I consider myself to be a pseudo creative person occasionally, which is to say that on some rare occasion I am not a complete bore and can spin a lively yarn or two to entertain the masses. Needing some comfort and some form of guideline I have stumbled upon this article. '7 Vices of highly Creative People'
The 7 vices are listed as such:
Vice one: Be a drinker - I do not know if this is something I can truly accomplish as I am not fond of much drink, and have not yet been tempted by the taste of beer. Blasphemous considering my training, my fellow classmates and coworkers have pointed out on several inebriated occasions that drinking is the right of any engineer, as we work hard and hence need to play hard. Mayhap one day I'll find the drink I can thrive on.
Vice Two: Begin with a Smoke - Don't like cigarette smoke much so this one is probably right out. On second thought, I do so enjoy the smell of pipe. [This has been attributed to the fact that me mom started her smoking career with a pipe.] I wonder if inhaling large quantities of pipe smoke would fall under 'beginning with a smoke' I doubt it, and I don't think that I'd be able to keep up this vice for long, aside hacking behind someone's back as you draw in their smoke might be considered bad form.
Vice Three: Put Gambling First - All right this is definitely out. I do not have what people term as a 'poker face' I suck at playing cards, and bluffing people out of their money. As for dice, snake eyes it has and will always be so no gambling for me honey.
Gambling in life, done that, been there, have the T-shirt it reads ' Ya took the wrong road honey, the gold is stashed on the other side under the spot marked X. ' Ok, you got me I am exaggerating, I have gambled in life though I have been shit scared on occasion. It has served me well and I have had my losses, but life is an adventure and you need to gamble once in a while.
Vice Four: Think Oysters - Now I know what some of you are thinking 'Oysters, you got to be out of our mind, they are cholesterol [about 55mg per] filled icky thingies.' The next thought would probably be [well it was mine] 'Oysters, how can they contribute to my creativeness?' Well I am not quiet sure, but if it helps, well who am I to argue? Oysters away!
Vice Five: Seek Fashion First, Then seek to be Understood - I am not sure I fully understand this one as I have no fashion sense and my wardrobe seems to have adopted black as its mascot color. Several close friends are now concerned and have started handing me colorful accessories. [Almost got an orange scarf this Christmas] They say it brings out some color in me cheeks but I disbelieve.
Vice Six: Sex - Enough said, this is site is rated G and I shall not go into the sordid details of my existing [pensive look] or is it non-existent sex life, [impish smile] perhaps another time when I am feeling somewhat bolder and more expressive.
Vice Seven: Abuse the card - Unfortunately I have recently snipped my credit card into 'itty bitty little pieces, as it had been quiet naughty and had gone on a spending spree without consulting me. Having been a recent student and having had to sometimes survive on credit, while waiting for loans to come in, I have since vowed not to let that habit reoccur. It is way to stressful dealing with the creditors who hound you on a daily basis demanding that they be paid back. Especially when all you can say is,' I am waiting for my loan/bursary/scholarship to come in, and I needed to pay tuition so that I may attend classes and so that I can pass my exams and graduate one day soon so I can pay you back.' Much prefer purchases that do not come back to haunt me.
Their conclusion does hit the nail on the head though '...If anyone should still be left unconvinced on the benefits of pursuing these vices, let us remember these sage words of Abraham Lincoln "It has been my experience that those with no vices have very few virtues." ...'
Well that's that, hopefully one day these vices would have worked their magic and I'll be able to say with grand confidence, 'Yes I am quiet creative Sir, sit down awhile and I shall tell you a tale the likes of which you have never heard.' That or I'll just be the raging alcoholic who lives next door to you. Ranting away in a mad stupor, sex offenders [the ones you hire] at my door, Ciggi dangling from me lips, dolled up in century old clothing, lace at my throat, stiletto heels, ace up my sleeve and an over active credit card.
Seriously though go read the article, as it is quiet good.
As an aside; what are your creative vices?
What vices do you use to start 'em creative juices flowing? Mine are occasionally that of boredom and procrastination. I will sit and stare at nothing for a while, the TV seems to be a good venue for this, until I am bored out of my mind and the need to do something creative and productive arises. This generally results in a flurry of events all done in a whirlwind of activities as I try to accomplish several things at the same time.