Research in Disguise

Sitting at my computer one day, I made a discovery. I've become downright boring.

Shocking, isn't it? Chained to my desk for hours on end, I'd stopped experiencing real life.

I mulled over the problem. Could I pick up some long-neglected hobby or start a new one? Here's what I decided:

1) I came across an adorable crochet pattern for a baby cap. A quick ride to Walmart, and viola! I was ready to resume crocheting. Where I would get the time remained a mystery.

2) I took time out of my online surfing, and went outside. Oh yeah, smell the roses and all that nature stuff. Hmm, a nice 4X4 raised garden bed might be fun.

3) I spent more time with family and friends, even traveling on a non-holiday. Gasp!

The strange thing about all this activity and gadding about? It gave me more material for my writing. As I soaked up the great outdoors, crocheted my little fingers to the bone, and hung out with people, ideas popped quicker than microwave popcorn. The sights and sounds of farmers markets, growing veggies for our table, and seeing yarn turn into cute baby gifts nurtured my creativity.

To write about real life, we have to live it. It's really research in disguise.

What nurtures your creativity?