Cobwebs…

First, let me apologise. I’m running a little late with this blog, once again over-running the time limits I set myself. I’m sorry. My punctuality has not been great in a long time and life and health tend to get in the way when neither is the best.

There were no doubts about what this blog would cover. Once I had published the last one, I realised there were a few more methods that could be used to clear the cobwebs from a blocked mind. So here I am, once again, to share them with you.

Newspapers

I have a folder in my desk that is full of newspaper clippings of stories that have made me run through every emotion imaginable. Many I have laughed at, some I have wondered at, and others have brought a genuine smile to my face.

Newspapers are an invaluable source of inspiration. If your mind is blank and you have absolutely nothing in the brain bank, a single newspaper article can prompt questions or reactions that eventually lead to something (which is a whole lot better than the nothing that sometimes goes on in my head). Sometimes it will be a huge international headline that strikes you, or, other times, it can be a piece in a local paper in the events section or for sale. Whichever it is, there is always plenty of food for thought within those inky sheets.

Photographs

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I agree.

Some people have expensive camera equipment, and others are more reliant on their mobile phones.  Taking pictures in itself can often spark a raging inferno; looking at those photographs later can be equally wildfire inducing. Photographs can be great prompt material whether inspiration is stoked from whatever was your main focus when you took said snap, or you suddenly notice something previously unseen later. Plus it gets you outside in the fresh air. It’s a way to flex your creativity on multiple levels and to stretch your legs. A win/win really.

I know that these are only a couple more ways to poke life into a stagnant mind (mine, anyway), but I hope they are useful to someone. I may revisit this subject at a later dead if I feel I have forgotten anything, or if some new inspiration should make itself known to me.

Until we meet again, take care.