President's Messages -- September 2015

Writer's Block

David Ferris

What written words have inspired you? Is it an historic quote from a political figure? A song? Or even a movie? One my favorite movie quotes is from Field of Dreams.... "The one constant through the years has been baseball. America ...has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game; it's a part of our past. It reminds us of all that once was good and could be again."

Or maybe a more comedic quote like the one from Judge Smells in Caddyshack..."it's easy to grin when your ship comes in and you've got the stockmarket beat, but a man worthwhile is a man who can smile when his shorts are too tight in the seat."

When I took the reigns of President I decided I didn't want to rehash Chapter events that are already listed in the newsletter but rather encourage and inspire the membership/profession. I learned over the years that writing is a critical part of our profession and I've encouraged students to develop writing skills along with their graphics. I now find it ironic that as I close in on writing my final President's Message I have developed a bit of writers block.

To overcome this hurdle I felt it necessary to explore the writing process by relating it to process terms we understand. Our design process involves defining the problem, collecting/researching information, brainstorming ideas, developing the design, implementing/constructing the project and continually improving the process, the design and ourselves. Embedded within this is an underlining creative process that as been defined as preparation, incubation, insight, evaluation and elaboration. However, those who are creative will creatively tell you that the creative process can't be defined.

Ha, I beg to differ as there has been highly structured and refined creative process to writing these messages....every President's message has involved me sitting on the front porch on a Saturday morning (in an effort to escape the chaotic play of my kids), while enjoying a hot cup of coffee and a baguette. Ah, good times my friends, good times.

When I attended Billy Joel's College Campus Tour many years ago he shared stories about his life and music. He explained his creative writing process in a similar fashion but instead of the porch and a cup of coffee it was an Italian restaurant and a bottle of wine.

I also had the privilege to meet the great poet Grace Freeman who said to never overlook anything by writing down everything that pops into your mind. She suggested that ideas may appear random and unrelated but can create new thoughts and ideas that bring your inspiration into fruition. While it is difficult to write down great ideas while in the shower it has proven to a very useful approach. I was so inspired by her I immediately sat down and filled a page full with my thoughts that led to the following poem about my youth and the many rounds of golf I played with mom, who passed away from cancer at an early age:

Evening Rounds

There are certain friendships,

In a young man's life,

That teach him how.

Friendships that once appeared casual,

Have taken on new meaning.

There are certain bonds,

In a young man's life,

That are ever lasting.

Bonds that appear invisible,

Until times of need.

There are certain events,

In a young man's life,

That form his being.

Events that are taken for granted,

Until they no longer can.

While this President's message lacks a cohesive inspirational conclusion it has followed Grace's formula and hopefully there is inspiration hidden within these random thoughts. :)

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