Neil and another necklace

Certain names kept coming up this week.  A favourite artist and blogger of mine, Robyn Gordon of Art Propelled, wrote a terrific post where she quoted Scottish author, Neil Gaimen. As a result, I'd like to read more of his work.  And as one who can be a bit paralysed by a fear of failing, or of not doing something perfectly, these words are good to hear again!"I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're Doing Something. So that's my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Make New Mistakes. Make mistakes nobody's ever made before. Don't freeze, don't stop, don't worry that it isn't good enough, or it isn't perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family life. Whatever is is you're scared of doing, Do it. Make your mistakes, next year and forever."  -  Neil Gaimen I was reminded of whole making mistakes thing in a slightly schmaltzy movie I watched on the plane and I am interested that I am hearing the message again.  I think that a fear of getting it wrong used to be the thing that most often prevented me from sitting down and starting something.  I now talk much more happily about creative experimentation (thank goodness!) and playing. I have lowered my expectations and don't demand perfection.  My 51st necklace for 2012 is linked to a mistake. My mistake was that I didn't get enough of those GORGEOUS RED TEETH BEADS!I have worn this necklace in (an essential part of the creative process sometimes) and it certainly brings a sense of courage and bravado!  Amanda Palmer might wear this necklace.The day I arrived home I was catching up on some reading and came across an article about Amanda Palmer (told you last time that I would mention her again!).  I'd seen her sing on RocKwiz and was pretty blown away by her voice (not to mention stage presence).  Anyway, she's married to the aforementioned Neil Gaimen and their marriage is way more unconvential than mine.  Always handy to read about those marriages that entail longer separations than mine every now and then.I won't add to the talk about the shooting tragedy at Newtown but I hope the talk goes beyond mere words.  I think this article here in the NY Times is pretty compelling. Peace my friends.