“Just as water must run from a faucet for a while to be crystal-clear, cool and free of particles, so thought must flow before it becomes creative.”
— Michael Michalko, The Creative Thinking Habits of Thomas Edison

The Gift in Being Multi-Present
By Chris Dunmire, Publisher

This month, I’m honored to be the chosen interviewee in Molly Anderson-Childers’ ongoing Creative Careers in the Arts series. In one question Molly asked me, “Do you find that a gift from the Muses always comes with a price you must pay?” In which I responded, “We have choices about where we will spend our time and energy, not only in our creative endeavors, but in all areas of our life.”

To that I’d like to add: We can also choose how present we are within these unfolding moments while engaged creatively, when we're at work, with friends, in the garden, driving, fishing, talking, listening... just by tuning in and paying closer attention to what’s going on before us and within us. Yes, being more present to our experiences will enrich our human experience, deepen our relationships, and give more meaning to our lives.

Introducing Imagineer Michael Michalko
I'm happy to introduce our newest Author Series contributor, Michael Michalko, one of the "most highly-acclaimed creativity experts in the world" and author of the best-selling book Thinkertoys. Michael has provided speeches, workshops, and seminars around the world on fostering creative thinking. Learn more about his work at www.creativethinking.net.

Michael's first article on the Creativity Portal is The Creative Thinking Habits of Thomas Edison. Welcome, Michael!

Chris Dunmire
Creative Director and Publisher

Creative Careers in the Arts Interviews
Interview with Web Publisher Chris Dunmire
By Molly Anderson-Childers
In addition to managing the Creativity Portal Web site, Chris spends her days teaching art workshops for kids, coaching creative souls in need of support, and freelance graphic designing for a select handful of clients. Learn more about Chris' work, projects, and thoughts on creativity in this exclusive Creative Careers in the Arts interview.

Creativity Cookies
Chunky Nut Questions
By Dan Goodwin
How to find answers within your own presupposing questions when you're feeling stuck creatively, wondering what to do next.

Art of the Song Creativity Corner
Mistakes
By Maria Mikhailas
Perhaps a mistake is the only way that our creative psyche can birth something radically fresh outside our narrow box of acceptable material.

Culture of Creativity
By Michelle James
If you are leading or managing a work team tasked with "being creative" these are a few practices you can use to establish a creative working culture and get the ball rolling.

The Creative Thinking Habits of Thomas Edison
By Michael Michalko
Edison's work methods reveal that the true keys to unlocking creativity are learned traits — namely perseverance and an open-minded approach to learning.

Cinnamon Dough: How to Make Scented Ornaments for All Seasons
By Jessica Ackerman
Learn the easy recipe for making cinnamon dough for scented pinwheels, cinnamon bear ornaments, and cinnamon scented stars.

Creative Photo Inspiration: Strawberry Pictures
By Cynthia Staples
On being present and experiencing a moment as fully as possible.

Market Your Own Jewelry Making Kits
By Gloria-Jean Browne
Many people would love to make their own bead jewelry project but feel they do not have the talent nor creative skills to design and make them on their own.