Day 19: Falling Houses

I came home from work tonight and found my boots laid out this way from last night.  I found it comical because it reminds me of the Wizard of Oz.  It felt like someone dropped a house on me last night, but I don't think I'm a wicked witch (some people may disagree).

I enjoyed our conversation about sleep in my class last night.  The author of the book we are reading believes that we sleep to allow our dreams to process all of our thoughts and problem solve.  The dreams run through a variety of scenarios to determine the best solution.  I don't know if this is exactly right, but I do think there is some truth to it.  I cannot describe how many nights I go to bed anxious about a problem, and wake up feeling better about the issue.  I tend to get most of my problem solving ideas in the morning, shortly after waking up.  I love learning about how our minds work and trying to harness that understanding in a way to improve life experiences.

Day 5: Flow

The idea of flow comes from a text I am reading for a graduate class.  The author's name is pronounced chicks-send-me-high.  His name is interesting, but the content he writes about is even more interesting.  

We have all experienced flow.  It is  when you have lost track of time, when you have become completely devoted to whatever it is that catches your attention.  

Last night in class we were asked what has ignited that feeling in us before.  I had a hard time thinking of what did it.  At first, the only thing I could think of is when I get one of my "I'm going to try this" ideas.  I've always felt such engagement in a new idea that captivates me and requires that I delve into research and learn more.  Most recent ideas include: "I want to be a photographer," "I want to be a travel writer," "I want to move to Indianapolis," and planning for a trip.  I think I find most excitement in the idea of something else, which I know is not good, but it possesses me.  I'm not saying that these interests are not valid, but I need to be aware of the lure of potential.


In this picture you see some solid items that have given me the moment of flow.  I'll explain below.  On a side note, I wonder how many times Kendra is going to sneak into these photos throughout the year.


Poster: I love searching for posters and using them as art.  I also really enjoy that moment when I get to frame a poster and hang it up.
Harry Potter: These books were some of the first that showed me how engaging a book could be.  When I was younger, I didn't really enjoy reading, but these books showed me the value.
Venice DVD: I LOVE watching our video recordings of travel.  There is something about drinking a glass of wine and reminiscing about fun times.
Camera: This is not my good camera, but it represents the same idea.  Photography definitely holds happiness for me.  The entire process is exciting, which brings me to my next point.
Epson Cartridge: I really enjoy printing my photos and seeing what I have captured on a tangible piece of paper.  Of course I love framing them too.
Sand: There is just something about walking in sand on a beach by the ocean.
A Moveable Feast: Reading this book while is Paris really brought the descriptions to reality.
Venice Map: Venice has been one of my all time favorite trips.  I never used this map, but it still makes me think about the navigation around the city through landmarks.
Greenery: I easily lose time while working with plants, especially when I get a fun potting idea.
Kendra: Our walks force me to take time everyday to look up.  I saw one of the clearest skies the other night; Orion was stunning.