Thursday, September 13, 2007

Friends - A Battery Charger

I don't know about you, but spending quality time with a group of friends is such a boost for me. Several times a year, we gather with a group of four to six families, depending on who is available, and we meet at someone's house. Everyone brings part of the meal so the host family isn't too burdened. Last night, we attended one such event and it was so fun, I left feeling terrific. And no - it wasn't the wine - I only had two glasses over the course of the evening.
Catching up with friends - discussing everything from politics, to how we're dealing with elderly parents to issues with our kids to our careers - is always so uplifting that I find myself refreshed and full of new ideas for books.
I can't put my finger on exactly what sparks my creativity from these parties, but it happens every time, so there's something going on. I am a very social person and I definitely get a charge out of social events, but there's such great chemistry at these things. I guess it's just a fellowship sort of feeling, but when there's a positive group dynamic, it heightens the experience.
What about you? What is it in your life that makes you feel great and sparks your creativity?

6 comments:

Julia Phillips Smith said...

I need to lose myself in an artistic event, like being at a chamber music concert. I always come away from performances with scenes going through my head. Something touched on in the music, or at the play, or in the ballet, or opera - it will spark something creative inside me, and off I go.

Dara Edmondson said...

That's great, Julia. I guess everyone has a catalyst for creativity.

Tempest Knight said...

Yep, friends are the best boosters you can get. Especially when one is on a rut. *g* I have a small circle of friends, since I don't throw the word around lightly. But those in that small circle are very special to me, and they definitely help me out when I discuss ideas with them.

Anonymous said...

Movies. Inspiration all the way, if it's good!

Dara Edmondson said...

I get inspired by movies and good books as well, but I'm more jazzed by the social thing. I always get some idea from a movie but can't get it into a plot without copying something, so I can it!

April said...

I have a small group of girlfriends and as each of us has gotten married off we've added boys to the group. We get together several times a year and it's always fun and destressing!