How to Be a Child

Lately, I've been itching for something more creative in my life. I do theater, but it's on hiatus for the summer, and I'm feeling pretty durn anti-social. I've tried writing, and will continue to try it, but it's not quenching my proverbial thirst. Although, I must say, GoogleDocs is our new best friend in the McCoy-Dellecese household -- you can write from anywhere, share it with anyone (or no one), and you don't need a server of your own.

The more I think about it, I'd like to delve into painting and drawing again. As children, when we were bored, our go-to activity was always drawing. The question we had back then holds true today -- "Mom, what do I draw?" (delete the "Mom" part -- and, no matter if it was my mother or grandfather, the answer was always "a barn"). Then, throughout childhood and adolescence, we turned to music and experienced less art -- mostly because art classes were electives held during the same periods as band and chorus (and we were in both -- "we" meaning my sister and brother; Bill was more of a band geek than a drama guy).

So, when I reached community college and needed some artistic electives, I decided to take drawing AND painting -- all in the same semester, with the same teacher. There wasn't a lot of direction, which I loved. Mostly inspiration. "Bowl of fruit, go." I'd throw on my Walkman (how out-dated) and just paint...or draw. Always loved charcoal. And acrylics, but mostly for their clean-up factor (and color -- there's only so much life you can give to charcoal).

It's not that I'm even very good. I'm not, really. But, how do we get good at things without trying?

So, while I have no idea WHAT I'll paint (or draw), I'm going to get the drawing pads back out and purchase some new paint (I have found ZERO eco-friendly acrylic-style paints worth their price or even make-your-own paint recipes! Grr!!) -- at least to possibly get some artwork in a couple of our bare rooms. And, if the mood strikes me, I'll keep working on those just-started works on GoogleDocs. ;-)

I think that simply the process of creating something forces you to let go of your self doubt and questioning and, in a way, become a child again. Kids don't say "that sucked, I quit" (unless they're O.C.D.); they don't care if someone else likes it or not. And, of course, when you get better and make something that you can be proud about, your self esteem rises, and isn't that just great? Kind of reminds me of how I feel when I make a successful recipe.

So, off to Michael's and PetSmart (and, possibly, TJ Maxx) to keep life happy -- a happy cat, some room decor inspiration, and trying to "practice" at something again.