Friday, January 23, 2009

Friday Favorites



one: Nigella twill clutch from lkestaedt
two: Vert neckwarmer from Urbanknit
three: Striped socks by jenoaks
four: Slanted bowl set by lurearts

I'm ready for more sunshine. I want to say that's the reason for the doldrums lately. There's so much going on in our country (via Mint) and even in our blog world to be excited about (Simply Lovely's challenge, Nichole's adventure, and Krissy's new addition), but I feel like I'm dragging this week, both emotionally and creatively. Maybe a weekend with friends and a trip to Milwaukee (to get me out of the apartment) will be good. Rev things up a bit.

I think there's something to be said for creative fallow periods. They help nurture us, quietly behind the scenes. They're a time for rest and recouping. And nothing makes me feel more unproductive *grins* I come from a family where down time usually involved a book, a craft, or a walk. "Lazy" was a bad word. Sometimes these uncreative times feel "lazy." Or maybe it has more to do with the fact that I so desperately want to be productive creatively, but when I'm feeling in the doldrums I just can't create and thus feel "lazy." Oi.

How do you handle the creative fallow periods?

18 comments:

heidi said...

LOVE that purse! Hang in there with the ebb & flow...
xoh

Rachel said...

I call them quiet periods, rather than lazy periods. You're letting ideas percolate, and sometimes you just need a bit of space and time to do that!

Brittany | the Home Ground said...

You're definitely not being lazy. We can't be creating with a full charge all the time. Being creative is tiring work. When I hit a quiet period (thanks Rachel!), I'm usually in school and don't really have the choice to stop creating. So, I usually do enough just to get my homework done and then don't like it later, because I wasn't really in the right place mentally. That's when I like to make samples, if my teacher will let me.

Lizzy said...

Cute neck scarf!

Creativity for me can sometimes hibernate, and when I try to rouse it too early it's like poking a grumpy sleeping bear with a stick. I find that it will wake up on it's own eventually after a nice snooze.

Suzanne : : S.HOPtalk said...

I hear ya...I never seem to do or complete anything when I'm in the doldrums. I think we all need breaks and quiet periods {love that}. I find that the inspiration and creativity miraculously reappears after I allow myself to indulge in a "break". Take it easy on yourself...you're fabulous my friend!!!

paula said...

i love those bowls. right up my alley. i love the way Rachel puts it, simple and so true.

Amanda said...

I've felt the same way for the past couple of weeks. Just bluh. Yoga helped, a little. So did eating a doughnut. Maybe you need yoga and doughnuts in your land!

I'm digging the neckwarmer. Warm AND bright!

littlebyrd said...

I just try to go with it and not push anything. The times I've pushed it I am never happy with the results and realize what a waste of time all of it was! It will be back before you know it and you will be more energized than ever. Have a wonderful and lazy weekend!

please sir said...

I love that purse. Yes I do believe these times of creative downs are good for us. Time to re-group and feel good when the creative sould rushes back.

Bonbon Oiseau said...

when i feel that way, i wait. and i think and i search for images (here!), read passages that excited me and look at things in nature and let it all sit. i collect it in my brain or i make a little inspiration board...eventually it all comes to the surface when i start work--i put my things around me and just start...sometimes i bounce ideas off my assistant or husband or friends. and even if i don't feel like doing and can't think, i'll wait some more and let everything i find that has inspired me dictate what happens next...deep breaths baby--it comes when it's time...be gentle with yourself...

Rachel Follett said...

It's healthy to be lazy at times! At least I tell myself that. Love these responses! Number 1 and 3 are so fab!

Melissa said...

Some really cute Friday favorites. :)

Callie Grayson said...

I hear you on the uncreative moments. I get in that way too. I hope your weekend away is bursting with fun and creative inspiration.
I love the comment by Rachel, quiet periods.....letting the ideas percolate....

Great favorites! I just made a neck warmer like that for myself this winter and am loving it. I have an idea about them that I have been "percolating" that I may make for next winter, to sell.... we'll see
it's brewing away in my head.

have a fantastic weekend!
callie

Unknown said...

Love your little collection of picks. I know how you feel--I feel guilty if I don't complete something even on my days off...and then later realize there was a reason why, in the time off, I re-worked it better in my mind and when I come back to work it all makes sense. I'm sure you need this down time. Hope you have a great weekend!

xo Mary Jo

Laura said...

I read blogs, books, magazines, stick things in my moleskin and watch films. I read somewhere that this time is "filling the well", so just go with it.
Love today's selection, the purse brings thoughts of summery evenings :)

Vana said...

I hope by now you're feeling much better dear! When i have a moment like that, and believe me, i have so many, i just get away from the computer and try to take a moment (I know i am the opposite of what most would say, but that actually works for me). Most of the time, i push my creativity because if i don't i am afraid i will get "lazy". I have learned to let go at times and to my surprise the creative juices come back when i don't go after them. Ok, not making much sense here. It's rather late...It's almost Monday! Happy new week, Jewels!

Sarah said...

I totally can relate! I keep things mellow during those periods... still educating and feeding myself through blogs, recognizing that my lack of desire to be creative is just a season, and soon i will be doing my normal creative activities ") Hang in there!

Anonymous said...

jenoaks art really is so wonderful.