A Reflection

When I first registered for this class I thought I would gain a better understanding for what being academically gifted entailed. I understood the basics but I have never dove deeper into the meaning. I had only "scratched the surface" as they say. Over the past few weeks my understanding and views toward creativity have changed greatly. I now see past the superficial characteristics of being gifted and now realize that everyone can tap into their abilities to become creativity.

The creativity experiences we were asked to partake in certainly took me to places I had never been before. I was out of my comfort zone for most of them no doubt. Surprising the one task I enjoyed the most was the can transformation. Mostly because I didn't think could do it. I surprised myself even though my poor Pete still took some heat from those around me.

Overall I must say the product redo assignment was the most difficult for me. I felt that every item I thought of had been "redone" before and that my ideas seemed silly or obvious. I am quite a perfectionist so I struggled with a less than exciting idea. I felt my creativity failed me and I struggled with that. In the end I am still not pleased with my idea and I still think of other things I could have chosen instead. I was disappointed in myself because I had stretched so far before (while surprising myself) so to feel that I had failed was disheartening. I guess this assignment will "haunt me" for years to come (or until May 2013 when I graduate).

From here I hope to begin looking at the idea of being gifted in a different way. For goodness sakes, I do teach at a GT school (gifted and talented)! I should know better than to not assume every student has talents and gifts. I know realize that I should look beyond those characteristics we often see on the surface. As they say, "you cannot judge a book by its cover." I'd say that is absolutely right!

Pinterest = Awesome Creative Outlet

For my post this week I decided to highlight a new tool I have discovered that has greatly increased my ability to think outside of the box in my classroom.

As a teacher I am always looking for new and exciting way to reach students. This year my goal was to begin thinking more outside of the box. To begin this journey I began following several amazing teaching/classroom blogs. Before the school year began I already had several new innovative ideas I would have never been able to create on my own. One afternoon while catching up on one of my favorite blogs (The First Grade Parade) I stumbled upon a post that discussed a new website... Pinterest. It grabbed my attention so I checked into the sight. After requesting an invite I joined the site and learned what it was all about. I discovered this site was an excellent source for sharing and collecting ideas.

The main gist of the web-site's concept is that you can store and save ideas/inspiration found through the site or around the web easily. Here lies the concept of "pinning." When you find something you are interested in you "pin it" to a categorized board. When you need to go back to an idea all you have to do is click on the saved image and the site will direct you to the original source. For example, while browsing this week for "turkey cookie recipes" to use with our reading buddies on Tuesday, I found several ideas. I pinned them and when I was ready when back to my idea board (labeled classroom ideas) to find out more about the ingredients and recipes. I did not have to spend all day on the internet "googling it up" as I like to call it. It is almost as if others have done all the searching for you. Of course if you find an idea through a website or search that you like, you can pin them as well.

Overall Pinterest provides an amazing way to save and organize creative, thoughtful, and exciting ideas! In just a few months it has greatly impacted the "creative factor" in my classroom!

To begin using Pinterest please visit www.pinterest.com. You can request an invite there or you can let me know and I can invite you as well! Happy pinning!

Thinking Hats

The story of the tortoise and the hare is a classic. Through perseverance the tourtis succeeds. It is a lesson we can all learn from. This week we were challenged to create a list of questions we would ask these characters based on the "six thinking hats." This concept that once originated as a cooperate business tool, can help problem solve, brainstorm, and create.

The interview...

White Hat:
Hare - Tell us more about Why you choose to take a nap? Why not just sit by the road and watch instead?

Red Hat:
Hare - How emotions did you feel once you realized the Tortoise won the race?
Tortoise - Did you feel a sense of pride or surprise (or any other emotion) when you realized you beat the hare?

Black Hat:
Tortoise - What words of encouragement can you give those who do not have the courage to face their fears?

Yellow Hat:
Hare - Looking back from this experience, what can you take away. Any lessons learned?

Green Hat:
Tortoise - Given the chance do you think you would succeed in another race? What strategies would you use to stay ahead?

Blue Hat:
Tortoise and Hare- What will you tell your children, grandchildren about this story some day?

New and Improved

Purses... Every woman loves them but they aren't always as functional as they appear. As a new mom I struggled to get out the door with a car seat, diaper bag, and purse. Pretty soon I resorted to leaving my cute bags at home and began carrying my diaper bag like a purse. Since I like to consider myself "hip and young" it saddened me to have to say adios to the bags I loved so much. That being said I have devised a plan to make purses more functional and multifunctional. Below are my ideas...

1. Downsize...
Bulky bags are no beuno. They get in the way and are usually filled with unessasary pouches, pockets, and other "fluff." A diaper bag that also serves as a purse would be streamlined. Each compartment would have a purpose. A space for diapers, money, bottles, wipes, and cell phone.

2. Repurpose...
Most purses have huge zip style pockets on the outside. These pockets usually become collectors of old recipes. The new and improved purse would feature a zip out changing pad. This would eliminate the need for carrying one. This feature would also allow the purse to be more functional as well.

3. Durability...
Purses aren't always the most durable items. They can't just be tossed in the wash and they are not always easy to spot clean. My mommy friendly purse would totally be able to go through a cycle and drier without looking deflated or discolored!

4. Ease of use...
Remembering you are low on diapers can often put moms in tight spots. This purse would feature a reminder bell to let you know when you are running low on supplies in the designated locations that were mentioned earlier.

Although I am sure no purse like this will ever exsist I am sure that I can now use some of the tools and ideas found in Davis' text to begin utilizing my own diaper bag in a more useful and mom friendly way.

Reader's Theatre

At the beginning of the school year my class read the story about Pete The Cat. You may remember Pete from my can creation assignment. At first glance this story may just seem to be a story about color words. When you look further you quickly realize that the story has a deeper meaning... when life gets you down, you keep moving because it's alllll gooood!

Below is the reader's theatre for the story of Pete The Cat "Rocking my White Shoes."

Genre: Fiction
CULTURE: American (late 19th century)
THEME: Self Confidence and Colors
READERS: 8
READER AGES: 5 and up
LENGTH: 4 minutes
PREVIEW: Did Pete let it get him down? Goodness no!
ROLES: Gitar, Pete, Stawberries, Blueberries, Mud, Bucket of Water, Shoes (2)

Gitar: Pete likes to go to school.
Shoes 1: Pete loves his white shoes.
Gitar: He walks along singing this song.
Pete: I love my white shoes. I love my white shoes.
Strawberries: One day Pete steped in a pile of strawberries.
Gitar: What color did it turn his shoes?
Shoes 2: RED!
Gitar: Did Pete let that get him down?
Shoes 1: Goodness no!
Gitar: Pete just kept singing this song.
Pete: I love my red shoes, I love my red shoes.
Blueberries: The next day Pete steped in a pile of blueberries.
Gitar: What color did it turn his shoes?
Shoes 2 : BLUE!
Gitar: Did Pete let that get him down?
Shoes 1: Goodness no!
Gitar: Pete just kept singing this song.
Pete: I love my blue shoes. I love my blue shoes.
Mud: Then Pete steps in a big puddle of mud.
Gitar: What color did it turn his shoes?
Shoes 2: BROWN!
Gitar: Did Pete let that get him down?
Shoes 1: Goodness no!
Gitar: Pete just let singing this song.
Pete: I love my brown shoes. I love my brown shoes.
Water: The next day Pete steped in a bucket of water.
Gitar: What color did it turn his shoes?
Shoes 2: WHITE! But now they are all wet!
Gitar: Did Pete let that get him down?
Shoes 1: Goodness no!
Gitar: Pete just kept singing this song.
Pete: I love my wet shoes. I love my wet shoes.
Everyone together: Because it is all good!

Creativity in the Classroom

Finding the balance between allowing students opportunities to be creating and teaching the required curriculum can be difficult. It can be a stressful situation for any teacher! Currently I am in this predicament myself. This year our grade level has been asked to implement a new math program and text books. Before this program came to our school our kindergarten team was given the free range to create our own lesson plans that we felt met the standard course of study objectives we were teaching. This year we have felt very much like our ability to create has been taking away. This has been a difficult learning curve that we are still trying to work through. After reading the article by Adams it is clear that finding a balance between creativity and standards is a lot like trying to find a balance between using a text book verses not.

To be honest hearing what Adams had to say was just what I needed to hear this week. "Each type of learner is valuable (p. 59, 2007). Many times as teachers we often write off those students who are distracted as those who are having difficulty learning. Rather than pushing them to think deeper we take the easy road and allow them to complete basic assignments. Adams challenges us to create free thinkers who have "imaginative intelligence and are curious to discover what lies beyond the given boundaries (2007).

Another point I found enlightening from the reading this week was the part where Adams discusses how we must teach students HOW to be creative. Even though many students are truly gifted, creative thinkers, we are not all born this way (myself included). Adams states that "teacher behaviors influence creativity. Teachers that realize creativity is multidimensional, not an ability or personality trait, will nurture the concept within their classrooms (p. 60, 2007). It is time for us as teachers to stop believing this type of behavior will happen naturally on its own. We must begin facilitating it within our classrooms.

Providing opportunities for creativity in a classroom can be challenging. Finding the necessary time for these activities can be difficult in our already very busy schedules. However, if we begin making creative thinking a part of our daily routines (i.e. Daily 5 tasks, math talk, free writing/journal time, etc.) we may begin to see our students surprising themselves (and their teachers)!

Hard Work vs. Insight

This week we were posed this question from Davis, "In your own creative productivity (even if it is just writing term papers), how much of the final product is due to hard work, one or more sudden 'insights,' or some chance happenings or discoveries (p. 141, 2004)?"

At first thought I began thinking, "Of course it has to be mostly hard work! I did not get the brains of the family so I must work hard to compensate for my lack there of." But after thinking deeper into the true meaning of the question I had a glimmer of hope. Yes in fact, I realized, many of the projects I have been the most proud of are created from little insights and discoveries. Does this mean I may truly be creative? Oh boy I sure hope so!

When you think about research, term papers, group projects, etc. although hard work is certainly a huge component, sudden insights can certainly help you to turn something good into something great, A+ work (or in teacher language, a level 4).

I guess if I must break it down into terms Davis would like to see I would say the following equation is true (in my humble opinion):

50% hard work + 25% sudden insights + 25% chance discoveries = creative productivity

I have to admit, growing up a small town girl raised by a family tree full of working class full blooded Americans I appreciate hard work and how far it can take you. That effort combined with an extra spark of creative thinking can lead to some pretty amazing ideas!

Creative Scavenger Hunt: A Photo Journal

This past week our assignment was to complete a scavenger hunt. Looking in unexpected places we were to locate several key factors that can contibute to creativity. For the assignment I chose to hunt for creativity at the State Fair.

Legos are a very ordinary tool children have used for many years. Turning these legos into objects beyond your wildest dreams... amazing!


Next up is a great example of an art form that was certainly found in an unexpected place. In the middle of the State Fair is a building full of artwork created by children. This beautiful display can be found in the midst of crowds, rides, and fried deliciousness.


Each year the fair chooses a theme. This theme can be found throughout several competetions around the fair grounds. One particular competetion requires participates to turn a pumpkin into an object that represents the fair's theme. When I first saw this display I had to do a double take. Could have fooled me!


Everyone knows that fairs are famous for their fried goodies. Last year the Krispy Kream primered. I must say, after one bite I can be certain Shakespear would be inspired to write his next monolog!


Mozart was known for creating beautiful compositions that have greeted several bridal parties walking down the isle. Any of Mozart's seranades would be perfect background music for this spring garden inspired wedding reception.


I recently saw Celine Dion in an interview on Oprah. It is clear she is a lady that is all about her family. Her infertility story was very insirational. I admire her courage and her ability to maintain a strong family life while being successful. I too share Celine's feelings about her family. I think it is time for Celine to write a song about a daddy and his little girl. What a special relationship they share!


This sweet lady created the adorable sock monkey my daughter is now obsessed with. Her talent has brought many hours of happiess into our lives. After asking a few questions I learned that Ms. Leniavell has been sharing her talent at the fair longer than I have been alive. She started quilting as a girl and now shares her creations with thousands of fair goers each year. I did not get a picture with this sweet lady but I did find one on The Village of Yesteryear's website. Here is a link to her picture. http://www.villageofyesteryear.org/LeniavellTrivette.html

Seraching for creativity at the State Fair was a lot easier than I expected. Who knew such talent could be found in an atmosphere where greasy food smells fill the air. Now if I just had another excuse to go back...

Personality Traits of Creative People

This week's readings are interesting and insightful. I found it very intriguing to learn more about specific personality traits that can be used to describe those who are creative. I also found the information about birth order to be fascinating as well. Although I am still struggling to consider myself a creative person I did identify with several of the characteristics (both positive and negative) and birth order implications.

In our text Table 5.2 describes "Categories of Recurrent Personality Traits of Creative People." After careful examination of the list I most identified with #3 - Independent. As an only child I like to think of myself as a very independent individual. I enjoy time by myself and I feel confident doing tasks on my own. In fact, I would much rather do something myself than ask for help or have someone do it for me. Some of these characteristics that I identified with most are: prefers working alone, strong willed, self-directed, self-organized. It is very curious to me how many of the characteristics that are used to describe someone who is independent describe me in my job but not in my personal life. For example, within my job I am very confident. I am also assertive. I wish that I could be as confident, calm, cool under pressure, and decisive in my personal life as I am as a teacher. I wonder what that must mean about my ability to be creative...

As far as birth order goes I have to say I am not surprised by what I read. It wasn't a shock to discover that most politicians and those with highly regarded professions were first born or only children. It makes sense. Unfortunately was never one of those only children with a IQ through the roof. I did however have an eye on me at all times. I remember saying during arguments with my parents as a teenager, "If I only had a brother you wouldn't think I was so bad." I think this type of attention can have both a positive and negative impact on only children or first borns. It truly is a perfect catch 22 scenario. On one hand it is wonderful to be the only apple in someone's eye. On the other hand it can be stressful to always feel the pressure of meeting someone's expectations.

Regardless of birth order I like to think I have creative characteristics within me. Although I may not be the most creative person on the planet I am a little creative and that is better than not being creative at all.

Mid Semester Check In

It is hard to believe the semester is half way over. Then again I have always said that when you are a teacher life seems to move faster. There are just not enough hours in the day.

Throughout this semester I feel I have already learned more than I ever would have expected about fostering creativity in the classroom. I have to admit, coming into this class as a "reading strand" student was a bit nerve wracking. Even with my experience at a gifted and talented magnet school I still felt out of my comfort zone. Regardless I am beginning to feel more comfortable with the subject.

Overall I have enjoyed diving deeper into the theories and trends of creative education. As a former psych major in college I enjoy learning about how our mind works and the research behind these ideas! I hope that I can begin to implement these schools of thought into my own classroom.

This class has also opened my eyes to realize that in order to foster creativity we must first believe that we too can be creative. Although that sounds so obvious once you admit it to yourself, it is can be very difficult. How can we expect our students to think outside of the box if we never do?

And lastly, while we are being honest, I have to admit... one of my fondest moments from the class so far has been learning more about Odyssey of the Mind. For years I have seen this class listed on the elective choice forms for my students. It wasn't until this class that I learned about all that OM offers students. Embarrassing to admit... yes. Learning more so that I can now support and encourage students... priceless!

This course is allowing me to not only think outside of the box, it is also allowing me to think outside of my comfort zone. Two things I need to practice. And for this teacher I hope practice makes (almost) perfect!

Theories of Creativity: An Interpretation

These days you can find almost anything on the internet. Between social media, Google, and message boards there is a ton of information just waiting to be found. This week our assignment was to find examples of various theory of creativity in the media.

Rank's Creative type combines living life to the fullest while being aware that life should not be taken for granted. James Dean was a young actor most known for living a short life. In this interview Dean speaks about how even he (known for playing rebel type characters) is cautious on the road.


Jung represents a type of creative person that is both perceptive and judgmental. The reality show Survivor is based on perceptions. Those judgments make or break a contestants' time spent on the island. This clip shows the cast giving their "first empressions" of each other.


Jung's premodial type reminds me of heroes and heroins found throughout literature. One particular piece of greek methology comes to mind... The Oddyseey.



Torrance’s creative type describes several characteristics that were often identified in children. The following blog post uses images and a beautiful poem to describe his work.
http://flowandshow.blogspot.com/2010/03/manifesto-for-children-e-paul-torrance.html


Mental Happenings can happen in an instant. They can also happen over a significant amount of time. I am a huge fan of photography. Secretly I envy those who can take amazing pictures. This website features 10 of the most famous candid shots. They may not really be the most famous but they are 10 of the most shocking/gripping pictures I have ever seen.
http://wickedreport.com/top-10-world-most-famous-photos-ever/

When I was in high school there was a band called Blur. They wrote a song that was just a short two minutes in length. I can't remembe the name of the song, but to create a song that was exactly two minutes in length must have taken some sort of mental happening.


Thomas Edison created over 10,000 prototypes of the lightbulb before he created one that worked. How must he have felt when number 10,001 worked!



J.K. Rowling is the mastermind behind the world of Harry Potter. This spring I saw her in an interview with Oprah describing how she created the concept during a train ride. While most people are catching up on the daily news or gossip Ms. Rowling created a multi-million dollar idea. That is a mental happening at its best.

A Can AKA Pete the Cat

This week our assignment was to transform a can into something. Sounds simple right? Not so much for this teacher! So instead of harping over what to do I went straight to my creative team... my kindergarten class!

This past week we have been learning about colors. To help us we enlisted the help of Pete the Cat, the amazing character from author Eric Litwin. Pete tells a great story with an even better message... no matter what you step in or go through in life, it's all good! My students have embraced Pete and adopted him as our class mascot for the year. So when it came time to help Mrs. Parks turn her can into something (in a question I posed to them during morning meeting) there unanimous suggestion was PETE!

After we determined what my can would transform into, my students helped me brainstorm how we could do that. The obvious first step would be to paint the can blue. From there I would needed a cat whiskers, eyes, mouth, and ears. In Writer's Workshop we have been learning that we can use shapes to draw pictures. My students suggested I also use shapes to cut out these features. {I must admit... I am glad they suggested that! Although I am trying so hard to be a role model for students by embracing my own creativity my abilities to cut out cat features using scissors and construction paper is lacking.}

Even though I used simple shapes to create these features, I must admit... my Pete looks a bit abstract and that folks is "all good...!"

Before...


After...


** Please excuse my embarrassing use of scotch tape. In the excitement of bringing fun school supplies home from work I over looked my need for Elmer's glue. **

Living life to the... Full Blastest (if that is even a word)

Before reading the article The Creative Personality by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (quick say it three times as fast as you can...) my outlook on life was to "life life to the fullest." I now hope to take the "full blast" approach of living life, as our author describes it (p. 1, 1996). These ten amazingly creative individuals also take the same approach to living. When I grow up I hope to be half (heck who am I kidding... a fourth) of the person these people are!

1. Creative people have a great deal of physical energy but are also quite at rest.
When I think about this particular creative personality I can't help but imagine a country singer (and for this purpose I will imagine my favorite country star, Kenny Chesney). Musicians who perform on a daily basis have an amazing energy about them. At the same time they also have an incredible ability to rest and chill out while writing the next great love song.

2. Creative people tend to be smart yet naive at the same time.
Although my husband is not a celebrity (although he is a star in my eyes!) he certainly fits this description. He is a super smart guy but even with all those brains he can still find a way to fall for the easiest tricks in the book. I won't throw him under the bus just yet... just trust me on this one.

3. Creative people combine playfulness and discipline, or responsibility and irresponsibility.
Lots of movie stars come to mind when this trait is described. Celebrities as a whole tend to live this type of life style. While they are very disciplined in developing their craft they are notorious for partying so hard they end up on the cover of the latest US Weekly.

4. Creative people alternate between imagination and fantasy, and a rooted sense of reality.
The person who developed the first reality show was the king (or queen) of this philosophy. If you don't believe me just flip through the channels on any given night. Reality TV is everywhere!

5. Creative people tend to be both introverted and extroverted at the same time.
Johnny Depp comes to mind when I think of this description. He seems like the quietest, most shy guy when you see him on interviews or in magazines. It is hard to believe he can transform into the eccentric, out there characters he is best known for (Edward Scissor Hands, Jack Sparrow, The Mad Hatter).

6. Creative people are humble and proud at the same time.
My favorite team of all time is the New York Yankees. I have been in love with them since my grandmother first told me about listening to their games on the radio as a child. Anyhow I digress... Derek Jeter is my absolute favorite player. Believe it or not it has nothing to do with his devilish good looks but everything to do with his amazing, Hubble attitude. At the same time he is proud of his hard work and he gives back to his community encouraging kids to reach their up most potential no matter their circumstances. Jeter is an amazing role model and even better ball player.

7. Creative people, to an extent, escape rigid gender role stereotyping.
Hilary Clinton, Bev Perdue... both women who became "the first women" to do their jobs. It takes a lot of creativity to accomplish such a task... that and a ton of courage!

8. Creative people are both rebellious and creative.
Lindsey Lohan anyone? Successful actress... seriously rebellious.

9. Most creative people are very passionate about their work, yet they can be extremely objective about it as well.
The Microsoft giant, Bill Gates, comes to mind when I think about this characteristic. Imagine the hard work, determination, and objectivity that had to in place in order to create the empire he has created?!

10. Creative people's openness and sensitivity often exposes them to suffering and pain, yet also to a great deal of enjoyment.
Once again my mind goes to the great country singer. This time I think of Johnny Cash. Pain and suffering can be found throughout many of his songs but think of the enjoyment he must have had throughout his life (post the drugs and June of course).

Idea Squelchers, The Education Edition

When I was in undergrad I daydreamed about what it would be like to realize my dream of becoming a teacher. Unfortunately a semester of student teaching quickly helped me face reality. Teaching was far from what I expected (in both positive and negative ways). The last five years of my career have literally changed my life. I love my job but I must say there are certainly aspects of the classroom that can really take the fun out of teaching. Here are my top six "Idea Squelchers" in Schools...

1. But that is not politically correct.
We have all heard this statement, especially come Christmas time. It is frustrating to me that I must discuss how others from around the world celebrate the holidays while I feverishly remember to not dare mention the word Christmas. To avoid this my kindergarten team has resorted to focusing on winter themes rather than holidays because it is just easier to plan a unit integrating gingerbread men and snow flakes than it is to avoid stepping on anyone's toes.

2. There is just no money in our budget this year.
Although my mama always told me... "money isn't everything" it sure doesn't hurt. Not in a marriage and most certainly not in a classroom.

3. I have always done it that way...
If I had a dollar for every time one of my ex teammates said this to me I would have a lot of dollars! Just because you did something your students enjoyed once doesn't mean it is the end all be all in the world of teaching. Teaching should be about sharing ideas and developing old ones to consistently improve your lesson plans. Let's face it... in teaching there is really no such thing as a truly original idea!

4. No matter what I do they will never learn.
This one is just plan ridiculous. Every child may not be able to learn at the same rate but they can learn and they will if they have a teacher who believes in them. What is the saying... "if you shoot for the moon you will land among the stars?" Pretty powerful motto for a classroom teacher don't you think?

5. That sounds too complicated for a _____ year old student.
As a kindergarten teacher I have heard this remark several times throughout my career. It always baffles me how educators can be their students' worst enemies. Have faith in children. They have the determination I only wish I could have half of the time.

6. I did not see that on the Standard Course of Study.
Just because something isn't listed on a profile card doesn't mean we cannot integrate it into our current lesson plans. Making learning interesting and fun is half the battle. Sicking to scripted text book lessons can take the fun out of learning. It can also take the fun out of teaching!

Idea squelchers can really such the life out of teaching (and life for that matter!). As educators we must look past these as we trug along offering our students our very best. As I write this list I have to chuckle. You see in the first seven days of school I have already heard five out of six on my list. The only reason I have not heard number six yet... today was our first official day of kindergarten and we didn't get too far past how to line up to go to the bathroom.

"Child Like" Creativity

Children are wonderful sources of inspiration. In my classroom I am reminded daily that children certainly do not "sweat the small stuff." I am also reminded as a parent of a nine month old that determination and a strong will can get you almost anywhere you want to go. It is with that sense of inocence creativity begins.

Those who can be regarded as the greatest inventors of our time embodied these child like characteristics. They found humor in their mistakes, they made discoveries on accident, and they had will power that could rival that of any two year old temper tantrum. "Countless inventions and discoveries are accidential" (Davis, p. 11, 2004). Just imagine the first person who took the first bite of a tomato. Every thing about a tomato warns someone not to eat it, it is bright red for goodness sakes! Some brave sole way back when found the courage, perhaps during a foolish dare, to take the first bite! Spagetti sauce would have never been the same!

Having a sense of humor has never hurt anyone... well that is unless you don't count the person at the end of a bad joke. When I think about how having a sense of humor can help promote creativity I can't help but think of the line from Jimmy Buffett's tune that says, "If we couldn't laught we would all go insane..." Why yes Mr. Buffett I believe we would and I am sure the millions of inventors out there would too. Without finding humor in their mishaps, failures, and success they would have probably given up.

Once again, having a child like sense of living fosters creativity, happiness, and life! I only hope I can approach life with as much excitement and wonderment as I begin to make my own discoveries.