Summer Camp SARK August-31-2003
The magic cottage inside each of us...
The first time I visited Susan Kennedy's Web site over a year ago I was taken in by the warm, creative energy radiating from the home page cottage graphic. The invitation to "come inside to play" resonated deeply with the eager artist-within as I anticipated what this site was about.

I was pleasantly surprised to visit again today and see the cottage is still there.

From her Who is Sark? page:

"SARK (Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy) is the author and artist of eleven books, including the bestseller, Succulent Wild Woman. There are over two million SARK books in print. Her 12th book will be released in the Winter of 2004."

After reading through her site and several e-newsletters, I know SARK is much more than an author. Although her site promotes the commercial aspect of her line of work, the underlying motivation and foundation of what she does stems from a loving perspective towards people and an innate understanding of the beautiful things in life. This is so evident.

Some of us truly understand this perspective. How I would cherish meeting such a person. 

Updated 2004: Camp Sark has since grown into Planet Sark (www.planetsark.com), an amazing playground, dream space, and supportive community. Since my post above, I've met SARK in person at a Workshop / Book Signing in Chicago on July 28, 2004, where I even obtained a signed copy of her 12th book, Make Your Creative Dreams REAL. See more of my SARK blog bits. •

Accidental Inventions: Silly Putty Tat August-10-2003
Silly Putty University
I am not beyond the realm of finding delight in child's play. One toy that still excites me is Silly Putty. Last year I based an informative speech assignment on the history and benefits of Silly Putty and directed fellow classmates to SPU where you can earn your very own MSP degree (Master of Silly Putty, of course!)

It's amazing to note that the invention of Silly Putty was the result of a failed synthetic rubber experiment during WWII. However, it's a wonderful example of some creative thinking (and marketing!) for a novel item that ultimately ended up enjoying much success in the toy world.

The creative lesson here: Even in failure, one can find success. •

© 2003, 2008 Chris Dunmire. All rights reserved.