O is for Observe

  I think creative types see more, perhaps we tune in differently, using more of our senses. I think we all can observe more, pay attention to the details. Details are gold when you write poems, stories, they sharpen the focus a bit and paint our characters without saying collector, nature lover, and other titles.  When we show what they have in a scene, we access and formulate this person, based on the observations given.  I'm reading a book, called  "Courage and Craft". It is about journaling n' writing; observing the view in different ways.  There are many exercises;one involves observing and writing about the view out a window in your home, every day. You can journal this and progressively see the seasonal changes and how your view changes.

This photos is a store downtown that recently closed.  This is a before photo, now what remains are the antique bones instilled with memories of busier days.  The white draws you see were not allowed to be removed. This was part of the building,considered by the historical society was to remain intact.  This particular owner chose to use the draws to hold homemade candles. The store had a folk whimsy feel when you walked in. Homemade felted items, aprons and essential oils, soaps and candles. I did buy some of the ocean scented candles, they were bright blue and smelled fresh like sea air, with a touch of sea heather. There was a lot crammed in this little space, but it worked. Jewelry and cards from local artisans also wove their magic. I asked her if I could decorate her window; It is the calling card to your shop. It invites one to come in or remain the window shopper. She turned me down; I tried. I use to decorate windows and do displays. I still kind of do, ;-D  Sometimes when I go into certain stores, I put together a look and leave it in a key spot.  I was caught once in a thrift shop, by the owner.  She said, "It's okay, I like it; leave it  right where it is".  I was embarrassed, but it didn't stop me. When I returned to her shop, she said, "You can make another display, anytime you like. We sold that one 15 minutes after you left". I in turn asked for a job, but it was a new business and she said, they didn't need any help at this time. I also had just had my last child and was super busy.  So I on occasion indulged my creativity, setting out outfits.

I still dream of doing the bookstore window downtown or the wine cellar. I think I might need to be a more frequent shopper. ;-D  I have visions of the bookstore window, using words n' paper, but so far all that is in there is a ladder wrought iron shelf, with different featured books every month.   It's okay, but is is April. One could hang a clothes line with book titles. A rainy scene could work umbrellas with yellow slickers, rubber boots with silk or real flowers in them and mobiles with large written words raining down. (in whatever font she wanted) An umbrella upside down could hold the latest features.  I need my own shop!