Creative Fire

Lately, I've thought of the many people whose creative fires burn, bringing warmth and meaning to the world even in the depths of mid-winter's chill.  The flames of creative fires cause them to do great things: the actor who stretches himself to try comedy, the vocalist who learns a complicated musical piece, the painter who explores new media for self-expression, the photographer who sees things through a new lens, the dancer who is weary from practice but emboldened to perform, the writer who finds voice in a new way of experiencing words.  Without those creative fires, who would we be as people?  We all have gifts of creativity, talents that allow us to express ourselves in ways that are unique to us.  I think of my friend Kitty whose visits always include a sharing of her latest magnificent projects.  From quilting to looming to painting to constructing, Kitty's hands burn with a creative fire.  My fires might appear tepid to another's, but I feel them nonetheless.  Here's to the artist in us all, whether instrumentalist, textile artist, baker or composer.  In the still darkness of mid-winter, may we let our lights shine.