Print It!

I recently watched someone swiping the screen on their phone, showing off photos of their child. Cool. I have to admit that you can fit a whole lot more pictures on a smartphone than you can in a wallet. And most people always have their phone with them so they can capture those precious photos, the one-time opportunities that could easily be missed.

It’s great. Perfect even.

Or not.

There are problems with the trend of everything being electronic, and I’m not just talking photos here.

Technology changes. The newest, greatest thing is constantly surpassed by the next newest, greatest thing.

For example, I’m dating myself here, but I remember floppy disks: the 5 ¼ inch ones. If you were lucky and had double-density ones, they could hold a little over 350 KB! I have single files now that are bigger than that.

Now imagine if I had a poem or short story I had written back then and never bothered to update it or print it. There would be no way to share that with anyone today because there is not a computer on the market than even has a drive to read those. The next generation, or the one after that, would never know it ever existed.

“We can ‘store and ignore’ physical items such as books, paper photos, and documents under optimized conditions for years and expect that we can access them any time....But  ‘store and ignore’ does not work with digital files such as audio, video, photos and email because they are dependent on hardware and software to make them work. If either hardware or software is ignored for a significant length of time, it becomes obsolete, and the digital file will become difficult to access. It essentially becomes trapped.” From. The Library of Congress and Personal Digital Archiving

Another problem with everything staying on your computer, or smartphone, is technology fails. It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when you’ll lose data. Hard drives crash, malware wreaks havoc with your system; and it can happen at the worst times. Just ask a friend of mine who recently lost about 80% of his manuscript.

And if you think you’re safe because you have it backed up to an online account, think again. The service providers have to rely on the same technology we do. They are not immune to the same hardware failures, malware, or hackers who revel in being able to find their way in just to be able to say they did. Yes. I know. Many services have “redundancy” built into their systems and regularly back up the data to another server, usually at a different location. But it’s still technology and can still fail or become obsolete. And what if they go out of business?

Yet another problem I see with never printing things out is the reaction of those you share them with. Someone watching pictures flash in front of them will often have their eyes start to glaze over. A person flipping through a stack of photos in their hands will, more often, stop and ask questions or comment on pictures they find interesting. But put those photos in an album, add a few journaling blocks to tell the story that goes with the photos, and they slow down, really look at the pictures, enjoy them. Same is true for stories. As easy as it is to read a document on a Kindle, Nook or any other e-reader, some people just like paper; the feel of holding a manuscript in your hands and flipping pages just makes people slow down a bit and immerse themselves in the written word.

“The Kindle certainly has its charms, but e-readers can never fully replace books.” Stephen King on e-readers.

Don’t get me wrong; I love digital. I take many more photos with my digital camera than I would ever have on film. It has helped me really experiment and learn what I can do with my camera. And typing on my computer is much faster than handwriting; easier to edit, too. But best practice is to have prints and follow the 3-2-1 principle with digital formats. Have 3 copies, using at least 2 different media, and keep 1 remote copy (in case of natural disaster in your area). Oh, and don’t forget to update your storage media every 5 years (or sooner).

So if digital is the only way you’ll produce the photos, or stories, by all means use that format. But please, don't 'store and ignore'!. Be sure to pick some of the items you think of as your best or favorites and print them out in order to share, and to pass down to future generations.

 

Your turn. What do you think about digital vs. print? Will print eventually be obsolete? Or will there be a place for hardcopies for generations to come?

Blessing in Disguise

Sometimes life gets overwhelming; your whole routine goes to pot and you feel off kilter. I’ve had some of that recently. Make that I’ve had a lot.

I tried to fight it for a while, keep things as close to “normal” as possible, but that gets tiring. It was also selfish.

Yes, I said selfish. One thing that gives people a lot of satisfaction is helping someone else. But that means someone actually has to let them help. And in order for the givers to be of service, they have to know what you need, which in turn means you have to (gasp) ask for help or admit you need it.

Then there’s the other extreme. Instead of trying to do it all, there were numerous times I just wanted to curl up and do nothing; let the tide of life flow over me and hope it ebbed soon. But in a way, that’s stressful too. It’s hard wanting to go hide, but knowing that won’t earn your paycheck, without that the grocery shopping won’t get done, and if you don’t shop the pets (or kids if you have them) don’t eat, etc., etc., etc.

What on earth could that have to do with writing?

More than you might think.

At times like these for someone who has a “real job” (as if writing doesn’t involve work), the creative pursuits are often the lowest on the priority list. IF you get all the mandatory things done, and IF you still have energy left, then and only then do these extra activities get slotted into your day. Paradoxically, this is the time you need those activities the most! That’s because these are the things that are relaxing and relieve stress for creative folks, which is something you really need when life is piling on more than you can handle.

Time spent writing is our escape, a cave to hide in for a time, and a source of renewal. It is a way to express emotions and helps us make sense of the chaos.

You could also call this stressful time a blessing in disguise. Yeah, I got behind on my writing and have quite a bit of work to do to catch up to where I want to be. But I have great stuff I can draw on later; events, discussions, and feelings, all potential pieces of stories to be. More importantly, I know how strong my ties to friends are. I am richly blessed. This brought me even closer to some of those people. And relationships are important for the writer, for without relationships with others, our stories would become flat and the characters mere paper dolls.

The next time life gets a bit overwhelming, I’ll make the time for something creative, reach out and accept what others have to offer, and use it to give dimension to my stories.

 

Your turn. What have you gained from a tough time in your life? What are your blessings in disguise?

The Magic of Music

Even as a writer, words sometimes fail me. I hate it when that happens! But there is always magic in music. And the wonder of it is that this magic can be used in so many ways!

Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent. Victor Hugo

After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music. Aldous Huxley

Music can be used to match the mood, help express it. When it is impossible to find the words, but your soul cries out to be heard and understood, music is often the answer. Whatever the emotion, there are numerous songs that will fit it. It may be the melody itself; the darker notes of a minor key or the peppy movement of a dance tune. Or maybe you just don’t feel your own words are eloquent enough, yet the lyrics of a song say exactly what you want to say. There have been times in my life when I wasn’t even really sure what I was feeling, but then just the right song finds its way to my ear, and my heart knows even before my brain registers it that this is the perfect song for the moment.

Music can change the world because it can change people. Bono

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. Berthold Auerbach

Music can often be used to set a mood. Think of all the movies you’ve watched in your lifetime and how the music seemed to set the stage for the scene. Artists, no matter the form of their art, often play music to get them into the mood for the piece they wish to create. Writers, too, use music in their craft; sometimes just to tune out distractions around them, but other times it helps them feel the emotion of the scene and makes it easier to find the right words.

Along the same lines of setting a mood, music can be used to change a mood as well. If you’re sad, listening to upbeat music can lift you out of those doldrums. Self-esteem taking a beating today? Try songs with inspiring lyrics. When I’m tired and just don’t have any energy, dance tunes get me moving. Feeling stressed out? Hello! Why do you think there are so many relaxation CD’s available? Feel like your life is one big rut? Ask someone who listens to a different genre of music to recommend some songs; you may find you not only break out of the rut for the moment, but you also add some new music to your own collection. So if you’re trying to change your current mood, turn on some music that fits the way you want to feel.

Without music, life would be a mistake. Friedrich Nietzsche

Music is universal. I don’t need to be able to speak the language of a song to be able to feel the emotion in it. Every generation in every nation has used music to express itself. Even nature is alive with music: the trill of a bird’s song, the rhythm of waves rolling onto the beach, the gentle sound of leaves rustling in the breeze. It is all around you – listen for it!

I thought about posting a playlist of songs that have really touched me, and maybe I will yet, but right now I’d rather hear from you. How have you used music? Is there a song that is speaking to your heart now? Do you have some go-to tunes for specific moods? Share them!

Please respect the artists and do not post links to pirated versions of the songs. Thank you.

Get Your Creativity Flowing

“But I’m not creative.”

Does that sound like something you’d tell yourself? Well, that’s a bunch of bunk! Everybody has a creative side, some people are just better at tapping into it than others.

I’ll take my dad as an example. He loved logic, and the phrase “Let’s think logically about this” can still make my eyes roll. He was a genius when it came to writing computer programs. At first glance, that’s pure logic, right?

Yes and no. It is true that programming involves certain rules you have to follow and each program is a series of logical steps. But how to combine those logical steps in a new way to write a brand new program, now that can take some creativity. Especially when a client tells you they want it customized to their business needs.

Another counter-intuitive example is scientists. Sciences also have set rules you have to follow: certain chemicals will react in predictable ways when combined; the laws of physics cannot be changed, and so on. Yet there are innovations in scientific fields all the time, and that is because of scientists who tap into their creative side to solve problems.

The good news is that everyone can increase their ability to access that part of themselves. Both of the examples above use one technique – they both have to do something new within the limitation of specific unchangeable rules or limitations. Dr. Seuss used that technique, too, when he was bet that he couldn’t write a book using only 50 words. Anyone who has read Green Eggs and Ham has seen the proof that he succeeded.

Another way to stimulate your creative side is to think like a child. If you give a child an apple but they’d never had an apple before, they’re not going to eat it immediately. They’ll hold it, examine it, maybe even roll it around or try to bounce it. Kids are also good at bending the rules and pushing the limits. So next time you’re trying to solve a problem, think like a kid for a few minutes.

Photography and art teach you to change your perspective. Get up high and look down on an object. Get down low and look up. Step a few feet to one side and look at the scene again. Even if you’re not creating a picture, try doing that occasionally Even if it is something as simple as stopping and looking up at a building you pass every day; take a few moments to look at things differently. Use all your senses. How would you describe this item to a blind person? How do you express the sound of instrument to a deaf person? What does it feel like? What do you smell?

There are numerous other tips and tricks you can use. You just have to be willing to try. And you have to be willing to have some attempts not quite reach what you were aiming for. As writers, we face that every day. The first draft is never perfect, but if we keep striving for perfection in a scene or paragraph, we’d never move on to the next one. Keep experimenting!

Your turn. Do you have a favorite trick to share that stimulates your creativity?

This Time of Year

I love this time of year: the joy, the generosity, the music, the special events and big get-togethers with family and friends.

But there are a few things I don’t like. One is mall traffic. Some people love the hustle and bustle of the crowds. If you are one of them, enjoy! You can have them! I do not go anywhere near the malls or large shopping areas during peak shopping times unless absolutely necessary. In fact, if I could avoid even the streets around them completely from Thanksgiving to about halfway through January, I would.

While we’re talking about buying things, the commercialism and “gimme” attitude irks me a bit. It shouldn’t be about buying the biggest, best, or newest of something. Whether it is store-bought, homemade, or a gift of your time, what you give should be a gift from the heart with the recipient in mind. I especially love seeing Angel Trees, Toys-for-Tots boxes, and people donating food and clothing to local food pantries and homeless shelters. These are signs of people giving to others who aren’t as fortunate – and that’s fantastic! Although some programs are seasonal, it would be great to see this same level of generosity all year long.

But the thing that bugs me the most is the whole concept of having to be “Politically Correct”. You’re supposed to say “Happy Holidays” because being more specific might offend someone. By the way, the word “holidays” comes from holy days. So by saying this you are still assuming the person is religious. Which may be why some prefer the even more generic “Season’s Greetings”.

Fair warning: I do not do PC.

I am a Christian and I will not apologize for that.

Don’t get me wrong. I do respect that other people have different religious views, and I do not intend to force my views on anyone else. Whatever holy day or days you may celebrate, if any, I sincerely hope you enjoy it.

But as for me, I’ll be saying “Merry Christmas!”

 

How about you? Do you love this season or hate it? And how will you be greeting folks?

Drawing a Blank

Blank canvass, blank page, empty SD card – no matter what form your art takes, eventually you’ll draw a blank. You will be faced with an empty space and no idea what to fill it with. So what do you do?

First, don’t panic. It’s natural and everyone has had these moments. It’s not the fact that you have one; it’s how you deal with it.

From there, however, it seems to be a purely personal thing. Some people suggest taking a break, doing something else. For those of us who spend way too much time in solitude or sitting on our duffs as part of our art, maybe the answer is to get up and get moving. Go for a walk, play with the dog, socialize (and that means with actual people – not hanging out on a social media website), whatever. This gives your conscious brain a chance to take a break and focus on other things, which will allow your sub-conscious brain to muddle on the issue. You may find you have one of those eureka moments because of this. But even if you don’t, it is time well spent.

Others suggest the more mundane side of the art – practice the techniques. If you sing or play an instrument, this is when you do those boring drills that help maintain and broaden your skill. If you write, then just start writing; something, anything; just put pen to paper (or start typing) even if the words are just some favorite quotes or a bunch of nonsense. The goal here isn’t to aim high and create something beautiful, it is to keep in shape, and develop a habit.

The essence of both methods is the same: accept it and move on rather than dwell on it. Tides ebb and crest; weather goes through seasons; bodies need periods of activity and rest, even sleep. Your art will have the same cycles; learn how to recognize it and what works best for you.

So what do you do when you draw a blank?

Inspirational painting

Today I want to share a picture with you.

This painting is one of a pair, both very similar scenes.

There are a couple reasons I find this painting impressive and inspiring.

The detail is not portrayed very clearly in this photo, but there is a lot of texture to this work. It was part of an assignment for an art class, one where the artist was supposed to paint a picture without using paintbrushes. They could use any other tool they wanted to apply the paint to the canvass, just not a paintbrush. Talk about having to get creative to get the desired effect!

The other reason is that the man who painted this picture was blue/green color blind, blues and greens merely different shades of gray to him. Because of this, the artist’s preferred medium was pen and ink – he didn’t have to worry about color with that. But he did not let that stop him. He stepped outside his comfort zone to create a work of beauty – then he did it again!

How do I know so much about this piece and the artist? It was painted by my grandpa.

Okay, so maybe I’m biased, but his painting is not just a part of my history or my legacy, it is also a symbol of what any of us can do if we strive to do what everyone else thinks is impossible.

Does it inspire you too? Have a comment? Please share!