I hope everyone had a great fall break week. I took advantage of the slight slowdown in my work to take a trip out west, my first since before my wife died. Many of the spots and attractions reminded me of her, but not at all bitterly; I was reminded of all the great times we had.
The trip was built around a visit to Las Vegas with my sister Nicole and cousin Lori, and their husbands Tracey and Bill. Nicole always wanted to see Barry Manilow in concert, and I thought it sounded like a lot of fun, which it was.

Earlier in the week, I met and hiked with long-time friend Scott AndersEn, who wanted to hike a trail near Sedona, Arizona that neither of us had ever seen. It was a great trail.
Scott has been making short videos for social media called, “Thoughts from the Trail.” On this occasion, he invited me to be his guest speaker from the trail, so I happily contributed what I hope was wisdom.
The topic for the morning on the trail was “The Creative Process.”
“It’s a process I endeavor to master every day,” I posited.
“The creative process is always with you,” I added, “and the most important thing is: don’t be afraid of the creative process. There is a way to keep the creative process fresh, and that’s by setting aside the things you are afraid of.”
Scott then recorded the two of us in a Q&A moment.
“What are some of the ways you inspire yourself and get your juices flowing so that you can get the creative process started?” Scott asked.
“I like to set the technology aside,” I answered. “I especially like to set television and music aside, and let it be quiet. I often get that from walking my dogs. So I just switch modes, getting away from the laptop, getting away from the phone, and just being more organic. You know what that also includes? Pen or pencil and paper.”
We had an amazing hike, and at the end back at the cars, he made us peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
So, what helps YOU with the creative process? I would love to hear.
