Monday, August 18, 2014

Making the Rounds


Recently, Maggie of Normandy Life, invited me to take part in a tour of blog land. Maggie is British and writes about her life in the gentle countryside of France. The blog land tour involves answering four questions about my own creative process. Thank you, Maggie, for inviting me. The answers to these questions have made me do some serious thinking.


1.  What am I working on right now?

This shouldn't be too difficult to answer. Right now I'm working on a blog post.

In the larger scheme of things, I usually have many projects on the go. Right now there are a couple of sewing projects cut out and ready to stitch, a hexagon quilt that I piece in the evenings, a bit of crocheting I just began, garden produce to freeze and can, weeds to keep at bay, and a major writing project.
 

2. How does my work differ from others in this genre? 

I first began blogging because I was looking for a creative community - some place to share my love of sewing and creating things with my hands. I found that, and much more. I found friendship and encouragement. I found so many others who look for the beauty in everyday life in much the same way that I do.

But each of us is unique. Because of that, my work is unique, just as yours is. We draw inspiration from each other and combine it in ways unlike the original. If I were to define my style I would say I strive for simplicity and elegance, be that in my photos, in my fashion, my decorating, and even my cooking. At the same time, I recognize the complexity in life and appreciate the multi-layered facets of photography, fashion, decor, cooking, writing, etc. 
  

3. Why do I write or create what I do?

If I didn't, I'd go mad. Stark, staring crazy mad. Headed for the loony bin mad. Give me a medium to express myself, any medium!

I've kept a journal for years. My blog is like a more visible journal. Words string themselves together in my mind and flow to my hands and the pen. 

The pen (or keyboard), the wooden spoon, the needle and thread, the paintbrush, the ivory piano keys, and the stick in the sand all provide ways for creative expression. I like to use whatever is at hand.
  

4. How does your writing process actually work?

My blog post topics are often triggered by the photos I take. Details are important to me and many of my photos are close ups of marvelous bits of creation that reveal the paradox of complexity and simplicity. 

I'm fairly guarded in my public writings and sometimes wish I were not. I'm that way in real life, too - unwilling to share too deeply until I know that I can trust the listener. I want my writing to have some sort of take-away value - a question for my reader to ponder and respond to, a thoughtful quote to appreciate, a bit of encouragement, a new way of looking at something, a recipe to try, or some beauty revealed.

I could go on here, but if you've hung on this long, I'll take pity on you and stop.

The idea of the blog hop was to link to 3 other bloggers who would then answer these same questions, however, I was unable to find anyone to participate. Katherine, of Sew Me Something Good, had the same difficulty so we agreed to link to each other's blog. Katherine is a sewing whiz and creates beautiful, intricate quilts. She also has a Craftsy site where she sells patterns.

 

23 comments:

  1. A lovely and as always, thoughtful post, Lorrie. I adore your talent with photographing the world around you and the richness your images evoke. You had me smiling as to your reasons as to why you create/write what you do. I can relate! Here's to staying sane. ;o)
    Thanks so much for linking up and helping us get to know you better!

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  2. I think that many of us could relate to what you say and to your creative processes and yet in a slightly different way since as you said we are all different even though so similar in many ways. If what you strive for is elegance and simplicity I'd say you certainly achieve that and your photos are always stunning - simple and elegant and often tranquil too.

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  3. I have no idea what that last photo is, but it is so pretty. Do you suppose it's the color that is attracting me? Not just the color...the texture, the light, the perspective. Speaking of perspective, I appreciate yours.

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  4. You definitely have a lovely way of stringing words together. I do wonder what folks do without hobbies. I'd go stark raving mad, too. Best wishes, Tammy

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  5. Thank you for sharing some of your blogging philosophy! I am more guarded too in my public sharing.

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  6. Oh I really loved this post Lorrie! I have enjoyed your creativity for many years now and have been blessed several times over with your friendship.

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  7. I enjoyed the gift of a little insight. I continue to enjoy your blog - the ideas you share, the questions you pose and the lovely images.
    A writing project?...........I am intrigued!

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  8. You describe your blog well, and that is one attraction your blog has for me--you are able to express yourself so well, both in word and in photography, and you always have something going on (working on) etc! I can understand a lot of what you say, especially on how hard it would be not to have creative outlets!

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  9. What a wonderful post - I love learning more about bloggers that I enjoy. Love the photos too. I'm with you - give me something to create with and I'm pretty happy - be it sewing, painting, quilting, crocheting, knitting, playing the piano, photography - I love it all.

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  10. Love your answers, but the one that made me smile was why you created. Those would have been my words also.

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  11. Lorrie--I love to read your posts! You are SO gifted. I can relate to many things you said--I too would go crazy if I couldn't create :)
    Blessings,
    Aimee

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  12. I must say that the "take-away" factor is always here at your blog.
    Interesting reading here today...

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  13. Right here:

    "If I didn't, I'd go mad. Stark, staring crazy mad. Headed for the loony bin mad. Give me a medium to express myself, any medium!"


    Says it all. That is EXACTLY how I feel.

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  14. I so enjoyed reading your answers to the four questions, Lorrie! Lovely photographs as always!
    xoxo,
    Lin

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  15. This is a great contribution to the blogland tour, Lorrie. So glad that you decided to share these insights with your readers.
    Merci, Madame.

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  16. Lorrie, besides all the wonderful subject matter you bestow on your readers, your writing style, clear, thought provoking and eloquent, always is a joy to read and ponder, and today's post is no exception. Thanks so much for sharing.

    Poppy

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  17. I love bits that help me know a blogger better. I felt that way about this post. So interesting that all those tools, whether it be knitting needles or a wood spoon are part of the creative process.

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  18. Your posts are always thought provoking Lorrie, you have a knack for writing about things I often think about, but don't put into words!
    I was interested to hear you are working on a hexi quilt.
    I've just had my first English Paper Piecing quilting lesson and I'm hooked!
    My first project is a hexi bag which I am hand stitching - I don't think I'll ever be a machine quilter tho I shouldn't say never!
    Simple and elegant sounds good to me too.

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  19. I enjoyed this very much and I'll go visit your friend :)

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  20. Very nicely spoken and shared as always. You always do a fine job and I always enjoy my visits. Besides the fact you are also very kind as well ;)Your images are outstanding~

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  21. As has been said, you describe your blog ands style well. You are creative in many ways and I admire that about you. Maybe you see yourself as being on the reserved side, but that also makes your blog intriguing in that you don't spill everything and you are gentle in how you say things.

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  22. ….and I'm just so glad you did decide to become a blogger and share so much loveliness and your many talents Lorrie.

    I think many of us prefer not to share too much of the personal stuff - many in our families don't want it so we have to consider them. There are always skeletons in everyone's closet, and, like you, I prefer to make blogging my creative outlet and keep it as lighthearted as possible while sharing my photos, travels and interests.

    Love knowing you - I truly hope we meet some day in person - I need another trip to glorious Victoria!

    Hugs - Mary

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  23. That is magnificent, and I for sure would have liked to read more.
    Thanks for such beautiful insights into the world of creativity... and yourself. I love to get to know you better.
    xo

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Thank you for your comment. I read and value each one, cherishing the connections we can make although far apart. Usually, I visit your blog in return, although if you ask a question I try to contact you directly.

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