Creativity

As a newbie drawing and watercolor artist, I agree that a person can learn the skills to paint and draw and improve with practice.

There are many artists-creators on social media who give beginner drawing and painting classes online. 

I follow quite a number of them, have benefitted from their tutorials  and they are terrific.

However, and this might be a bit of a hot take,  I sometimes wonder if their philosophy of "practice makes perfect" is a bit misleading. 

Practice has helped me a great deal. Painting and drawing every day has sharpened my sense of observation. Glancing at an apple versus truly studying an apple makes a difference in how I may portray it on paper or canvas.

But, I do feel that some people have an innate talent and a natural sense of creativity. That is a gift and not something that can be taught. 

I often struggle to come up with original ideas.  I think the great amount of tutorial lessons online may be inhibiting my own individuality.  We all seem to be painting the same Christmas wreaths or Easter bunny greeting cards.

Still, I enjoy the process, and I hope with lots of practice, 🤞I will develop my own creative voice over time.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.  

B is For Blogging - A to Z Challenge - April 2, 2026

 

Blogging

On and off throughout my life I have kept journals.  But they were primarily for keeping track of dates and events, like jotting down what we did last Tuesday.   

I never wrote about my personal feelings or emotions in the event someone  discovered my private diary. 

In January of 2010, my son, Joe, was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. He was newly married with their first child on the way.  

Needless to say, I had a lot of big feelings and overwhelming emotions.  

At the time I was seeing a therapist to help me cope. She suggested that I write about whatever was going on deep inside.

So, I started my blog and published my first post in 2011. 

 Since I was new to blogging, and unfamiliar with how it worked, I didn’t think anyone would read my posts. 

However, when I found the A-to-Z Blogger Challenge, I decided to join in. 

That’s when I discovered this welcoming and supportive community of writers.

I’ve gotten away from regularly posting on my blog.  The last A-to-Z I did was in 2019.

Now that my life has taken another twisty turn, I remember how cathartic and comforting writing was for me in the past.

 Writing for me is a meandering path through my thoughts, slowing down here and there where I might uncover unexpected insights, perspectives  and feelings.   

I am usually surprised that the idea I start with takes a sharp turn leading me to undiscovered gems. 

I accept the A-to-Z blogging challenge of 2026.

 

 

A is for Artist - A to Z Blogging Challenge - April 1, 2026

Artist

In my adult life, my main "creative" outlet has been fiber arts.  I've been an avid knitter and crocheter for a lot of years.  I've received several benefits from this craft.

I'm drawn to the beautiful colors and soft textures of the yarn.

I like the practicality and usefulness of the skill.  I couldn't begin to tell you how many hats, scarves, afghans, gloves, and baby stuff I have made and gifted over the years.

Most importantly has been the benefit of relieving stress and anxiety. The rhythmic, repetitive motion of making stitches is very calming.

I've had a major life change in the last two years. After a long battle with Alzheimer’s, my husband, Ross, passed away.  

We lived about an hour away (hence the title of my blog) from family.

After Ross passed,  I quickly and impulsively decided to move to be nearer to them.   

Once the busyness of the funeral, selling our house, and moving was done, my life quieted down. 

Although Ross and I previously lived in this area, I had to get myself familiar with my surroundings all over again.  This is this first time I have lived alone. 

As grief settled itself in, I became lost in a hazy fog. I no longer had any interest in knitting and crochet. I used to record  a podcast about knitting and crochet.  I attempted to continue with that, but it just wasn't the same without my co-host, Ross. 

I spent many hours on the sofa binge watching seasons and seasons of old British detective series.

About nine months ago, as I was doom-scrolling on my phone, I stumbled upon a learn-to-draw video. I took a couple of online courses and found that it ignited a creative spark. 

The drawing led me to watercolor painting.  

The topic of today is "Artist".  As per the definition, I do create drawings and paintings. 

I am trying to learn this artistic skill by watching online tutorials given by watercolor artists. 

They assure me, well, not me personally, but in general, that if you are making marks with paints, pencils, or any other kind of medium on paper or canvas or maybe even rocks, you are making art.  Therefore, "you", they say "are an artist."

Personally, I don't quite feel like a "real"artist.  Perhaps someday. 

For right now I call myself an enthusiastic watercolor hobbyist.