Numbers, Numbers, Everywhere
Good morning,
Me again. There is only a half hour before work. The time always goes to fast in the morning. This whole four day holiday has gone by too fast. Soon though, we’ll after a week missing, be able to see/talk to Dr. M. I’m looking forward to that although have no particular conversation in mind to go over with him.
This week has been a flurry of meeting new people. And, as I read comments in others blogs, I am tempted to add more links. I will have to think this through more carefully due to the constraints of time. But, it is like falling in love with “the community,” now “exile community” all over again. Hate to call it that though because it separates us more from the good folks we know still using AOL journals. It is as if some of choose to stay East, where some of us are now, or have moved West. Hehehe little more untamed out here.
Yesterday was broken into two things primarily. I was able to have some excellent on-line conversations and blog readings, AND I was working on a new project. The following is an excerpt, I have emailed out to a few, and which I have gone forward on. I think we are up to the “G’s” and incredible T has joined in the process and is starting at the end with the “Z’s.” We’ll meet somewhere toward the middle.
This is how the initial notes looked:
Armandt, Vince, Viv, and Pam and T.,
I have been working this morning on a project of great interest to me. It might take up to a week to conclude, hopefully less time. I believe the project if understandable, will be of interest to you too. I intend to survey all the journalists in Pam's directory as a fair representation of known journalists involved in the community to the degree of having sought recognition in Pam JLand directory. Pam, I only ask you make no changes this week :). I am a numbers person. I believe that numbers might be what catches AOL corporate attention. It is not the amount of money journalists pay directly per monthly service. It is the principle. I've devoted 12 years toward AOL, and I know you all have done time as well. That numbers we pay each month to AOL is miniscule compared to what advertisers are spending trying to catch OUR attention. It is the loyalty we devote to AOL and representative time we spend utilizing AOL brand services as potential customers to the advertisers that is important. While the advertisers are now gaining negative publicity for advertising in the journals with limited advertising potential, more potential is gained keeping journalist floating through AOL brand services which covers the majority of advertising commitment and potential.
So far, I have just surveyed the first 109 people listed in Pam's directory. I have an approximate thought (from doing the Hall of Fame Journal), that there are about 3,000 names listed. None of us knows how big a representation that is amongst people using the journals. But, after seeing AOL attempt to manipulate Viv with their request for her expertise in community building, I'd say journalists and our spirit do make a difference to AOL and as to overall AOL brand satisfaction. Compare if you will our time spent and commitment on-line next to a customer who only checks their email.
The following are numbers representing the work I am doing, and the results so far. a sample of what I hope to provide. Any input you may have, is of course, always appreciated. Such as, is this useful, or simply obsessive. Hopefully, I can complete the project and you all will help get the information can get out to the "right" people, if the numbers prove useful. I hope my small contribution makes a difference. AThat's it. I hope it makes sense. :) Remember this is only a sample out of 109 journalists. I'm toward the end of Pam's "last name - B" Journals. I don't think AOL has any idea of what we are or represent. The units of time is the number on each journalists' site visit counters.
Journalist who are current with their journals (written in at least, the last two weeks) - 25 people, average 17.28 months service, 9,194 (23%) visits per journalist (able to be included statistically), $12,325 direct benefit to AOL membership dues at an average of $29. 156,310 total units of time represented as utilizing AOL brand services @ benefit of advertisers, 10 people with unknown number of visits.
Journalists who have abandoned their journals - 23 people, stats unknown.
Journalists who have discontinued using their journal for a month or longer 22 people, average 14.36 months service, 4,527 (11%) visits per journalist (able to be included statistically), $9,161 direct benefit to AOL membership dues at an average of $29. 90,547 total units of time represented as utilizing AOL brand services @ benefit of advertisers, 2 people with unknown number of visits.
Journalists who are periodic (have posted within month, but not since the changes in the last two weeks) - 19 people, average 16.74 months service, 5,659 (14%) visits per journalist (able to be included statistically), $9,224 direct benefit to AOL membership dues at an average of $29. 152,723 units of time represented as utilizing AOL brand services @ benefit of advertisers, 3 people with unknown number of visits.
Journalists who have gone private 8 people, stats unknown.
Journalists who have stated at their AOL journal, they are moving - 12 people, average 17.9 months service, 20,043 (51%) visits per journalist (able to be included statistically), $6,229 direct benefit - 200,433 units of time represented as utilizing AOL brand services @ benefit of advertisers, 2 people with unknown number of visits
Gross Summary - Of first 109 people/journals tallied, 25 people (23%) have decided to stay with AOL journals generating 26% units of time people spend on AOL brand service to the advertisers benefit, 23 people (21%) have flat-out abandoned their journal at no benefit to the advertisers, 22 people (20%) have been missing from their journals longer than a month representing 15% units of time people spend on AOL brand service no longer of benefit to the advertiser, 19 people (17%) are periodic journal posters (at least within the month, but not within the last 2 weeks of upheaval) and represent 25% of time people spend on AOL brand service to the advertisers benefit, 7% have gone private representing unknown benefit to the advertisers, and 12 people (11%) have moved to other Internet Blog providers representing 33% units of time people used to spend utilizing AOL brand service and no longer of benefit to advertisers. These 109 journalists have spent 1,280.78 total months of AOL brand service utilizing journals to some extent and to the advertisers benefit. More time on line, more potential purchasing. Revenue from these journals total only $36,939 of known dollars to AOL membership benefits for the 78 journalist (able to be counted per month). However of all 109 journalists surveyed, 57 (52%) of the AOL known journalists have discontinued the journal service losing loyalty for AOL or potential advertisers for a period of over a month, moved away from the journal in the last two weeks, or abandoned the journal service altogether . Only 44 (40%) of the journalists surveyed remain loyal to somewhat loyal to the AOL journal service and potential advertisers. Information from 8 (7%) of the journalists and their loyalty/advertisement value was unknown.
*The first number represents number of months people use AOL journals(number of known comments of each journalist) This number is useful in defining AOL brand loyalty and ratio of time building on-line potential for advertisers. The stats below are more recent than the original 109 journalists contributions. Basically, we just began the journalists in Pam's Directory starting with G's.
Stayed - 11(13,822), 17(unknown) 23(2305), 26(25,082), 13(7,352), 19(230), 7(unknown), 20(7,362), 9(9,255), 7(unknown), 5(2,333), 10(1,596), 26(24,480), 22(21,037), 17(unknown), 20(unknown), 17(unknown), 24(7,138), 18(unknown), 28(unknown), 25(29,479), 8(2,928), 15(unknown), 18(unknown), 15(8,743), 12(5668), 7(3,387), 25(244), 21(2,159), 28(58,472), 22(5,441), 8(8,188), 11(6,668), 14(2,362), 25(12,832), 13(unknown), 21(unknown), 27(12,007), 10(1,332), 17(5,779), 21(2,802), 27(12,361), 20(unknown), 13(unknown), 12(21,184), 19(26,561), 26(34,650), 27(73,929), 10(1,871), 21(12,063), 17(773), 17(4,624), 20(39,705), 26(4,291), 18(770), 17(12,065), 26(unknown), 14(8,421), 10(unknown), 17(21,997), 16(2,458), 14(284), 26(3,687), 17(1,231), 19(5,606), 18(unknown), 27(2,787), 18(23,342), 18(6,414), 19(5,942), 20(9,166),
Abandoned - 52
Month or longer - 11(13296), 10(2,092), 18(1,316), 18(1,991), 9(5,842), 3(unknown), 16(2,460), 18(2,459), 16(3,151), 12(659), 25(2,673), 12(unknown), 21(2,644), 19(13,641), 14(1,739), 15(4,666), 8(3,635), 12(5,143), 14(1,806), 24(6,400), 2(1,292), 12(282), 1(unknown), 15(unknown), 18(2,468), 16(10,767), 3(unknown), 2(3,239), 8(unknown), 19(5,550), 8(2,569), 1(321), 8(832), 7(1,222), 1(121), 1(355), 9(3,677), 12(518), 21(2,995), 1(731), 12(6,866), 9(614), 16(2,216), 16(3,571), 15(724), 12(3,046), 19(296), 24(3,049), 27(14,300), 3(unknown), 1(806), 13(693), 25(17,744), 25(13,374), 1(unknown), 10(5,475), 21(unknown), 25(1,227), 12(960), 14(1,232), 21(1,183), 5(476), 7(unknown), 12(1,580), 10(unknown), 18(531), 9(unknown), 28(4,965), 1(10,368), 3(8,753), 12(4,512), 7(1,251), 10(10,343), 21(26,470), 24(4,402), 9(3,405), 17(4,617), 22(6,947), 17(5,541), 16(3,233),
Less than month - 27(33,927), 27(9,326), 1(272), 14(unknown), 13(unknown), 24(17,594), 21(3,984), 7(479), 7(1,096), 6(826), 6(309), 14(3,552), 23(9,477), 21(5,345), 20(unknown), 22(22,109), 22(577), 17(32,981), 26(10,869), 5(unknown), 24(964), 27(19,303), 13(unknown), 10(8,892), 10(8,893), 22(1,368), 15(23,894), 14(unknown), 15(4,066), 26(5,863), 8(unknown), 11(2,515), 25(7,625),
Private - 20
Moved -
Aiibrat - 27(33,928), ads, and stupidsheetguy tos'd
Andreakingme - 27(unknown), ads, not enough good, aol doesn't care, change good, people matter
Angelm0304 - 8(5,517), change good
Annalia135 - 19(43,182), miss the community, grown, 1 1/2 years, support, love, hope for return through Jason Calaconais
Anmyatt - 12(unknown), ads, subscribers already pay, non-endorsements, private use, exclusive, no respect from AOL
Armandt - 7(50,418), ads without permission, without warning, canned statement from PR, journalists need human contact, prefer another blogger, no customer service, felt ambushed, AOL sold integrity, Exodus, boycott aol journals, moral objectives against particular ads, ads "crap"
Aynetal3 - 27(34,005), boycott AOL Journals, anger at ads for services paid, principle
Astaryth - 13(7,920), ads, benefits of new journals, change good, moved with the movement, now enjoy bloglines
Angelm0304 - don't know why 8(5520)
Ber144 - 22(11,674), ads, mobile, tired, AOL non-communication, dislike no choice in ads, boycott
Bettefan05 - 24(6,048), past loyalty to AOL over, time for change, miss friends
Boycalleddare - 21(7,149), not amused, insufficient services at AOL
Chance2288 - 19(1,794), ads, not disempowered, protest, thought being valued meant something, feel abused, feels unloved, sold-out, pimped us, choice, split revenue, cost/value, independence
Chasenkids - 18(52,369), not paid for advertisement, don't endorse product, last straw, ads, join friends
Chittarabunny129 - 24(8,425) ads
Ckays1967 - 26(35,125), love and respect for community, petulan, redirect energy
Coy1234787 - 20(30,468), ads, the Great Exodus
Cutebutpsycho028 - 15(31,270), people leaving, been procrastinating changing before, angry at AOL, want to get back to real life
Dazeychic - 27(32,196), ads, had postponed decision before, regret losing service, to better live, connecting to people, expression,
Deabvt - 25(22,671), sadness, diaspora, ads
Dvlwitgrneyes - 16(11,204)
Freeepeace - 26(78,974), ads, don't endorse ads, nor condone or approve of customer disregard and disrespect, moving on with life, community, moving on
Gabreaelinfo - 12(unknown), AOL's wretched behavior, ads, paying for advertisements, expense of AOL
AOL Journals from AOLHometown unknown 6(unknown), abandoned June 7, 2004 AOL states they host about 600,000 blogs. This is a highly contentious number, although they might be adding unknown blogs from other countries. It appears that foreign blogs aren't being targeted with blinking advertising banners. (Info from freely floralilia, the official journal of pointless posting).
This last remaining part is the process of doing what we are attempting to do. The one change is that T suggested and I agreed the numbers should be relocated over to an Excel program. We’re about half way through with that process now. If anyone reads this with time and feels qualified to volunteer *most winning smile* We would be more than pleased to assign out some portion of the alphabet! Hehehe, anyway that is where we are at this morning.
Deep breath, then we'll start.
Using a writing window you are comfortable with (Email, Word, or other - and better if you can get it to stay on top when switching screens)), we are going to write six categories on the left side of screen. You will want to bold these, because they will be easier to spot when adding information. The names you will be listing are "Stayed," "Abandoned," "Month or longer," "Less than month," "Private," or "Moved." (Look at my previous email to check how it will look).
stayed - is someone who has continued to use their journal normally since November 14th to present. They may be complaining, but as long as they've resumed entering regular entries or haven't stated they are moving, they go in this category, and we disregard their complaints (their complaints weren't large enough to move them).
Abandoned - is someone whose journal you go to and there is just a big blue box as if AOL never heard of them. Gone with the wind.
Month or longer - is anyone who hasn't written since October 27th, but still has a journal remaining on line.
Less than a month - is for people whose last entry falls between having posted October 28th - November 13th.
Private - is for people whose journal comes up with one of those big blue boxes saying, sorry bub, you need a password.
Moved - is for anyone within their last entry or two that has stated, I am out of here .... please find me over at this blog --------------->
so far, so good?
This is the only categories we are interested. Don't lose yourself in stopping to read journals. Hehehe you are a surveyor today! Well, I stopped to say sorry to one lady who was 48 and had a heart attack and nobody had stopped by to say sorry. :( BUT, other than that skim quick!
When you first open a journal you will know immediately if the journal is abandoned or private by the blue boxes, add a number for each one under the right category and go back to get the next journal name. I find it easier each time to erase the old number and add the new number within a few digits space new over old.
There are now only 4 categories left. The rest of the journals will open to a real page. Note the date toward the middle top of the newest entry, or over in the side bar (under recent entries). Decide at this point if it is "month or longer" (October 27th or older), "less than a month" (between October 28th-November 13th), or "Stayed" (November 14th forward to current date).
We can know there is a good chance the "month or longer" isn't coming back to journling. We can think the people "less than a month" might be current journalists, but are in a position of not knowing yet about the bruhaha, so haven't made a choice yet whether to stay or go. The people who have "Stayed" have gone through the bruhaha, but have continued life as normal. You can tell the "Stayed" people from the "moved" people because the "moved" people will tell you by their last entry or two that they are going. Most will tell new address, but we're not interested in this right now. Try to be objective ... whether they stay or go isn't important now ... we're looking for honest numbers.
In all four situations, we are interested in understanding how many months they have been using the journals (little blue visit counter), and we are interested in how many hits their journal has had since starting (also little blue visit counter). Add a # of months(# of hits on counter). See example from previous email. Sometimes, people do not have a visit counter. For these people go to archives and determine by going backward with the calendar, how many months they have had an AOL journal. For these people we will add a # of months(unknown) in the proper category. I am not meticulous on the days. Whether they have written once or 20 times, or whether they've entered an entry on the first or last of month. Just count that month as one whole month. Move quickly, use fingers!
I am not going to have you worry about summarizing reasons people are leaving. I will do that on my own. What would be really nice though, is if you could start one more list naming the people who you have counted as moving. K?
To find the names go to Pam's directory here:
AOL Journal Directory
At the time of this note, I have completed all the people between A(aangelisqt) and F(fasttrack58). I will continue from here. I am going to have you start with the Z names, Y names, X names, etc. working back toward me. Hehehe we will meet in the middle! AND, maybe V will help out later :) You will get to the right letter by using Pam's Location indicator on the left column under Other Journals.
It is going to take you a while to become accustomed, so I recommend finding reference markers between this email and the directions it is giving you and slowly work it, until you can build speed. After 10-20 names completed you will be a pro! It is easiest to get between Pam's directory and the journalists by first clicking on their link, then using "back" key to return to Pam's directory. You will be able to tell where you have been, because the name/link in blue will turn to purple. Pretty good! Time is important so work quickly, but not so quickly errors are made. I know you can do this and appreciate the hell out of you for volunteering.
You know what you "gotta" do!
Hi again. It’s just me … I tend to ramble on through the day, please go on with your other plans, hehehe, most likely I’ll still be here when you get back.
I’m not sure where I am at right now. I have about an hour left before our friend comes over to play. Don’t let V know, but I’m pretty sure we want to listen to a non-Coldplay song by now. We’re now in an Enya mood … trying to settle the minds.
I’ve thought of school, but unfortunately, we won’t go there now.
The most impressionable part of the day wasn’t necessarily doing the songs, though that was fun. The most impressionable was waking up with V and T. It has been several years since I’ve met anyone for a length of time in a room. It seems everything comes back to you. For awhile there was the music in the background, but more time was spent without. Just talking. Very, very nice. It feels like all my life lead up to the minute. Does that make sense? I think it was a Gestalt.
There are so many new things to learn in life, sometimes we have a hard time falling asleep. Sometimes with the schoolwork, I get overwhelmed in thoughts that have gone on between great minds for sometimes hundreds of centuries. I am awed by the beauty of when truths come together. It makes me smile. Sometimes we get so happy we fly through the apartment, yell or laugh. Umm, pretty hard. I’d like to think we were just easily amused!
I was asked about spending time on my own today. There have been years gone by I missed talking. Not often now days. I do panic if the electricity is out. I’m apt to go sit out on the balcony for a bit and try to figure it out. I try to bring back recall of book reading, but that lands in a thud as I remember, “Oh yeah, homework.” There is always something to read.
I am not like many of you who pick up literature or poetry. I used to be an avid reader and know I could still do it. I still order books - mainly psychology. My living room is surrounded by books. Well, sorta. There are six large bookshelves I keep thinking that is something I am going to do when I retire. Maybe by then also I could sit on the couch. The computer is on a table in back of the couch, so we rarely meet. Maybe though, by the time I retire, they will just hook computers to our minds, and we will drift in and out of consciousness by blinks or finger taps. Maybe my ice water will be through intravenous, ‘cept attached with non-pinching Velcro’s. I would like some kind of converter though. You would only need to put the old book in it, and it would go in the computer brain and images would dance flowingly on a wall monitor. Umm, this was in a movie, right?
I am perhaps a lazy dreamer. I would like to have knowledge, but spend a lot of time processing our thoughts without materials. I think in the olden days women did this as they washed dishes after big meals. Sometimes, I feel if I took my fingers from the keyboard, I would stop thinking all together. Maybe that’s why our friend comes over just to prepare us for the transfer between home, work, and doctor’s computers. I am so obsessed with this now that I keep a computer on either of my office desks. Someday, Sr. will insist someone else get that second computer, but I will have to do my best at muddying the waters. Maybe we could call this “Nunsense.” Sorry, tickled easily remember?
Around, my home no one ever tells me my humor … ugh … that’s enough of that thought!
If I don’t move too soon, there is a chance I am going to be scolded again. I’d been doing so poorly on diet this last couple of days with all the leftovers, we bought some donuts. My diet buddy may not think that very funny. *Sigh* there is evidence to bury. Wow. Another period of being on my own is coming to an end. Probably best, in that usually after long periods I build-ups about wanting to be around physical people. I guess that is where I lost my thoughts. Being on my own. I cannot tell you how much I enjoy thinking about absolutely anything I want. Me and the computer are apt to take long lingering strolls together. Sometimes I don’t want to come “home.”
Shoot. If I do that, someone might think we should take clean dishes out of the dishwasher. Hmpf. No fun, No fun! Drat. Woke up the wrong parts.
Ok. We’ve been thinking it through. One trip out to the kitchen dirty dishes, one trip back with new garbage ought to do it in here. Maybe open the balcony. T’s the only good smoker, cuz today she QUIT smoking!!! YAYYYYYYYYYYYY T! Then we need to empty clean dishes and put in old dishes. Maybe swoosh the counter. That should be about it. One of the nicer things of this kind of lifestyle … things don’t usually end up out of place often. Just clothes and dishes. Our friend helps us with the real cleaning. When he can force us. Just a note here. I can only stand or walk 7-8 minutes at a time. I’m not sure if the new people know that. It helps to explain so much computer time.
Yesterday, I watched a video of a mall opening early and people trampling each other. Nope, I can do without. But, then again there is that walk in the woods to make love. That part isn’t so good. Maybe a short woods? Yep … that’ll do! Ok, we’re off to try out the grand plan. YAYYYY!
*SIGH* Almost. 12 minutes to spare. Place picked up dishes washing. Need to take a shower. Need water! Plenty of water in the shower! But, it’s shower water! This is always a little tough. But, in the end the shower-takers prevail!! Ok, now….
Watch Videos: Cuz Colplay is dedicating concert to V, cuz he keeps on trying! He can do it! Rockers set?!??
IN MY PLACE (Coldplay)p>
Nitey-Nite
(click)
Pschwoo, we’re going to take a break here. We’ve been working with the papers, and have made some progress. We wrote the outlines for the next two papers due. We’re a little concerned with lack of references in the first paper, but we have some good references in the second that we are pleased enough with. And, luckily, neither of these papers has to be particularly long. However, it is already quarter after 7 and we’ve just taken night time medicine that is going to make us sleepy. I figure with the outline set, we can put together the papers first thing in the morning when we are more rested. YAYYYY The hard part is over!
So, that leaves us with 30-45 minutes to play catch-up with our personal thoughts. Today, was a pretty nice day all considered. The reading was over early, and the outline started. We also took a little while to work with our brain coloring book. Hehehe, you gotta know we love that. We learned the difference between the central nervous system (CNS), the peripheral nervous system (PNS), and the umm, I’m going to remember this word … hmm, it means the nervous system attached to the internal organs, ummm AHA – visceral nervous system (VNS) I had to look it up. It also pointed out the differences between the cranial and spinal nerves. I know there are now 12 matching pairs of cranial nerves and 31 matching pairs of spinal nerves! Wooo HOOO!!! You go girls!
Ok, maybe we need a life! Shoot, we’re having so much fun with this one though!
We’re still doing our happy face concerning the rocking chairs, like embers glowing! That sure made the day! Can we assume the chairs to be in Washington? We are that much more reassured by the comments left by Christina and Mom T. Collectively, I can remember both conveying not to worry, and in general we can come as we are, and sometimes others hang-out in pajamas too! We’ve also been forewarned about the tea being spiked, or was it that we were warned about V. spiking, not sure which is the most troublesome! Ahh well, with enough group hugs, he’ll straighten out!
I really have not done much other with the day. Still working on Turkey leftovers. Sure feeling happy.
We had a little chance to think over the different parts within the system. We don’t usually give it much conscious thought other than with Dr. M. when sometimes specific parts are out. I gave thought too to a substantial problem that we were facing several days ago. We hadn’t really met Christina and T. To be honest, we were feeling pretty scared. We have outstanding abandonment issues and had an unreasonable fear that we’d lose one of our primary relationships. But, instead of losing, we gained. I don’t know how that happened, but we lost three hours of crying over our imagined fears. We know when this kind of emotion is being expressed, somehow it connects with the past, more in the present, but when you are going through it that seems more just an intellectual thought.
Now with the negative feelings in the aftermath, it seems like we must walk on sublime path. For good measure, why don’t we thank God for that too.
Whoops, whoops here is “go to sleep kitty.” I don’t always like it when they boss me around and I’m pretty sure I would be embarrassed if you saw how much kitty fur my keyboard collects. Both when they want my attention will lie down, like now, over my forearms between me and the keyboard. They are soooooooooo pathetic! I find this especially true if I have been home for the day and they’ve relaxed already with me for an earlier nap. I think it reminds them how much they to keep a tighter control over our environment.
We paused for a few minutes and gave her a very good pet. Good kitty. She’s calmed down some.
I know it is almost time for bed still I hesitate in leaving the keyboard. Maybe, it’s because we took the late afternoon nap. Oh oh another bedtime indicator … Shoot, they are piling up now … Maybe have to let the day go. It’s the same feeling I remember as a kid trying to calm myself down after visiting the State Fair. Maybe too many fresh soft donuts out of the wonderful little donut making machine. And, then there is the caramel apples! Oh dear thinking we’re going to get very fattening dreams tonight. Better just say good night! You know about those Chiefbugs biting!
First honest to gosh thoughts ...
OH MAN ELITE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Should I be scared??
This seems like a big responsibility?
what happens if someone doesn't like me!?
WOW!!!
Oh Man ...
I never expected this!!!
I belong somewhere!
smart people?
yep & nice people
Underline NICE??
yep nice
so that means I gotta be nice too?? What happens we mess up?
Most of the time we're always in pajamas
are the rockers color coded per person?
I know ... color pencils!
Oh dear ... think we're going to cry again! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!
I'm just in awe and admiration of a world that allows such things. It'll be ok, it'll be ok ... Shh, it's ok, it's ok :) She sure is something that T!
We're having a Happy T-Day :)
I figure by now most of you are jostling around your kitchens with the football game in the background and you are with loved-ones chattering gleefully and empathizing loyally your joys and sorrows. I am having a quieter day and this year surprisingly, I am not bothered by this. Believe me we’ve had our years. Mostly, because I’ve spent time with the boys and my friends and I’m already eating T-Day leftovers. ‘Cept, someone took the darn pie! Shoot!
Just in case, I be considered un-thankingly without ceremony, I turned on the game. It is now just after twelve and I feel happy and mellow. Part of this is because I have had good morning conversations with our friend, V, and T! Woo HOOO!!! I don’t want to seem pretentious, but I added a few of “V’s” people to my active links. Maybe they can become “my” people too? It seems very refreshing to start the new journal with new loves of lives! That, and it seems to be just the thing to be one of “V’s Women!” *Giggle*
Hmm it’s a while later now … Past two. The game is still on, but it’s more a sound I crave of whistles, and crowds, and the announcers giving it their all. I have been reflective for most of the day, and I did something that seems I did a long time ago. I went out visiting journals. It felt real nice. I am taken by the amount of talent I have seen these past few hours. It is quite amazing like an artists’ garret. Everyone knows someone, and a friend to one, is a friend to all. I am not much of a joiner-person. But, others’ creativity and some freedom of my time have beckoned me to give it a try.
I wish I could say something prophetic, but I don’t think that is what I’m about. I am a distance yet from being able to ask life-consuming questions, though I admire those that do as no other. Mostly, I live a life hidden from view, quiet, and undisciplined. I am a monger of good feelings, and I ride these waves from one to another. Unquestionably, thinking that is not always positive creeps up on me. Though today, I read the most incredible thought over at Theresa’s. She said,
In love, nothing exists between heart and heart.
Speech is born out of longing,
True description from the real taste.
The one who tastes, knows;
the one who explains, lies.
Particularly, “The one who tastes knows; the one who explains, lies.” This explains the way I am feeling about my writing right now. Empty words, conveying the shallowness of me. Oftentimes, my presence waivers and I feel grieved. I don’t know who I am. This all comes from loss of student status, which could be resolved with taking up pen and paper again, to write as a student must … the paper. It is lately as if that bottom fell out like the bottom of a bird cage released.
No, I am not giving up, although I am closer to letting the cognitive course go. We’ll save that decision, however, until we are able to talk to someone at school and Dr. M. So, I will not further grumble and complain here. I am getting the bad feelings that come with not standing up to the plate. I fear the disappointment; I am causing my selves and maybe others. But, I don’t want to give the negative this much room to grow. I will assume the consequences and move on. Perhaps smarter in the choices I make.
After having taken five courses, I will have to reconsider if I can take two courses each time. So far, the only way I’ve found to do it, is to cheat work at work. I can’t go back along that path. I can criticize myself for not making better time of my days, however, I am seeing the strength of my needs to journal as well. As much as I want to consider myself the stronger better student, who might graduate in five, I have to think through another consequence of more time spent. Dr. M. on Monday morning. Am I giving in, or am I being more realistic? There is so much detail in each of the courses, I don’t want to miss, but I wanted to work through the necessity of changing my speed and focus. I don’t know … this isn’t what I want to think of for the time being.
Let me see, can I think of something else for a while? Will it be ok? I know, I know, disappointment. But, we’ve lived with worse! I repeat no decisions have to be made today! Especially, today on a holiday! Let’s be on vacation for just this day, ok? I want life to be reasonable. Maybe, could we please move on? It’s that nagging toothache thing … cognitive dissonance. It’s sort of like the bad feeling that comes with not upholding your values. Shoot, I sure do love psychology. But, given the choice, I admit if the government would still fund me, I’d much rather take the cognitive course again next semester without the second course. I can only now remember vaguely the incredible feeling I was getting while working at understanding it. It felt like there was nothing my brain could not accomplish.
I want that feeling again, with a little less stress. I’m still harboring a lot of fear in that, even if I were caught up in both courses, In two weeks I have 60 pages worth of paper to be working on. I’ve also been told that 70% of the students only take one course at a time. I know rationalizing, aren’t I? Again, Theresa’s sentiment taken out of context, were only talking about living, where for the most part we still avoid. To not avoid would mean listening to V’s “Just do it!” There is another thought toward Christina’s writing that meant something powerful to me. She talked somewhat of being most alive or real when writing. I believe this is true for my self as well. But, to do school meant going weeks and weeks without journal writing. I don’t need to please a crowd, but I do need times like this to just think and write. What kind of lifestyle is most important? To be the ever busy student; or the one more relaxed. I kinda liked the thought that I could do the first. But, maybe the clothes didn’t fit …
Ok, step over a sec … New football game on CBS, then maybe try out “Cold Case” at six for an hour, then we can either continue that show, or switchover to “Snoopy” and “Finding Nemo.” Yah, yah … we know how that’s going to go!
Hmm, where were we?
Ok. Moving on. Maybe, I could look at the Multi-cultural course again to see what is due. Ok, three chapters … one on Hispanic culture, one on elderly culture, and one on disabled culture. I should do four papers by Saturday. Can I do this and still save Sunday for either Week 9, or toward the final? This would be good thinking. Ok, this feels right. It seems at this point looking at only 2 more weeks of school, and one more to get all in that I even consider the other course. Perhaps here I am just dreaming to think the cognitive able to be also done. I need to get my studenting feet under me. Still that nagging feeling of ten years in school … I would be by then 56 and near retirement. It will be like learning as a hobby, rather than career. Or, maybe I could learn to be a stronger disciplined student? Shoot, this is hard stuff. Ok, no big decision-making today.
Ahh touchdown Denver!
Umm, just took another medicine for anxiety. Need to calm down here. Feel a little jittery. Ok, ok … not going there … no negative today!
Whimper… Shhhh…
Wouldn’t V be surprised if he came back from dinner and found we had actually done something? We’re moving?
Hmm, just received this in a newsletter …
“Giving thanks for our life -- just as it is in this moment -- is the key to enjoying each moment of life. Pleasure and pain are both part of life. Good fortune and misfortune come to all of us. When we can welcome and learn from all our experiences we become richer with each passing year.
We can pay more attention to the good things we take for granted in our life. We can also be grateful for the frustration, disappointment and discontent we may experience regarding some aspects of our life. Awareness of those feelings can lead to a deeper acceptance of life-as-lived and to productive action and positive changes.”
Serendipity?
I know … how about we read a chapter, then we can watch “Finding Nemo” AND color! Woo-hooo! Thadda-way girls! We can do this, right?
Thanksgiving Days HERE!!!
Good morning. Just me! I must be feeling pretty good, because I’ve woken up and gone back to bed a couple of times this morning, AND it’s THANKSGIVING!!!
Should be thinking of all the things I am appreciative of, but that list would be so incomprehensible … Like it might start out I’m appreciative of the purple color pencil, the maroon, my calculator, and desk lamp. Hmm, we’re showing tunnel vision here. I think a better idea would be to think of people and kitties.
~ Hmm, I am thankful for my boys and their families for giving my life meaning.
~ I am thankful for Dr. M. for keeping me on this side of the wall and being smiley all the time, cuz I think he still likes me
~ I am thankful for my on and off-line friends for allowing me to be the best us even though it means sometimes I get scolded.
~ I am thankful for the staff and clients at work for giving my days purpose, even though there is too much paperwork.
~ I am thankful for the kitties that like me even though we go through bumpy periods like when I try to sleep in late or try to get by by feeding them “later!”
~ I am thankful for computers and school and the challenge they present me and the copy button.
~ I am thankful for all or what in the world and its places I don’t know yet, that gives life depth, like the people at my gas station, other cable customers, and people who line the expressway bumper to bumper going to work with me every day.
~ And, I am thankful for God each time he blesses me with another day to live.
… And, for raspberry color pencils too! And, the people who know how to put cranberries in a can and the ones who feed my zoo animals!
~ And, God Bless everyone!!!!
That’s it we’re just happy everything is as grand as it is. Thank you for being here at my journal today and many other days as well! God Bless!!!
(Click on picture) he's a beaut!
HEHEHE - Don't tell ... it's our friend the fisherman's birthday in 11 days!!!
I'm going to take a little time off
I just wanted to say that I am going to take a little time out. I'm sorry, I know I place myself at risk, especially having as few visitors as I have. But, I need to try to better concentrate until I have this phase over. Please understand. I'm sorry.
Processing, Just Processing
Good morning. It’s me again. I’m waking up today at 1 am. Still pretty early. I am going to try not opening the balcony door for the kitties this morning to see if the cold had something to do with us needing to crawl back under the covers. Hmm Sr. y Sra. Gato de gatito think we should include breakfast this early morning. Why don’t we do that right away. AHA! Done!
Hmm, what’s next … and no, not school quite yet. Just waking up! It’s a bit discouraging in that I forgot to call the professor yesterday and he did not respond again to my weekend post. Last night, we talked to Dr. M. about feeling invisible. This has been a long standing issue with us. Basically, going back in time after we fell out of favor with our Grandfather, we lost our bearings for the greater part of our childhood. We thought of ourselves as invisible. Unless there was a task to do, we weren’t talked to. We could be up watching television or eating, but there was not much direct communication between ourselves and family members. I can hear things like, “Move!” Or, “Set the table!” But, there wasn’t conversation like “How did you do today?” Or, “Did you have a good night’s sleep?”
I know this is going to sound silly to some. We’re back to surface complaints that this happened 35-40 years ago. I am going to try not defending this frame of mind, except to say that when I go to my psychiatrist office, these are the kind of thoughts that come up. We have found in the past that we carry the past with us, and while this happens to regular people, being a multiple is more challenging in that we carry the different aged parts that had originally dealt with the difficulties, so when triggered we need to work through the issue again, except bring it forward to now in the present, where we can change those behaviors and mind sets. It is a process.
Maybe an easy comparison is the thoughts of holidays. Most people have celebrated holidays from the beginning of time and there are certain expectations. If Aunt Mary didn’t bake her famous brownies, or if Mother didn’t hang the Christmas stockings beside the tree, or if you didn’t get a chance to watch football after the dinner, then things might seem out of place. The body and mind responds to the patterns we have grown up with. When young people marry, they bring the traditions forward repeating that which they have always known to be the holidays. If somewhere along the line Aunt Mary dies, often we find ourselves thinking during each holiday season of Aunt Mary and how delicious those brownies were. It is a part of who you have become. Of course, we are not in love with the brownies as much as Aunt Mary, but the holiday triggers your memories and responses. You miss her and become perhaps a little sad, or even depressed depending on the different variables.
I don’t think it happens that all people get depressed, for some the triggering of Aunt Mary thoughts, leads us to feel warm and welcomed, because it is now us who are providing brownies to the family, and perhaps you think of how proud Aunt Mary would be that you were carrying on her tradition. But, the point is … those people and situations that affect us most are life long.
In the case of abuse, where people were not so pleasantly remembered, we still can be triggered to bringing those thoughts forward. Maybe last year it didn’t happen the same way, but this year something new has been added to the mix, and because you haven’t worked out those thoughts or sense of grief that space in time get brought forward insistent that it be handled. Sometimes there are a multitude of problems suggesting that it isn’t just a linear problem. For example, in this situation with school, we are not only dealing with what is difficult, but in not being given better support under time of stress, or like I’ve been saying treated as if we were invisible. When these senses are triggered, we get bogged down emotionally, until we are able to reprocess things differently. We have to become aware of the underlying problems, and then how we are responding to the situation ineffectively.
It isn’t the same as saying, well I’m behind, and I just need to catch up. At least, what we’ve found is that the feelings of despair or loneliness that are attached to these triggers become overwhelming in the present. Until they are processed in some form, we can work through the issues, except this time differently because we have someone to go through things with us like Dr. M, or through this medium of journaling. It doesn’t work that you figure out all the problems and then they just go disappear. After going through 20 years of abuse with little support, then stepping into a marriage that was also abuse and unsupportive, though to a lesser degree, and now in the present … we are still dealing with everything we had known during the first 30 years as affecting who we are. I didn’t suddenly become someone else just because we gained a therapist. It is not simply like buying a new car, erases a history of bad driving. The problems are ingrained into us, so that it seems like the problems are more us, then anything else.
I don’t know perhaps I’m babbling now. I have been feeling misunderstood. And, although the papers are important, I am more important than my papers or even my aspirations. This doesn’t mean I want to stop being a student, or one day graduating. It just means that it takes me a little longer to process the particular stresses I am under while going through school. The thing I worry about most is if it doesn’t work out for me to complete this course this semester, how will my financial aid be affected? I have to make it to the best of my ability, to work through as much as I can now, and if I can be financially supported still, I would take the course again, though I would take it on its own without the second course the next time. I figure that even if I find that I am no longer enrolled in the course, that it is to my advantage to work through as many assignments as is possible. Because each assignment completed assists me in being the better student.
In looking at the positive. Dr. M. was very sure of himself when he pointed out to me yesterday that I had progressed in that before I had not been able to complete any assignments, and over the weekend I had at processed one and started the next. That is progress. He gave me an opportunity to process feelings I have of myself failing an important goal that I had set, though he made it clear that just because I have trouble with one course, it doesn’t mean I have to stop being a student. Somehow, he made it ok to be me and be me where I am at, and that helped. No one has given up; just we’re more appreciative of what is before us. We know something now, we didn’t know before. I am smart enough to do this; however, my psychological issues have to be considered too. Everything is going to work at its own pace.
I’m still afraid that if I miss a mark, I am going to lose some of my extra support that has been so important to me. I will be thought of as not trying hard enough, or making excuses, or of not being serious. I don’t and won’t know how much of that is true, but I know I don’t want to get stuck pushing that ball up hill. I guess at this point, I am processing it more like the diet. While there are some days new marks are hit, there are other days, where we’re just maintaining, or even lost ground. It doesn’t mean I have to give up. I just have to make adjustments. A call to the counselor might give me a better sense to understand if I will be given this extra leeway. I will also have to make a call to the financial aid office. In the meantime, I have five days ahead of me to make up for lost ground. Again, even if I am not going to be allowed to get credit for this course, I am going to progress through it as far as I can go. Make it a period of studying without the direct pressure.
I was also thinking that something different has happened to me this semester that was different from the first two. I took on more an appreciation where we were at with work goals. Where before I missed many days of work to get things in on time, and I was putting in work time working on school, this semester I didn’t do that. It didn’t help in getting the school work done, but I was able to step past a problem that hadn’t been good or honest for my career. I am back to working at work on legitimate problems, where before I was avoiding them to do the other. I have to believe this is a good thing. I still have to do with my avoidant behavior. It is however, much easier to see the patterns of how dissociation works. I’m not saying that I should use my dissociative identity disorder as an excuse; I just can’t pretend it isn’t there, because it certainly is not convenient. Yeeks, three negatives in one sentence. That might be a new record for me.
I don’t know if through this dialogue I’ve released some pressure, or added other pressures in accepting the completion of this course isn’t life threatening. I know that 1997-1999 when completing my BA degree, I had started off having been hospitalized, and went back to the hospital three times including once for shock therapy during the two year process. Point is … I still graduated by the grace of God. I am no where near that point now, and I will do everything within my power not to go that direction. Part of that is feeling stronger and more confident with me, and a good part is having positive supporters. It is one thing to go through my doubts; it is another thing having to take on others doubts. One set of problems is enough. I hope this doesn’t mean that all support will be withdrawn … all or nothing thinking. Certainly, it helps to be encouraged by people who know how to advance in education or goals in general. I will always try to listen and adapt. But, if something isn’t working, I don’t want to shame or guilt myself into going forward. This has to be a positive situation. I need to get past the emotional parts to where I’m feeling absorbed in the work again. That is like one of the greatest feelings, and I miss it terribly.
So, given all that, it is about 2:30 in the morning, and I’m going to “go for it” again. Progress not perfection.
Let's Call This a Wrap
Hi. It’s night time now. We’re going to try staying up for one last ½ hour. I figure if we can stay up to 7 pm, I will be able to sleep better in the morning. Not so bad We’ve just finished our dinner, so should take the medicine too. Ok, let’s just do it! Good girls!
We have a little head discomfort, but it isn’t a real headache. I may be coming down with something. Shoot.
We got a break in the weather. Our friend said that he would be taking the day off tomorrow to make us a Thanksgiving Dinner. We’re hoping it includes PIE!!! I know, diet … We’re holding onto 287 … so right at the 25 pound mark. Our best is 286.6 … so, maybe we’ll get there tomorrow before potential pie. Hmm, maybe we better take something for our head just in case. Then I’ll stop talking in that direction. There. We wouldn’t want to wake up with nothing.
Today, was kind of one of those ho-hum type days, except for Dr. M. Though nothing truly exciting happened there either … just work, work, work. We’re on a Dr. break now. No meetings until next Monday. We let Sr. know that we wouldn’t be there tomorrow, but we’re really going to try not blowing of Wednesday. Four days will be long enough. At Dr. M.s we talked a little bit (15 minutes) about other stuff going on with some of my relationships, but saved the bulk of the meeting to be going over resilience to studying. I know I’m the most talkingess non-doing person you probably know.
I don’t have much else to offer in that direction. ‘Cept to say nothing goes in a straight line as a multiple. There are a lot more interests within the system than just school. Though we’re trying very, very hard to get back to that point. It’s like the order at work. You drive in to work in the am thinking, great I’m going to jump that project. But, before you can pick-up a pen, your boss greets you with two new projects, there is a client at the door, and our talkative DSP, feels as if the world is crowding her out. You put down a heavy stack of mail and you remember you forgot to email yourself the notes you need to start the day.
Everyone whether inside or out has agenda items and they got to be worked through. It is why I spend so much time trying to figure out what is happening. Today, I started to get down about the work not completed, especially with school. But, I know that we don’t have the time or luxury of being depressed at this moment. I figure things could be worse. This afternoon I finished the report that “evil” woman wants, and before I could fax it she was on the phone again. This is the good part. She really wanted to bother the other Q this time, but Sr. had sent the call in the wrong direction. Oh man. Was I relieved? I figured I better walk it up front though to break the bad news to the other QMRP. It is a given at this point, that neither of us are caught up and are working on emergency basis only. BUT, evil woman is on a terrorizing rampage. Calling in an appointment scheduled the next day at 4 pm is not Kosher. Just down right rude. She didn’t even stay on the line long enough to transfer properly. She just said, just tell her, because I already talked to Sr. Tess. Then, as I was faxing out on the way out the door, I find out from Sr. that the lady told her nothing of the sort. Sr. says there was no conversation. Can I tell you how much I trust evil woman? Shoot!
Ok, ok … let’s think positively. Tomorrow is a day off and my sweetie is coming over to appease my best senses! *Sigh*
Hmm, with that thought, I think we’re going to take ourselves to bed Nighty-night!
Whimpering
Good morning, ok, ok … you are all sleepy. That’s ok; I can be all good with that. (Placing finger mitten muffles on). We’ll be quiet! One more thing here. I need to stretch for some coffee. Ahh better. Everyone’s been fed here and the kitties just requested some fresh air, so we wrapped ourselves up in Macadam’s blanket. Very good.
Already as I am sitting down I am aware of a dichotomy of wanting not to think, and knowing, I need to think. So, that will be the morning’s challenge, as well, as a continuation of weekend thoughts. I really don’t know why there is so much resistance, but in just saying the word, I know I will need to back off that point. I don’t want to start the day off negatively.
Ok, this is Ann, [TOP STUDENT], waking up and getting ready to zoom over to school. Can we do this? YES, WE CAN!! Whoops, little too early for all that. It is about 1:30 am now. And, I’ve been up for a little bit. But, to be fair the day starts when you get the coffee. Kitties are pretty happy, because they thought I was never going to make it into the kitchen for coffee and feeding them. Let’s just say, I was persistently pursued by them in their best interest.
Ok, scrambling here … looking for something not to think about hard. Though at the same time, I am remembering something of our reading yesterday. To be creative, one should abandon themselves to their work. That is where I would like to be. Ok, new system. First, we say, “Ready?” “Set?” And, then “Go!” AHA! The books been open, it works! Ok, better get up our other Word document. Reread paragraph. Wow! It is poetry to my ears and sense of encouragement. Three more sections to include … better go on to a new paragraph. Need to think through now, “It’s Who You Are.”
Shoot. We were doing it. But, then someone just went to bed after writing one more paragraph. This is not good. Now, it is time to go to Dr. M.’s … we’ll try talking it out again.
Disappointed.
The Day Slid Right Past
Ok, ok … so we weren’t able to stay away too long. I am sure there are plausible reasons for this. For now … let’s just say, “I’m growing again.” Hmm, or drinking too much caffeine? *Sigh*
Pretty sure, you all are going to tire of this, but we’re going to try working through another session of getting work done. We’ve been playing around for a couple of hours and it is now about 2:30 am. Yeeks, felt a sudden pang of an old message, “Shame on you Ann Marie!” You could guess correctly if you thought, that sounds like a mother message.
Well, basically, I’d rather think. This is now my life and it will have to go in the self-direction we take. I think we are going to have to line ourselves up with positive messages again. Our friend likes to call this PMA – Positive Mental Attitude.
Let’s see how the defragging went. So far, we are still signed on to AOL and maybe we could listen again to some music? Let’s try. We’re trying Enya … that is what we usually play at work to calm ourselves. This is definitely a work task. Let’s go back to the basics. Hmm, we could check out to see if we’re still remembering our coloring lessons. YAYY, 15 out of 15 – 100% A! Doing good girls. Should we step it up a notch? Why don’t we start the work day of with some stretching exercises?
Hehe umm, way stretched out … It took a while to focus on the next brain structure. We picked up information on the basal ganglia, thalamus, hypothalamus, penal gland, pituitary gland, limbic lobe and midbrain. I seem to be having an easier time than not of remembering the structures, but not as well in memorizing this last set of functions. It will call for more practice. I think this kind of work is good to relax us from the regular tensions of school work. The brain is something I could study for the rest of my life and never truly understand. Where I lose my balance … (hehehe that would actually be the cerebellum) … is when they say something is in a particular space like sensory in the parietal area, then they say that the there are sensory pathways somewhere else. Hehehe, ok, so it makes sense the travel through the spinal column on their way through the thalamus gateway to the parietal lobe. Just call me a trouble maker! But, how can motor be at the top back part of the frontal lobe, where balance and coordination are back with the cerebellum. This doesn’t seem real practical?
Ok, ok … yes, we are not working on our school work directly again. Why don’t we hold on for just one more moment though? My stomach is starting to hurt and complaining that we haven’t fed it for about 12 hours. I know, seems like we were just having dinner together. Maybe a little cereal, then we should take the morning medicine. Good, good all done, and we shut the door and found our warm slippers. You might as well now that we slip from day to day over weekends maintaining our non-stop PJ appearance, unless we are in the shower. Eh, someone has got to keep flannel in business!
Ok, down to the real business. We left off on the back part of the 7th Week. We need to dip more into creativity. Let’s see where we end up. The questions posed again are:
u07d3 Creativity
Thoroughly compare and contrast the various approaches to creativity. Based upon current research and theory on creativity, what advice would you give to a friend who would like to be more creative in his or her work? Is a highly creative person more susceptible than others are to personal emotional challenges? If so, explain.
The areas in which I will compare and contrast concerning creativity are: “It’s how much you produce,” “It’s what you know,” “It’s who you are,” “It’s where you are” and “All of the above” (Sternberg, 2003, pp. 396-397). Best get out the book again … shoot, I know where some of the time has gone. We just got receipt of having bought a pencil sharpener. *Sigh* Ok, ok … pencil sharpener …
Now treat me, open the book. *Grumbling* Shh, none of that! Have to move the fresh hot cup of coffee … Ok, that is doable. Moving … SIPPPPP! Good, good … Now read the first couple of paragraphs on amount produced. Ok, that sounds good … creativity is estimated due to the variety and depth of productional details. Well, no that is not exactly a word, but it seems on track. I know fix it. Stop wasting time! Variety and depth of … more creations! That’s good.
ACK! Set-back. I allowed a feeling of dizziness to overcome me. Went back to bed. It is now quarter to nine. And, then when I got up, my friend was on line willing to talk about holiday pie and cookies. He be my sweetie-pie! Have to love baking in a guy, or a guy baking. Hot whether in the kitchen, or … well, you know what I mean.
We’re going to have to try concentrating again. BE SERIOUS!! I really do like when I get to post a new paper. Let’s concentrate on that kind of motivation. What is happening now on the actual paper. Hmm, just one sentence complete. Is there anything else I want to say yet before reading the next part? It would be a good idea to include an example, so I can figure out what point is really being covered. Hmm, Missy lay down on my left forearm. That doesn’t seem productive. Ok girls, fight it! Let’s read that sentence again. I am thinking we should leave it add the others, then come back for examples in discussion, let’s try that. Ok, move on to the next section.
Cool! They are saying that creative people, “work long and hard, studying the work of their predecessors and their contemporaries, to become thoroughly expert in their fields.” We seem to be working harder on the multiple processes we are going through in trying to focus on a set point. It seems as if it is all done with me sitting here in my ever-patient computer window and now it has become through the Blogs an extension of my need for a study buddy, and that this writing system has become an adoption of externalizing ourselves outward.
The next guy says that it is remarkable that truly creative people work on extraordinary content. The next guy talks about to types of creative thinking. Convergent is when the individual converges on a unifying pattern or structure within a scattered assortment of data. The other type is when the individual diverges from one structure to test it in other markets. I am definitely in most favor of the first, although I find my writing abilities outstretching from one medium to another. I very much love collecting and unifying the thoughts of a pieces into a whole … Very Gestalt. I like the idea of scientific insight in that I think the world has got sorcerers to work this kind of magic, bringing us forward in time and technology. I don’t think it is my forte. I still spend much of my time looking at concepts and holding them in awe as peering into the Grand Canyon. I hope I have within me the mindset to assist thoughts in coming together in a manner, feasts upon itself.
Hmm, looks like this section has been fun to think through as well. Ok, one or two sentences holding it all together.
Well. There was one paragraph written before we left. I don’t think it was a complete paragraph. But, the leaving was for good reason. Macadam IM’d this morning and wanted to know if we were still on for early afternoon. It didn’t take me two shakes to figure that one out. While I was waiting, Macadam called Jacob and it was all good. Two sons at once and throw in a daughter-in-law and granddaughter and there were the makings of wonderful afternoon! Plus, Macadam made the families meatballs, cheesy mashed potatoes, vegetables, and a salad! GOOD STUFF! Unfortunately, I think I put my foot in my mouth a couple of times with my daughter-in-law. Like I asked her if her back hurt at all with the extra weight (obviously about 29 weeks pregnant). She very dryly told me she had only gained; I can’t remember which, either 7 or 8 pounds. Like WHOOPS! Stuff like that. But, for the most part, she kept talking to me, so I figured that was pretty good, especially directly before and after dinner when we got a chance to sit with her alone. YAYYY!!!
There was loose chat before the meal with my granddaughter swooping in and out. She never wears the same thing twice. I don’t remember what was underneath, but we were met by the princess with a long flowing bath robe, hiding under her Mom’s summer brimmed hat. I think she must lead a very rich and interesting fantasy life! *Giggle* She still doesn’t have that manners thing down and she hasn’t stopped bouncing for the last four years. I will always think of this one as my son’s springy child. Dinner was mostly adult, because small wonder child, decided to watch television at that time. I was glad to hear my DL, Lee, tell her daughter several times that all her demands of Lee’s time couldn’t be filled because of going up and down stairs. However, the idea of being up for only 15-20 minutes seems to have long gone by the waste-side. She is, at least, taking good naps during the week when her daughter is with her mother. YAYYYY!!!
Macadam was preoccupied putting together dinner beforehand, and loading dishes in the dishwasher afterward, but when the group retired out to the living room, I was glad for the conversation. Mostly it was between Macadam and Jacob and it was primarily about being down at the Board. Apparently, Tanner hasn’t started over with the boys Uncle Chris yet, but both Macadam and even Jacob plan to start trading over at Chris’ place by the summer, and their father will join the group by the winter season. Their step-brother is already over at Chris’ and there is no telling where the boys Uncle Dan will end up. The boys seemed dismayed to say he was sorting out all his woman problems. Seems he was engaged to a woman out west, but was dating two other women. Yeeks! He’s left the Board in the last month or two as well as Tanner. Over at Chris’ there will be a large series of computer set-ups and each of the boys will have their own seats (umm more Board talk). The only thing I know is that they won’t have to share the money they now make with the bosses everyone is leaving. Believe me, this is a very tight family. No doubt, Chris’ sons will join too, as soon as they are old enough to vote. Frankly, I think I’m about Garvey’d out!
They did talk some of Tanner so that was good for me to hear. It seems thought that he has gotten even more honoree than before. A long conversation with him for anyone is ten minutes. He is very abrupt and to the point. Such as if he is not interested in your thoughts, he will say something like, “That might be important to you, but I have no interest in listening to it.” He seems so very cold and distant and intolerant. But, with all that he is still one of the leaders in the family even with the older generation. I think people, in general, have a difficult time with Tanner, because he sees the point very quickly and is extremely guarded with his time and patience. I am not sure how he got this way. It has never been my point, although we didn’t sugar coat his life. I will always hold his father in memory as someone who was emotionless, but even he was not this severe. And, lately, I worry if Tanner hasn’t also picked up some of my obsessive compulsion. He may be gifted, but his mannerisms with self and others are very demanding. Lee and the boys however seem to think this is all fine and he is doing well. *Sigh*
So, that is most of what is going on. I am smart enough to figure out what is being said and isn’t, though I am still relatively at an elementary stage of understanding ticks and lots. I understand very well their emotional and intellectual pros and cons. The boys all seem to know how smart they are, but I think emotions are hard for all of them. Right now Macadam is under the most pressure, because he is now supporting his family financially on his own, and he says that he is not trading well. We talked about how the trading changes and adapting. They can see problems the other family members are having, but they cannot shake their own tail feathers in its regard. They need to learn new systems, but unfortunately Garvey’s are always too proud, which I think is due to insecurity, although if any one of them were present, beside Jacob, they would laugh me out of the water. When Jacob stated he would be interning this summer, I asked him if it would be under the guise of trading or psychology. Apparently, that was one of my more clever statements of the night. They laughed and teased how goofy the family could get. BUT, that’s an insider’s secret!
I don’t know … I feel suddenly, very beat. Hey, did you hear them BEARS won!!! Very early bed tonight.
Processing Creatively a Day
Hmm, ok … you all followed me! We’ve gone from one entry to the next; however, this has eaten up another hour. Don’t ask me where we’ve been, I wouldn’t be able to tell you. I just don’t know what happens to our time, especially if we are not watching. So, we’ll label that “losing time” and get on with it. Chances are most likely we’ve been gone and never left our chair.
Ok, of all the plans of mice and men … We were going to get our textbook. That hasn’t been done yet … wait a sec. Pshwoo … done. Difficulty level about a six. Ten being the hardest. We need to calm down again. I sure wish I knew or understood all of whom inside I seem to be putting out by taking this much control and direction back. Maybe we’ll find someone to talk about this to later. K? Our eyebrows are now all scrunched up and our face is wearing eyes that look wide in a brand of terror. Ok, shhhh. Calm down, this doesn’t have to be a big deal. We’ll take it slow. Hey someone left a Carmel apple! Good thinking! I see we are out of coffee though. That will never do. And, it seems a little chilly in here, we’ll have to tuck around us our lap blanket as soon as the coffee is got. Hold on. Ok, that’s better … Still the wild eyes, but the coffee has been started. Mark the time … it is now 10:15 am. We’re going to do this.
Ok, what’s next. Well, it seems like someone might want to get the book out of the bag and open it? Hmm. That be me then? Drat! Ok, ok … done. Deep breath, hold, let it out slowwwwly. “Nother bite of apple? K. Thanks. Shoot, does anyone know which chapter we’re on? Maybe we have to open that document where we wrote the assignment. Maybe it would say. K. Lotsa windows open though. That could be confusing. Oh, how about that it was already opened!
u07d2 Problem Solving
Part I: Develop an example of a problem situation that can be used to illustrate the problem-solving cycle. State the application of the cycle to the situation for each of the cycle's steps. Explain what would be the advantages and disadvantages of becoming an expert problem-solver for the problem you addressed.
Part II: Compare and contrast Davidson and Sternberg's three kinds of insights, being sure to address the strengths and weaknesses of each. How might incubation help in insightful problem solving?
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u07d3 Creativity
Thoroughly compare and contrast the various approaches to creativity. Based upon current research and theory on creativity, what advice would you give to a friend who would like to be more creative in his or her work? Is a highly creative person more susceptible than others are to personal emotional challenges? If so, explain.
Ok, that’s the stuff. We only have now two windows open That will help. For some reason AOL turned itself off … what an idea! However, AOL Explorer is functioning. Hmm, maybe we should turn on music? That sometimes relaxes us. Hmm, Ella Fitzgerald too much. Maybe back to David Lanz’ piano music.
OK. V. is BACK! He says no obsessing. I think we’re obsessing. My screens have to look just so. I placed the little music box on top the screen, cuz somebody saying I want to see the words. It is a favorite, “Variations On A Them From Pachelbel’s Canon In D Major.” Maybe this is our best obsessing music. Close your eyes, breath, relax the face’s muscles. No tears! See it’s all good. Life is good. But, saying this quietly now. We’re going to need opening the book. That’s right we were going to figure out what chapter. Ok, go back and look for it … baby step. Ok, problem solving and creativity. We can do this. We’re good here. *breath*
See the familiar markings … we’ve been here before Ok, now one more tiny step. We’re going to look at the first question, k? Just a little step. Hmm, “Develop an example of a problem situation that can be used to illustrate the problem-solving cycle.” Wow! That’s not so bad so far. We are in the middle of a problem right now! Let’s define that … The problem is remembering how to be a student and write papers again. Ok, that works for me. Next sentence.
“State the application of the cycle to the situation for each of the cycle's steps.” Whoops sentence doesn’t make sense. Hmm, I think what it is asking is for me to use the model of a cycle on the third page of the text. So, I am to match up my problem with the steps. Ok, shouldn’t be too bad. We opened a separate word window for the hand-in assignment.
1. Problem identification
2. Definition of problem
3. Constructing a strategy for problem solving
4. Organizing information about a problem
5. Allocation of resources
6. Monitoring problem solving
7. Evaluating problem solving
Me again. I am trying not to panic. I finished part A which was these three steps and two more questions. I went to Part B and lost a lot of time. The question asks about three different kinds of insight, but the book read:
According to the view proposed by Janet Davidson and me, insights are of three kinds, involving three different processes: selective encoding, selective comparison, and selective combination. Further along they only describe the three processes not the three kinds of insight. Then while I am still questioning this question, I read: … We agree with the nothing-special theorists to some extent, in that the three processes that we suggest as underlying the three kinds of insights also can … blah, blah. This would seem to really imply two things. There are 3 kinds of insight, and there are three processes. My logic then said, ok … although they describe the processes and imply through the question knowing the kinds of insight. I had better look elsewhere. I thought simply at first, I would check out the web. I found a lot of the work of the author and his homesite talking about three intelligences, or three kinds of love, but nothing on three kinds of insight. Though, I did figure this was a guy who liked to make lists. So then, I thought, silly. Go to the on-line library at school. But, after doing a thorough study there, I found I still did not come up with three kinds of insight. I was feeling pretty rejected, although I’d just come off a high from the last question. So, I thought, maybe if I checked into the course room, I would figure it out. I saw the flag for new announcements so I thought better stop in. The prof had written a statement saying all the midterm grades were out, with the exception of 5 students he could not get a hold of … I was neither given a midterm grade, nor was I on the list of 5 students. Don’t panic, don’t panic I thought. So, I tried to email the guy, however, again my regular aol is down and AOL explorer kicks my attempts to mail out of the water. Closes down my one thin thread of reality in connecting to the Internet. SO, after beating my head against the wall in frustration, I figured just go look and see what the other students had done. As I might have guessed his one favored student was the first to hand in an assignment. Gee, golly, whiz. Disregarding his and other students fluttering around her, although I am adamantly sure, she copies straight from her resources. … Anyway, I find that what she has explained and gotten excellent reviews on was in monkeying around with three processes not kinds of insight. I checked this with a few others and thought …oh F*** IT. We’re pretty sure V must be responsible for verbal exclamation. D*** stop that! You know better!
So, we revert to our V frame of mind finding him not on-line. V would say just get something in. Don’t obsess with this. We’re pretty sure at least he would head this direction. So, to summarize the point, I am going to keep running along at break-neck speed, and figure out something prophetic, but within 20 minutes of prophetic. We’re thinking V still thinks were one of the good guys, so he would also say screw Ms. Perfect and her admirers … you don’t need to go there. To which I would say I have to agree. My only task at the moment is to work through as many papers as possible until I can call the prof on Monday, to find out if I’m even enrolled in the course. Though, If I weren’t, I sure as hell would think someone considerate enough to tell me. Screw the concern! F*** losing it here. NOOOO, not losing it. Answer the next question, that is all, answer the question. Ok, ok … I’m going. What is the question?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of three somethings and how does incubation help?
We’re back again. It is now about a quarter after 7. We are having computer problems. AOL keeps bugging out on us and even the Adaware program froze up. So I am now using the disk cleanup utility to clean up unnecessary files, then next I will defrag her … that stuff scares me to bits, because it means I could not be able to use my computer for quite some hours. But, it will be for the better, right? Something has to change, because my poor computer isn’t feeling well. That makes me very unhappy.
The good news is that I finished the first paper. I still wasn’t able to go fast enough. I am looking now at the next paper. It is about creativity. I think I am usually considered creative, but I’m not giving myself much credit at this point. After trying to problem-solve computer problems concerning signing on or running programs that don’t freeze up, I think that anyone could be a little cranky. Just in case though, we figured we should eat dinner and take our medicine. I’m a little iffy right now as to going forward with papers, hence coffee, or calling it a night and starting earlier. What is winning me over one direction over the other is that The Disk Cleanup utility is only about a 1/3 complete. Though on the other side, my time to go to bed kitty is pacing back and forth between me and the screen.
Wow! That was something. She leaned over and curled into my arms and tucked herself under my chin for 15 entire minutes! Good kitty. I just held and petted. It was very nice, and in the meantime my disk cleaner-upper finished. I took my time and thought some through it. I am going to take the greater good. Defrag the computer. I am hoping that will get rid of some of whatever sickly she has in her. One more smoke, I’ll post, then start her up. I haven’t done this for a long time, but I’m pretty sure, I can’t use her while she’s working. I might, however, be proved wrong. I am thinking also, better to get myself to bed while worn, and wake up early and refreshed. Dr. M. says first thing is that we need to take care of ourselves. So that will be that! Thanks for sticking it out with me. We are going to take the route of posting the paper too. I am pretty sure, I don’t want to post-it in the old journal and I am not up to a new journal. Hang-in there, K?
PSY7421 - u07d02 -Problem Solving and Creativity
In applying the cycle to a problem, I might identify the problem as remembering how to be a student, write a paper, and contacting the professor to understand if I am still in the course.
In definition of the problem, I would think remembering how to be a student, is the same as saying for some time, I seem to have been not actively involved with the cognitive course. The competition to have been the best might have caused us to fall back to our all or none thinking. When we think of writing a paper, we have been seeing only small steps, which has scared us to pieces. We have been overwhelmed with thoughts such as, “Get the book, Open the book, Figure out which page. What is the chapter? What is the question?” I have lost contact with the courseroom and I am out of touch with what is supposed to be happening and when the professor handed out midterm grades, I did not receive one. Prior to not being here, I remember there being a couple of weeks where we had been behind, so we figure that is why the professor didn’t comment to us. We felt invisible and lost. This is our fault. We meshed a space of our past with the present. We need to assert our presence, but hadn’t.
In constructing a strategy for problem solving, we note our strategy has been to dissociate. Now, we need to figure out where we are. We have to associate with what needs to be done. In looking around it seems to be week 7. We last left off on the back part of Week 4. Something about memory. Then there was just Chapter 5 and that week we only had to do a journal entry. I think the week before we were not able to do properly the Coglab, because of the program, and/or our computer. We handed in something else; however, there had been no response. We should have known wheterh or not this was ok on our own. Next came something on knowledge. That sounds also like something I would like to know. We would have a lab then on Week 6 and something. Let’s see. Ok. Language, I see. Then we are up to this week we are to finish today. Problem Solving and Creativity. So that means we owe another journal entry. Ok, got it.
To tackle this problem without being overwhelmed, we are going to need addressing each assignment. However, we will work on just two assignments a day. The other course is fairly caught up. We can go back to that course after we are caught up with this course. We need not to be so scared. We can do this. Calm the parts that are wavering. To tackle this problem, I need to self-assure us that it will be ok. We could schedule a call to the professor on Monday. That would be a good idea. Make it our goal to post both of this week’s assignments by midnight. Ok, Good. No, better wait to find if we’re still in the course. Ok, we can still use the format process that has been working in the other course. Work on each question one at a time. And, use the blog to check-in, when it gets difficult. Ok, we’re ready for the next step.
In organizing information about the problem, we need to see it as a process. First, organize the load. We now have the assignments listed on one Word document and away from what feels like a threatening courseroom, then copy/paste over one question at a time to this document, respond to the question at hand, and focus on the work and not the thoughts and emotions of the different parts. If someone wants the floor it has to be constructive toward the studenting. We all have to focus, because otherwise, we will detract from simply as our friend states, doing the work.
Allocation of resources means having us all focus our attention. We have removed the extraneous obstacles such as other projects. We have situated ourselves comfortably. We know the course is challenging, but we are smart enough for it. Our supporters have been very good at helping re-direct us back to “our” work of being a student and writing papers. We are focused in the present and as we think through this problem, we are working to resolve it and we are resolving the paper itself by writing. It is helping us to write the work in outline form. Keep this order and maintain both assignments from the same chapter at the same time. One effort is psychologically easier than two papers.
As we monitor the problem, we are only going to focus on this day. It is now about 11:15 am on Saturday. C’mon, you can do better. The date is November 19, 2005. One month of this semester left. Wow! We would like this week’s assignments finished (with comments) within the next ten to twelve hours. We should set the timer to make sure we are maintaining the task. To do the work, we need to remain in the present. Our typing fingers need to stay connected to whichever paper/assignment is before us. Within this next week, we have six days of time off from work. This means, we should focus on catching up two papers a day and finish by next weekends end. AND, then we need to work ahead to complete the final paper as well. We need to handle our obsessive compulsive needs. Our work does not have to be the best; it just has to be done. Most likely our work won’t look exactly like the other students. It will be just different. That is ok. We are not as crazy as we sometimes feel. It will be ok. We can be a successful. It is ok. So far, it seems to be working. We are progressing, smile. We can do this.
Ok, next, we need to evaluate problem solving. How is the negativity level. Seems everything is still good. Music is helping. Editing our work helps. It makes it easier for the slower parts to keep up. I am finding that my minds don’t work as might a singleton’s mind. Doesn’t mean we can’t complete the same assignments as he or she. Just time orientation is a little different for us. We still need to find out if our work can be submitted. Are we still a student of this course. What rules may we have violated? Maybe we’ll make that phone call to the Professor, the next problem we solve. Our email messages have had no response and our lack of home phone, will be taken care of at work on Monday. It will give us time to figure out our commitment toward progress.
The advantages of becoming an expert-problem solver, is for one, I would be unlimited in the number of things I could accomplish, particularly in school. I would be less fearful of doing things that were difficult for us. With this problem in particular, I have through the process almost completed the first half of the paper. This wasn’t something I was able to do prior to having attempted it. I have learned another system, and if we are nothing else, we’re a systems person. It has helped lessen the stress that I was feeling.
The disadvantages of becoming an expert-problem solver in this situation is that I will have to forget the stages prior of fumbling. Of course, this would be a silly disadvantage. There is no disadvantage of a good working system. After a while and an ability to remember, I would be able to walk more quickly through the steps and utilize the process for most problems. It is time consuming, but so are the problems I deal with. One will help the other.
Sternberg (2003, p. 378) writes that selective-encoding insights are the distinction between relevancy and irrelevancy. It appears to act as the filter or process of cleansing the mind from superfluous variables. An example of this might be the difference in me listening to all the loose chatter within our minds preoccupied in anything other than difficult thinking, or me listening to only the self-conversations that continue only in response to the course question before me. The strength of selective insight might be that I find meaningfulness in responding to an immediate goal and in the process learning something of value. This would correspond to my higher-reaching goal of completing the course, and eventually my formal education. Anything I learn now during the third semester will help me to develop better skills and progress the semesters to follow. I need to remain focused and hold in memory processes of continuation.
The weakness of selective encoding is that in not looking or maintaining all the variables, I risk loosing the one slight nuance or chance that could have helped me to better understand my main concern, or better yet the strength of its hold on me. This morning while trying to calm down enough to open the textbook, my eyes happened to fall and stop their gaze in front of me on a cup of color pencils I have waiting to use for my new brain anatomy book. I thought, odd … weeks have gone by and I hadn’t really completed more than the first page, or thought for more than an instant how pretty and inviting they were. But, when I had purchased the book, I had intended to use it as a motivator to younger parts in the system, specifically for this course. So, they were allowed to color, which gave us a means of better focusing on the work and the work of the final paper, we are looking forward to starting. The chapter has pointed out that insight sometimes occurs from stepping back from the creative process or processing. One more consideration is that I find when I follow too closely a set path of discovery; I sometimes overwhelm myself through my ability to obsess. It appears I need the balance of seemingly non-productive moments such as recognizing the nice breeze coming from the open balcony, or that my late lunch is actually very fulfilling and necessary in order of resting my mind for greater tasks and tests.
Selective-comparison insight is being able to align side-by-side old information with new information. The first thought that comes to mind here as strength, is that we sometimes in our thinking processes have done what we consider imposing one set of circumstance with another. Through abuse, I have found that unwelcome images or scenarios sometimes seep from the past to the present. This kind of remembrance has been called flashbacks, body memories, or so on. In general, these images are still intrusive. The value of old information/new information coupling, and in particular psychiatry, one can learn to dismiss the negative emotion from an old incident, by double imposing it with a new image. So, in the first instance, I might feel troubled by the presence of my abusive grandfather. The second instance, I feel relief by the image of a safe person next to the former image. The therapist invariably knows how to deal with the conflicting abuser and we in return feel the stronger emotions of caring affiliated with the secure helper, which we had missed prior in our childhood. A part of then feels healed.
A weakness of selective comparison is that sometimes things work in arrear. This morning, I was talking in an instant message with a good friend. The friend is male I’ve known as one of my best friends for two years, and although I’ve held another in an intimate relationship for quite a bit longer, I felt threatened when another female was introduced to my newer friend’s life. I felt assured that my friend would then have no need of his relationship to me. When he told me that was not the case, I trusted him, but by that time I was in tears. Apparently, what had happened is that I double imposed a picture of abandonment from my Grandfather onto my friend, placing him in a precarious an awkward position. The current situation did not carry the strength to justify that amount of emotion. The abandonment issue runs very deep and has been in process for quite some time. In essence, I had kidnapped my friend and attempted to cross mental barriers in effort to reach safer grounds or context. Selective comparison here turned out to be something I would have rather not conscientiously put a friend through.
Selective-combination insight is like finding all the good apples and secret ingredient from which an inspired new family heirloom apple pie be developed. Or, in essence all the pieces of a mysterious life jigsaw puzzle come together coincidently. I have felt this way often in the better progresses of a new school paper that has just been completed somehow just happens. It is as if everything I have learned as a writer of other papers and projects leads me to find a newer product that has succeeded all other past attempts in pleasing and appeasing my soul and spirit.
A weakness to selective combination insight would be in finding that a novel ideal is really kind of corrupt. For the most part, life just runs along and as if holding a basket and collecting berries from one source or another. In the process you find yourself gaining strength and courage. That is the kind of feeling that could lead up to a pleasant afternoon of work on a day that has included a Thanksgiving Day Banquet. Everything seems to be tidying up nicely and the weekend is known to be just slim hour away. Then something silly happens like a State inspector calls your office claiming the world will come to an end if you don’t get that report to her office immediately. And, while one pauses in shock and dismay, the evil pieces of genius fall into place. You know that project is not in immanent danger because it is only a week later, and it’s actually due just within a month. This falls in alignment with the new sense of assertiveness discovered in having a successful work week, and then lastly, you remember the boss has left work for the night. So, in all audacity, you suddenly find yourself saying, “I’ll have that to you first thing Monday morning!” The State inspector gasps. And the part that will have to be responsible later falls to the ground. Yes, I could see this being a weakness. I need to work on my character.
The helpfulness of incubation in problem solving, given the time necessary for inadvertent processing might include that you approach the problem from a different angle. While we have gone through our difficulty in not applying ourselves properly to coursework, which is our current greatest life problem, we have found stepping away from the work has given us a much different approach in handling the assignment, now later. I still do not know whether or not the professor considers me a student in his course, but if he does, and if he accepts the newfound sense of relevancy I feel in responding, I will consider myself fortuned.
Several, areas of study have shown where insight has provided substance from which to build new ideas. In one study that could be considered a selective-encoding insight, a researcher, Adams, (2005) looked at the nature of 9-12 year old children’s dreams that were divine (Christian, secular, and Muslim) to uncover their symbolism as occurring in ancient times. They found when the children themselves attached a meaning to the dreams, instead of directing attention exclusively to the symbolic measures, strong messages of the child were more clearly shown.
Another case of insight is documented through the work of psychologist, Sigmund Koch. His initial love was poetry and literature. He later shifted to philosophy and psychology and may have found selective comparative insight by marrying these interests in the study of the arts and aesthetics. His beneficiaries state that “considerations and illustrations pertaining to aesthetic sensibilities and creative work were woven into the fabric of these papers [states of mind], although the papers were not centered on aesthetic perception and sensibilities of creative work per se” (Franklin, 2001). He went on to completing research on eminent creative people in fiction, poetry, music, architecture, and dance.
Lastly, in an interview of Michael Wertheimer, the son of Gestalt’s Max Wertheimer, Michael discussed how different elements came together to form Gestalt which appears as a selective-combination insight (Sharps & Wertheimer, 2000). The authors’ approach the thought; theories are not created in a vacuum. They looked at the Wundt’s work in looking at subjectivity and investigation, and stated Wundt was aware “that the whole is different from the sum of its parts” (2000). This seemed to tie into Gestalt work on creative synthesis (2000). They also took in the work of another psychologist, Ehrenfels, who added in 1890 qualities of “squareness” and “diamondness” as whole entities to describe what had been elementary lines and angles.
Finally, in reviewing this paper, I have decided to hand it in, particularly since I have received no notice of me being withdrawn from the course. But, if you might be the professor, please let me know where I stand.
References
Adams, K. (2005, September). Voices in my dream: Children’s interpretation of Auditory messages in divine dreams [Electronic version]. Dreaming, 15(3), 195-204.
Franklin, M. B. (2002, May). The artist speaks: Sigmund Koch on aesthetics and creative work [Electronic version]. American Psychologist, 56(5), 445-4652.
Sharps, M. J. & Wertheimer, M. (2000, December). Gestalt perspectives on cognitive science and on experimental psychology [Electronic version]. Review of General Psychology, 4(4), 315-336.
Sternberg, R. J. (2003), Cognitive psychology [Third ed.]. NY: Thomas Wadsworth.
The areas in which I will compare and contrast concerning creativity are: “Its how much you produce,” “It’s what you know,” “It’s who you are,” “It’s where you are” and “All of the above” (Sternberg, 2003, pp. 396-397).
