Monday, February 2, 2009

The Two-fold Inspiration of Blogging

In my first of two anniversary posts, this being the second, I wrote about the stage that blogging offers us and how its benefits resonate in our daily lives. The inspiration found in blogging works in much the same way. It comes as a natural outcrop of creating. The more we create, the more we are stimulated to create and the more easily new ideas flow.

I take photographs. I look at them on the computer and I see more than I saw before. The images bring me closer to the subject. I learn and want to share. And because I have a stage, I am inspired to do just that. Changes in awareness and confidence are a natural result of that creating. So the next time I write a blog post, send out queries for a book, tell a story to my neighbor or embark on a new endeavor, newly honed skills emerge from my creative library and add sparkle to what I do, often without me even noticing.And that brings me to the second aspect of blogging inspiration, my fellow bloggers. Creating stimulates more creating. And seeing what others have created pumps you with new ideas, encourages by example, and gets your creative juices flowing even more.So, by way of celebration, I want to name and thank three fellow bloggers who have particularly inspired me during this past year. Julie Zicklefoose, who freely uses her inner world to infuse humor and depth into stories that leap right into our hearts. Toni Kelly, whose generous sharing of sketchbook designs and studies stir the urge in each of us to get busy with our own. Debbie Kaspari, whose amazing documentation of field observations and sketching makes us all want to get out there and brave the unknown.

And to each of you, readers and fellow bloggers, a special thanks for being part of this blogging community and making this a fun first year. A parting note about shyness: Passion, determination, practice--whether experienced individually or in combination--all trump shyness.

Photos from top to bottom: A Carolina wren begging to be painted; tufted titmous; American goldfinch; pine siskins on a crooked birdbath (I think I'm celebrating my birdbath too); golden-crowned kinglet sketch.

13 comments:

  1. Amazing water colour art work, as usual.
    Happy belated Blog-o-versary!

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  2. What a great tribute to your first year of blogging. I've found very much the same thing, that the more I blog the more ideas I have to blog about - creativity begets more creativity. Some people ask how I come up with things to post, while I wonder if I ever run out! Great thoughts about shyness, too....that's something I could take to heart myself!

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  3. Vickie this road we travel is a two way lane. You my friend have inspired me and helped get my creative juices flowing. And i am so looking forward to your novel getting published. Yes you can do it.

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  4. Well said, Vickie. We do energize ourselves with others' energy and creative endeavors, don't we?

    I'm glad I met you and look forward to another year to know you better and enjoy your paintings.

    Mary

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  5. Your art is always a sight to behold! I wish you the best on your forthcoming novel. I must say you are such an inspiration, Vickie, to us who are also thinking of doing something creative.

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  6. What a lovely post, beautiful photos - and an even more beautiful painting!

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  7. Your comments say it just right. Blogging is like playing an instrument. It lacks that life energy if you keep it to yourself.

    I do love your bird bath shots, too. The titmouse does it for me.

    Thank you for your thoughts.

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  8. Who'd have thought that a post about blogging could be so lovely? The last point about shyness is compelling.

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  9. What a beautiful series of photos.. I love the last one with the bird wings span... Your artwork is so beautiful and an inspiration.. I enjoy your post thoroughly.. Keep up the great work!! Have a wonderful week... :):)

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  10. Well said Vickie love the photos especially the last photo.

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  11. Thank you very much for your message. Yes, I am new to 'I & the Bird' and bring greetings from Wales, UK. I love your blog (that raccoon is amazing!) and have added you to my Land&Lit list of favourite blogs.

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  12. Hi Vickie,

    I just discovered your blog. Love the photos and paintings, you have a real eye for the subject in both media. Congratulations on your first blogging anniversary!

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  13. Your pictures and artwork are stunning! WOW!

    PS - I came over from 10,000 Birds :)

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