Once again spot on! here is what happened on our “unstructured” Saturday. As see-saws are a thing of the past. My son came up with the idea to put a really long thick stick through a low lying v-shaped tree trunk. VOLIA an instant see-saw. Later, on the same tree he found and L-shaped stick and hung it over another branch and made a stick swing. Finally (on the same tree) he found two long sticks, he leaned up against the tree. He laid shorter sticks across in an attempt to make a ladder.

Love this post, Heather. So, so true. I get my ideas on long walks too. To tell you the truth, that’s half the reason why I wanted a dog again—so I’d have to take long walks every single day!

Heather — “…make space for our own thoughts, dreams and ideas. Some information is good, but too much can drown out our own voice. We need to leave room for IDEAS.”

I resonate with your observation to my very core!

You asked, “What prompts your best ideas and creativity?

I pulled a sentence from a post I wrote in March 2010 that speaks to my thoughts on space: “…space for transformation to occur; space to find new direction.”

As a minimalist, space is like a compass for me — it points me in the right (and WRITE) direction.

It follows that allowing kids to be kids (giving them plenty of playtime) is valid advice for adults, as well. Glad you took time to recharge your batteries, Heather.

I suspect that many people who are constantly busy, constantly socializing, constantly doing something, anything, do so because they are afraid to spend time alone to get to know themselves. Or they’ve done that, and don’t like what they discover.

We could use about six more inches of snow here in southern MN so I can get out and uncover a great story idea while cross-country skiing, too.

What a good idea. You’re very resourceful, Heather. Luckily for my writing, I don’t have distractions like little children who need my attention. Plus, I can’t put a coherent thought together before 9 am, so I’d never try writing then anyway. I can certainly write at 10 PM, however.

It’s definitely harder to disconnect while on vacation because it’s so easy to stay connected, given that the internet is nearly ubiquitous. I disconnect at least once a year up in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern MN. Lots of loons and other critters–moose, otters, eagles, deer, beaver, grouse, owls at night, the very rare encounter with a bear. Cell phones don’t work, plus it’s pure wilderness, no electricity, running water, conveniences, etc. You carry your gear on your back over portages between lakes, and paddle your way to your destination.

The best feature in the BWCA is the near absolute quiet one can get on certain days and certain times. Occasionally the birds are still, no frogs or crickets talking, no wind, no other humans within miles of you, as quiet as is possible in the open air. Magical.

Good luck with your book, Heather!

My first priority is myself. Keeping me in as good a shape as possible in all ways. Then comes family, mainly my wife of course (no children). Then writing. I get a pretty steady 12-15 hours per week of writing done. But during the golf season, golf creeps up the priority list enough that I might not get those 12 hours in. What can I say? I’m addicted to the silly game.

I agree with youwholeheartedly, but am curious how you prevent your childrens grades from being affected by the no homework prohibition. Have you actually convinced their teachers to not send homework home?

I’m a Mon-Fri. long lunch hour writer. Usually from around 10-2. For some reason I can’t bring myself to do any writing on weekends. Ocassionally I’ll get an idea and write some in the evening, but midday seems to work fairly well so far.

I also have to write outside of my house–usually at a coffee shop or the library–because there are too many distractions at home (self-made, unfortunately)–and making the trip downtown and buying a cup of coffee commits me to actually writing, not goofing around. It’s almost as if I’m paying a certain small price for the privilege of writing, so I make it worth the expense to write. Oh well, it works for me.

Chris

I’m a playwright and mother of a toddler. I write when I can at this point. I know my writing would improve with daily and/or habitual practice, but it is what it is for now. The upside is that when I do have free time and creative energy at the same time, writing feels like such a treat!

I found your blog through Mark Rigney (I am a former student of Diane’s). I’m eager to read your parenting book! I love and abide by the title!