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Creating Ourselves

When I was 15, I thought I had the most mundane life imaginable. Stuck in the boring, outer borough of Queens, when I longed to be in Manhattan, I wondered if I’d ever find a path to creativity. What I didn’t appreciate at the time was my Mom’s commitment to acquaint her children with the cultural bonanza of New York City, even if it was a bus and train ride away. Our family outings included theater, museums and the symphony. Thanks to her influence, I’ve managed to construct a life with outlets for creative expression. How do you express yourself?

Spot by Jean Jullien and Anaick Moriceau

Discussion

14 comments for “Creating Ourselves”

  1. Petra says:

    Well, Wendy, cooking for one! (and, actually, for ONE, since I split up with my boyfriend a few weeks ago). Sometimes I follow a recipe and sometimes I do a “cook with what you have” thing–a bit more extemporaneous.

    Another way I express myself is with the written word–blogging (I’ve been working on my personal musings blog and I’ll return to the food blog in May).

    Also, entertaining. Creative menus, creative conversations, creative guests.

    • Petra says:

      I might add that I have been writing up a storm in emails/letters to friends.

      And I made homemade marshmallows!

      • wendy says:

        I’ve often thought about making marshmallows. Is it hard? And how are you using the marshmallows?

        • Petra says:

          Funny, I am actually avoiding most sugar (and white flour, potatoes, and rice) right now, but I was just interested in seeing if I could make them. They are actually fairly simple and I got to use not only my KitchenAid stand mixer (otherwise it’d be darn near impossible), but also the candy thermometer I bought, oh, five years ago. 🙂

          I gave some away. I want to try to make flavored ones next time!

    • wendy says:

      You split up? It always sounded like the perfect relationship. How are you doing?

      • Petra says:

        I’m doing reasonably well. The distance (2 hour drive) ultimately did us in, although we’d been drifting apart for a few months. I’m using this as a springboard to work on self-improvement. Indeed, a retired guy at the gym remarked on how healthy I looked (and he meant “healthy” not “fat”).

        • wendy says:

          I’m sure you have so many projects to keep you occupied. Be kind to yourself.

          • Petra says:

            Thanks, Wendy. Indeed, I’m reconnecting with friends (my weekends are my own again!), including hiking tomorrow, followed by lunch with my crew. And I’m back to blogging on my musings blog (because my writing skills had atrophied, I need to practice again). It’s been great fun and I am rediscovering my love for the written word.

          • wendy says:

            Writing is a muscle that needs to be flexed.

  2. Leyla says:

    I do nail art and I sing in a choir. You can follow me on instagram at bunnaloo87

    And what do you mean experiencing new york even if it was a train ride away? That’s convenient! Public transit does not exist where I live and the nearest movie theater is a 30 minute drive for me!

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