“To experience
something unique
from another
person's point of
view is to think a
thought you've
never thunk.”
— Chris Dunmire
|
Sometimes, affirming your creativity means first affirming your life. How? By personally acknowledging your existence and your place on the grid of this huge planet while swimming in the sea of *other* unique people who count just as much as you do.
Affirming your life can happen in a variety of ways, but works best when it's an action you initiate through the belief that no matter what kind of adoration or popularity other humans experience, your life, your experiences, and your creative expressions count just as much as everyone else's in the endless ethersphere of human potential.
One of my latest life-affirming actions is in the form of a newspaper interview published in the Rockford Register Star on November 13, 2007, which you can read below. Unlike the published black and white version tossed in the driveways and bushes of local residents, this Web edition includes bonus material and links to help explain a few of my answers, which were purposely shortened for the interview due to space.
And before you ask, yes, I really can read minds — so watch what you're thinking around my ants. •
The Interview
Get to Know Me: Chris Dunmire
Who is she? Chris, 35, is the founder, creative director and publisher of the Creativity-Portal.com Web site. Chris has been married for 16 years and lives in Belvidere. She is a member and volunteer at Womanspace in Rockford and a volunteer coach for the Belvidere Park District’s Girl’s Biddy Buc Basketball League.
What inspired you to do what you do? When I was 25, I stepped into a time machine and traveled to the future where I met my 90-year-old self. Still sharp with humor and wit, “Christine” implored me to go back to my current life and capitalize on my creative talents, assuring me that I would find my bliss. She was right and I found it right away. See, you just can’t argue with your older, wiser self.
What is up next for you that readers should know about? Teaching creativity-related workshops for kids at Womanspace in January and February 2008.
 What do you do for fun? I draw corny comics and invent silly, creative things at my Web site, ChrisDunmire.com.
Do you have a good book recommendation? “The Power of Intention,” by Wayne Dyer.
What is something you can’t live without? Windows. Well, how else would you get to see the outside from indoors?
What would be your ideal vacation? A week at Disney World without a cell phone, e-mail and other electronic gadgetry. Bonus if I can dress up in one of the character costumes for a day (my secret dream job!).
What is something people are surprised to learn about you? That I can read minds. Oh yes I can!
What is the best advice you have ever received? Sleep on it. Especially if it’s a soft and squishy mattress!
What is your favorite childhood memory? Camping weekends and summers at Woodhaven Lakes.
Where is your favorite place to go in the Rock River Valley? Womanspace.
Describe yourself in one word: Curious.
What is the biggest challenge you have ever faced? Letting go of my religion.
What was your first job? A pizza maker. I was 16 when I learned how to throw pizza dough in the air and catch it on one hand with pizazz. (I've always wanted to use the words "pizza" and "pizazz" in one sentence!)
What is your biggest pet peeve? Pet peeve lists. Heck, we all do stuff that annoys other people. Why compile it?
 What is your proudest moment? I have many, but the most recent is when I published my first playbook, “You Can Draw Cartoony Things!”
What is something you think the Rock River Valley needs? More conscious development of what it already has. The latent potential in people, places and things is great. •
Compiled by Jan Saglier.
© 2007 Chris Dunmire www.chrisdunmire.com. |
