He's Not Buying It!!!

Tonight I got into a discussion with a longtime friend, who happens to have become a family member through marriage, regarding the validity / invalidity and purpose of blogs. What drives one to write a blog? I can’t speak for others but for me, as I mentioned in my first blog, it’s an opportunity to explore myself creatively using a modern canvas. He said that I must be looking for validation of some sort; yet IF I were to receive a sign of validation, it would likely be from some uneducated joe-shmo from the backwoods proving to be unworthy anyway. His argument was that if I were not looking for some sort of validation then I would simply write in a journal but I choose to share my writings with some abyss of strangers, that can’t write in the first place, spewing words of inexperience on mundane subjects, with the hopes of achieving 15 mins. of fame or a chance to win a job as a columnist for the LA Times. I don’t agree. I honestly don’t feel that I’m seeking or need validation from anyone. It’s just a portal for me to express something I have repressed for so long, which again, is my creative spirit. In my “creative room” I have paints, pastels, chalks and beautiful white canvases ready to be fused into an expression of my thoughts. However, this is often hindered by my own belief that I am not a painter but more of a doodler, so I compromise within myself by calling these tiny pieces of art “doodles on canvas”. I’ve shared my doodles on various websites for the sole purposes of sharing. I don’t expect anything in return nor am I hoping for some sideways applause. It’s just a piece of me that I’ve chosen to unveil, to free, to escape the safety of my comfort zone. In doing this, I believe I grow. Historically, there have been many people that have thrown perfection to the wind and disregarded the criticism of those that don’t buy in to their creativity. James Whitcomb Riley, an uneducated man, became one of the most popular American writers and poets of the 19th century. His writings were imperfect but possessed the charm of a simpler life. Saraphine Louis was thought to be of unsound mind yet she was the creator of exceptional works of art which met with great success in 1927; yet a sad story followed that was interesting enough to be made into a recent movie, “Seraphine”. In 1976, Russell Simmons stood behind a new style of music called Rap that many thought would make a quick exit but instead has paved a path of creativity from some of the poorest corners of the world. Millions of people did not “buy in” to the ideas of these individuals, millions still don't but that didn’t stop their creative spirits.
Back to my blog; though it may not be perfect, it may not even have focus at this time but it is a place that I can explore and grow. Once I hit that button to publish, I feel that I’ve peeled a piece of “me” away and I’m one step closer to revealing something new and exciting. It’s up to you if you choose to share in the experience or not. It honestly makes no difference to me. Just the fact that I’m not hiding my thoughts away as I have in the past is enough for me. He’s not buying it!! That’s okay with me. I respect his opinion and value his educated advice but guess what… I won’t allow it to hinder my creative growth. He’s not buying it but I am and that’s what truly matters.