If There's an Original Thought Out There, I Could Use it Right Now!

Last Sunday I was at one of my favorite breakfast joints, & I saw one of my former professors from Grand Valley, I think the class was called Creativity or something like that. It wasn't creative writing or creative sculpture or anything like that, it was just creativity. I didn't need the class for my major, I think I just took it for credits. I think the professor was a playwright, unfortunately I don't remember seeing any of his plays.

I don't know how much creativity plays a part in my everyday life. I like to think I use it to a certain extent to solve problems or to come up with new ways to do things. A little creativity can get you into trouble when you are working for a corporation with a million rules on how to do things & how not to do things. I loved that class, I think everyone should take such a class every other year of their lives, regardless of profession.

I've been trying to come up with something to give to my new niece, but sometimes I get the feeling that creativity is one of those things you have to use on a regular basis otherwise it'll wither away & die. Well, well. Time to get to work.

I wish I'd written this one, but Blake beat me to it.

A Cradle Song

Sleep, Sleep, beauty bright
Dreaming o'er the joys of night.
Sleep, Sleep: in thy sleep
Little sorrows sit & weep.

Sweet Babe, in thy face
Soft desires I can trace
Secret joys & secret smiles
Little pretty infant wiles

As thy softest limbs I feel
Smiles as of the morning steal
O'er thy cheek & o'er thy breast
Where thy little heart does rest.

O, the cunning wiles that creep
In thy little heart asleep.
When thy little heart does wake,
Then the dreadful lightnings break.

From thy cheek & from thy eye
O'er the youthful harvests nigh
Infant wiles & infant smiles
Heaven & Earth of peace beguiles.

William Blake, Lyrics & Other Poems

Has anybody been catching the Andy Warhol Documentary by Ken Burns on Public Television? I've only seen about a half hour of it, so far, but it's riveting. I can't wait to watch the rest of it. I watched some of it after watching the series premier of Grey's Anatomy (no comment). Talk about culture shock. Andy Warhol, genius or hack?

On an unrelated note, last Friday night my house was filled with people, tonight it's just me. I can't figure out which way I like it better.

Five Favorite Songs of the Day

Don't Think Twice (It's Alright)-Bob Dylan, London 1965

Bob Dylan performances don't get much better than this one, my favorite version of one of my favorite songs. I love the way he makes the harp sound like a train, this song has always been about movement, & is best heard while moving.

Rock of Ages-Bob Dylan, Santa Cruz, 2000

THE Rock of Ages, not this Def Leppard dribble. while I draw this fleeting breath, while mine eyes shall close in death, can I travel to worlds unknown, & behold thee on the throne?

Hallelujah-Jeff Buckley, Grace (song by Leonard Cohen)

Oceanside-the Decemberists, Five Songs

Red Right Ankle-the Decemberists, Her Majesty, the Decemberists!

Colin Meloy is turning out to be one of the finer songwriters to emerge from the last ten years, this song being one of the finest examples.

Happy Friday, friends, let your creative juices flow, whatever you're doing!

andrew