Shonda Rhimes, Stories and Curtains

Some stories resonate. Some truths scream out. There's authenticity. 

Shonda Rhimes, the woman behind Grey's Anatomy and Scandal, is a creative genius who shares her wisdom in these two great articles on her website:

• Taking creative risks
• Finding inspiration
  

The articles resonated with me. She articulated some of my thoughts and have wanted to say. 

I like to take creative risks: to try new things, explore and not follow a formula. It's what keeps writing and creating fun as well as interesting. 

It amazes me what provides inspiration. Nature especially has been a gift that helps me fall into my creative rabbit holes. Each time I discover a new way to be inspired, it's like finding a key to a secret treasure chest. The jewels that come out are sparkly and pave the way to wonderful worlds. 

Shonda's Tedtalk about saying yes, included above, highlights the need to take a step back and see what we want to change, how we can be better and live happier lives. It's about embracing what we need and how to thrive. 

I'm trying to take risks. To say yes and leap instead of worrying too much. It can end up in mini disasters. For example, this weekend I implemented project new curtains. I've been looking at these damask design jacquard fabric curtains for over a year. It was on sale so I took the plunge even though they were a tad expensive. They arrived and were heavy. I realised that the existing curtain pole might not be strong enough. 

I figured changing a curtain pole wouldn't be that hard. I had a new year can do attitude. 

I removed the old pole and started drilling to make new holes for the bigger pole which was needed for the heavier curtains. Several hours later with holes too big to put up the old pole, a drill which couldn't make holes deep enough for new screws and discovering a metal plate in the wall above the window, I admitted defeat. 

A handyman will come this week to fix up my mess. I tried and failed. It's not the end of the world, but it has been a costly lesson about impulse buying new curtains in Boxing Day sales. 

Dunelm Versailles Charcoal Pencil Pleat Curtains

This doesn't mean I'll stop trying diy even though I suck at it. I am making slow and marginal progress. It's definitely a marathon rather than a sprint. It is a world I will never love, but I no longer feel overwhelmed by it. I simply realise my limitations. 

I can assemble IKEA furniture though it might take me five times longer than most people. I can't put up a curtain pole, but maybe one day I can. For now, I need an expert. 

We draw on experts to grow. We watch them, study their work. 

I've recently started rewatching the first few seasons of Grey's Anatomy. There's great story telling, characters and drama. I love the metaphors and those things which aren't said. It explores our traumas and what drives us. 

Stories are the beating hearts of our world. They colour our world. Some stay with us. We forget others, or want to forget them, as is the case with project new curtains. Then there are those we revisit because they are worth our time and we simply enjoy them. The curtain has come down but it will go back up again.