Cloudy with a Chance of Joy

I love watching Tedtalks. They get me to think, question ideas that never really crossed my mind. The other night, I was in the mood to watch a Tedtalk. So I scrolled and scrolled through videos, until one little square caught my eye. I scrolled over it and the name of the video was Cloudy with a Chance of Joy. Interesting....so I clicked on it. I read the synopsis on the side and come to find out, Gavin Pretor-Pinney is the creator of the Cloud Appreciation Society. WHAT?! Is there such a thing? 

I have always had a fascination for the sky, for those big, fluffy clouds that remind me of the wallpaper (here) in Andy's room in Toy Story. My family makes fun of me for sticking my head out the car window to feel the wind, soak up the sun, and stare at the clouds. Pretor-Pinney says, "they are the most diverse, evocative, poetic aspect of nature." You can tell how much I agree with this by how many pictures I take of the sky, some of which are shown below.

I think the most important point that Pretor-Pinney nails that hits home for me is, "The exotic can be found in the every day." I always thought, especially after being abroad, that I needed some huge adventure to be inspired, happy, or "finding myself".  This just isn't the case. I can find all the inspiration I need just by stepping out the front door, or gazing out the car window, taking the time to slow down and meditate.

With the busy-ness of the world and the digital age swirling around us and clouding our minds (pun intended), we miss what is so beautiful and standing right before us! Pretor-Pinney exclaims, "Pay attention to something so commonplace that everyone else misses it." I encourage you to: Be mindful. Be inspired. Be present. 

Athens, Greece (top of the Acropolis) 

Wicklow National Park, Ireland

Seville, Spain (outside my bedroom window)

Gibraltar, Spain

It is good for your ideas, good for your creativity...good for your soul. 

Malaga, Spain

Seville, Spain

Sanlucar de la Barrameda, Spain

If you live with your head in the clouds, every now and again, it will help you keep your feet on the ground.

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Your Creative Responsibility {Linking Up with The Circle}

1. What does creativity mean to you?

Creativity is not just a way of thinking, but a way of feeling and being. It is where you can freely express yourself. It is where you are truly inspired by things that you love, in order to create new ideas and original thoughts. I believe everyone has a different sense of creativity and a special way of being creative. Creativity adds purpose and passion to life. Be creative; be yourself.

2. How do you stay creative? Who do you draw inspiration from? 

I am constantly inspired by the world around me. I always say I could sit on a bench in Central Park all day and people watch. People are incredibly dynamic and powerful. They say so much without even saying a word. My creativity stirs from observing first and creating second. Here are a few other places that I draw inspiration from:
-A good conversation -Travel -Reading books, newspapers, blogs,  magazines, etc. -Ted talks -Running -Watching movies -Pinterest -A powerful quote

3. What is a creative part of you that you don't share much on your blog (i.e. a talent, hobby, activity, passion, etc.).

I have not been blogging for very long, but, as of yet, I have not shared that I am very organized. You could say organization is a hobby or an activity, maybe even a talent, but it is how I keep my crazy life together. I am an avid list maker and note taker. I keep with me at all times a binder filled with calenders, to-do lists, projects, college information, workouts,....pretty much my entire life. I try to be creative with my organization from cute calenders, pretty pens, to colorful divider tabs. 

I am so glad to have done a link up and look forward to doing another one in the future. I also encourage you to do link ups as a way to meet other bloggers and spice up your content.  If you would like to do this July Link Up with The Circle, click on this link.