Growth Mindset: 4 Lesson in Creativity

I watched Julie Bernstein's video over the four lessons in creativity. I am drawn to creative people. When I feel that I am lagging behind, talking to someone about their passion is likely propel me forward. I enjoyed listening to the words of all the creative people she had interviewed. It truly excites me to hear all the different point of views. I liked how she focused so much on imperfections. We tend to have some sort of creative plan but that doesn't mean things always go according to that plan. She used the pottery as an example. She showed how one pot acquired a crackle pattern on it due to the quick change in temperature. The pattern was not intended but it was actually beautiful. Or when she talks about how the photographer was about to make something beautiful out of the rubble from 9/11, I feel that I can relate to that. I can really only write after I've been heart broken. While this is a form of destruction, it makes the most beautiful art, at my own cost. But I wouldn't have it any other way. I think it is that way for many artists. The strongest of feelings end up as the most vibrant. Creative people will always ignite the spark inside of me. I really enjoyed this short video. 

(Rupi Kaur Poem)

Story Planning: The Brave Little Bear

I am considering writing a story off of "The Brave Little Bowman" story. I may include a hunter in my story and have him be the antagonist. It will start with a family of bears in the woods and all their woodland friends. I could also incorporate parts of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears". So there would be Papa Bear, Momma bear and Baby bear in my story. I could have Papa bear get caught in the hunter's trap and then baby bear has to rise to the occasion and save Papa while protecting Momma. 

The bears will be a family of grizzlies. Baby bear's best friends will be a fawn and a young hawk. I want to use a hawk so that he can use his flight to help Baby bear save Papa bear and the other animals in the forest. I'd like to start out my story with how the three became friends. I think it would be cute to write about the young hawk learning to fly, the fawn learning to run and Baby bear learning how to climb a tree. This will explain the bond they have with one another and lead up to them helping Baby bear. 

I don't want the hunter to be killed in my story but rather just scared off. I think it would be interesting to have Baby bear not be able to roar. Maybe this is something Baby bear is very self conscious of. And then I could have Baby bear's roar scare off the hunter and all the animals will be so happy for him finding his roar finally. At this point I am just spouting off ideas but I guess that's what brainstorming is. I want to make this story a combination of a few of the Jataka tales I've read this week. 

Bibliography: More Jataka Tales 1922 by Ellen C. Babbitt 

(Baby Bear)

Reading Notes: More Jataka Tales, Part A

I stuck with my recent theme of Jataka tales this week. I am hoping next week to branch out more. I think the stories about women look interesting so maybe I'll tackle those next. This week I read a few Jataka tales but there's one I particularly enjoyed. It is called "The Woodpecker, Turtle, and Deer". I liked that in this story they all ended up helping one another escape death. I truly valued the lesson taught here. I think that these days it can be hard to find loyal friends. These three friends demonstrated a perfect example of loyalty to one another. The turtle and the woodpecker worked together to save the deer from the hunter. In return, when the turtle was captured by the hunter, the deer came to his rescue. In the end they were all able to keep their lives. This ordeal brought them all closer and it is said that they lived out happy lives together from then on. I think one big reason I am drawn to these stories is because they typically involve animals. Animals are one of my biggest passions. I also enjoy these stories because of the lessons they teach. Some lessons may be easier than others, but each and every one are important. 

Bibliography: More Jataka Tales 1922 by Ellen C. Babbitt 

(Bambi and Friends)