That Just Happened!

My bloggy-friend Blond Duck  sent me an interesting question today and I thought it deserved a full answer.  I have so much to say!

She asks “What’s your opinion on education and writing? Like how do you think a master’s effects creativity?”  After clarifying that she meant a master’s in writing/English lit instead of Science or Engineering (duh, Jenn) I started to think about it.  Of course, I am all for furthering your education, but can furthering your education make you more creative?  Less creative?  I sat down to dinner with MPW and tried to sort this one out.

J:  So, do you think a master’s helps or hinders creativity? 

W:  I think it depends on the person.  Someone who would read a lot of books and blogs and magazines would probably benefit less because they are more self motivated than someone who doesn’t really think about reading/writing.

J:  Yeah, but that’s probably more for inspiration.  I think people are either inherently creative or they are not.  Taking classes won’t really change that.  It might expose you to different methods, though, ones you wouldn’t otherwise have come across.

W:  True.  

J:  And it would help you narrow your focus.  Sometimes being creative is great, but being being able to articulate it is difficult.  Being exposed to different art forms and literature may help you to do that.

W: chews on his spaghetti thoughtfully.

J:  I think that in a degree like English Literature you can actually be hindering your creativity because you spend your time critquing and dissecting works that are not your own.  Also, when you do your masters you are working within someone else’s framework.

W: Well you get to choose your topic.

J: For you thesis, but even then you need to find a professor that would sponsor you, so it has to be within his/her field.  Also, you are trying to prove an argument based on someone else’s work.  Creativity is being able to think of different things and write your own stories, getting your masters doesn’t necessarily help you to do that.  Unless it’s in Creative Writing.  Maybe that’s different?

W: takes a sip of his Coke

J:  What do you think would be the difference of getting your masters and just aking a Creative Writing course at a local college?

W: University would focus more of your time on it rather than a part time course.  You get consumed by it.

J:  Yeah, but if you are working full time anyway you can’t get as immersed in a masters either.

W:  finished his dinner a while ago because J has done most of the talking.  He reprimands the dog.

J:  No, I think when it comes to creativity, a masters degree may not help you to be more creative, but just to give you more tools in expressing this creativity.  Also, being in a program ensures you are going to meet more people who are similar minded.  I think you can also gain more inspiration, but there are more restrictions on what you can write about and how long it can be and such.  Creativity is inhibited by other’s limitations on what you can do.

W:  I agree.  Ready for dessert?

J:  sigh.  Yes.

I think getting your masters can help you to develop the tools you need to express yourself creatively, but it doesn’t cause someone to become more creative.  Inspired, maybe, but not more creative.  It also looks good on your resume and can open doors that way.  Also, MPS eats too quickly and I talk too much at dinner.  Well, Blond Duck, I hope this helps. 

Yeah, That Just Happened!

What a great weekend. Lots of candy, lots of Gilmore Girls, lots of glitter.  Yes, you heard me.  Glitter.  And giant shoes.  And wonderful music.

On Saturday I was fortunate enough to accompany my Mom to see Priscilla Queen of the Desert at the Canon theater in Toronto.  The movie was awesome and I couldn’t wait to see it on stage.  It was unbelievable  awesome   fabulous!   The one thing I have to say is that this was a production.  The sets and costumes were elaborate, the changes flawless and the musical accompaniment made the show.  Will Swenson  played Tick to perfection, Nick Adams  was a flamboyant and effervescent Felicia, but Tony Sheldon  as Bernadette stole the show.  As he should.  He has played Bernadette over 1000 times and is a prominent Australian actor/writer/director.  Below is a YouTube video that is a little preview of the show.  I was so fortunate to have seen it and if you have the chance, I highly recommend it.  By the end of the show the entire theater was on their feet.  And that is saying something considering it was a Saturday afternoon crowd.  Five stars! 

Yeah, That Just Happened!

The final day of Happiness week.  The things that have made me happy so far are Angus (my pug), going to the theater to see awesome shows (like Wicked), flowers for no reason (especially daisies) and winning things.  There are so many other things that make me happy.  Sunny days, decaf-grande-non-fat-no-whip-mochas from Starbucks, going to the bookstore…  

I recently realized I need to start appreciating the things that make me happy and that means actively seeking them out, so this week I did Happiness week.  These things all made me happy in the last 5 days.  Now, I am not a natural optimist, or cheery person, like Mille.  I am not a busy, call-it-like-it is new wife like Stephtastic.  I’m not an amazing, plethora of fun-filled facts of book and film like Kricket.  I don’t have the ability to create magical worlds like my bloggie friend Blond Duck.  I am not a hilarious mom like Jenners (whose blog is one of the first I ever read and started following). But I can learn from each of them.   

Day 5 is about friends and family.  People that are always there to laugh with, leave a supportive comment, or share experiences with, whether they are in the real world or in blogland.  MPW, and The Art Owl (formerly known as Jamo!) are two men in my life who I can always count on.  I have an extensive family and dear friends who sometimes get featured on the blog, but always let me know they read it.  Friends and family are always there to lend a helping hand and to offer kind words of wisdom and advice.  Friends and family are really why I started this blog just over 1 year ago.  

I’ve been blogging for a year (as of October 5th) and have 189 posts (this is my 190th) and 794 comments.  It’s those comments that keep me coming back for more.  The sharing of the craziness that can sometimes be life and all the reads along the way.  I’ve talked about work, family, weddings, engagements, books, challenges, friends, my life at home, and shoes.  Thanks for sticking around through my first year, I hope you are here for the second.   

Not my 1st Bday, but I AM wearing a tiara.