I was going through some boxes looking for other stuff, when I discovered some of my old drawings and writing.

I haven't drawn in ages. The other weekend a friend almost convinced me to buy a lovely set of watercolour pencils. I didn't, because I thought I wouldn't use them. I asked her what she intended to draw. She answered, without hesitation: frogs.

I wish I had that kind of conviction. I know I have more drawings somewhere because I used to take paper and a pencil with me on holiday before I got more into photography. I used to sit and draw the scene in front of me. It made me consider the composition carefully before I started.

I think I will start drawing again.

I read some of my writing. I used to write short (200-500) word scenes. I even tried to write a longer story once, but got put off when the only person I ever showed it to told me it was like something she'd read before. Bang. That killed it. I didn't really want to continue any writing after that.

Well I've grown up since then. All writing will be like something you've read before. That isn't the point. If it were, then after you'd read Tolkein you wouldn't read any more fantasy.

I think I will start writing again.

I was further put off doing creative things when I started working. As a techie I encountered much snobbery. Or perhaps fear. I couldn't possibly be creative because I was a techie. I just consider myself lucky to have had an outlet for my creativity in coding.

I have been consuming other people's art for too long. I want to draw my frogs now.

You have no responsibility to live up to what other people think you ought to accomplish. I have no responsibility to be like they expect me to be. It's their mistake, not my failing. -- Richard P. Feynman