Fi Phillips

I've had this book for a while but only recently began to delve into it's wisdom. I use the word 'wisdom' because unlike career guides that simply match you up to a fitting career then send you on your way, TCGFCAUP goes on to explain why creative people often find it difficult to fit into conventional jobs. In my past life as a secretary, I was sent on a course that would match my personality to suitable careers. My then employer was closing down and they were doing all they could to help their staff on their way to new jobs. I daresay they were trying to reduce the amount of redundancy money they would have to pay out but at the time it seemed a very decent gesture to make. There were five of us on the course - a manager, two supervisor level staff, another secretary and me. Over two days, we worked through the exercises, took part in discussions, filled out questionnaires and generally enjoyed time away from work. On the third day, we met with the leader of our cours...

My new favourite things are these gloriously orange sandals. I wore them yesterday for the first time. The metal buckle may have chafed the toes on my left foot and I'm unsure whether the wiggle they created resembled the lurch of Frankenstein's Bride rather than the gait of Marilyn Monroe, but they made me smile. It got me thinking about colour - how it can affect our mood and the associations different colours have for us. Orange for me speaks of optimism, enthusiasm and joy. It makes me think of sunrises, of roaring fires and exotic tiger lilies. To other people. it could bring memories of Hallowe'en pumpkins, autumn leaves or the robes of a Buddhist monk. Using those associations as inspiration for a story can lead to interesting scenarios and plotlines. Take my sunrise for instance. Sunrises suggest new beginnings. A roaring fire can be romantic or a vehicle for introspection. Beautiful tiger lilies may be a gift from a lover. Fallen tiger lily petals can signify the d...