Shannon Simone Miller - creativity https://shannonmiller.me/tags/creativity en Simple tips to bring more joy into your life today https://shannonmiller.me/2015/11/25/simple-tips-to-bring-more-joy-into-your-life-today <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Are you experiencing feelings of joy less that you would like? Do you feel like joy only arrives during big moments of success or celebration? Joy isn't a mysterious ether that just appears once in a while, in fact joy can be more present if you learn how to see it.</p> <p> </p><div class="media-element-container media-full"> <div id="file-73" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg"> <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/73">joyiopt.jpg</a></h2> <div class="content"> <span id="styles-3-0" class="styles file-styles large"> <img width="480" height="480" id="3" typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.shannonmiller.me/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/joyiopt.jpg?itok=XhYFc_vt" alt="" title="" /></span> </div> </div> </div> <p>The trouble for many of us is we associate joy with an event, something good happens to us and we feel excitement and joy and then blah, back to the day to day. That leaves a vast open space of life that we  often just coast through instead of truly being part of the experience.</p> <p>With intention and a bit of practice we can see joy show up in our life more often. You deserve to delight in this adventure called life and have joy be more than an occasional guest star. Here are some tips to help you get joy to show up for you more often.</p> <blockquote><p>"There are souls in this world which have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go.”</p> <p>―Frederick W. Faber</p> </blockquote> <p> <strong>1. Be in the moment with one of your daily rituals</strong></p> <p>Most of us have a morning cup of coffee or tea, instead of sticking it in a mug and running out the door why not get up a few minutes earlier and sit and enjoy the fragrance and flavor. Start by feeling the warmth of the mug in your hands, bring the mug under your nose and close your eyes as you take in the aromas. Then slowly take a sip and really let the flavor dance on your taste buds. Simple exercises of appreciation like this can connect you with your senses and with practice, things like eating and drinking can be appreciated in a way you never thought of before.</p> <p><strong>2. Dive into the natural world around you with wonder</strong></p> <p>We have all heard the term stop and smell the Roses yet how many of us walk by a flower or something beautiful everyday with little notice. Take one moment each day to revel in the magnificence of a tree or the grandness of the clouds in the sky. Consider pausing at a beautiful flower and really look at it, then bury your nose in the flower and inhale. Walk barefoot and really let your feet feel the ground, sand or whatever is beneath you. Any one of these is a captivating exercise that is free and connects us with the awesomeness that surrounds us daily. I bet you can't do anyone of them without experiencing joy. Studies have shown that communing with nature can lower stress levels. Here is a helpful article that can tell you more <a href="http://breakingmuscle.com/health-medicine/research-says-nature-provides-secret-tools-for-reducing-stress">http://breakingmuscle.com/health-medicine/research-says-nature-provides-...</a></p> <p> </p><div class="media-element-container media-full"> <div id="file-43--2" class="file file-image file-image-png"> <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/43">joy.png</a></h2> <div class="content"> <span id="styles-5-0" class="styles file-styles large"> <img width="480" height="480" id="5" typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.shannonmiller.me/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/joy.png?itok=bkiHKvQE" alt="" title="" /></span> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>3. Get physical</strong></p> <p>Give more hugs, get more hugs; most of us love a good hug and sometimes we are too shy to do it. I have found that when I have made a practice of giving hugs, people relax and give more hugs in return, It's a win win and it also let's other know they can do it too. Hug your spouse, your kids, your family, your friends even your pooches. Every hug counts and every hug adds more joy to your life. It's a simple prescription for joyful living and it doesn't cost a dime.</p> <p>Run around with children, if you have children in your life but are typically a bench sitter when they play challenge yourself to get out there and chase them around. Not only will they be delighted but it will reawaken a joyful part of you.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>4.  Get Creative</strong></p> <p>You don't need to be a Picasso or Martha Stewart to be creative all you need is an open mind and a willingness to explore. You can draw, paint or cook a new recipe, it really doesn't matter so long as you chose something that interests you.  You can color in a coloring book or bake premade cookies, the goal is to get you to do something with your hands and creative mind. Getting lost in a creative process can act as a sort of calming meditation and calm and creativity enhance joy.</p> <p><strong> 5. Write an old fashioned letter</strong></p> <p>Pick up a pen and write an a card or letter to someone you love. There is nothing like the surprise of getting a personal card in the mail. Take some time, make it count and write something personal.</p> <p><strong>6. Write a list of things you are thankful for<br /></strong></p> <p>It doesn't need to be a long list in fact for maximum impact start out with a couple items each day. Then each morning add something to it. After a month you will be amazed at all the things you have to be grateful for. If you keep this ip for a year imagine the size of the list you will have. When you are having a no so great day or need some inspiration, pick up the list and read some of your items. It's a sure fire way for a mood pick me up and it's cheaper than a cup of coffee.</p> <p>These are just a few tips to get you going in the right direction. The most important thing to remember is that it is rarely the huge things that leave us with feelings of long lasting joy but rather a piling up of simple things that create a life that fills us up.</p> <p>If you have some great ideas of your own I would love to hear about them.</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/happiness" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">happiness</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/creativity" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">creativity</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/nature" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">nature</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-related-article field-type-entityreference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">You may also like:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/2015/07/24/free-yourself-from-mental-blocks-and-unleash-your-creativity">Free yourself from mental blocks and unleash your creativity</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/2014/06/20/five-ways-to-bring-more-creative-inspiration-into-your-life">Five ways to bring more creative inspiration into your life</a></div></div></div> Wed, 25 Nov 2015 10:27:12 +0000 Shannon 38 at https://shannonmiller.me https://shannonmiller.me/2015/11/25/simple-tips-to-bring-more-joy-into-your-life-today#comments Free yourself from mental blocks and unleash your creativity https://shannonmiller.me/2015/07/24/free-yourself-from-mental-blocks-and-unleash-your-creativity <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>So you have a mental block, it happens to all of us. Sometimes it happens for a moment and sometimes it feel like it sucks up huge stretches of time. You stand there like your tongue is stuck in glue. You know somewhere deep down you knew what the heck you wanted to say. You knew you walked into that room for a reason but what the heck was it. Writers suffer from writers block, we hear about it all the time. However anyone of us engaged in a creative thought process can fall victim to this. Here are some tips to help you free yourself from mental blocks and unleash your creativity.</p> <p> </p><div class="media-element-container media-full"> <div id="file-26" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg"> <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/26">Findyourpeace.jpg</a></h2> <div class="content"> <span id="styles-1-0" class="styles file-styles large"> <img width="480" height="360" id="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://shannonmiller.me/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Findyourpeace.jpg?itok=9nz_AVAN" alt="" title="" /></span> </div> </div> </div> <p>1. <strong>Stop Trying</strong> Nothing hinders creativity more than the stress that comes with forcing yourself to "TRY" to be creative. It is absolutely counterproductive. The more you try to force the process the more stress you put on your mind and body. The stress causes your limbic system (the same system that tells you when to fight or when to get the heck out of there) to freak out.  It jumps into survival mode, meaning how creative do you think you would be running away from a Lion? Not so much. The key is to find a way to relax.</p> <blockquote><p>‘‘Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while. That’s because they were able to connect experiences they’ve had and synthesize new things.”</p> <p>-Steve Jobs</p> </blockquote> <p>2. <strong>Get outside- </strong>Get some fresh air, take a walk on your lunch break, take a hike walk in the park or ride your bike. Whatever your pleasure, getting outside is not only good for your body it is the perfect way to give your mind a break. You can fill your eyes and imagination with your surroundings. Let yourself take in the skies, the flowers, the tress or an awesome building. If you see a flower stop to smell it, REALLY.</p> <p>3. <strong>Carry a notebook- </strong>I carry a notebook everywhere I always have. It lets you capture a creative moment when it arrives naturally, when you let yourself relax and make a habit of actually carrying a notebook (it can be tiny.) You can jot down a thought, doodle a picture or idea without pulling out your phone and trying to type it out or miss the idea all together. There is something special about writing with a paper and pen that let's your creativity flow. It fires up your brain in a different way and lets engage in the creative process on physical level. You can write and draw, make arrows, smiley faces, or thought clouds. You can't do that on a computer or cell phone quickly and freely. Haven't you ever had an amazing idea or thought in the middle of the night? Stick one in your car, bag and near your bed. Once you get in the habit of carrying a notebook you will be hooked.</p> <p>4. <strong>Make Something-</strong> Do an arts and craft project, cook or create something in the garden. These are sure fires ways to allow yourself to get lost in something enjoyable. I find cooking to be like a meditation, I get lost in the aromas and ingredients and things just fall away. I can feel like an amateur Picasso and it allows my mind the openness for new ideas and feelings.</p> <p>5. <strong>Meditate- </strong>I have said it in articles before and I will say it again. Finding the calm within has so many health benefits for the mind and body. Once thought of as a practice that was "far out" there. Meditation has been embraced by politicians, artists, top level CEOs, actors, athletes, stay at home moms and the list goes on. Meditation is for everyone, give it a chance and take out some of the mental garbage.</p> <p>The main theme here is to be kind to yourself. Your creativity will flourish when you have a happy healthy garden to let it grow. Flowers grow in their own time as do creative ideas. Use the tips above as ways you can tend to your garden with love.</p> <p>For a silly dose of creative play check out why you need a pirates hat.</p> <p>If you have any great tips, please add them to the comments below.</p> <p> </p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/creativity" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">creativity</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/meditation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">meditation</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/exercise" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">exercise</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/outdoors" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">outdoors</a></div></div></div> Fri, 24 Jul 2015 19:24:21 +0000 Shannon 27 at https://shannonmiller.me https://shannonmiller.me/2015/07/24/free-yourself-from-mental-blocks-and-unleash-your-creativity#comments 4 Reasons Why It's vitally important To Honor Your Me Time To Recharge Now https://shannonmiller.me/2014/10/20/4-reasons-why-its-vitally-important-to-honor-your-me-time-to-recharge-now <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>So,  it's Sunday afternoon and I have the house to myself for a few hours. I was eager to relax, read, get a little writing done or meditate. I wasn't too sure yet which one, but I was sure that whatever it was it had to help me get back to center and get ready for a new week;  I needed to recharge. Then it happened...the dreaded ringing phone, as it blares from the other room I start to feel a little bit of unease creeping into my mellow moment. My first instinct was to ignore it, but curiosity beckoned me to the other room to check the missed call. Had it been from one of my sisters I may have flopped on the bed and chatted and laughed for a little bit. Goofing off and laughing is still me time and so, that would have been just fine for a  few moments. However, the call was from a good friend but this good friend also likes to talk about work and business so it's a bit of a working relationship and I knew that this was not the type of call that would be honoring my Me Time so I could recharge now. Just the thought of it at the moment started to make me feel tired. What I need for these calls is usually enthusiasm and creativity and today what I needed was to chill out and do something to recharge so I had that type of good stuff to add to the world. That meant saying no, no to picking it up, no to calling back today; Not even in an hour or two. I,  like many of you often wrestle with these type of obligations, the mental guilt trip my type A self battles with all the time. Showing up and being present for people is always important,  but the truth is, the first person we all need to show up for first and foremost is ourselves. I have also been working hard to make Sunday a no work day unless it is a creative endeavor that will serve me. I am working to protect Sunday to keep it as the day of rest and reflection as it should be. My Sunday can be your Monday, whatever day it is for you make it matter.</p> <p> </p><div class="media-element-container media-full"> <div id="file-29" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg"> <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/29">RestMeia.jpg</a></h2> <div class="content"> <span id="styles-1-0" class="styles file-styles large"> <img width="480" height="360" id="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.shannonmiller.me/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/RestMeia.jpg?itok=mSgiEgjC" alt="" title="" /></span> </div> </div> </div> <p>1.  <strong>RECHARGE- </strong>When you honor your me time to you allow yourself to recharge your batteries. This can lower your stress levels and add a deeper level of calm to your life. You can read a book or take a nap, how you do it doesn't matter as long as you do it.</p> <p>2.  <strong>REFLECT-</strong>   When you honor your me time to recharge now you allow some quiet space to reflect. Reflection can come through meditation, exercise or spending time on a hobby or cause that fills you up. When you have time to reflect you are able to see and feel where you are at and what is working and what is not. It allows openness to thought and ideas that is difficult to access in the everyday of go, go, go.</p> <p>3. <strong>RESPECT-  </strong>When you honor your me time to recharge now you practice acts of love and respect toward yourself. Being kind to yourself is priority one and can help you learn to surround yourself with people that respect you too.</p> <p>4.  <strong>RENEW- </strong>When you honor your me time and take the time to <strong>RECHARGE, REFLECT &amp; RESPECT</strong> yourself, you are allowing time for your body and mind to experience renewal. We all need mental and physical rest, without it we will not be able to operate joyfully at the levels that we desire.</p> <p>It's not easy to To Honor Your Me Time so you can recharge now, but if you listen to your intuition and start to be mindful of honoring time for yourself (<em>and actually put it in to practice)</em> the dividends will be well worth the adjustment.</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/alphabets-of-life" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">alphabets of life</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/creativity" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">creativity</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/recharge" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">recharge</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/rest" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">rest</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/self-care" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">self care</a></div></div></div> Mon, 20 Oct 2014 18:52:26 +0000 Shannon 13 at https://shannonmiller.me https://shannonmiller.me/2014/10/20/4-reasons-why-its-vitally-important-to-honor-your-me-time-to-recharge-now#comments 4 Ways that saying yes can add awesome things to your life https://shannonmiller.me/2014/08/30/4-ways-that-saying-yes-can-add-awesome-things-to-your-life <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>We are all overwhelmed with so much that we often forget to say yes to some things that come our way that could really add value and joy to our life. We are faced with... will you take out the trash? Yes, will you go to the store? Yes. You get the picture. I am not talking about the daily tasks in life;  I think we are often nervous to say yes to new things because we feel it is one more obligation on top of the mountains of obligations we already face. This is not the yes to more tasks we feel we must do out of obligation. This is where we need to make some adjustments in our mind, the yes I am speaking of is the yes to you, the yes to new experiences and adventures. There are plenty of reasons for No in that category but that is for a later article. I am also not sending you down the slippery slope that Jim Carrey took in <em><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1068680/">Yes Man</a></em>, when he said yes to everything and just about lost his mind. So, in no particular order here are 4 Ways that saying yes can add awesome things to your life.</p> <p>1. <strong>New Experiences</strong></p> <p>Saying yes to an invitation to try something new can give us a vital new experience in life. If you have a friend or family member that does something you have never tried like salsa dancing or golf and they invite you say YES. It doesn't mean that this will become your new passion but you will have the opportunity to have a new experience. The new experience can add rich dimension and color to your life.</p> <p>2. <strong>New Opportunities</strong></p> <p>Saying yes can put you smack in the middle of a new opportunity that you may have never connected with elsewhere. When you find yourself in a new environment, around new ideas and people you often come in to contact with an new opportunity. The opportunity could come in the form of a new job a new friend or a new skill learned. Maybe you went to play golf after saying YES and when you got there you began talking to someone that was looking for the expertise you had to offer. This type of thing happens all the time. Saying yes can help you be in the right place at the right time.</p> <p>3.<strong> New People</strong></p> <p>Saying yes to a last minute request added some awesome to my life. I volunteer with a great Tech Organization in Los Angeles called <a href="http://www.girlsintechla.org/">GirlsInTech</a>. They provide mentorship and outreach to girls to get them excited about careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering &amp; Mathematics.) One evening I got a last minute email asking if I was available to help at an event they were doing the following evening. Since I happened to have a free evening I said YES. When I was there, I met a great group of people, the event was at the Getty House which is the Los Angeles Mayors mansion. I also had the opportunity to meet the Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti. Do you see the power of YES now?</p> <p>4. <strong>New Way of Seeing The World</strong></p> <p>Saying yes to a volunteer opportunity helped me see the homeless population in a very new and real way. There is an awesome organization called the <a href="http://www.thegivingspirit.com/">Giving Spirit</a>, a small group of people that wanted to make a difference by providing essential survival items to the population of the Los Angeles homeless. During the holiday season, my little sister, cousin and I decided to make a day of helping distribute these bags throughout pockets of Los Angeles. We saw tent communities, young people without family on the street, &amp; smart educated hopeful people that were down on their luck. Yes, I have seen homeless people before but I had never seen them through the lense I did on that day. I saw our humanity in a deeper richer way. Saying yes gave me such an experience that I would have never gotten without it.</p> <p>So, go out in the world, soak it in, eat it up. There is so much wonder out there, Say YES my friends because I can guarantee you, your life will never be the same if you do.</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/yes" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">yes</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/inspiration" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">inspiration</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/creativity" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">creativity</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/alphabets-of-life" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">alphabets of life</a></div></div></div> Sat, 30 Aug 2014 21:25:57 +0000 Shannon 12 at https://shannonmiller.me https://shannonmiller.me/2014/08/30/4-ways-that-saying-yes-can-add-awesome-things-to-your-life#comments Four Reasons Ice Cream Cones are Better Than Popsicles https://shannonmiller.me/2014/07/20/four-reasons-ice-cream-cones-are-better-than-popsicles <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><strong>Four Reasons Ice Cream Cones are Better Than Popsicles</strong></p> <p><strong><br /> <div class="media-element-container media-full"> <div id="file-11" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg"> <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/11">Ice-Cream-Better-than-posicles.jpg</a></h2> <div class="content"> <span id="styles-1-0" class="styles file-styles large"> <img width="480" height="343" id="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.shannonmiller.me/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Ice-Cream-Better-than-posicles.jpg?itok=FeRRK8Ud" alt="" title="" /></span> </div> </div> </div> <p></p></strong></p> <p>1. If ice cream melts down your arm it will stick, which allows you time to lick it off. Popsicles just drip all over and stain your arm.</p> <p><strong>WINNER- ICE CREAM CONES</strong></p> <p>2. A edible cone is better that a stick, DUH! Have you ever tried to eat a popsicle stick? not delicious at all.</p> <p><strong>WINNER- ICE CREAM CONES</strong></p> <p>3.Ice Cream can hold, chocolate chips, bubble gum balls, and secret treasures. Popsicles can only hold a stick (see section #2.)</p> <p><strong>WINNER- ICE CREAM CONES</strong></p> <p>4. Ice Cream has cream in it, popsicles have flavored water or juice. Cream is better, you wouldd't put juice in your coffee now would you?</p> <p><strong>WINNER- ICE CREAM CONES</strong></p> <p>The winner by a landslide is: Ice Cream Cones <strong>4</strong> Popsicles <strong>0</strong></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/ice-cream" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ice cream</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/fun" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">fun</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/summer" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">summer</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/creativity" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">creativity</a></div></div></div> Sun, 20 Jul 2014 17:40:14 +0000 Shannon 11 at https://shannonmiller.me https://shannonmiller.me/2014/07/20/four-reasons-ice-cream-cones-are-better-than-popsicles#comments Five ways to bring more creative inspiration into your life https://shannonmiller.me/2014/06/20/five-ways-to-bring-more-creative-inspiration-into-your-life <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>I don't need to tell you how hectic life can get, and how tired and uninspired we can become at times. We are often burning the candle at both ends and when we do, it can really sap our creativity and  negatively impact how we experience and see our world. The following short list are five ways to help you bring more creative inspiration into your life. These are five very simple things that I do that really help get me dialed back in to what matters most. The best part is they cost almost nothing and can be implemented whenever you need a little spark to help ad some creative inspiration back into your life. Each one of these five ways requires of you to disconnect from social media and find presence in the world around you.  In no particular order here are your Five ways to bring more creative inspiration into your life.</p> <p> <br /> </p><div class="media-element-container media-full"> <div id="file-67" class="file file-image file-image-png"> <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/67">feeling stuck.png</a></h2> <div class="content"> <span id="styles-9-0" class="styles file-styles large"> <img width="480" height="240" id="9" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.shannonmiller.me/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/feeling%20stuck.png?itok=SDOSyzBd" alt="" title="" /></span> </div> </div> </div> <p>1. <strong>Stop and explore something new just for the heck of it. </strong></p> <p>You know those signs you pass by on the way to work or in and around your town that indicate a point of interest? They often appear on the side a highway or in front of a place you may have driven by a million times before but have never taken the time to stop. My challenge to you is to STOP, take that exit, follow that sign and pull in to that park or monument. Most of the time these place don't even cost a penny to visit and I am not saying you need to stop for the day, you might just want to scope it out, read an information sign, learn something new and maybe even come back to explore in greater detail later.  I recently was on a long bike ride with a friend and we passed one of these signs on the side of the road. I suggested that we pull in and check it out and what we found was a beautiful surprise.  We found a ranch that had been there since the 1920's complete with old barns, Orange Orchards, lush tress, full rose bushes and spectacular grounds. The place was Orcutt Ranch in the San Fernando Valley near Los Angeles and my friend and I learned that it was home to a Mr. Orcutt that happened to be one of the Oil Pioneers in California and the discoverer of dinosaur fossils in the La Brea Tar Pits. That was something neither of us knew anything about prior and it only cost us a short detour from our ride and added and extra bit of fun to the entire day.</p> <p> </p><div class="media-element-container media-full"> <div id="file-8" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg"> <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/8">2014-06-10 12.15.21.jpg</a></h2> <div class="content"> <span id="styles-11-0" class="styles file-styles large"> <img width="360" height="480" id="11" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.shannonmiller.me/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2014-06-10%2012.15.21.jpg?itok=UwWEsdl-" alt="" title="" /></span> </div> </div> </div> <p>2.  <strong>Go Fly A kite... Literally</strong></p> <p>Be honest, when was the last time you remember flying a kite?  When is the last time you experienced the thrill of watching YOUR kite as it catches air and begins to sail up into the heavens. There is something so freeing and fun about the entire kite flying experience that even if it comes crashing back down to Earth you are eager and determined to grab that kite and get it flying again. I believe everyone should own a kite. It connects us to a simple and pure joy of wonder and imagination. It reminds us that if this piece of paper (or plastic) and sticks can soar then most certainly so can we. GO FLY A KITE.</p> <p>3.  <strong>Play With Kids Like A Kid</strong></p> <p>Chances are if you don't have your own children you have family members or friends that do.  As adults we often sit on the sidelines and watch the kids run around and play with glee. What kids often want is for us to join in the play and be engaged with them. Most kids love it if we get up off of our chairs and chase them around and goof off. Children have an imagination and creative nature that many of us tuck away as we get older and are consumed with the responsibilities of life. Children can teach us a great deal about reconnecting with that free and happy nature that we so desperately need in our daily life. To laugh for the sake of laughing and engage in the make believe can be a great boon of inspiration for us and it delights the kids in the process. Be silly, be open, be fun and go play.</p> <p> </p> <p>4. <strong>Make something</strong></p> <p>I know what you may be thinking, I am not good with my hands, I am not creative and I don't even know where I would begin with this request. The truth is, we all have a bit of Picasso in us all and it doesn't take great skill to reap the benefits of the simple pleasure and feeling of satisfaction you can get from making something. The internet is  a great inspiration for simple but fun projects so is your local arts and crafts store where you can wander the isles for inspiration. Arts &amp; craft stores  are piled high with kits to make everything from birdhouses to picture frames to you name it. Michael's Arts &amp; Crafts even has a section on their website called "Get Inspired" <a href="http://www.michaels.com/find-a-project/general-crafts-and-hobbies/815811949">http://www.michaels.com/find-a-project/general-crafts-and-hobbies/815811949</a> with fun projects you can do at home and most of them are very reasonable. Working with your hands is a great way to relax your mind, slow things down and enjoy the process of learning something new. If you have time to surf the web and post and like content on Facebook you have the time to unplug and go make something.  Now that all of your roadblocks have been removed go make something, your creative mind will thank you.</p> <p>5. <strong>Plant Something</strong></p> <p>You don't need to be a green thumb to go to your local home improvement center and find something to plant.  You can add some flowers to a garden or find a small container and plant some herbs. Most stores carry plants that are already growing and just need to be repotted to a more suitable container. This exercise is more about getting your hands dirty and cultivating something beautiful green and living in your life. Just like making something, it gives you time to step away from all the noise around us. We can reconnect with nature and focus on the magic and beauty that feed our bodies and our senses. During the Summer one of my favorite things to plant is a tomato plant, with a little TLC and watering you can get a plant full of these beautiful red globes and being able to pick your own tomatoes is truly delightful. The leaves of the plant and the fruit it bears smell like a tomato should and the taste blows away anything you will find in a traditional grocery store. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn something new and have something magical to bring to the table. I promise you, your hamburgers and salads will not taste the same. The plant will more than pay for itself and your friends and family will be excited to enjoy your homegrown tomatoes or be inspired by the color you just added to your life with new flowers. So go plant something!</p> <p>So there you have it, Five ways to bring more creative inspiration into your life and in doing one or more of these activities you just may bring some creative inspiration into someone else's life too, now imagine that.</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/creativity" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">creativity</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/inspiration" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">inspiration</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/kites" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">kites</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/exploring" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">exploring</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/gardening" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">gardening</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/building" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">building</a></div></div></div> Fri, 20 Jun 2014 18:45:47 +0000 Shannon 8 at https://shannonmiller.me https://shannonmiller.me/2014/06/20/five-ways-to-bring-more-creative-inspiration-into-your-life#comments Why you need a pirate's hat https://shannonmiller.me/2014/04/25/why-you-need-a-pirates-hat <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><!--[if gte mso 9]><p><xml><br /> <w:WordDocument><br /> <w:View>Normal</w:View><br /> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom><br /> <w:TrackMoves></w:TrackMoves><br /> <w:TrackFormatting></w:TrackFormatting><br /> <w:PunctuationKerning></w:PunctuationKerning><br /> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas></w:ValidateAgainstSchemas><br /> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid><br /> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent><br /> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText><br /> <w:DoNotPromoteQF></w:DoNotPromoteQF><br /> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther><br /> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian><br /> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript><br /> <w:Compatibility><br /> <w:BreakWrappedTables></w:BreakWrappedTables><br /> <w:SnapToGridInCell></w:SnapToGridInCell><br /> <w:WrapTextWithPunct></w:WrapTextWithPunct><br /> <w:UseAsianBreakRules></w:UseAsianBreakRules><br /> <w:DontGrowAutofit></w:DontGrowAutofit><br /> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark></w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark><br /> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp></w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp><br /> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables></w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables><br /> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx></w:DontVertAlignInTxbx><br /> <w:Word11KerningPairs></w:Word11KerningPairs><br /> <w:CachedColBalance></w:CachedColBalance><br /> </w:Compatibility><br /> <m:mathPr><br /> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"></m:mathFont><br /> <m:brkBin m:val="before"></m:brkBin><br /> <m:brkBinSub m:val="&#45;-"></m:brkBinSub><br /> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"></m:smallFrac><br /> <m:dispDef></m:dispDef><br /> <m:lMargin m:val="0"></m:lMargin><br /> <m:rMargin m:val="0"></m:rMargin><br /> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"></m:defJc><br /> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"></m:wrapIndent><br /> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"></m:intLim><br /> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"></m:naryLim><br /> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument><br /> </xml><![endif]--></p> <p><!--[if gte mso 9]><p><xml><br /> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"<br /> DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"<br /> LatentStyleCount="267"><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"<br /> UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"></w:LsdException><br /> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"></w:LsdException><br /> </w:LatentStyles><br /> </xml><![endif]--></p> <!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style><p><![endif]--> <p>I know what you are thinking, this must be one of the most bizarre things you have heard, I mean seriously is she nuts? it's not Halloween (for the slim chance you read this around Halloween you have one more reason to go get a pirate's hat) and what do I need a pirate's hat for? For the first thing, I think most of us can agree that pirate's are just cool. From the eye patches, swords and awesome flowing white shirts pirate's have the idea of adventure down perfectly. They are not afraid to go out and get what they want, in fact, they are quite the opposite, when they see a new land full of  sparkling treasures  they go after  it, full steam ahead, no permission, no second guessing and no fear. Simply put, pirate's are cool. The pirate's hat wraps up all of these ideas into a simple object you can place on your head.</p> <p> </p><div class="media-element-container media-full"> <div id="file-4" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg"> <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/4">pirateshat.jpg</a></h2> <div class="content"> <span id="styles-3-0" class="styles file-styles large"> <img width="480" height="360" id="3" typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://shannonmiller.me/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/pirateshat.jpg?itok=JkrKsIvl" alt="" title="" /></span> </div> </div> </div> <p><br />I have one in my closet and truth-be-told, I put it on often. Why you ask? Because when I do it stirs within me imagination, creativity and most of all fun. I just dare you to put on a pirate's hat and tell me that you don't feel that feeling. It is the feeling of freedom, imagination,  It causes me to look in the mirror and make silly faces, on some occasions it has caused me to rifle through my closet and find a makeshift pirate outfit to go along with it. I also like to walk out with it on and surprise unsuspecting family or friends. It always gets a giggle and the lightness it brings to people's faces is indeed awesome.<br /><br />One of the funniest experiences with the pirate's hat was when my grandmother had come outside while I was getting something out of my car and as I looked up, I was cracking up to see her wearing my pirate's hat with the biggest grin I have ever seen. The pirate's hat to me is a symbol of imagination, silliness and play; the reminder that life can Sparkle and be enjoyed.</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/pirate" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">pirate</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/fun" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">fun</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/imagination" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">imagination</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/creativity" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">creativity</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/silliness" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">silliness</a></div></div></div> Fri, 25 Apr 2014 22:35:08 +0000 Shannon 6 at https://shannonmiller.me https://shannonmiller.me/2014/04/25/why-you-need-a-pirates-hat#comments