Monday, July 20, 2009

5 Words

Preston had a really fun meme over on his blog Me and the Blue Skies. It's pretty cool. Basically, you read through this post and then comment, and I'll reply with 5 words that remind me of you. Once you get your words, go ahead and think about them and then write your own post about your 5 words. As Preston quoted Linh over at Girl in Georgia:

Reply to this post… and I’ll give you 5 words that remind me of you. Then post to your own blog with your meditations on those words, inviting others to ask you for words.

I really liked this meme idea so I asked Preston to give me 5 words so I could play along. Without further ado, here are the words he sent me and my meditations on each of them...

Creativity - this is of course one of my favorite words. I live and breathe creativity, it's one of my passions (which, incidentally, is one of my other 4 words!) I love creating things and trying out new ideas. I have a pretty well stocked art supply caddy and several overflow containers of materials. I am constantly coming up with new projects to try. (and often spending too much time and money at the art supply store) The only problem is finding time to turn all of my ideas into finished products. I like to think that my creativity stems partly from my overly developed imagination. As I revealed in my last post, I've recently started learning the techniques for a new tasty, edible creative outlet. I also find creative activities incredibly relaxing and therapeutic. There is so much stress and ugliness in this world, it's so relaxing to use my imagination to create beautiful things to brighten the world around me. I also think that handmade gifts are often more personal and meaningful and love making things for my friends and family. Creativity also helps with unique solutions to various challenges that I come across.

Determination - Some people may also call it headstrong or stubborn. (but never in reference to me, of course...umm...just don't ask the bf about that one, mmkay?) I'm pretty mellow and easy going the majority of the time, but when I get an idea or a goal in my head a fiery determination ignites inside of me and pushes me towards my goals. Determination can sometimes get you into trouble, but it's often what gives you the extra push you need to succeed. Life is often hard, but determination and occasionally some good old fashioned stubbornness will get you over some of the toughest hurdles.

Independence - Independence. So many things come to mind when I head this word applied to myself. It nearly caused the bf and I to break up on several occasions. On the flip side, we didn't break up, but actually got stronger. I treasure my independence like a rare jewel. I like to be free and I hate feeling caged or trapped. I think that independence fits nicely with determination. Both things have brought me to where I am today. The important thing to remember that I think so many people forget is that independence does not equate to isolation. Part of being independent is knowing when to ask for help and that it is okay, even good to ask. We cannot do everything on our own and it's foolish to even try. Independence. One of my favorite words, particularly being an American. Independence. Beautiful.

Passion - "Passion...it lies in all of us. Sleeping, waiting, and though unwanted, unbidden, it will stir, open its jaws and howl. It speaks to us, guides us...passion rules us all, and we obey. What other choice do we have? Passion is the source of our finest moments; the joy of love, the clarity of hatred, and the ecstasy of grief. It hurts, sometimes more than we can bear. If we could live without passion, maybe we'd know some kind of peace, but we would be hollow. Empty rooms, shuttered and dank...without passion, we'd be truly dead."

I keep trying to formulate words to describe the word passion, but I keep coming back to this quote. Angelus narrates this over the powerful episode Passion in Season 2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It's such a beautiful, poetic description of the power and nuances of passion. It describes the depth of passion in the human soul. Passion is part of what makes us uniquely human. Without passion, we'd be truly dead.

Photography - The beauty of capturing moments on film. (well, in my case on a digital memory card) There is so much beauty in this world, I love to capture as much as I can. The world looks different through the lens of a camera. You can make even the most seemingly insignificant details the focus and show the true innate beauty of the world around us. You can capture joy and laughter of friends and family, showing the true beauty of the human soul. Photography can express emotion in a way words cannot always capture. Photography is a form of art and creativity. It's a means of expression and artistry. I long to learn more about the wide world of photography.

If you want to play along, leave me a comment here and I'll give you 5 words that make me think of you. (I'll cross comment to let you know when your words are ready) Thank you Preston for these fabulous thought-provoking words.


17 comments:

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

What a fabulous way to learn more about you!

Jaina said...

Kym-Thanks! Do you want to play? If you do, here are your words: reflective, writer, mother, confident, searching. I can't wait to see what you do with them :)

Unknown said...

hey, I have a daughter named Jayna. Is your name pronounced the same way? (Jay-nuh)

Gigi Ann said...

Hi Jaina, I will play, it sounds like fun. However, I will play along on my blog: http://butterfliesandcandles.blogspot.com/

I like your new look very cute.

I always enjoy reading and learning new things about you. I will wait to hear from you.

Gramma Ann

Anonymous said...

This is such a cute idea!


Love your new look!

Anonymous said...

Great post. I think I nailed it with the five words, eh? :)

Jaina said...

Jeannine-It's actually my nickname, but it is definitely pronounced the same way. I like your spelling :) Thanks for stopping by! Let me know if you want to play...I'll be by later to check out your blog, but I'm not sure about words just yet.

Gramma Ann-Yay! I'm glad you are going to play. I need to remember to add that other one to my reader! I'm missing out on Gramma Ann! Thanks! It's still not quite done, I'm working with an amazing designer...I'll have a full post up as soon as it's completely finished. I'm glad you liked this post. On to your 5 words: strength, gramma, quotable, beauty, friendship. I can't wait to see what you do with them!

Yaya-Thanks on both counts! Like I told Gramma Ann, it's not completely finished, but I'm so glad you like it! I absolutely love it and can't wait to refer you all to the amazing girl who did it for me. Here are your words if you want to play along: sassy, honest, orange, big heart, passionate.

Preston-Thanks! And boy did you ever! You were spot on, this was a really fun meme, thank you!

Renie Burghardt said...

Wow, your blog is looking good, Jaina!

I enjoyed reading your meme. I'm pretty independent as well, even at my age.

I won't have time to play, but it is an interesting meme.

Have a great Wednesday!

Renie

Jaina said...

Renie-Thank you!! It's almost done...I've been working with the most incredible blog designer. I'll be posting about it soon. :) Independence is fabulous. Have a beautiful week!

Gigi Ann said...

I'll get right on the meme, I will try to post it asap. But, first I have to go meditate. ;)

Jaina said...

Gramma Ann- Take your time, I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with the words!

Anonymous said...

I love my words! Thank you!

Jaina said...

Yaya-I'm so glad! I can't wait to see what you do with them :)

Gigi Ann said...

Yippee!! I finally got the thing posted, after a bit of frustration. I have a new computer, and am learning new things on it all the time.

Jaina said...

Gramma Ann-Yay! It was a great post, I really enjoyed it :) Let me know if there is anything I can help you with on the new computer. :)

Tabitha Blue said...

What great words... and great insight with each of them!! And I like the new layout too!!

:)
~Tabitha

Jaina said...

Tabitha-Thanks on both counts :) I'm loving the new look too, my designer has been absolutely fabulous. Here are your words, if you want to play: classy, loving, mommy, unique, photography