I've got no idea what I'm talking about ;-)

Good morning. Raining, not good, I have to take Bailey poodle for a walk , will need the brolly. Dogs still have to poo, even in awful weather.

A question popped up yesterday.....

Brilliant! Where do you get your ideas? Karen

Thank you Karen. Lots of answers to this one. I let my mind wander, I daydream, I make time to think. Sometimes there is a fog in there, then suddenly I see a clear path. I get mental blockages when nothing happens, then bingo, a light shines and an idea pops up. 

I am inspired by other creative minds. I read a lot of books on art, crafts, interesting people, creative people. At the moment I am reading Mary Quant. I want to know what inspires other people, trying to work out what is going on in their heads. I love people who don't go with the flow but strike out on their own. People who make statements, either verbally, or with their appearance. I like flamboyant men, I like cross dressers, I like people who challenge, who push the boundaries. 

I watch a lot of yoootooob arts and crafts videos. The possibilities of what might happen when working with different materials. Some techniques inspire me to have a go, not to copy exactly but to adapt the technique with my own ideas. I watch how to needle felt a picture so I try it. I search for folk art and make my own picture. I watch artists paint then try and work out how I can do something similar with fabric. I am always looking for ideas to stimulate my creative side. 

I have never been a good team player, I think having to fit in with others stifles creativity. Seeking approval from those you work with means limiting yourself to their ideas when you should be thinking of your own. I had a spell of working as a fundraiser for a national charity, I had ideas which I thought would bring in more revenue. These were slapped down and I was told more or less to just do the job I was paid for. I lost interest because I was not allowed to think for myself, so I left. 

Lorry driving suited me, even though I had to follow instructions from the office, where to pick up loads, where to deliver them. The bit in between was my responsibility. Once I was out on the road it was up to me to decide which route I was going to take based on what I had learnt about traffic flow, peak times, and avoiding congestion. On a lot of jobs I was responsible for how the vehicle was loaded, there was no one to show me how to do it. I picked it up by watching others, learning how the equipment worked, and using my common sense. 

I wanted to support other female HGV drivers so I started a Lady Truckers Club. It grew over seven years to 350 members. I didn't wait for someone else to do it, I took the initiative because that's what I wanted to do. I organised events, Truck Shows and parties, I went to the Women of the Year Luncheon at the Savoy Hotel three times, and I met royalty. I did all the publicity, and when it became too big and was taking all my time up, I handed it over to a committee. 

I wanted to meet people so I started an Introduction Agency/Singles Club. Advertised it in the local newspaper, made a programme of events, and published a monthly newsletter. It was successful, people found partners, some got married, and a lot of people had a social life and made friends. On both of these occasions I spotted a gap and filled it. 

I know it's an old cliche, think outside the box, but if you want to achieve anything that's what you have to do. Some people are born with creativity, but I also believe you can learn it. In fact you can learn anything if you are determined and focused. Ideas are all around you, you just have to open your eyes. People get used to their comfort zone and will not step outside the box, that's fine if they are happy where they are. There have been times when I have not been happy with the way my life has been going, what do I do, I fix it. I go in another direction. 

Always challenge the norm. Simple question, what do you do if you have lost several socks, and don't have a matching pair? Simple solution, wear odd socks. Who said you have to have matching socks anyway? This question came up on a forum.....my bread is too big for the toaster, what do I do about the bit that sticks out the top? You can guess that most answered with, cut it off, or buy a smaller loaf, or buy a new toaster. But what if you like that particular type of bread. My answer. Insert bread, set the timer to half the time it normally takes. Bread pops up, insert it back in with the white edge at the bottom to finish it off.  

Everyone has some ideas, it's what you do with them that count. If you want to do something try it, even though you might not be confident with the outcome. If you don't try you will never know. The only thing that will hold you back are the limitations you put on yourself. One more thing I will say, my brain works better in the morning, when it comes to late afternoon it's slowing down. I work best in the morning. Have you identified when your best time is?  

Still raining, I've done the dog walk, now it's lunch time, then I'll go and see Stan at the library van. Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon. 
Toodle pip