Turning It On and Tuning Out

I used to really dislike Ira Glass.  I imagined him visiting people's homes and following them around with an old fashioned microphone set-up attached to a recording device that he wore like a purse.  That's not really how they record his shows though, and I knew it.   So, if I was wrong about his methods, maybe I was wrong about the delivery.  Maybe I would appreciate him afterall.

So, I gave it a shot.  One Saturday I tuned into his show.  All it took was that one time.

Now, I find myself incapable of working on art if Ira's show, This American Life, isn't playing in the background.  Fortunately, all that requires of me is a few clicks on the computer because all of the shows are free, online audio clips.  And how rare is that these days?  Something that is actually FREE and you don't have to REGISTER!  <gasp>

It turns out that I WANT to know about adults who saw scary movies that scarred them as children.  I am dying to hear how transitioning women feel when taking testosterone injections.  I crave stories of gambling excess, neighbors gone bad, and even funny tales from John Hodgeman.

Maybe it's being sucked into someone else's story for awhile, but it turns parts of my conscious thinking off.  It frees my mind up to just work.   And, I wonder if it has the same effect on you when you're getting down with your bad, creative self.  Tell me, won't you?

Comments

[melanie]

I love This American Life (even though I am Canadian - I think it speaks to everyone) and Ira Glass who I call "the voice". I can't listen to it when I am getting down with my "bad ass creative self" because my art is writing but I do listen to it when I am knitting or sewing and I agree - it frees my mind.

[Lolly]

Hey Ali.. thanks for the comments on the owl cards. I actually was going to post who made the pea magnets but when I went to her Etsy shop she had closed it for a cross country move (bummer I know). I'll go ahead and link to her so when she opens back up again folks will know where to get her stuff. She's absolutely fantastic! Again.. thanks for the comments! I loves me some comments.

Lolly

oh.. P.S. I have a pay it forward post too.. if you want to post to it I'll send you come cool crafty stuff!