Wednesday, November 06, 2024

The Insecure Writer's Support Group and Creativity


It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

The question for today: What creative activity do you engage in when you're not writing?

It used to be photography. I’ve been a professional photographer since my mid-twenties. I still enjoy taking photos but don’t do it professionally or seriously anymore. (Although it takes every ounce of control to keep from grabbing cell phones at concerts and turning them horizontal. People, what is the ratio of your TV? Record video the same way!)


Now, my creativity is in cooking. And growing my garden. And fermenting and drying! Anything to keep us from eating processed foods. I bake our bread. I cook our beans. I grow sprouts. And herbs. Currently growing winter lettuce. I also make our tea with organic products, including mint I grow myself. Plus I do food boards. My one for our Friday night game night was so much fun.

Another passion is Spanish! I am learning to speak Latino Spanish from a wonderful couple at our church. It’s a once a week meet and we have so much fun. ¿Dónde está el baño? – the most useful sentence you will ever learn. (Where is the bathroom?)

So, with all of that, I am engaged in a lot of creative things!


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Bubba and Squirt’s Mayan Adventure by Sherry Ellis
Now on audio!
Purchase the audio book on:
Audible / Amazon


What creative things do you do?

If you live anywhere near Lumberton, NC, we are having a massive author event at the mall there!



24 comments:

Pat Hatt said...

Lol yeah, i wouldn't go as far as have to stop myself, but I roll my eyes at vertical videos at least. Just why haha

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

You've got a lot of creative pursuits! I need to learn Spanish (definitely on my list). I avoid processed foods, too. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

That skeleton is cool.
Congratulations to Sherry!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Diane - congratulations to you and your publishing 'empire' ... love the spooky critter above. Spanish ... that phrase I'd need ... but have no skill with languages ... but I totally endorse your healthy thoughts - cheers Hilary

Nick Wilford said...

Love the spooky table layout! Photography seems to be a common habit among creatives. As a kid I took pictures everywhere I went, but it was frustrating for my parents who lost count of how many cameras I broke or misplaced. At concerts, I just want to snatch phones out of hands full stop though. Enjoy the moment!

Leigh Caron said...

Your creativity is definitely delicious! And I think you've discovered how to stretch time! I don't know how you do all that you do. I admire you.

H. R. Sinclair said...

I love cooking and gardening too. I love that you make your own tea!

Jennifer Lane said...

¡Hola, amiga! Hablo un poco Espanol, pero estoy sin practicar. Quiero mejorar mis habilidades lingüísticas. Espero que estés teniendo un buen día.

Loni Townsend said...

My daughter and I have been pushing to learn Spanish for the past couple of years. We're going on a trip to Costa Rica with her class in March. Despite me growing up with a mom who was fluent in Spanish and used to play translator for her grandmother, my Spanish skills are sorely lacking.

emaginette said...

When I see anyone doing the hold a phone vertically to record, it proves to me that not only is common sense a superpower but so is logic. hehehe

Anna from elements of emaginette

cleemckenzie said...

You're the second author who has photography as their other creative outlet. I admire those who can see just the right angle or the light.

Rebecca M. Douglass said...

It's funny that people will do vertical videos, but seldom think when taking stills to change it up and do a vertical instead of horizontal. I guess aside from portraits, which of course should be vertical. I enjoy photography too, though I'm not in the pro class. Still, people like my photo posts :)

Olga Godim said...

My mom always loved cooking and baking - to our great benefits. She doesn't do it anymore, alas. She is 91 and has trouble standing or walking. Her caretaker is cooking for her now.

Sarah Foster said...

People probably film vertically to post on TikTok.
All of your cooking and gardening accomplishments are so impressive!

Fundy Blue said...

I'm in awe of all that you do, Diane! You are one inspiring human being!

kimlajevardi.com said...

Sounds like creativity is bursting out of your pores.

Liz A. said...

I do not understand vertical videos (unless they're doing them for TikTok). You are very busy creatively.

Mary Aalgaard said...

Love your creative food board with the Halloween theme! I love food art. Great tip on cellphone pics. I also enjoy photography.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Jennifer, I caught half of that. LOL!

Loni, time for a refresher. The books we are using are EXCELLENT.

Sandra, yes you can.

Olga, I'm sorry.

Nancy Gideon said...

I totally agree with the love of digging in the dirt - though my garden both floral and herbal - are in patio containers. Nothing like the satisfaction of picking herbs for your morning omelet.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I would love to attend that book event. Good on you with the healthy eating. I made all our bread when my kids were growing up and we grew some vegetables but I never had the time to do it all like you are.

Steven Arellano Rose Jr. said...

That's really neat that you're making and eating healthier foods. I try to buy and eat organic as much as possible and consume other healthy foods, green tea for one.

I like the skeleton setup on the food table in that one photo!

Crystal Collier said...

I love it! Yo hablo espanol, pero, no muy bien.

I wish I could get on the health trend with making our own food -- lots of friends are and I have a dozen mentors to choose from. Maybe one day, when there's a little less chaos. (Haha.) Isn't it fun to see how our interests change over time?

I've been reminded recently how much I love singing in a choir. I've composed for and led them for ages, but just singing in one? It's been too long. Sightreading music just for the thrill of it, feeling the power of many voices coming together, carrying a section and helping them understand the music... Thank you, Christmas season, for the opporunity!

Sherry Ellis said...

Love all your creative outlets! Thanks for sharing about Mayan Adventure. If you have any information about signing up for author events in your area, let me know. I'm willing to travel your way to do them.