tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post7696821151618027229..comments2024-03-14T05:57:19.066-07:00Comments on Pure and Simple: CAN IMAGINARY FRIENDS HELP US CREATIVELY?Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-72664371830642609602012-07-01T01:24:46.593-07:002012-07-01T01:24:46.593-07:00Not sure I had any imaginary friends. I used to e...Not sure I had any imaginary friends. I used to explore the undersea in my mother's broken down Desoto that sat gathering summer dust in our driveway. We also used to fly it to outer space and to imaginary lands with dinosaurs.<br /><br />As an adult, I imagined myself fathering myself when I was a child, it helped me to understand the value my father failed to encourage and nurture. It was a real cool and liberating epiphany of sorts to have done so. I think it was freeing.<br /><br />The whole imagination friend thing is genius for developing characters for fiction. Cheers!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-86660672642052190772011-12-07T11:38:15.779-08:002011-12-07T11:38:15.779-08:00Cowgirl Red – There are times when art creates the...Cowgirl Red – There are times when art creates the artist, don’t you think? This psychic world (complete with its own characters) can become more real than the outer realm… Scary, isn’t it? I remember years ago when writing a novel, the characters seemed as factual as friends and family. And in fact, they took up so much of my time that my energies were spent on them, to the exclusion of outer world friends sometimes. Finding balance can be a difficult thing.Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-34163341573053122792011-12-07T11:10:41.334-08:002011-12-07T11:10:41.334-08:00Laura – I’ve wondered when someone was going to me...Laura – I’ve wondered when someone was going to mention that: the potential danger I could have been in :-( Such a risk would be unimaginable in today’s world, aye? Your thoughts are so very much appreciated, especially the part about the wandering around being a source of creativity for you. Be it wandering around in nature or wandering around in our inner world, it is indeed the exploration that stirs those creative juices.Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-85338532529761362272011-12-07T07:00:01.440-08:002011-12-07T07:00:01.440-08:00I love your writing. Thanks for visiting my blog ...I love your writing. Thanks for visiting my blog too! I've had imaginary friends in my adult life . More of the psychic variety. You inspire me to explore that a little. TerahCowgirl Redhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12160437957571621884noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-17207890487091510082011-12-07T05:38:17.135-08:002011-12-07T05:38:17.135-08:00Debra this was such an engaging read! Although it ...Debra this was such an engaging read! Although it could have been potentially dangerous (I'm thinking like a mom for a moment) to just drop by Monique's house and then roam the streets as a kid...that wandering allowed you some time to be alone with your thoughts, to explore your inner world in the real world. And wow, talk about character development! (Hers and yours!) I can totally see the benefit of an imagination as vivid as yours for a writer, for an artist of any kind. For me, it has never been the imaginary friend thing that made my creative juices flow...but the wandering around, particularly in nature and a great deal of solitude have nurtured my creative spirit. <br /><br />I'm so glad you dropped by from Kristen's and I am very pleased to meet you:-)Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15349928247626849914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-59878254496920207472011-12-06T13:42:18.597-08:002011-12-06T13:42:18.597-08:00Jessica – Wonder where your daughter met Mr. Furne...Jessica – Wonder where your daughter met Mr. Furner Man ;-) And where did he go? Did he just up and drive away in his red truck? <br />It is great when kids have this much imagination, and it’s equally great when we adults manage to hold on to what we once had as children. As Wallace Stevens said,<br /><br />Within its vital boundary, in the mind.<br />We say God and the imagination are one...<br />How high that highest candle lights the dark. <br /><br />Out of this same light, out of the central mind,<br />We make a dwelling in the evening air,<br />In which being there together is enough.Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-28283242657353894032011-12-06T11:04:43.415-08:002011-12-06T11:04:43.415-08:00I honestly never had an imaginary friend, but alwa...I honestly never had an imaginary friend, but always wished I did! My daughter has had an imaginary friend...she used to call him "Mr Furner Man"..not sure where her idea came from! It was actually kind of weird ;) She used to say, oh, Mr Furner Man is here, he's in his red truck! I'd look, and nobody would be there. She used to say that he was sitting in the car with us, etc. <br /><br />I think it's great when kids are that creative!Jessica Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02450820269367184046noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-76462054466998940552011-12-05T14:28:06.737-08:002011-12-05T14:28:06.737-08:00Brenda – Me either; I don’t know where I’d be with...Brenda – Me either; I don’t know where I’d be without these imaginary friends. In fact, this very post they’re expounded upon since I first published it. Sometimes we call them our muse. Whatever their names are, they rule and reign over the creative side of our brain; apparently right brain inhabitants, yes? Today I contemplated exactly how I might engage them in a little left brain activity, like helping me organize a manuscript I’ve begun. But alas, there seems to be nobody home (like at Monique’s house ;-) Where do I get help with organizational skills? Ever encountered that problem?Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-19848762213457548742011-12-05T12:45:15.264-08:002011-12-05T12:45:15.264-08:00Debbie – I’m expecting to read a story written by ...Debbie – I’m expecting to read a story written by your imaginary friend. Seriously. Wild imaginations mean only one thing: a creative spirit. You know, I ponder sometimes how certain people are so successful with their writing. Stephen King, for instance, must have an army of these make-believe friends. And though I’m not much of a romance writer fan, I have to wonder about the imagination of someone like, say Daniel Steel, don’t you? Wonder where these characters come from… unless they come from within the heart and soul of the author.Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-35152898401969669152011-12-05T12:37:41.609-08:002011-12-05T12:37:41.609-08:00Kriti – Are you a teacher? Because if you aren’t, ...Kriti – Are you a teacher? Because if you aren’t, you must have missed your call ;-) If you once taught the alphabet to imaginary students, that’s a sure indication of a call to teach, wouldn’t you say? But then again, maybe it signified a call to write, which you are doing beautifully! Please write that story sometimes. So precious!Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-10447552641254427192011-12-05T10:14:11.107-08:002011-12-05T10:14:11.107-08:00I don't know where I'd be without them to ...I don't know where I'd be without them to be honest. I suppose when I am writing they are there with me making suggestions, encouraging me. I don't really think about it, but if I stop and question myself it feels as if there is something inside of me spurring me onwards. Debra, I so enjoy how you make us confess our secret writer secrets. I am glad to know there are others out there like me, well not exactly like me, but have similar quirks.Brendahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08425528423649700111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-47948015291582494912011-12-05T06:44:58.816-08:002011-12-05T06:44:58.816-08:00As always Debra, LOVED it!!
I am probably one of...As always Debra, LOVED it!! <br /><br />I am probably one of the most creative (creative thinkers) I know in a sense I can dream up the wildest things and often or not I've been seen trying to make it, live it or whatever.<br /><br />But I never had an imaginary friend, OH! I wanted one. I'd look for one everywhere(turns red)silly me I used to think that an imaginary friend was like a fairy, so I'd search all the bushes around my house, neighborhood. Com'on that's the perfect place to find an imaginary friend. Isn't it? Nope I was completely off track with that one. <br /><br />Needless to say, it wasn't until I was old(er) like older. That I finally found my imaginary friend. I talk to her often, and get this, she talks back, but she sounds alot like me. Hmmm come to think of it, darn that wasn't an imaginary friend. It was me (again) talking and HA! answering myself .... againAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16972739790941695481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-28789101536433758312011-12-05T03:46:17.266-08:002011-12-05T03:46:17.266-08:00Debra that the sweetest story I have heard in a lo...Debra that the sweetest story I have heard in a long long time. I had imaginary student (pillars) when I was a kid. I would discipline them and teach them alphabets all afternoon. Makes me blush now but thanks for bringing the memory back : )Kritihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06827714509776261027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-76246098417377597662011-12-04T14:31:04.838-08:002011-12-04T14:31:04.838-08:00Lynne – You know, we need to be more like that as ...Lynne – You know, we need to be more like that as adults, don’t we? The more encultured we become growing up, the more imagination we lose – not to mention the sense of wonder that seems to disappear with adulthood. When you and your best friend created miniature worlds, you were in touch with that divine realm. I’m working now on finding that child I once was. What about you?Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-16311936665766766852011-12-04T12:56:07.456-08:002011-12-04T12:56:07.456-08:00Well, I didn't have an imaginary friend but al...Well, I didn't have an imaginary friend but along with my best friend we did create an imaginary world of little people with names and adventures etc. we carried the little people (really little game pieces) out of a boxed game around, exchanged them back and forth. Really, I'd forgotten all about it. Don't kids just have the best imaginations?Lynne Wattshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02788918458763274157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-67259406660922038512011-12-04T12:48:41.763-08:002011-12-04T12:48:41.763-08:00Muriel – Thanks! I’m following you on both NB and ...Muriel – Thanks! I’m following you on both NB and Google Friend. Now, about that imaginary friend…you have one already. Who is your protagonist in the novel? Male or female, THAT is your imaginary friend. When I was writing a novel, my main character, Eleanor, took over and I felt I was merely taking dictation ;-) She ran the show. As mystical as it sounds, there is that creative part of us that transcends our limited reason and rational thinking. I’d advise you to let the characters lead you, especially the protagonist. See how it plays out and get back with me.Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-84765616379959073292011-12-04T08:48:22.041-08:002011-12-04T08:48:22.041-08:00Hi Debra! thanks for your kind comment on my blog ...Hi Debra! thanks for your kind comment on my blog and I am your latest follower. An imaginary friend would be exactly what I need right now...I don't seem to be able to progress the draft of my novel! Could I borrow you Monique for a while?<br />I used to call my secret diary the name of an imaginary friend. But I grew up...Murielhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07669453005443249990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-61194667584361872112011-12-02T12:48:26.005-08:002011-12-02T12:48:26.005-08:00Brynne – Thank you for making my day brighter. I c...Brynne – Thank you for making my day brighter. I can’t help but notice that you have an extraordinary gift for helping others see happiness and wonder all around. I love my trips to your magic kingdom, way better than Disney’s! Wish me inspiration on this book I’m contemplating writing. It’s about childlike believing. So far the only title I’ve thought of is, Childlike Believing… the path to the kingdom (or something like that). Do you have any ideas? Please help me brain storm. The stories are in the vein of “Imaginary Friends…” but are not about just that. Mainly it's about becoming, once again, the child we once were. Like Simba's father told him to do.Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-54204752858575761862011-12-02T12:36:33.230-08:002011-12-02T12:36:33.230-08:00Sulekkha – with that many kids to play with, who n...Sulekkha – with that many kids to play with, who needs an imaginary friend? <br />I have an idea of what you can do now to have company while the children and husband are away. Make up a character and write a short story or start on a novel. Trust me on this, a main character can take up a LOT of your time. Can you introduce her (or him) to your readers sometime soon, and let us know how it’s working out? You have such an imagination that this project might be loads of fun for you ;-)Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-50421413270915511912011-12-02T06:13:59.227-08:002011-12-02T06:13:59.227-08:00Oh, Debra...how is it possible to love you even mo...Oh, Debra...how is it possible to love you even more? But I do...with each and every post. Oh, goodness, do I ever. Thank you, my soul sister, for sharing yourSelf with the world, with all of us, with me:)Brynnehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10532335722560588063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-82972012753856508392011-12-01T20:24:16.251-08:002011-12-01T20:24:16.251-08:00Debra, loved your post, as usual :) I didn't h...Debra, loved your post, as usual :) I didn't have an imaginary friend because we were four brothers and sisters and we had our cousins living with us, they were three of them. So you can imagine how crowded and full of noise our house must have been. We played, laughed cried together and there was no time to think of anybody else. Now that I sit alone at home, with both my kids off to college and my husband away on his outstation tours, I feel the need for a friend in my head. The quiet demands I talk to a friend and discuss my hopes and fears. Thank you for such an amazing post.sulekkhahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06022718430683943561noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-38522884885574918472011-12-01T12:50:37.687-08:002011-12-01T12:50:37.687-08:00Mel, exactly! We must not become their puppets ;...Mel, exactly! We must not become their puppets ;-) Let them know who’s boss! Don't BECOME them. <br /> I had such a mischievous character once that she made me nervous:-( <br />Peace and Joy!Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-50861989584035132862011-12-01T12:12:30.664-08:002011-12-01T12:12:30.664-08:00Absolutely and if you write fiction, you have imag...Absolutely and if you write fiction, you have imaginary friends already :) My characters taunt, torment, and speak to me about what they are going to do next :) So long as we keep them in check and don't let them become alternate personalities, I think we are okay ;)<br /><br />Blessings,<br />Mel<br />Please feel free to stop by: <a href="http://melindatodd.com" rel="nofollow">Trailing After God</a>Melhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00410114935534301370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-1879455707099528512011-11-30T18:27:44.145-08:002011-11-30T18:27:44.145-08:00Cathy – How many personas does it take to write a ...Cathy – How many personas does it take to write a novel? A good fiction writer needs lots of (imaginary) friends in high places, and several in low places too. And yes they are real. You know you’re a writer if you find yourself in the grocery store by the canned pineapples, asking if your protagonist would prefer Del Monte or Dole. Or if you discuss issues in your story (out loud) while washing dishes or dusting… and your son-in-law walks in, then later asks your daughter if her mother is crazy because she talks to herself :-(Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-56022560328035182692011-11-30T18:13:44.407-08:002011-11-30T18:13:44.407-08:00Linda – Just wanted to let you know that tonight I...Linda – Just wanted to let you know that tonight I met with my Earthette Club and told them your story about Joey’s imaginary mom. Wild and funny! We went on with scenarios for awhile on what an imaginary mom would look like ;-)Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.com