When my daughter Bea was a little girl, she found a seed in a seedless Satsuma, and planted it in a paper cup. Our little Satsuma tree has lived on our kitchen windowsill for years now, as a reminder that with a little faith, anything can grow. Creativity is like that too.
Sometimes we see beauty in the ordinary.
Or, upon reflection, we take the ordinary and transform it.
Sometimes inspiration comes to us in a flood.
Sometimes in a flash.
Or even in hindsight.
More often, it comes in disguise.
Or as a creative response to something we feel passionate about.
Perhaps we are inspired by another artist…as in Bea’s sculpture, The Ice Scream.
I love working with a creative team…
Sometimes it’s a process.
…but the end result is worth it.
However it comes to you, wherever you find your inspiration, you are never too young…
Or too old….
…To fly with it!
May all your ideas and inspirations be fruitful!
All images and words Copyright 2012 Naomi Baltuck
Click here for more interpretations of A Word a Week Photographic Challenge.
Writing Between the Lines 
Totally wonderful! I won’t pick a favorite, but . . . the Ice Scream tickled my punny bone . . . Thanks!
Thanks, Mary. This was a really fun one to put together.
Lol. Loved your picture and your words of wisdom. 🙂
Thanks, C.C.! Just having a bit of fun.
Beautifully interpreted in true, creative, Baltuck style 🙂 Love every one of your images, but the ice scream and that pink haired little monkey are particularly endearing.
Thank you, Madhu!
I love the flamenco dancer! I mean, I love the whole post, but there is something mysterious and magical in the flamenco culture. It calls to me. Great post, Naomi!
Thanks, Katie! It was an older woman–she must have been at least 65, although her hair was dyed black. But when she started dancing, she was wild and free, as if she had brought into her art all the passion and fire she had accrued over her lifetime, and her age was an asset rather than a detriment.
Bravo! What a beautiful post!
Thank you, Shimon.
Such nice words to go with your pictures. 🙂 I love the first one–looking at just the shadow, it’s the world at your fingertips. Also, the ice scream made me giggle. And I definitely want the “fly with it” feeling!
Thank you, Jeannette. It is always interesting to me to see which photos people like best. I really, really love your articulation of the first photo!
Your post created a lovely moment to be in on a Saturday afternoon. Thank youl, Naomi!
Dear Mary,
Thank you! With your music and your storytelling, I know that you are brimming with creativity. We listened to “Idle road” recently, and sent good thoughts your way.
What a wonderful post Naomi! Ice Scream is my favorite! 🙂
Thank you, Annika! That one made me smile too.
Your posts always give me a “wow” feeling, Naomi. I love all the photos and the Satsuma story.
Thank you, Laura! Sometimes our children are the best teachers! They are too young to understand “can’t.”
So true, Naomi!
Very cool!
What fun these are to look at. Truly fantastic.
Thank you, Nae! So glad you felt up to a visit. Sending you hugs through the blogosphere.
Great piece you created. Loved this. Loved the series with the rock. Loved the Ice Scream 🙂 , loved the last fruitful shot. Great post Naomi.
Thank you, Lynne!
Very fun and very true. There are some breathtaking photos here, but I have to say the displaced head is my favourite. 🙂
Mine too. It was a standing stone circle in Killarney, and we didn’t mean to be irreverent, but we had such a silly good time–we even pulled my husband into the silliness–that particular photo will always be one of my favorites. Thanks so much for your visit, and for taking the time to comment.
Loved the images and the prose melded together like this! Very fun to read and got me feeling inspired. 🙂
Thank you, Kourtney!
A love sequence of photos, and I must tell you . . . we own those same glasses. 😉
~ Cara
Funny! I went through the post again trying to figure out which pair of glasses or sunglasses you wear, and then I realized you must mean the drinking glass. You have great taste, Cara. That photo was taken in the cafe at the Eva Peron Museum in Buenos Aires!
Ha! I wondered if I should clarify, or chosen my words better. Oh my . . . well, then maybe they only “look” similar; because, as far as I know we have not been to Buenos Aires, nor have we had glassware shipped from there. Either way, lovely glassware!
Hi Cara, there’s no reason to believe you didn’t order your glassware from the same place. Ours is a global economy these days.
Fun. Funny, And wise. Nice post! Thank you, Naomi. 😉
Thank you, Jamie. My last child just graduated high school. I either have to keep luring them along on our travels, or see if I can’t jolly my husband into posing for more of my fun shots. I was surprised that he played along, and actually photographed that last shot in the standing stone circle (while Bea kept watch for other tourists).
What a playful way you’ve responded to the challenge. Love the photos. 😉
Thank you, Elizabeth. It was fun to put together.
Wow. Just love every fun and happy image in this post. How amazing a generous heart and a creative mind can make. Beautiful post. Thanks.
Thank you so much for your generous comments. I appreciate the visit.
such a good energy in your photo stream. enjoyed.
Thank you, Dorothee. We have a lot of fun. I appreciate your visit.
PS: looking through your blog post again, and how you transformed the creativity challenge into photos i think your post would be a great addition to the upcoming language/place blog carnival – the theme ist “Translation – in all forms”. here’s the main page: http://www.blueprintreview.de/lap
Thank you. I’ll check it out. I appreciate your thinking of it, and passing that information on.
I want an “Absolutely LOVE Button!” Like doesn’t even come close.
-Nikki
Dear Nikki,
You just made my day! Thanks so much for making me smile.
Thank you so much for stopping by and for listing this post on your blog. That is such a kindness!
What a wonderful, imaginative response to the challenge! Truly creative!
Thank you, Carol. Sometimes it’s hard to find enough time to keep up with all the weekly blogging challenges, but this one was too good to pass up!
They all are really amazing and cool.
Iloved the ones where you are working in team with your family, Sure the result is worth it!
Also, the second photo of the flamenco dancer is stunning.
WIshing you a great week Naomi.!
Thank you, Pablo! You have a great week, too!
Great photos! Love the one with the head 😀
Thanks, Samir!
As usual Naomi, you guide us on a spectacular journey through the heart of imagination and creativity while ensuring that we have one foot in what is the most important of all–love and family. Your marriage of words and images really show that how we deal with the everyday is what truly generates greatness. Thanks for your wonderful blog. It is a place I visit I need a smile that reaches deep.
Dear Sabrina, coming from you especially, this is a high compliment, as I have a great respect for your sharp powers of observation, your ability to see straight into the heart of the subject, and your eloquence in addressing the same. I so look forward to reading your novella! Thank you again for your visit and your thoughtful comments.
Hi,
What great photos, so much fun, I love the photo with the head on the rock, brilliant. 😀
Thank you, Mags. That little photo session was the high point of our trip to Ireland!
I adore this post, Naomi. The words and pictures have moved me. Thank you.
Thank you, Jessica.
beautiful pictures and words! I especially love the first few!
Thank you so much!
That post has left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Thank you for the uplift 🙂
Dear Sarah, thank you for stopping by!
Fantastic montage, Naomi!
Loved the sentiment – the words so apt with the photos.
Ice Scream – too funny.
Thanks, mj. Just having a little fun!
This is so funny and very well composed. I absolutely love it!
Thank you, Anette. I really appreciate the visit!
Thumbs up 🙂
Hi Jake, thank you for stopping by.
Love it!!! thank you for giving me a big smile 🙂
You just gave me one, Beth. Thanks for your visit, and for the lovely comment!
Love the excitement and fun of your pictures in this post. Thank you for visiting my blog.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
I really enjoyed visiting, and I appreciate your stopping by. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Looks like a lot of fun was had by all! Love the snowman, too!
That was a hoot! We don’t get snow too often in Seattle, so when we do, we make the most of it. Thanks so much for your visit!
Love the dancer!!! Beautiful!
Thank you, Ripley, and thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment. Have fun in New York!
Thanks!! Continued success!
The photo of the glass pulled me in. Then the rocks – OMG. Cracked me up. Fruitful? Thank you. And thank you for stopping by my blog.
Dear First and Fabulous, the pleasure was mine! I really appreciate your stopping by, and taking the time to comment. I look forward to more visits to your blog, too!
I really enjoyed the variety of ways you expressed the theme! Thanks for stopping by my site – nice to meet you!
Hi Cathy,
I am delighted to have met you. Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment.
LOVED this, Naomi! Very fun!
Thank you!
Although she must have been 65….uh… i’m up for that, yet my hair hasn’t been coloured yet either…. so what? What does your process mean? I am not old. I am adventurous! What about YOU/
I guess what I’m saying, Tess, is that age doesn’t matter. She was so sensual, so magnificent, she had stepped out of time! Anyone can do that if they have the spirit, and yours is a fiery one, Tess. I can ‘hear’ it in your voice.
Lovely post. Thank you for the visit BTW.
Definitely my pleasure!
Sush an enjoyable post, Naomi. Love the humour in your pics. That 12th pic is priceless. 😉
Thank you, AD. Our faces were sore from laughing after that photo session!
Wonderfully woven post!
Thank you. Fun to do!
such a creative, funny gallery!
my favorite “sculptures”:
those actions with the stone!
Thank you, Frizz! (And thank you for a wonderful reason to revisit Ireland.)
what a wonderful post! ^^ such fun photos. thanks for sharing them
Hi kz,
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your very generous thoughts. So good to hear from you!
Pre 2012 I was always envious of other people’s creativity. 2013 forward I am planning to be inspired by it. You’ve inspired me. 🙂
I enjoyed the gallery of photos you have here. Filled with effervescence and bursting with so much energy and life. That is the essence of ‘create’ as you very well know. Perfect. This made me smile today.
Dear Myra,
Thanks so much. Your smile made me smile.
Dear Naomi:
So nice and funny your pictures and so clever your words! I love your post!
Fabulously creative post!
This is way too creative, Naomi! Love every single one of them. Thank you for making me laugh!
Thanks so much for your generous response, and for stopping by, Amy.
I love the way you can weave thoughts together with so many diverse pictures. I love the creative rock pictures! Amazing! 🙂