DAILY MUSE | Feeling a little low today, and lacking inspiration, I decided to Google “creativity” and clicked on the video listings. I came across a link that brought me to several videos by Tony Buzan, apparent creator of the mind-mapping technique. These were a series short and very basic videos, but they offer something of a positive value, because after watching a few I felt noticeably brighter, clearer and more upbeat. Here is on “How to Concentrate”. After watching it, I’m no longer a creative problem solver. I’m now a creative solution finder.
DAILY MUSE | As you can see, it’s been a while since I’ve been actively blog here. Been in a bit of a creative dry spell due to letting myself get carried away with other obligations in my life. Feeling at once, mournful and thankful. Jeff Buckley captures the feeling well in “Hallelujah”. Enjoy!
DAILY MUSE | One of my favorite radio programs broadcast locally here in Connecticut is fortunately available over the internet and through podcasts– it’s ‘The Faith Middleton Show’, a constant breathe of fresh air in my day. Whether it be her ‘Food Schmooze’ show, made famous by it’s Saturday Night Live parody, or her Book Show, or her general shows on the richness of life, I always look forward to listening in– it helps me make it though my 3 o’clock slump in the afternoons. She has a special knack for interviews as well. Check her show out.
DAILY MUSE | Yesterday was the 40th anniversary of the release of The Beatles “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” in Britian. Today is the 40th of its release in the US. In honor of it, and the immense creativity offered by The Beatles over the years they were together, I offer links to various Sgt. Pepper homages.
Documentary called “The Making of Sgt. Pepper”
A mini documentary done on the 20 year anniversary
The portion of the ABC’s ‘Revolutions’ documentary regarding the album
Paul discussing the album
More dicussion about the creative backgound of the album
Paul and Bono’s version at Live 8
Kelly Clarkson’s version on Americn Idol. I have to say, she does have a killer voice
Animated version of the Sgt. Pepper song from the movie ‘Yellow Submarine’
Cover Art outakes
ABC News report yesterday
Another News Report
Here’s a real trip… a Japanese Beatles tribute band
I’m spending the night in tribute listening to my brother Jay’s band “The British Beat” playing at the Central Cafe in Palinville, CT. He’s ‘Ringo’. My brother Terry just got asked to join the band as ‘George’, although he is not playing tonight. If anyone is in the area, come on out an join us. It’s a fun evening of sing-along.
DAILY MUSE | If you don’t already, start keeping a sketchbook.
I’m a firm believer that creativity is a gift from God/ the creator/ the universe (whichever way one looks at it) and that ideas are gifted spontaneously. They come in spurts and streams. One has to be ready at anytime to receive them (capture them) when they come. And it’s the responsible and courteous thing to do when bestowed with such wonderful gifts. Consider your sketchbook entries as thank you notes to the universe acknowledging the creative source for the generous gifts.
I have kept sketchbooks all my adult life. I think the count is up to thirty. I fill them with whatever comes my way in inspiration: words, drawings, concepts, diagrams, poems, lyrics, inventions, to do lists, solutions to problems, etc. It’s quite interesting going through my collection of acquired ideas ever know and then. There are some real gems in there.
If you are and active person a good one is made by Moleskine— and they come in all sizes from small pocket-sized ones on up.
THE DAILY MUSE 