I am a huge fan of Judy Blume’s work; I think I made that clear in my recent blog, Wanted: Creative Ways to Engage America’s Youth in Reading. I don’t remember the first time I learned that her books had fallen victim to censorship where, in some cases, they were placed on restricted shelves in libraries and, in others, they were banned altogether, but I was appalled. 

Many of her books deal with topics that I was interested in as a teenager ranging from menstruation and masturbation to death and sex. However, it was precisely these themes that caused the censors to get their panties in a bunch.

In the introduction of Places I Never Meant to Be, Ms. Blume cites examples of censorship in relation to her books and those of other authors. The cases range from “the mother who admitted she’d cut two pages out of Then Again, Maybe I Won’t rather than allow her almost thirteen-year-old son to read about wet dreams,” to Florida, junior high school teacher Gloria Pipkin who faced censorship of books such as To Kill A Mockingbird and The Great Gatsby, among others, and “fought a five-year battle, jeopardizing her job and personal safety (she and the reporter covering the story received death threats) to help reinstate books.”

When she completed Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, Ms. Blume gave copies to her children’s school. However, she writes “…the books never reached the shelves. The male principal decided on his own that they were inappropriate for elementary school readers because of the discussion of menstruation (never mind how many fifth – and sixth – grade girls already had their periods.)”

Does censorship serve any purpose? Is it just wrong? Or is it good for works to be censored? Does it make them more intriguing and thereby, more sought after or does it seriously limit the potential reach of the works? 

I vividly remember reading Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret and although some of the menstruation techniques were out-dated, the book made me feel a sense of connection that went beyond my menstruation curiosity. I was simply elated that there was someone out there who finally understood what it meant to be a teenage girl and wasn’t afraid to talk frankly about it.

What if all the authors you loved were suddenly banned? What would you do?

Censorship limits art, creativity and growth. It is angel of death to ideas. Don’t get me wrong, there have been radio reporter comments, artwork, books, magazine articles, newspaper op-eds and more that I have objected to because I did not agree with the opinions put forth. I may have even uttered the sentence, “That person shouldn’t be allowed to spew that crap.” I’ve worried about the impact of words or images, especially those of hate, on people, particularly on young people, but I can honestly say that I’ve still never agreed with censorship.

Our country was founded on the belief that we should be free to speak our mind although the recent climate in America hasn’t always fostered or upheld that idea. This is apparent in the media where key pieces of information have been edited from our news coverage or in cases where people lost jobs over comments made when their behavior warranted discussion and serious debate prior to such action. These factors have contributed to the rise in popularity of blogging and other forms of Internet communication.

To my mind, we are a society at-risk of losing basic conversational and valuable debate skills. So often there is a jump to the extreme – censorship – instead of a questioning and debating of the issues on the page, on the television, on the radio, or on our dinner tables. Differing opinions and controversial issues are cause for inquiry; shouldn’t we be allowed to question? The things that we read, see, and hear that give us pause and invite us to examine our own beliefs help us to grow.  Shouldn’t we be encouraging younger generations to engage in questioning and debate of that which stands in opposition to their ideas? 

I recently wrote an article for a magazine which will appear later this year and as I wrote it, I was forced to question my understanding of racial issues, including stereotypes, as I scrutinized some of my personal experiences. Without trying to pander to any particular group of people, I struggled to find a way to tell my truth in a manner that would not be considered offensive. As I write this, I stop for a moment to consider whether or not I ever worried that if I did not chose the right word or string of words, I would be edited or censored. However, after much thought, I do not think that entered into my writing process. Instead, I think it had to do with tone. An angry or overly aggressive tone can sometimes turn people off thereby causing them to lose the meat or main message of the piece. I wanted my message and thoughts on the racial tensions and prejudices that I have faced to be heard with open minds and then, hopefully, discussed. Without discussions, without a sharing of opinions we agree with and those that we don’t, those that support us and those that challenge us, we are like plants without water. We won’t grow and eventually we will sink into a rut and slip away.

Whether it is a revolutionary business idea or a new art concept, we need people’s unique takes on life. If we don’t want to hear, see, or read it, we have the freedom to make the choice not to and, if we have young children, we can restrict them from seeing it until we know they are old enough to understand. My daughter in incredibly young so there is much that she may not understand now but when she is older I will share as many works as I can with her, including controversial ones, and it is my hope that at that time we will be able to have discussions where I teach her and she teaches me. I sincerely hope I remain open-minded as I grow older.

If we continue to censor people, we will end up with a society that speaks about nothing of interest. Younger generations will be unable to compete on a global stage as they will lack the ability to comprehend and debate challenging views. Organizations such as the National Coalition Against Censorship are working hard to make sure people’s voices are not silenced. Should we all be helping to do that in our homes, classrooms, board rooms, playgrounds and various other gathering places?

When have you worried about what you said, did or created? Did you overcome it? Do you agree with censorship in any form? Do you think there are certain places where censorship is acceptable? Or do you think it should be unacceptable across the board?

A man once told me a story I couldn’t believe.

“When I met my wife, I was young. I had aspirations of being a painter,” he said.  “Then, I saw her work. She wasn’t trying to be a painter; she had other dreams. She simply painted for fun and it was incredible. Her work was so brilliant that I decided to never paint again.” The man is now in his seventies; he hasn’t picked up a paintbrush in over fifty years.

This not only stunned me, it saddened me. I knew his wife. She never compared herself to anyone. She simply let herself enjoy making art and lived a full life creating many different things.

He went on to create other types of art but the world will never know the beauty of his paintings. You may say – well you’ve never seen his work so how do you know if it was any good? I don’t know but putting my own “is it good, is it not good judgments” aside, I am deeply disappointed that world will miss out on all the colors that exist inside him.

We compare everything from cars to clothing, food to vacation destinations, and so much more. We do this for a number of reasons from getting the best bang for our buck to simply getting the best things. I do not think it is our nature to compare; I think it is a nurtured behavior. Our comparison shopping seems to serve as a frame of reference tool. We use it to find a base and compare from there. When it comes to material things, I think it is an effective tool however when it comes to comparing human beings, ourselves, I think it’s detrimental as it limits most people’s dreams and visions.

I have wasted time comparing myself to other people. I’ve compared myself to people physically (wish I had a body like that), mentally (wish I was as smart, as literary, as talented) and emotionally (wow, he/she has such control, I wish I wasn’t so emotional or even, I wish I didn’t laugh so much or so loud). I’m sick and tired of it. So, I am going to try to adjust my perspective and my thought process and focus on appreciating others instead of comparing. My goal is to pour whatever is inside of me into my creative projects –without comparing myself - and see what happens.

Do you compare yourself? What have you stopped yourself from doing because you thought someone you compared yourself to was better than you? What have you done because you thought you were better than someone else? Do you think it’s something we can’t stop ourselves from doing?

I can’t wait to read your thoughts…..
 

For years, I’ve heard about how important it is to have a creative space to call your own. I’ve heard people talk about having a space that is filled with things that inspire them. When I was in high school that space existed on the covers of my binder where I wrote lyrics, bits of poetry and doodles. Later, it turned into the pages of my journal which I would decorate with colored writing, drawings, letters, old movie stubs, pictures and, sometimes, flowers.

Lately, I’ve had a yearning for more space. I want it to be filled with things I love and can look at constantly.  I don’t know about you but I can always remember the negative things someone says but the good things? Well, sometimes I need to be reminded of them. The things that remind me of amazing moments, places, and thoughts bring comfort and inspiration when I feel blocked or crappy.

So, I’m creating a little nook for the first time. I’m surrounding the area I work in with pictures of my family and friends, and lots of little pieces of fabulousness. Here are a few things: 

An Albert Einstein quote I love…

A little doodle…

An Anne Lamott quote…

One of my favorite moments in life shared with my husband and, later, framed by some of our amazing friends…

Photo by Natasha Reilly

A beautiful Willow Treet New Life statue by Susan Lordi given to us by an incredible soul after my daughter was born…

My friend, Torie, introduced me to Serah who sends some of the most amazing quotes. I love them all but this Rebecca Falls quote stood out to me…thanks Serah!

I’m looking to collect more. What pictures, quotes, poems, drawings, do you keep around that inspire you?

I’m not a morning person. I’ve never been one of those folks who wake with the birds and sing while getting breakfast ready. It’s always taken me longer to get my engine started.
 
One night when I was about seventeen, I crashed at my friend’s house. When she woke, she was all excited because she heard me laughing. She thought, “Great, Natasha is awake AND in a good mood.” However, when she went to talk to me, she realized I was laughing in my sleep. As soon as I woke, the laughing ceased and Oscar the Grouch reared its head.

Several years ago, I was working in Cincinnati. I was staying in a furnished apartment with a bathroom mirror that had lights around it. The setup reminded of something you might find in a starlet’s dressing room. Each morning as I stood before it, I could not help but mutter the words, “Good morning little star”. I would laugh and instantly perk up.

Now, most mornings I wake and jump out of bed like I’m jumping out of frying pan. If I’m not already late for something, then my daughter is awake and illustrating how much more effective her lung power is than my alarm clock. However, on those mornings when I have a few minutes before the chaos begins, I look in the mirror and say those words.

When I do, I completely crack up. Those are the mornings I believe that no matter what happens, it will be a good day.

What do you say or do when you wake? If nothing at all, what would you like to say or do to get yourself going?

Recently, I found myself in a professional pickle with a gentleman I can only describe as “a human steamroller.” When addressing the room, he spoke as though God, herself, had sent his all-knowing butt to the world to make everything better. As he looked around the room, he made sure that his eyes only landed upon other men; women were passed over no doubt due to their small brains. Yet, even when he directed his comments to his fellow men, you got the sense that he didn’t truly care whether they agreed with him or not. In fact, it was clear that he didn’t care what anyone had to say because based on the comments he made after people responded to his questions and his affinity for talking over people who were talking, it was clear he was not even listening. I was incensed, yet I remained quiet.

I am aware that this incident taps into some of my own childhood issues. Growing up, I listened to extended family members debate everything from politics to the best way to get around the city – train or on those two blessed feet you were given. Often people spoke over other people and did not listen. I mean is it really that hard to listen? Instead I would keep silent and I have to tell you my own silence deeply annoys me.

There is a level of intimidation I feel around people like this, these bullies, these steamrollers and I want to change my response. I’m aware of the fact that these folks eat, sleep and crap just as I do. I know they put their pants on one leg at a time as I do. Perhaps it’s that I know when people like this speak they think others, like me, are stupid. Even though I know I’m not maybe I let that doubt creep in for a millisecond and wonder if they are right. I don’t know but I turn this to you and ask, how do you deal with people like this in either the personal or professional arena? Tune them out? Confront them? Speak your mind without caring for their response?

Like Frasier Crane said, “I’m listening.”

Ever feel like you’re being watched?

Seriously, what’s the very first thing that pops into your head when you see this picture?

Don’t think just blurt it out.

There is no right or wrong answer.

Whether you’re stuck in the middle of a project, figuring out how to handle your kids or just dealing with day to day challenges, trust your gut. It’s a creative genius!

Jane was born in New York and moved to Ireland with her family when she was 13. Now, on a trip to the Big Apple with her father, this wild woman with a brilliant sense of fun hopes to “do a Kerry polka with Barack Obama” tomorrow. Does anyone know if he will be at the parade?

CN: Thanks for hanging with Creative Nachos, Jane. You haven’t been in New York City in 9 years. How’s the trip been so far?

Jane: Just great thanks!

CN: You were born in New York but moved to Ireland when you were 13. That must have been hard.

Jane: No, because we’d been back to visit people and my friends in America were going on to other schools. The hardest thing to do was to learn 3 languages, including Irish. I had German, French and Irish in one year; my Mum paid for me to be tutored. I should have paid more attention you see because when I was training in hotel management, I was in a hotel in Dingle and everyone spoke Irish. My oldest son is so good in Irish.

CN: Are you in hotel management?

Jane: No, I trained to be in it but when I got married I realized the hours weren’t suitable. So, now I work as a catering assistant in a hospital. The hours are better, you see. I work Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5pm.

CN: What do you do?

Jane: I work in a small outpatient’s canteen serving all people coming in and in out-patient clinics, as well as serving the visitors and patients.

CN: Is this your dream job?

Jane: No, my dream is to be a dietician.

CN: How did you become interested in that?

Jane: When you are serving patients you refer to the dietician regularly so as I learned what to do I became more interested in it.

CN: Are you able to be creative within your job? If so, how? If not, what do you wish you could do?

Jane: No, my current job isn’t creative at all; you are only a number. But I would be able to be as a dietician. I would be able to do things like give talks in schools about healthy eating. That’s popular now. There are promotions are going on in schools like Cool Food Dudes where kids get points for eating healthy. I would be able to help kids who have health problems due to food allergies or diabetes, you see.

CN: What steps are you taking to become a dietician?

Jane: I’m doing a course through my job; I go every two weeks. There are different parts to it like first aid, communications, food hygiene, cross contamination, caring and nutrition to improve standards in the hospital.

CN: How do you balance your job and course while raising three kids?

Jane: The thing that keeps me going is my Mum is there after school and my husband has flexible hours – well, he doesn’t have to be in an office from 9am – 5pm.  He’s on the road so once he finishes all he has to do for the day then he can get the kids. My kids are involved with hurling, music, football, dancing, youth club; one of my children has mild dyslexia but we did Montessori courses years ago and it helped.

My day to day schedule is up at 7am, get my daughter ready then get my older boy ready for bus. I take my daughter to her Grandma’s where she has breakfast and then head to work. It’s nuts. My husband gets the middle guy ready but I have it tougher.

CN: Do you ever feel like you’re going to lose your mind?

Jane: Yes and then I go for a walk. I go for walk to America. (She laughs). Actually what saves me is my neighbor and I do runs together – one picks them up or drops them off. Our neighbors are great.

CN: Have you gotten a chance to relax on your trip?

Jane: Yes, I’ve done loads of shoppin’. Great retail therapy! And it was great to see where I was born. But I miss the kids a lot and my husband.

CN: Are you excited to spend St. Patrick’s Day in NYC?

Jane: Yeah, my kids want to see me on the TV at home.

CN: What is one crazy habit you have?

Jane: When I have a few drinks, I’m gameball for anything.

CN: If you had a theme song what would it be?

Jane: “Please Don’t Stop the Music” by Rihanna

CN: If you had to walk around with a bumper sticker on you, what would it read?

Jane: Mom’s Taxi

CN: What is one thing you love about Ireland?

Jane: The slower pace of life. And my family and friends.

CN: What’s one thing you love about America?

Jane: That no one cares who you are or what you are.

CN: If you could do one crazy thing at the parade tomorrow, what would it be?

Jane: Do a Kerry polka set with Barack Obama!

Thanks Jane. Barack, if you’re reading, keep an eye out for Jane!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you all!

I spend so much time planning my life that sometimes I forget to live it.  I blame it on “the back-up”.

“You want to be a writer? That’s great but so many people don’t succeed and it’s not a lucrative field so you need a backup in case you don’t make it.”

“You want to be an actress? That’s terrific but it’s a tough business and very few actually make it big so you should make sure you have a backup.”

“You want to be an artist? Fantastic but many people don’t hit it big until they’re dead so you better have a backup.”

My family beat me over the head with “the backup” baton each time I shared an artistic dream. In college, communications was my chosen field. I got all the usual jokes about how it was not a “real” major; I didn’t care. It covered a wide enough range of interesting possibilities by which I could support myself as I worked on my writing/art craft. However, I would work so hard at my backup that I’d lose sight of everything else. I’d forget that the job was only supposed to a source of income and suddenly, my art became “the thing on the side”. Fear of losing my job or a desire to be the best at whatever I was working on caused me to work harder on things I was less passionate about and before I knew it, I was lost.

In an effort to crawl out of my frustration hole and get back on track, I’d start planning. First, my plan was to get a job with a good salary, work hard, put in a ton of hours and eventually save enough to quit and just focus on my art. The salary would always start out ok but after awhile it didn’t seem like enough and then, it never seemed like the right time to jump ship. So, I revised my plan. I decided to just work the needed number of hours and then in the evening spend time doing what I love. But inevitably, I’d go overboard putting in too much time at the job and end up exhausted and unable to give my art, my all. Have you ever done this? Is it a control thing? Is it an excuse to keep from getting down to the real work? Is it a fear of failure? Or – even crazier – is it a fear of success?

I’m trying to plan less and “do” more now.  I’m striving to give everything I have to my dreams. I’m still working at and enjoying my day job but I’m just not working at it like my life depends on it.

John Lennon said, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” I want to be immersed in that life, the life that happens while planning.

I’m starting by chucking plans out the window.  Any ideas on where to go from there?

Do you know what inspires me? Chocolate!
Have I mentioned that?

A piece of chocolate goodness makes my tummy happy. One bite was better than the last as I ate my husband’s moist, rich birthday cake; a perfect slice of heaven.

When my portion was done, I happily slipped into that space I like to call, “The Food Coma.” In that space, all conversation, worries, thought, slips away and you float along on the greatest feeling of happiness. This is often followed by a need for a nap and we all know how amazing naps can be for recharging the creative batteries.

For a piece of this decadence, the Brooklyn Blackout Cake, visit Two Little Red Hens located at 1652 2nd Avenue (between 86th and 85th Streets).

I’m always on the hunt for bits of yummy chocolate wonderfulness…..what’s your sinful pleasure? 
 

Bridget, a hilarious, fabulously creative and truly supportive woman in my life, and I were recently talking about life, family, work, and the future. I was sharing my concerns about starting my own business when she said, “What if Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream but chose not to share it with anyone?”

I stopped in my tracks. I had never thought about that; it got me thinking.

What if…

-Rosa Parks hadn’t valued herself and simply gave up her seat on the bus?

-Jane Austen hadn’t believed in her ability to write and never put pen to paper?

-Mother Teresa hadn’t believed that she could help change the lives of people in need?

-Albert Einstein had let the D’s he received in school be an indicator of his abilities and, based on that information, chose to simply dismiss his theories as foolish?

-Ian Reilly and Victoria Ludwin had not believed in their ideas enough to sit down and write their novels?

-Jackie Robinson had listened to those who threatened him, who told him he could not do it and never played baseball?

-Mark Twain hadn’t thought his life was interesting enough to write about and thus never penned, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn?

-Judy Beedle hadn’t decided to take the risk of working part-time in order to focus on her photography?

-Hunter S. Thompson had given in to societal standards of living and never created Gonzo journalism?

-Anne Geddes had never believed photographing children would get her anywhere?

-any person who has ever participated in the Special Olympics had let their disability stand in their way?

-Emily August and Dolores Kilcullen had been too worried about being vulnerable to share their full hearts with everyone?

-Rembrandt thought his idea to try to capture the essence of a person, their soul, on the canvas was stupid?

-Lorrie Veasey had not been believed in her ability to touch people lives with her Our Name is Mud products?

-Salk and Sabine had simply given up when things didn’t initially go according to plan as they developed polio vaccines?

-Danielle thought her own needs weren’t important enough to care for and had not gotten fabulous shoes and PJ’s?

-Gandhi had worried what others would think about his non-violent beliefs?

-Clara Barton had believed she was helpless to assist soldiers in war and, thus, never founded the American Red Cross?

-Lucille Ball had been too self-conscious to do comedy?

-Jon Jensen let the fear of the unknown keep him from traveling to Egypt where he continues to pursue his dreams?

-Nellie Bly had been too afraid to take risks to become a pioneer in investigative journalism?

If you ever think any of your ideas are ridiculous or that world doesn’t need what you have to offer, remember these folks.

I’m off to get to work.