Coloring book

"Why in the world would an instructor allow a coloring book of my choice to be the required textbook for class?" I heard those words whispered among my fellow students when it was first announced. 

So why would she allow this? My thought is because the instructor is a very open minded - outside the box thinker and wants to really create an environment where each student can really open up as well, coloring books allow people to create and use their imaginations with no boundaries - except for the lines on the page. And maybe the instructor wants to push us to see who will create beyond those set boundaries and who will stay within the imaginar confines of the page. I think having the courage to break the creative boundaries and do whatever you see fit is one of the premises of this class. To reach beyond what you see before you and really open up to what lies within you can be an interesting creative journey and I beleive a coloring book present an opportunity to explore your own personal journey.

How I want my world to be

So I have always colored inside the lines. And accidently going outside the lines was a "no-no"... It was breaking the rules!

It took away all the fun of coloring and turned it into a chore, a serious task.  The way I colored my page was freely... Scribbles but uniform... Some went outside the lines and others were no where near the borders.

I would like life to be free flowing for me... No real rules, just flow.

Egg and the eye

I took my egg and surrounded it with colorful floam. The egg is surrounded by mini action figures ready to take action if anyone tries to harm the egg. This setup represents me and my family. I am the egg. A colorful outer shell with a very fragile center. I have always been the center of attention in my family and my family has always kept a defensive circle around me. They have kept me protected from harm and always ran to my aid whenever I needed them.

This setup, while it has kept me safe, it has also inhibited me in several ways. My circle is my comfort zone. I don't stray from my comfort zone to often.

Paralysis

The video completely summed up many things in my life. I have waited for so long on finishing my degree because I wasn't really sure what choice to make - education-wise.  I have so many interests and natural talents, I just didn't want to make a decision, then end up regretting that decision, thinking I should have taken another path.  So when the speaker talked about "paralysis" I could totally relate.

Not only has this affected my education choices, it has affected my life. I sit in my big beautiful home - looking at bare white walls. Why? Simply because when I go to Home Depot, or Lowes, in search of paint for the walls - I literally become so overwhelmed with the various colors and swatches, that I just turn and walk away. Also, visits to stores like Garden Ridge, At Home, Bed Bath and Beyond, are pointless. I search through all the options of home decor and always leave the store empty handed. Smh...

So the concept of "fishbowling" has somewhat intrigued me. This assignment - with the egg - essentially would have ended up the same as my home...untouched. I'm going to pick a subject and somehow apply it to the egg. Essentially forcing myself to make a decision with more limited options...I think I may try that with my house too! We'll see...