I like reading autobiographies because I enjoy getting to know people. I find them inspirational. I have never read a movie star's autobiography, and to be honest, I don't care, but I was impressed with his comments on creativity. And have struggled to express them myself.

I believe we are created in the image of God; therefore, because he is creative, we are. If we aren't creative, we can't live fulfilled lives. Now I'm not saying that creativity is only in the arts. You can make a mean pastry, fine-tune an old truck, make your yard incredibly beautiful, or decorate your home till it should be in a magazine! Creativity is how we approach life. It's what gives us satisfaction. Without it, we stumble from one day to the next, never experiencing excitement for life.

William Shatner wrote in Up Till Now, his autobiography, "Everyone has a unique vision. Given the freedom to create, everyone is creative. All of us have an instinctive desire to change our environment to put our original stamp on this world. I am absolutely thrilled at the moment of creativity. But most people are too busy working on survival to find the opportunity to create."

He said that the more time we give to those passions, the more creative we become. Even during the last year, when life slowed down, we seemed too busy to stir our joys. To permit ourselves to do those things which bring us happiness.

Shatner continued with, "Among those things I most value is the joy of discovery, whether it's the taste of food, or wine, the taste of friendship, or the women I love, and adventure, all are a wonderful taste of life. I know the people who live the longest and have the richest lives are looking ahead, not behind. So I immerse myself in new experiences. I dive as often as possible into the river of life. I don't understand the concept of retirement. It's not a bad thing to savor your memories, but not at the cost of losing your excitement about the future."

I loved this comment because I could never express "the joy of discovery." I love trying new food. I love meeting new people. Love seeing new country. Love experiencing new activities. I'm always excited about change. I'm not afraid of change. It's probably the reason I didn't do well with retirem

Someone recently asked me if I got tired of writing. I don't if I'm learning something new about a person or our community.

I guess I'm trying to encourage you to tip your toes into the world of change into the world of creativity. Call me, and we'll explore together, especially if you need some joy in your life.

See Page B1 for Photos