RAMBLING THOUGHTS FROM A RANDOM THINKER

So, as I realized I had no specific subject in mind for this edition of this blog, the words "random" and "rambling" popped into my head. Things popping into my head are what I usually describe as random or rambling thoughts--spontaneous. A sort of personal brainstorming done without judging or editing. It's a practice I highly recommend to anyone wanting to stir up their creative juices.

The dictionary describes "random" as occurring without definite aim, reason, purpose, or pattern.

Well, that certainly describes a lot of my creative process. I've often heard novelists talk about how they start with a character or two, set a beginning, and let the characters do the rest. And often the work I get most praised for is work done spontaneously, in the moment, just allowing stuff to pop into my head and then sharing it.

This is very similar, at least to me, to the term "rambling." The dictionary says rambling is:

"to wander around in a leisurely, aimless manner." So as I have these two terms pop up to describe how this entry is going to happen, I end up talking about these two terms. That is certainly leisurely and somewhat aimless, wouldn't you say?

Another definition for "rambling" is: to take a course with many turns or windings. And doesn't that sound like a definition of life itself?

DO YOU HAVE A FREE RANGE MIND?

When you go to an elegant restaurant, "free range chicken" is considered a superior version of the old cooked bird. I guess being free to roam over the range makes for a happier chicken. Of course, then there's the existential question of whether you would rather eat an animal slaughtered in the midst of its happiness or one whose slaughter put it out of its misery? I'll have to think about that, randomly and in a rambling way, of course.

But I do believe that having a free range mind, the willingness and ability to allow your mind to wander leisurely and aimlessly down all sorts of winding internal roads, will make you more able to come up with worthwhile creative thought.

Some people are not capable or comfortable with an improvisational mindstyle. They much prefer having everything they say and do scripted precisely. I guess it's like trying to compare apples and oranges. Then again, wouldn't it be better to compare two other more incompatible

items? After all, apples and oranges are quite similar--both sweet, tree grown fruits. Both vivid versions of the same primary color, and often found together in fruit bowls or on Carmen Miranda's hats (I know I date myself here). It would make much more sense to use two other items that really are rarely found together, like "frogs and screwdrivers," or "broccoli and pelicans," or even "apples and scooters."

Then again, we probably will continue to use "apples and oranges". Things don't have to make sense to make a point. Which, after all, is my point, arrived at in my random, rambling way.

Jerry

And to view another side of this random thought machine known as Jerry Gillies, check out http://www.MoneyloveBlog.com