Labor Not on Labor Day

If I’m talking about the “wearing white” controversy, it must be Labor Day.  If I am wearing white, it must be to keep from going naked.  I started out this day looking like the cleaner, much more attractive, younger sister of the new creepy looking Mr. Clean who has recently shown up on Mr. Clean television commercials.  Evidently, Mr. Clean doesn’t believe in the wearing white rule.

For you poor uniformed innocents who take your fashion cues from Project Runway or Lady GaGa, there used to be a fashion rule going around that you COULDN’T, SHOULDN’T, DARE NOT wear white after Labor Day.  What Estee Lauder really said was that "it just isn’t done," to wear white shoes after Labor Day, but we make our own rules now, don’t we?

Since it is hot enough outside to cook your biscuits, wearing white has not only a psychological advantage but there is a claim that white helps you stay cooler.  There must be something to it because you see all those guys wearing white bed sheets in the Middle East.  I think they wear them so they can stand over the air conditioner vents in their mobile homes or hog all the cool air in the Range Rovers up close and personal.

When I wear white, I turn into a dirt and paint magnet.  I put on white in the morning and by the time I pull it off in the evening my white is so filthy even Mr. Clean would wash his hands of me.  I could change clothes but on Labor Day, I'm usually too lazy.

Speaking of lazy:

I am pretty sure Labor Not on Labor Day is one of the Missing Commandments that Moses neglected to bring down from the mountain top.  Moses was a control freak and considered his followers to be lazy; (after all they wondered around in the desert for forty years) therefore, he forgot to mention some of the other commandments like: 

  • Thou shall daily enjoy the life I have given you.
  • Rejoice when you have a good hair day.
  • Paint every day if you can.
  • Laughter is the best medicine; laugh at your mistakes.
  • Don’t wear white shoes after Labor Day unless you really want to.

You know, ones like that.


Hope you have a great Labor Day and the air vents are all pointed your way.

Hugs, Diana

How to Upgrade Your Creativity in Three Easy Steps

I don’t know about you, but I am glad I don’t have to go back to school this month and wear hot scratchy new clothes and tight shoes on feet that haven’t worn more than a flip flop since April.  In the spirit learning something being good for you, here’s how to upgrade your creativity in three easy steps plus a bonus.

1. Recognize that your creativity needs an upgrade

Producers of software, cell phones, and other providers have made it a common practice to announce the newest version of their products, usually with fanfare and customer anticipation.  Can your creative projects/products/process use an overhaul or a tweaking?

Doing the same old thing the same old way can cause your creativity to fall into a rut even if it feels comfortable.  Boredom is a huge creativity killer and can lead to burnout.

If you recognize that your creativity needs an upgrade, now is the perfect time to do something about it.

2. Do your research

Recognize that you might not know every thing there is to know about your subject even if you are an expert.   Consider that you don't know what you don't know.  Become willing to be a beginner.  A Google or Amazon search can open your mind to all sorts of new possibilities that you might want to investigate. 

Try out a new skill, book, tool, mentor, class or process.  I love going to school on YouTube!

3. Follow through with the upgrade

You can’t learn anything from your upgrade if you don’t follow through with a plan.  Upgrades usually require an investment of time, money and energy, but aren't you and your creativity worth it?  Yes it is!  Whatever you decide needs upgrading, make the commitment to your plan and work your plan.  You'll be glad you did.

4. Plus a Bonus

Upgrading your creativity gets easier every time you do it if you allow yourself the bonus of a reward by celebrating your risk taking and your willingness to learn something new.  Enjoy the fruits of your labor.  Buy yourself the accompanying tools or supplies that go with the upgrade as a reward or maybe just allow your self a daily afternoon nap.

Whatever bonus you choose, reinforce that leaning something new and being a beginner is valuable so that you are willing to continue your own personal upgrades every time you need one.

Energize your creativity by giving it a sweet upgrade!

Hugs,

Diana