Is it possible that increased ADD/ADHD is our signal to simply get CREATIVE about Education Reform?

Good day everyone!

Sure, both sides of my brain conflict - they argue with each other. The left, analytical side picks everything apart while my emotional yet innovative right side constantly wants to push the envelope. The restlessness - tame the wild horse, or not? How else is our country going to rise in our new Creative Economy? (read more on the research and writing by authors Richard Florida, Dan Pink, Seth Godin, and Sir Ken Robinson if you've been in the dark about what is really happening globally.)

So, last night, immersed in my research for the case for creative (for the arts and creative thinking to become a reality in our schools and in the businesses world), I stumbled across an article on USNews - the link is below. Please look for my lengthy comment to this article (can't miss it, Pamela Hoke comment with title about the NEGATIVE terms used to desribe these children). I am on a mission to create a website, CreativeAge101.org, but need your feedback! Should I create this community and join the crusade? Would you join the a site to learn how to tap into exercising the right side of your brain? Am I jumping too far out on a limb by suggesting 2 teaching methods as a solution to begin real education reform? Do you agree that more research should be implemented correlating ADD/ADHD with right-brain or mixed-brain usage as a GIFT, not a negative???

My largest point is Albert Einstein: the autopsy on his brain showed clearly he used both sides of the brain equally - and now, here is an article that presents this as something negative?

Another point about Einstein to bake our noodles: One of his noted quotes: "The only thing that gets in the way of my learning is my education." hmmmm....isn't he already suggesting it was time then to simply re-write the textbooks and get creative about how we teach? And we wonder why our kids are having problems focusing in school!
< /br>Please read my suggestions and send feedback! Thank you!!!

Please look for my comment under this article!
Mixed-Handed Kids May Struggle With ADHD, Learning Problems - On Parenting (usnews.com)Mixed-Handed Kids May Struggle With ADHD, Learning Problems - On Parenting (usnews.com)

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Green Paper: Private Sector Support for the Arts

This is the first truly innovative, proactive AND interactive project regarding the arts! I posted, hope you all will too, or, just support Americans for the Arts! Green Paper: Private Sector Support for the Arts

"Life is like a garden...it's blooms reflect the level of passion."

A gardener devotes passionate energy to creating the perfect garden - from planning the ideal sunlight, temperature, pruning, the proper watering, to the overall commitment to tender loving care. That level of care grows into the most colorful and bountiful garden, shining to those who get to experience it and appreciate it. Life is very much the same…the more passion and energy we devote toward every aspect in our lives (whether it goes into our relationships with others, daily tasks, careers, parenting, or just plain feeling and showing gratitude and respect for the world around us), it’s completely reflected in our very being and presence in society. Just like the garden, after much tending and caring, the garden grows effortlessly – so does a life that is lived with daily passionate purpose. The results for those who live life with this passionate purpose, or in their “element,” is life that seems effortless, and is bountiful, colorful, joyful, and most importantly – FULFILLING to both the self and others who get to see or experience the results. Life only gives back whatever we put into it, just like a garden.


The most beautiful gardens are a reflection of what the gardener puts into them, just like our life is collectively.



The same goes with the opposite part of this analogy toward our lives. The less passionate you are, the less you cultivate what comes natural to you, the less colorful and bountiful your life will grow from your efforts. A garden that is not grown in it's natural environment (a person not doing what comes naturally to them and what they are best at), that is not watered or lit properly according to the plant’s natural needs (a person who does not adjust their lives around what they are meant to be), or is not pruned or shaped as desired…or worse, is not given the time to rid of weeds - does not grow to it's full potential. Our lives are very similar – if we plant ourselves into careers, relationships or tasks that are not aligned with what we are, our lives will reflect this just like the palm tree that simply cannot thrive in a northern climate.



What if we all treat our lives as if we are growing a garden? What would yours be like? What plants would be in it? Would there be flowers, fruit or herbs? Plan and nourish life, like a garden is nourished, and experience the results. A more fulfilled life that is healthier and happier, with greener leaves, the most colorful blooms, and the juiciest fruits that will attract positive attention, energy and leave a legacy of a life lived to the fullest. Interestingly, what also happens, is the need for that garden to be acknowledged by others lessens, as the fulfillment starts to come from within. Just like a garden…it will still exist, and grow strong and beautiful whether anyone else but the gardener cares. If the gardener loves and appreciates the garden, it’s all the matters.


WHY did I associate the “Tulip Garden” with the phrase “Life is like a garden…?”

When I painted the “Tulip Garden” back in 1997, something amazing happened – I found myself frozen in time, within a zone of which no words exist. My passion for the petals of the Parrot Tulip, combined with my innate love for painting simply exploded effortlessly. I allowed myself to fully experience something that came naturally to me, and what I was really good at –then let the passion flow. The flowers became a mirror to my very soul, I was free to make the flowers however I wanted…I placed light where I wanted, mixed the colors of my choosing, and simply let the brush flow into curves of my imagination. It was truly the first time I can recall existing fully in my “element,” (I recommend reading Sir Ken Robinson’s “The Element” if you would like to explore what that means further). Then, for whatever reason, I went on to continue with life’s daily routines, and didn’t allow myself to fully acknowledge what the experience really meant. My intuition was telling me, but I wasn’t listening – my life being raised around entrepreneurs meant I was raised to build businesses; not be the floating “starving artist” (much of society did not fully acknowledge painting as a “real” profession). It’s like I became that palm tree planted in a northern tundra, and have been struggling all these years in an unnatural climate.

I recently dug out the 200 remaining limited edition lithographs I did make of this special painting a few weeks ago…. I recalled that emotional experience. It was shortly after I read “The Element,” and realized that years of that nagging feeling that I was not living life in my true passion, that it was becoming more and more apparent, reflecting in my health, attitude, and overall daily fulfillment in life. I discovered that I was forgetting something that I was most passionate about, and the garden of my life was starting to show it. My enthusiasm and zest for creating, that used to come so naturally, was fading…like an un-watered flower, I was wilting. Now, 14 years later, after being graced with a gamut of new skills and talents (note I never regret learning from the pioneers of brand at the Limited or business school at OSU), I finally get it – and am simply more empowered to move into my natural soil.


The time had come to incorporate painting as part of my daily life. This year, I began to cultivate my passion by immersing myself back to my most natural element of painting, and balance with my design and business skills. Like cultivating a garden, I approach each day planning the proper lighting and watering schedule to stay in sync with my ideal garden to reflect my life purpose and values. I assess and adapt every opportunity to ensure it aligns with the desired result (just like a plant adjusts itself to where the best light is, or move it’s roots toward the water). I choose brand design and online projects that will grow best in the garden, where the blooms will reflect the most passion. So far, so good. This philosophy and standard of daily living has freed my mind and my days to put passion into even the most seemingly mundane tasks – from helping my daughter with her homework, consulting on brands for only the most passionate business models, being nice to the lady at the checkout counter, cleaning my kitchen, to, of course, devoted studio time to paint and write about what comes naturally. This shift to passionately working in my element has made each day more colorful, more fulfilled, and has created a contagious positive flow of energy to everyone I am around…a beautiful garden in progress.





The point of the “Tulip Garden” is the lesson, beyond the excitement of pure creative freedom it stands for, the importance of how passion makes life simply flow. I now strive to share this moment however I can – inspire others to put passion into life, and when it is not there, use that moment as the opportunity to discover where to find it, or make a conscious decision to change the negative into positive. The more positive passion and energy, the larger, the more bountiful, the more colorful blooms will inevitably result. So, I created the “Life is like a garden…” series based directly from the “Tulip Garden.” It exists to share in the journey of a more colorful, passionate life – while inspiring the will to move forward with whatever comes naturally, and accept it. I hope everyone at least considers approaching today like their life is a garden, and tend to it with as much passion as possible!



Please visit my new art site and send feedback about the "Tulip Garden" series, or just feel free to browse around for inspiration.www.PamelaHoke.com. Enjoy growing your garden of life!
PH

My plea to the White House: 2 Creative Solutions for REAL Middle Class Boost.

Yep, to say the least, I am pretty charged up now. Even though I was absolutely mesmerized by our President's incredible gift to move people like he did last night, I can only dream that he would utilize his gift to consider explaining to Americans that "Yes, we CAN work for ourselves right now...since many of us are currently unemployed, or dissatisfied with our jobs, let's really BE the INNOVATION NATION," rather than just waiting around for jobs. I can't think of a better person to present such a message than Barack Obama. Just even help people embrace the notion that this time of adversity may be their time to re-invent themselves, discover their true passions, their goals in life. Just "be" themselves, which involves tapping into that creative spirit within, that neglected right-brain, creative thinking that my poll is already showing was stifled in our schools and upbringings.

ANYWAY...my husband of nearly 15 years knows me well, I get worked up: so, here's the letter I submitted to the White House. I pray the team there passes this on to our President so he can use his creative gift of motivation to inspire.

SO, HERE IS MY LETTER TO THE WHITE HOUSE. Submitted 01/27/2010

2 IMMEDIATE SOLUTIONS FOR “REAL” MIDDLE CLASS BOOST
Please accept my urgent plea to re-think the assistance proposed to help the middle class. As a self-employed entrepreneur full time for 9 years, I can tell you the tax breaks hire is simply NOT FEASIBLE, nor is an immediate solution. I implore you to think creatively, and not forget that we are a NATION OF INNOVATORS. None of my design clients (all small business owners who are the very heartbeat of our economy) can afford at this time to hire anyone, nor dare make long-term commitments. Most hire out the self-employed. This is a window of opportunity to get people to work NOW. My husband and I have worked together side by side designing brands and websites for small businesses all over the country. We see and experience what is going on first-hand. If the administration really wants America to win, and renew trust by the small business sector – here are 2 steps that may help:

1. ENCOURAGE INNOVATION and ENTREPRENEURSHIP by giving all self-employed making less than $200,000 per year a break for at least 2009 (and perhaps 2010) on the huge self-employment tax – simply waive it. It’s bold, but will thrust immediate hope and help to existing self-employed, and inspire the unemployed to begin the journey of taking charge of their futures, rather than waiting around for jobs to come.

2. INVIGORATE CREATIVITY and HELP AMERICANS re-invent themselves by DIRECTLY rewarding those who make the leap to either start their own business, or begin to re-invent their careers for the new-age. Provide grants for those with a viable business plan, provide vouchers for taking on a new trade, online certifications, or learn technology and new-age marketing . Bring qualified, hi-tech instructors into existing Workplace Solutions. Also, as a former high school teacher, I recommend we send teachers to summer school to learn how to teach creative thinking, and get up to speed with technology.

I guarantee these steps are at least a start in getting back to being the NATION OF INNOVATION. I pray you will heed my suggestions and renew the trust of this sector of America. We are in South Florida if you want to drop by and see us, we’re easy to find because we work from home. Learn about me at www.linkedin.com/pamhoke, or www.invisionbp.com, or, http://TheCreativeAge.Blogspot.com. Thank you from a middle-class entrepreneur, artist, philanthropist, mother and wife.


IF YOU LIKE THESE IDEAS, PLEASE PASS THIS ON, or send me your comments! I am curious to know your perspective. -pH "Let's balance business with creativity!"

WOW...Creativity stifled in school poll - 41% say yes, 35% sort of.

Just what I thought! Already, my poll, "Do you feel your creativity was stifled in school?" is showing clear results as to what our educational system is missing - creative thinking! ESPECIALLY now, during this time where creativity in business is essential. 45% answer "yes", 35% answer "sort of", and 25% say not at all.

In my opinion, 25% is simply not enough considering what separates us as humans is our right-brain capacity: emotions, solving problems, creating.

Anyway - just wanted to share this with everyone. Also, THANK YOU to all who responded so far! I have been receiving some incredible stories on multiple LinkedIn groups, and sadly, most are sharing how they could have been so much more..and, so much more SATISFIED had their innate creativity been encouraged more in school. This brings me to my excitement about Daniel Pink's latest book: "Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, his provocative and persuasive new book. The secret to high performance and satisfaction—at work, at school, and at home—is the deeply human need to direct our own lives, to learn and create new things, and to do better by ourselves and our world." Please check this out if you are feeling empty or what I like to call "creatively-starved."

Remember, your life is your canvas...so just paint it! PH

Wow - talk about a canvas for creative expression! I was so busy creating brands and writing for others, I never took time to do this. Look out-I'm mobile!

Ken Robinson says schools kill creativity | Video on TED.com

Here is how we can truly begin a Creative Age.

Changing the mindset and approach of our educational systems. Sir Ken Robinson has devoted years of research and has spoken and written extensively on this subject. Being a former art teacher, I wholeheartedly stand behind this philosophy, and pray that this new mindset is adopted immediately. There were just too many creatively stifled students that I personally came across who should have been encouraged for being different - yet were punished, put in a box, or worse, put on pharmaceuticals.

This video is nearly 20 minutes, yet it is well worth it - even if you just watch some of it, you may find it changes your view of what is really happening to our society, and that this is where change is needed most!

Ken Robinson says schools kill creativity | Video on TED.com