Revisiting the Rockford Peaches January-18-2009
1940s All-American Women's Baseball Team
Now those Fleet Foxes (see below) got me on a creative roll down memory lane. I've spent my afternoon swimming in the psychedelic 60s and now I'm time-traveling back a couple more decades before the "Peace, Love, Not War" era to another time when every able-bodied man was drafted into war. Did the draft of World War II put an end to America's favorite past-time? ...

Fleet Foxes at Amazon

Fleet Foxes on Saturday Night Live (1/17) January-18-2009
Inspiring 1960s Revival
I'm filled with inspiration and harmonious joy today after watching this Seattle-based music group Fleet Foxes perform on Saturday Night Live last night.

The moment this band started performing their song, "Mykonos" I was immediately transported back to the 60s and thought I was hearing echoes of Neil Young layered with Crosby, Stills, and Nash. The bearded-grungeness of the band sealed the deal. What a great earthy, harmonious breath of fresh air this band is!

Here's some Wikipedia and Sub Pop on them, plus their Official MySpace page featuring MP3's of their songs. I love, love, love, their harmony and enjoy the gift of experiencing their collective creative talent. A new fan I am. •

Through the Artistic Eyes of Another January-15-2009
Where do you want to be five years ago?
... Naturally, if I were to answer the same questions again today, five years later, some would be different and others the same. I was surprised, however, at the unintentional pursuit/fulfillment of several creative "dreams" I harbored deep inside. ...

The Beckoning of Lovely January-10-2009
A Collaboration of Creativity
May I have your attention, please... an "Ambassador of Lovely" has kindly asked me to help spread the word about a very special video, "Beckoning of Lovely," which documents (in about 7 minutes) the cool creative cooperation of a group of strangers meeting together for the first time at the Millennium Park Bean in Chicago on a warm August night. You just watch how popular a yellow umbrella can be!

I for one, am not amazed at what we humans can accomplish when we choose to work together for the greater good. I was surprised, however, at how moved my heart was at this film's symbolic greatness and focus on lovely things. Flowers and hugs always get me.

If this video also inspires you, you're invited to visit the creator's Web site, Who Is Amy to learn how you can "submit your own form of loveliness" for another collaborative project in the works. •

What Becomes of Our Creative Influence? January-08-2009
Always Planting
Today while transferring over my essay, Seeds of Creativity, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of an eager 8-year-old girl, "Susie" who came to one of my Crafty Christmas Artshops last month. ...