I was rummaging through plastic storage containers where I keep an assortment of memorabilia. The kids first artistic scrawls, report cards, letters to the tooth fairy, photographs that never made it to an album, letters, Beatle fan club trading cards, remnants and nick knacks and such. I sat on the floor surrounded by these bits and pieces and details of the past for at least three hours early on Sunday morning. I was enthralled.

One box in particular was a treasure trove of things past. It was an arbitrary assortment of keepsakes. There were drawings and paintings from the children, and when I looked at them I noticed that although they were done when they were quite young, their personal style is there. In each of their creative pursuits as adults I can see the roots of their childhood expressions.

As for myself, the treasure hunt was very telling. I found a book of poems I had written in high school. I was absolutely blown away by the ideas and style of language, both of which mark the cornerstones of my creative writing now. Certainly then it was a stream of consciousness. Now, I rein the ramblings, and attempt to convey the emotions with intention. Sometimes, I succeed.

The other night I went to see the film “From nothing, something; A documentary on the creative process.” Interestingly all the creators interviewed; writer, architect, artist, scientist, political cartoonist, musician, fashion designer all understood what it was that made them tick at an early age. This passion drove them to their personal careers and success. What struck me the most was the belief they had to have in themselves to make it through. Keep going, against the odds, against the critics, and against that little rascal that perches on the creative shoulder shaking his head in disapproval.

I have had varied careers and expressed my creativity in numerous ways. It seems though, at the core of all of these expressions, is writing. It makes me wonder. Do we read the signs? Did I spend thirty years chasing my tail and coming back to the part of me that was intrinsically my essence in the first place? Just like there is said to be one great love in our lives, is there one overriding idea that nurtures us, that we are meant to spend our lives exploring or interpreting?

The answer is probably yes and no. I’m not at all sorry that I have explored art, film, photography, dance and writing. I think that we all crisscross, and it makes us interesting. The creators in the documentary were all multi-faceted, and it nourished their work. But they did have a single focus. And, isn’t it wonderful to imagine or experience  the ideas and opportunities  that we encounter along the way.

Certainly, the pieces of my past have influenced my creativity. If, at the end of the day, the written word is my culminate expression, I believe it will be richer because I have dipped my toes in many waters. Maybe I have come full circle, but maybe I couldn’t have gotten here without the detours.