Day 173: Imagine all the people...

In Bath today it is snowing. When I was a kid I used to LOVE snow, but now, I kinda just find it annoying. I have to walk to work in it, so when I get there I'll be drenched and because I work at a cinema, it'll be so busy with everyone escaping the weather!

But, you know what? There are people in the world that live for most of the year with snow, so who am I to complain when I have it for one day? There are people in the world that never see snow, so who am I to take it for granted?

This got me thinking about the news. The snow is all over the news at the moment; problems on the roads, schools shutting, snowed in towns...I wonder how the people affected by those things are feeling. What are they doing about it? How are they coping?

This is my task for you today. Watch the news. Take a person from a story and try and imagine what they're going through. How did they find out? What were they doing? How has their life changed...?

We can do so much with our imaginations...all we need is a spark!

Day 172: Elf Yourself!

In the lead up to Christmas, what better way to pass the time than turn yourself into an elf!

My housemate Alice spent her day doing exactly that (whilst avoiding Uni work!) You HAVE to watch the video she created. It's hilarious, but I don't want to build it up too much!

Please, please make one with your friends and family (follow the link above). Alice said she made one with her nan in; that I definitely want to see!

So, be creative, have a bit of fun and get into the festive spirit!

Day 171: Nick Horby

Nick Hornby is a world famous writer. He's written, amongst others, Fever Pitch and About a boy. Both of these have been made into films too, so I'd say he's up there with the greats!

As a creative person whose in the lime light, Nick Hornby is going into schools in London to help pupils with their literacy skills and encouraging them to love reading and writing, just like he does. I don't know if you've watched the news recently, but the government aren't happy with spelling, grammar etc, so Nick Hornby and some other writers have decided to do something about it.

For Nick Hornby, the most important thing in the project is, 'humour, intrigue and creativity.' You can find out more about his project here.

Nick Hornby is taking his creative skills and using them to create change. How great is that!

I don't know about you, but this really inspires me to use my skills to help people too. Creative skills are just as important as maths or science. People love to get creative in lots of different ways and it makes people happy!

What creative skills do you enjoy using? Nick Hornby obviously enjoys creating stories, so that's what he's using to help people.

What do you care about? Nick Hornby obviously cares about reading and writing, so that's what he's focusing on, using his skills to do it.

What could you do with what your skills...?

Day 170: Making Music

I feel like I haven't written about music for a while, so I searched the web and found this. It's called Making Music and it does exactly what it says on the tin!

 If you are looking for musical things going on, then see what they've got to offer you.Whether it's singing, learning instruments or getting involved with like-minded musicians...they can help you out and find you a place. Click here to search in your area. You can even add events yourself!

There's also stuff about the Cultural Olympiad. There are loads of creative things going on in the lead up to the Olympics 2012. They want everyone to get involved, so if music is your thing, check out what you can do to get in on the action. I'll keep you posted on other Olympics related creative things for you to get stuck into...watch this space!

So, be inspired and get musical...

Day 169: World Beach project

Do you fancy yourself as a installation artist?

Want like working with natural materials like stone?

Do you want to get involved in bigger things?

Well, if there's a yes in there, I've found the perfect project for you!

It's called, The world beach project. I found out about it on the V&A website (an museum in London). The project is open to anyone, any age, anywhere in the world! Basically, it wants everyone to get involved in making art with stones from the beach, just like this one:

Find out more about the project and see what has already been done.

So get creating and get involved!

Day 168: Joshua Bell on the subway in N.Y.

Joshua Bell is a world famous violinist. He composes music and has performed all over the world. He's also done movie soundtracks and even been on Sesame Street!

But at 7.51am on 12th January, he played for 45 minutes on the New York Subway. Wanna know how much he made for his world famous playing as a busker? $32! Over 1000 people past him and how many do you think stopped to listen, watch, admire?

Watch this video to see what happened:



Isn't it crazy to think someone as creatively talented as Joshua Bell was ignored on the Tube? How do you react to busker? I know I would probably do exactly the same thing as they all did, but why?

This all got me thinking about being creative...Do I, as a creative person, support the creative work of others? Surely we need to stick together, right?

The other day I told you I went to an open mic-night, which was heaps of fun and gave me loads of inspiration and momentum for my own creative work, so it would seem that supporting each other helps us along too (creatively speaking). Maybe it's time we became more active in our support of creative thinkers!

What's going on in your area, at your school/college, or even out on the streets? How could you support them? I don't mean with money necessarily, but what could you do to encourage those who are doing similar things to you? Could you do more? Maybe you could make a pact...I'll go to yours if you come to mine...?

Something to think about...

Day 167: Marcus Sedgwick, Malorie Blackman and Gemma Malley...

Want to be inspired by real writers?

Want to get creative ideas from those who are really doing it?

Today you can listen to Marcus Sedgwick, Malorie Blackman and Gemma Malley (3 fantastic authors) talk about writing for young people. It's on Open Book, BBC Radio Four at 4pm! If you've missed it, see if it's on BBC iplayer too.

Check it out. I know I will...