in a surrounding of talent, i feel solely inadequate ...

been ages ... 'bout time.

we'll talk about talent today ... not necessarily, my own personal talent, 'cause i just don't see much in myself ... but the talent of my friends, my family, those people in my circle ... which by it's very nature, is a small circle.

but i know some talented people, which in turn, can have the nice little effect of rubbing off on me ... well, maybe not rubbing off on me, but i do get to brush by it from time to time.

i am fortunate in knowing people who are musicians, painters, sculptors, writers of all sorts, photographers ... and that is just the so-called creative types ... there are also the hard workers in the industrial arts, such as welders, drivers, heavy equipment operators ... all these folks have varied interests, yes, but they do inspire me at different times ... they make me thankful that i have such an assortment of talent surrounding me.

there is no greater joy in my life, outside of my children, than being allowed into my friends' creative circles ... whether it is hanging with my friend josh and his bandmates, listening as they work out new songs for their setlist, or reviewing another's photographs and being asked for my critique, it is so nice to be included.

sure, my friends value my 'creativity' from time to time, and that is nice, but i much more so enjoy them ... i enjoy where their ideas and creative flow comes from, for it is always from a place much different than my own ... i am inspired by them ... at times, some tell i inspire them.

but perhaps that is what trying to create is all about ... gaining and growing from the products of others' creative spirit ... our own personal flow can become muddled sometimes, yes, but i can always count on my circle of close people to provide a spark of genius.

peace.