I looeked it up. It’s called a “closed-eye visual.” Basically, it’s phenomenon that causes us to see abstract colors and shapes when our eyes are closed or we’re in the dark. Apparently, everyone sees something different. I tried to make a visual representation of what I see:

I love pop music. Britney’s new album, “Circus” is actually pretty darn good. All things considered. The songs are well written for her, which is 90% of it. Catchy hooks and edgy production!

There’s one interesting song called “If U Seek Amy.” I was listening intently to the lyrics trying to figure out who this “Amy” person was, or if it was a euphemism for something else… Well upon closer inspection (and a little googling, the answer  was found. “If U Seek Amy” when sung, sounds an awful lot like “F. U. C. K. Me”! After the feeling of being completely duped, it sank in - how brilliant! As offensive as the actual phrase is, the song has no implications that it’s about anything other than a night out on the town. Brilliant! I wish I had thought of it.

In this day where we’re constantly seeking for the next novelty on the radio waves, songs like “I Kissed a Girl” and “U + Ur Hand” color us that addicting shade of blush. I’m not saying it’s right, but it’s certainly what we want. “If U Seek Amy” is the next adventure in taboo and loopholes. I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Ok so it’s true… Every year we (Houston) has a major weather event like a hurrcane or tropical storm, we get SNOW! People always joke about how it never snows down here but let me tell you this: We have it good!! We don’t even have to shovel it or drive on it really, but once every 5 years or so, we can enjoy its beauty gently falling to the ground. So I think I’ll make me some hachacklet and enjoy the flurries! MERRY CHRISTMAS SUCKAS!

I’ve been watching a lot of 30 Rock as of late and it’s taught me a handful of life lessons…

My favorite so far : “Live every week like it’s Shark Week.”

Watch out, life, here I come.

Korey, Me and Clint

Korey is Clark Kent, and I’m Bruce Wayne and we’re in a committed relationship. Get it? Clint is Heath Ledger’s Joker. But we think he looks like Reba.

So halloween night was fun, even if it ended with me having had way too much beverage. Tequila + Apple Pucker + Champagne + Tanqueray = Carwash. Don’t ask.

I love house parties. Especially ones where I don’t seem to know anybody. I remember bits and pieces of Friday night… I remember telling someone I was an expert in Marine Biology, and how paisley was based on the same basic pentagonic cellular structure of sea urchins. Then I remember asking a black guy if his hair was real… then when it wasn’t, I believe I started wearing it. Yes, it was a night of debauchery and just-too-muchery. Well at least I didn’t end up in the emergency room like last year.

I was jogging yesterday and a song by John Reuben came on called “Thank You.” I’ve had this song on my iPod for years but for some reason, this time, I listened more intently to the lyrics. This line stood out:

“I really know there’s nothing new under the sun, but yet I want to do it like it’s never been done.”

It started my mind spinning… There are only 4 colors, 7 notes, 10 digits, 3 dimensions, 26 letters… What limitations! As creative people, we are challenged with finding new ways to create within these limitations. How can we “push the envelope” or “think outside the box” when our limits are are so defined? We struggle to find originality within ourselves and so often is the outcome tainted by our knowledge of the already-created. Sometimes I feel like originality is the art of camouflaging someone else’s idea; Taking what already exists and twisting it beyond recognition. Is this a form of originality?

Last night’s American Idol featured songs from the Lennon-McCartney songbook. These former Beatles are praised so highly for their contribution to music and songwriting. Of course, their songs have lasted decades and will probably continue to stand the test of time. That said, what is it that makes their compositions so steadfast? They were also confined to the “7 notes” limit. (7 notes and 5 semi-tones). That magic combination of wordplay and melodic surprise, conjuring emotion and provoking imagination.

So that’s the secret - using the knowledge of our limitations to our advantage. Knowing that we have 7 notes, one language and 3.5 minutes to make a smash hit… 4 colors and a square canvas to make a masterpiece… 10 digits and 26 letters to assign a unique license plate! In all aspects of our daily lives, we are called to be unique; to stand out. Our employers value it in us, and our employees rely on it. For some, it comes naturally. For many others, it’s a constant battle. Humans have been making music, painting, creating languages for thousands of years. Will we eventually arrive at a point where it’s all been done? Will there ever come a day where originality becomes synonymous with reinvention? I guess the next question is… is that such a bad thing?

You know the feeling. Nothing can come close to the way you feel when you bite into what you call your “comfort food.” You’ve had a long day, received some sad news, argued with someone close to you… and all you want is your comfort food. We know that in this crazy world of fleeting relationships and overwhelming choices, there is at least this one thing that will always stay the same. Comfort food grounds us, in a way, and reminds us that there are some things out there that won’t betray us.

That said, I’m hungry.

Yesterday, I experienced what I like to call an “off day” with a client of mine. It was simply a day where creativity, energy and motivation were at a low. It happens. It’s happened with most every client I’ve worked with. It’s a part of the process.

Creativity is a funny thing. It can wake you up in the middle of the night, pounding on your brain to take initiative… or it can be an elusive foe, hiding just beyond reach. You can force it, often with so-so results. You can even fake it, again with a lackluster outcome. One thing is for sure - you can’t ignore it. You must take advantage of it.

So what do we do on a day where crativity chooses to take a vacation? We quit! That’s right. Turn your focus somewhere else. If you start to feel like you’re beating your head against a wall and nothing you do is coming out right, move on. Go somewhere else and do something you want to do. Something you know won’t be taxing on the brain. I guarantee that in a few hours time, creativity will come out of hiding and dance in front of you.

P.S. The same is true with motivation and energy. Quick fixes for these? Respectively: procrastination and caffeine.

What’s with MTV? I just saw about 8 episodes of “Next.” Their perverse twist on dating reality TV is not only boring but vulgar, juvenile and all-around distasteful. So why did I watch 8 epsodes in a row?