Future Directions:

My intent for this blog is to inspire creativity in all forms. I want to inspire you to see yourself and the world as beautiful. Creativity can be found in everything. we are a part of; we just have to look hard enough for it. I want to hear your creative successes and stories because it is so important to be able to recognize what the Lord has blessed us with. Here are a few examples from my life that inspire creativity...

And All That Jazz....

My favorite aspect of creativity is music. I believe that music reaches and touches people in a way that words cannot. I love looking for the subtle messages and symbolism hidden in the words and rhythms of music. One of my favorite periods of music is the age of modern music. Some prominent musicians are Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and George Gershwin. They brought to pass the Big Band Era which combined jazz and popular music into a sound called swing. This is where I love innovating and creating the most. Swing was radical for the time it emerged. It took off and became popular world wide between World War I and World War II. I believe that this was a time of creativity that shaped the dancing world. It was a source of relief for those going off to war. They were able to take a break from the cares of the world. I think that music today is very similar in its intent. It tries to create an ideal setting that does not fully exist. This is what I think of when modern music comes to mind. Here are some examples:

Ella Fitzgerald- 

Duke Ellington

I think that these artists inspired other musicians to create the ideal and hold on to it. 

Here are some examples:

Eva Cassidy: 

Ingrid Michaelson

He is We 

Renaissance Men of Our Time:

I have often thought about what constitutes a Renaissance man in this day and age. The creativity we attain is largely dependent on how well we become and accept such figures. While people may believe that these individuals need to be elegant and ornate, I believe they are much simpler. I believe that the common man can be a Renaissance man today. I would like to suggest that some of these figures are our military men and women today. They are smart, strong, clean cut, and overall multifaceted figures in society. They fight for our liberty and bring honor to the United States. I have two of these men in my family. My cousins Karl and Craig are such figures. They have taken time in their lives to fight for liberty and are now pursuing their education. 

They are an inspiration for creativity. Without the freedom that we have, we would not be able to innovate and progress the way that we have. Security is something that accelerates creativity. It allows us the opportunity of time and resources that we take for granted. We owe so much to these men and women who have sacrificed so much for us. We should also be grateful to their families for the support the give to our soldiers. 

My Mansion on High: 

There are many who dream of picturesque scenery that seems unreachable and surreal. They wish to smell the roses and feel the blades of grass in between their toes. They may feel in a state of bliss or contentment when this place is imagined. I have seen one of these most beautiful places in a dream. 

It was the spring of 2010, a few months after my sister Hailey passed away. I had not felt her as close as I wanted her to be. I retired to bed on a warm spring night. I fell asleep and began to dream a glorious dream filled with peace and serenity. 

I was in a cul de sac where there were the most beautiful homes I had ever seen. Colors we glorified: they are unlike any color I have ever seen on earth. The grass was pristine, soft, and full. The flowers filled every flower bed around the houses. The trees were green and almost frilly. They filled the backyards and created a mystical feel. It was an oasis of the most beautiful gardens and landscape that I could possibly imagine.

 I was lulled into a sense of peace and serenity. I walked up to a home. It was refined and simply perfect. The home was large, but filled with a closeness that I cannot describe. The interior was decorated in a frivolous manner. The colors, once again, were amazing. It was as though the glory of the sun entered the home and filled it without overheating. My sister Hailey was there. She was dressed in a beautiful white robe. I was in a state of pure joy. This was my ideal that I have longed for ever since. My memory of this mansion has faded to a fuzzy picture with soft yet beautiful colors. I will never forget this beautiful escape. It is where I aspire to be one day. 

My 9X5 declarations of truth:

Martin  Luther is an inspiration to me in showing the fault in order to bring to pass truth. I decided it would be meaningful to create my own list. Instead of what is wrong, I decided to change it to what is right and truthful. These are my truths, so I do not expect you to agree whole heartily, but I hope you can find meaning from these declarations of truth:

1. I am a child of a loving God who is very aware of what I do everyday.

2. My purpose in life is to seek out those who need help and learn how to better disciple  of Christ.

3. There is life after death. 

4. Because of the atonement of Jesus Christ, I will see my sister again.

5. Families are a divine gift from God that are eternal. 

6. Love is not a feeling or state; it is an action.

7. We are not a product of our circumstances; we are what we do with our circumstances.

8. Our individuality marks us as our own despite the world's counsel.

9. Mother's intuition is not a hoax; it is a gift from God.

10. Everyone needs contact comfort. No exceptions...

11. People need to hear I love you every single day.

12. Children are precious gifts from the Lord that help us remember where we came from. 

13. By small and simple things are great things brought to pass. 

14. Life was meant to be a challenge; it is normal to be sad, disappointed, and even fail sometimes. However, we must get back up and try again. 

15. Confidence affects every social interaction we have ever had and will ever have.

16. Knowledge is eternal.
17. We were all called to this earth to experience life and impact other's lives in a very personalized way.
18. Health is comprised of more than just the state of the body; it has to do with the body, soul, and spirit.
19. Laughter can instantly change one's perspective on almost anything. 
20. Dance is a window to the soul. It allows for expression of feelings and a release of troubles.
21. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints has changed my life and brought immense joy to me.
22. Those we have lost from death are still involved in our lives; they guide us and protect us on a daily basis. 
23. Smile because spiritually minded is life eternal.
24. One person can make a difference. It only takes one to change something.
25. The scriptures are how the Lord communicates to us; he shares his advice through words that are meant for his children.
26. We have the freedom to choose. Our agency is ours.
27.  Christ the Lord lives and loves us.
28. The mother is one of the most important enhancers of brain development in children.
29. It is important to educate women because they will educate the children, the future generations. 
30. A child benefits from having a mother and a father present and involved in his or her life. 
31. We will never understand our full potential in this life; we must rely on the Lord's guidance in order to reach our full potential.
32. We can show gratitude by giving our talents freely.
33. Life is too short and trying for regret.
34. Our experiences make us who we are; we are a product of what we do with our circumstances.
35. Good food is one of life's simple pleasures.
36. Disney World is one of the happiest places on earth.
37. Our dreams can show us truth. They can also make absolutely no sense.
38. We have an innate aggressive side as humans that comes up during wars and competitive situations. 
39. Our language is a defining factor of who we are; we are able to do so much more because of language.
40. You cannot take back words, so use them wisely
41. Life is meant to be enjoyed. 
42. If you can't laugh at yourself, then you shouldn't laugh at others. 
43. Your body needs glucose and glucose is in chocolate; therefore, chocolate is essential.
44. Socks were not intended to match. 
45. Your confidence is affected greatly by perspective, so keep an open perspective. 

Reducing Creativity Into Its Many Parts: 

What is creativity? What aspects of creativity make up the whole? In an effort to reduce creativity into its many forms, we must look at creativity through a lens, namely a psychological lens. According to many studies, creativity is influenced by several factors. To determine what creativity encompasses, we must examine a few different contexts. 

The VINE of creativity: 

I decided to show the parts of creativity in a way that is visually creative. Creativity is not always flowery or elaborate. It can be simple and even computerized.

Swing: Creativity to the Big Band Sound...

Throughout this year, I have used my creative power and talents to learn and innovate swing dancing, namely Lindy hop. I have created new ways to execute different and aerials. Many use this creative form in order to express themselves in a way that leaves a lasting impression on those whose witness it. This art can be creative for those who participate in it and who observe it. Here are examples of both sides of this creative form: 

http://alittle-everydaymagic.blogspot.com/search?q=Do+you+hear+the+people+swing

Beautifully Creative...

What is the worth of soul something so great? 
Why do we not remember all that's given
To us by God Creator of this state?
We are a living tapestry from Heaven.


Society may try to rob this child
of all the beauty she conceals inside. 
This tends to strip the innocence compiled
that once was felt before the world said hide. 


Now say a woman doesn't see this truth
that she herself is worth the price of gold.
They say she cannot change while in her youth.
She has the pow'r to shape this very world. 


Within her hands she holds creative pow'r
unlocked by inner beauty now is seen
which makes the woman strong this very hour
and changes her potential to a queen. 


Creative minds unlock the power to
discover beauty and to hold it true. 

My Creative Inspiration:

We all have different experiences or people in our lives that inspire us. These sources of inspiration can influence how we perceive the world around us. My perspective was changed by such an experience my senior year in high school. It is December 16, 2009. I am sitting in the dressing room during musical theater when a police officer comes into the dressing room:


"Adrianne, I need you to come with me."
"Is everything alright?"
"Please grab your belongings and follow me now."
"Okay...."


I am perplexed. I am trying to think about everything I had ever done in my life and could not think of one single thing that could possibly allow me to be escorted by a police officer....With each step on the cracked cement, I racked my brain and memory further. I cannot think of what I did or why I was leaving Forsyth Central High school's parking lot with Officer Wright. I wanted to ask what I did, but instead.


.."Where are we going?" 


Officer Wright shifted in her seat while turning on to Tribble Gap road. She did not seem upset with me, but I could feel a terrible secret that she was suppressing in her grimace. As she was answering my question, I suddenly realized what this was all about. I shuddered and gasped...


"Hailey! But, they said it went fine. What happened?" 


I suddenly began to imagine the horrible possibilities that could have potentially occurred within the hour. My palms began to sweat with my heart racing furiously.


 "I need you to call your father Adrianne." 


I began to pull out my phone. My hands were shaking, my whole body trembling...I dialed my father's number.


 "Ring, ring..."


I held my breath. I clasped the phone with two hands just staring at the link between me and my father.


"Adrianne...are you there????"


I pause...I somehow manage to put the phone up to my ear without dropping the phone.


 "I'm here. Is Hailey alright?"
"No, she's not..."


He proceeds to tell me about how Hailey went into cardiac arrest on the way home from her knee surgery, how she stopped breathing, how she was with mom in helicopter going to Egelston's Children Hospital, and how her precious heart was not beating...


"Are you okay?"


I sob. Not tears that smear your mascara, but tears that soak your hair, clothes,and anything remotely close to you... We pull up to the parking lot where my father is standing.


"Daddy!" 


We embrace. We both sob while trying to support each other. He tells me what happened and that Hailey left without a heart beat...We arrive at the hospital in thirty minutes. I rush into Hailey's room and see her attached to over twenty different tubes and cords.


 "Baby girl, oh baby girl..."


My heart shatters everywhere. I begin to sob again and make my way to the hospital bed. 

"If you were falling, then I would catch you..."


I sing. It is the only thing I can think of. I sing for hours while holding onto Hailey's sweet hand. I am in a state of shock...it is all I can do...


"I love so much my sunshine..."


6 days pass and Hailey is leaving me. My parents agree to release care. I feel drained and hurt. I feel like my soul is attached to this very sweet spirit in the hospital bed. 


"It's time to go Adrianne."


I go kicking and screaming. I sob. I don't speak. It is too painful.Hailey was 15 years old when she left this life. She took with her pieces of my heart and the hearts of those who knew her with her on Monday December 22, 2009. She changed my perspective on everything. Her imprint influences everything I do. All of my creativity and inspiration is for her. It is hers because she showed me how a creative life is the only life worth living.