may i brag for a minute?

Yesterday, I sat in my last graduate level lecture.  I am well on my way to becoming a master of science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Utah.  I will have credentials.  Granted, I still have to do a clinical fellowship year, but I will have credentials!

Simon?  He whizzed through school, Magna Cum Laude as an undergraduate.  After graduating with his masters, he was offered a job at every place to which he applied.

WOOT!

I have a dear, dear friend who just had the most beautiful baby boy, and two other dear friends with babies on the way.  All three are/will be the most beautiful, kind mothers.

Luke, Megan's adorable 3-week-old boy.

Cameron, Danielle's smiley13-month-old. Baby #2 is arriving in May!!

Gretchen is working for AmeriCorps, using her Spanish she learned while on an LDS mission.  The service she renders is inspiring.

WINK!

Kat is the assistant director for Oakcrest this summer.  It is incredible to think of the hundreds of lives she will bless. I couldn't be happier for her and those who she will meet this summer.

Man, I love this girl.

Luke has become one of the most accomplished musicians over a timespan in which most could only dream.  Each project or band he takes part in offers so much to the musical world.

This is the 3rd song from Luke's solo project.  Check out all three.  You won't regret it.

also...http://matteomusic.com/

Linds just received this message...She's studying art therapy and aims to design academic curriculums that access and rely upon the right hemisphere.

I have other dear friends who are working toward law degrees, doctorate degrees, art degrees, psychology degrees, friends in medical school, friends on the east coast working hard to get our economy back on track, friends working with the elderly to improve their quality of life.  

I am so proud to be part of such a strong, beautiful force of accomplished people.  We live in an exciting world!

Why Hello

Well, it's me, Simon.  I don't know if Kimberlee ever told you that this was supposed to be OUR blog. She's definitely reminded me about that from time to time.  I have a strange relationship with blogging -- it's something I've always thought might be good to do, but I've never been sure I really have much to say. But I know in the back of my mind that the way you find your voice is to use it, so use it I will.

See, I've been thinking a lot lately about producing and consuming creativity.  Most of us consume the creativity of other's all day every day; we listen to music, read books, go to galleries, watch tv shows, read articles, pin things, watch youtube videos, read facebook updates, watch sports, even shop for things.  And sometimes we produce creativity too: we play music, film something, dance, write a blog post, sew clothing, mix music, take photographs, craft trinkets, build a home, or sing in the shower.  Some of what we consume is memorable, and some we wish we could forget.  And some of what we create is wonderful, some is trash, some things catch on and are seen by hundreds or thousands of people, and some stay in a notebook or under the bed, never to be seen by anyone: and those four come in all possible combinations.

So what is the right balance? Producing in a world void of consumers lacks meaning, and consuming just isn't possible without makers.  But how much is too much?  I think it comes back to those two little bits of wisdom that always sneak into these questions.

1. It depends on the person
2. All things in moderation

I believe that we all have some of each in us.  And I believe that many of us are drawn to one and have to struggle not to let it stomp out the other.  And that's as true of the person who spends 20 hour days making a movie as it is of the person that spends 20 hour days watching all 6 seasons of whatever.  I'm not saying never do it. I'm saying keep your perspective.  And maybe err a little on the side of creating.

And finally, when I sat down to write this post tonight, I wanted to share a video with you, and I have to apologize to whoever it was that shared this with me -- I just can't remember who it was, but thank you.  And thank you to Bon Iver for being willing to create in public.  If you have a half hour, use your ration of consumption on this: