Writers tend to be observant of both realities and nuances. I think that's why so many also find that their most pleasurable leisure activities lie in other areas of  the creative arts: visual arts, musical arts, the art of cooking, and so on. Often, writing is combined with one or more of those arts: the art critic, book reviewer, the photojournalist, the cookbook author, etc. I know that my need to write is fueled by an understanding that a culture's art and writings reflect what that culture is. To that end, I've tried to go beyond just admiring or appreciating, and tried some "doing."

As a kid of about seven, I "invented" the crochet chain-stitch using a cloth belt. I was so pleased with my creation - and quite surprised to learn that I'd invented something that already existed. The pleasure is in the doing, however, and in seeing the humble results. Though I recognize that my efforts are folk-like, I'm not embarrassed that the crafts are simple. They're my own and every mother thinks her children are attractive in some way, even if not in the conventional sense.