A Little Rearranging!

I have a fast approaching deadline for a professional paper.  So, I decide to rearrange my living space.  I am enjoying the new openness of the space.  As part of my new space, I have a big dining room table that I set up as my "studio" table.  I am not a true artist, but I do like the idea of being an artist.  I have a variety of neat stuff to use on the table...markers, color pencils, crayons, chenille sticks, big pieces of newsprint, coloring pages, magnets, puzzles, and other fun stuff.

I have discovered that I like to use large paper to brainstorm my ideas and this is a great space for it. It invites the creation of grand ideas!  I tried to figure out a brainstorming/concept mapping software program.  I realized I was spending/wasting time trying to learn a program,when I could do it more quickly on my "big" paper!  I also do not have to wait for the computer to "boot-up" to review my ideas.

I identified my clutter style! I have learned that I am not going to pick up my toys and put them away.  I have open baskets that I quickly toss my markers into when I finish my creativity breaks.  I also rediscovered the relaxing benefits of coloring.  I do not have to think about what to create on the page, I just have to select the colors.  I like this because my mind can dream and ponder!

As part of my space transformation, Randy took me to the John R. Green Company an education supplies company.  I enjoyed strolling down the aisles and thinking about the fun I had playing school as a youngster!  It was almost as good as coming across a penny candy counter!  Yes, I do remember penny candy! 

How do you express your inner-artist?

Animals and Play

I found this interesting guest blog article from Scientific America by Lynda Sharpe who studied meerkats at play.  Why do you think animals play?

I also discovered an amazing whale YouTUBE video from OneWorldOneOcean.org showing a gray whale lifting her calf out the water to get a look at the whale watchers!  Maybe we HUMANS are on display for our animal friends!

Yellow Springs Ohio and hiking

Today, I went on a day trip with my friend of 30+ years (Bernadette).  We headed to Yellow Springs, Ohio.  Of course, we took the convertible or "vert" as I call it.  We started by stopping into some of the many quaint shops in town.  In one, a women was showing her weaving work she was learning at the local senior center.  It was beautiful.

We ate at the Sunrise Cafe.  Most eateries are vegan friendly.  I like the focus of the town on using sustainable resources and eco-friendly.

After lunch, we took a walk along the Clifton Gorge.  It was lovely.  We stopped near a water fall to listen to frogs.  The sound was awesome!  We saw several turtles! 

We also ran across this polka dot dressed cow.  It was on the top of  Two Clowns Mowing.

It reminded me of the rotating cow, just outside Charleston, South Carolina.  What a hoot.  I had to stop for a picture!

Our adventure continued to bring fantastic surprises.  We discovered McDonald's has a McCafe Happy Hour from 2-4pm with $1.00 for McCafe drinks -- coffee, smoothies.  I am uncertain if this deal applies to all McDonalds or just independently owned stores.  My favorite is the wildberry smoothie.  It was the perfect way to top off the hike!

When was the Last Time You Played with a Pinwheel?

Here is a starter activity. I recently discovered that I could not get the pinwheel to move when I was holding it.  Randy picked it up and it looked so neat as he waved his hand and made it swosh!  I wanted to do it, too!  He gave me a lesson and I vowed to conquer it in a week.  I was still lousy a week later.  I asked for another lesson.  He gave me a key piece of information that clicked in my mind.  I have been pinwheeling every since!  My pinwheel is in my convertible.  It brings a smile to my face.  I not only learned a new skill, but I also saw several science principles at work!

Here is a link to a website for step-by-step instructions for making your own pinwheel.  I see I am not alone in thinking this is fun.  Be sure to check out other interesting ideas!    http://createstudio.blogspot.com/2010/03/how-to-make-pinwheel.html

Not feeling that creative?  I bought one for $1.00.  It has been fun seeing people's reaction when they see us playing with the pinwheel.  I love the look that says, I made a person think!  What are they doing?  Are they crazy?  No, just enjoying the simple pleasures in life!

Fun, Play, Creativity and Laughter

For many years, I have battled with my fun side.  As a professor there are certain expectations about appropriate behavior -- you can have fun, but not TOO much fun.  All over society, we receive messages that we should act our age!  I REJECT that message.  I like the message, you are as young as you feel. We can even evoke this in our imaginations!  When I'm with my guy (Randy), we often comment on how it feels like we are teenagers or kids!  Then, we giggle.  We have begun incorporating a play stop into our walks at local playgrounds. We might have to establish some new playground rules, ADULTS first!   How about using a swing for a core workout!  I also remember my grandmother, Iris, who at 92 still felt like she was sixteen!  How cool is that!

I used to get frustrated when others looked to me to find "fun" things to do.  I didn't mind doing it some of the time, but I wanted others to join me in creating shared memories.  I have embraced my inner CRUISE DIRECTOR.  I realize I have a talent for hunting out all sorts of fun, playful, creative ideas for people to ponder!

I would like some feedback to guide me on my hunt.  What do you do for fun?  Why do you think it is fun?  Let's start there.  I have so many more questions to ponder!