I am only weeks out from a life-changing trip to Rwanda. This is a country where 5% of the population is on the grid for electricity. A place where the gift of ball point pens are received like deposits of pure gold. I tried to explain everywhere I went that I am an artist, but this word received little to no recognition. Even toting my books via motorbike over vast kilometers of dark red dirt and hot bright sun, the real attraction was the words on the page, not my illustrations.

Many years ago, I saw a panoramic photograph of Sabrina Ward Harrison’s studio. An open loft with canvases stretched from floor to ceiling, paintings in progress joined an array of other artful projects lined side-by-side in this kaleidescope of color and creativity. I had yet to claim my place as an artist, but all I could think was I want that. What is it about creative spaces that inspire us? What is it about having a place to call one’s own that makes anything seem possible?

Blogs offer artists the opportunity to reveal to a community of readers the personal side of life as a creative person. Most artists I know are in a constant state of flux. We have to find a way to balance the everyday needs of home and family while feeding the well of inspiration. Since most of us don't have the luxury of too much time to ourselves with our myriad of responsibilities, this means it's imperative to use everyday experiences as a source of creative stimulation. The tiniest things become cause for observation, examination and reflection.

I've been knitting the very same pair of socks for the past year.  Jaywalkers is not that complicated a pattern, though it's the first time I've done anything except a basic sock. A simple 2 row pattern that repeats down the leg and onto the top of the foot.  Definitely a stretch for me, though, as I'm pretty much a mindless knitter.  With these, I have to pay a little attention.  That might be my downfall.

I love the way the web opens up opportunities for people to be more creative. It might seem insignificant to some, but deciding to do a postcard swap or post for the Self-Portrait Challenge really can be a way to say yes to creativity--sometimes for the very first time. Here are some three online projects that make it easy to participate--no experience required.

Stampington has just issued a new quarterly publication: Artful Blogging.  I picked up my own copy Friday and spent the weekend visiting with old and new friends inside.  It's an interesting idea: create a publication that honors an online process.  I was skeptical of the idea, but I think Stampington actually pulled off this feat.

Thank you to all the good people that stopped by the Multimedia Lab and those that wanted to attended.Thanks also to Kraft Foods for sponsoring the lab. I'm suffering from a bad case of hindsight. There was so much we all wanted to share but were under time constrictions. Also folks at the session asked about additional resources. I t love digging up help and support resources for potential vloggers and anybody with access to a camera or camcorder.

I am liveblogging the first breakout session of the Blogher conference, "Finding and Following Your Passion." Here's the description from the conference website: "Many people define blogging as writing with passion. How do you define passion? Do you follow your passion when you write, when you work, when you go through your day? Could you? Is blogging the only way and time that you allow yourself the freedom to follow your passion? Join bloggers who are blogging about and with passion every day."