying one's curiosity may lead to disaster. As in the case of one curious cat and a bullfrog. Grizzly the Cat was an explorer and great detective and a very curios cat, he had to investigate every thing that somehow caught his attention. On this particular day he had been out in the yard with us when suddenly he bolted towards the spring only to freeze motionless like a statue. It seemed like an eternity frozen in time before he made is unfortunate pounce. Grizzly was quite curious concerning the activities of a giant bullfrog in the spring. You guessed it, when he finally decided to take action he sprang and landed in the water, right where the bullfrog had been. Grizzly swam to the edge, crawled out and promptly returned to the house soaking wet.

And then there are times when satisfying one's curiosity can lead to purring satisfaction. As in the case of one curious cat and a pile of fabric. Sarah Jane has all of the characteristics of a spy. She is observant, quiet, moves about unnoticed, clever and innovative throughout her day and persistent in the pursuit of satisfying her curiosity. Often is the case each time new fabric arrives at the house, she will investigate the packages with a thorough sniff, a taste, a poke and then she quietly follows the fabric to the next destination for the final testing. Sarah Jane knows from her past encounters all fabric is not created equal, some fabrics must be napped upon to determine the quality. She slinks, she waits until no one is looking, and then she proceeds with the final test. Climbing, jumping, crawling or even pouncing to land in the center of the pile of new fabrics for napping. Like I mentioned earlier, not all fabric is created equal in her eyes, there are fabrics she will avoid, others are good for a pounce, her favorites result in long lazy naps.

How curious are you? Do you find the need to uncover all the information down to the smallest detail or are you satisfied with the big picture or possibly a combination of facts can satisfy your curiosity? Are your curious thoughts led by your imagination and solved through your minds eye or do you actively engage in the pursuit of solving the questions, riddles and puzzles of curiosity?

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
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© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

Time for a New Umbrella

April showers sometimes require an umbrella when darting about dodging puddles. Sprinkles and gentle showers I can manage and even enjoy the splatter of raindrops upon my face. There are times when heavy down pours of flooding rains fall, I will sing and dance splashing every puddle, but not in 'public'. Out in 'public' I have been seen walking slowly using an umbrella in pouring rain, like an 'adult'. Gasp! Rain is for dancing, splashing and singing, a joyful celebration of delight which is the problem I am facing. Have you seen the umbrellas lately? All dark and drab. So ..............

I purchased the largest umbrella available, along with lots of brightly colored paint, brushes and stampers. Soon the dark drab sad umbrella will be transformed into a bright and cheerful work of art. And my old umbrella will be recycled and presented as a gift to my garden as a new Sweet Pea trellis.

Life is too short to avoid splashing in puddles, dancing and singing in the rain. 

Still Writing But NOT On Paper

Blame it on too much sweet tea or changing seasons or even possibly extra time on Pinterest. [Is there truly such a thing?] Sleepless nights make for happy hours spent in the "land" of inspiration. Actually, it all began with a leaky roof and an extensive restoration of water damage.

After completing the restoration of my sewing studio, fresh paint, carpet ripped out and new painted floors. It became obvious the carpet on the stairs had to go as well. The carpet was not compatible with the new look of the sewing studio. So research began in earnest for possible new looks and I finally decided on a combination of effects for the steps leading to the sewing studio. If anyone ever tells you it is easy to rip up and replace carpet...let's just say they may have left out a few details. It is a dirty time consuming task and carpet is heavy! Then comes the cleaning of the steps, the removal of splinters and carpet tacks, sanding, cleaning, priming, sanding, priming, painting multiple layers of paint, sanding....

Today the steps are finally ready for the next phase. The writing of the quotes! Upon each step will be written an encouraging quote to inspire creativity. If there ever was a doubt before to those who enter my home, it is now clearly obvious that at least 1 artist lives here.

Psssst. It's okay to write on the ceilings, walls and floor. Be bold. Be courageous. Embrace your Creative Voice. And don't worry, I am still writing and working on my book.

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

It's Official!

This will be short and sweet!
I've got to get back to the task at hand but I just had to share the news!

It's official! I have now started writing a book!! Yippie!
I completed the outline last night, and today, the actual writing began at sunrise.

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

Progress Requires Activity

Remember January? When I decided to attempt to set aside a time and place to write each day. A dedication, a commitment to be purposeful and decisive about my writing...Well, this is an update. I am writing daily so that in itself is a plus, however, I am not writing at the same time daily or even in the same place. Making progress, I'm not sure. There are stacks and stacks of drafts, outlines and notes, there are piles of crumpled paper scattered on the floor all are evidence of writing is taking place. There have been days when it feels as of all I have accomplished are hard stares at the blank computer screen. There have been days when two words are all that are recorded as I quickly run to the studio to paint.

Creativity is a wild and untamed beast. Relentless in the drive to flow easily avoiding containment to time or schedule. The drive to write is strong and ever present just as the drive to paint, quilt, garden or develop new Gluten Free recipes. I've not discovered the best time or place to write but I shall pursue the challenge after all it is only March and I have 9 months left to develop a schedule that works best.

One step at a time is still progress!

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

A Date with Destiny

February: Groundhog's Day, will we have Six more weeks of winter, Snow, Cold, Valentines, Love, Hearts, Basketball, George Washington, cherry pie, Abraham Lincoln, the shortest month and sometimes Leap Year and your destiny.

This is it. This is your day. This is the sign you have been waiting for, today is your date with destiny. You are destined to live a creative and purposeful life! How does it feel knowing there is only one you? Knowing you have a purpose and a destiny only you are capable of presenting to the world can take your breath away. Stop. Breathe and pursue the longing, the nudge within, to step out of your comfort zone and embrace your creative voice. You've got this! You will succeed! You will be amazing! You are perfect for the task before you!

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

Trying Something New

Welcome 2018! I love the arrival of the New Year. A  "free pass" to start over, to change directions and experiment with new possibilities, the opportunity to leave behind the past and to willingly embrace a new adventure is exciting. As one with a creative outlook or approach to life, I'm not opposed to trying something that might not work. Simple curiosity takes over and one thing leads to another often to discover hidden talents or skill sets.

However, in 2018 I am going to try something new and different. Something out of character and non-conventional for myself. I am going to try, to attempt, to possibly set aside a specific time to write. I wish you could hear the laughter filling the room as I type. As I know, trying to harness creativity is like trying to herd cats or catch downy feathers in a hurricane.
But the plan is to create a schedule of sorts dedicated to writing and then in December we all can either celebrate the accomplishment or have a great laugh at my attempts to harness the creative flow of writing.

Happy New Year! Be bold and courageous and try something new today!

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming