I have a superiority complex. This isn’t a big secret to people who know me. I could not pinpoint when it exactly it started, but I can confirm that it really blossomed in high school. You can picture flowers in April if that helps. If you went to my high school you would understand. In fact, you would probably have one, too.

Nor am I known for my unflagging optimism. In fact, I can be quite the cynic given the right circumstances.

That being said, people continually amaze me. In the good way. I didn’t realize how true this was until I overheard an acquaintance say the other day, “I just don’t think the average person is that creative.” I said nothing at the time, but it has become a refrain in my brain ever since–a private and personal challenge to prove otherwise.

Maybe I’ve simply chosen to surround myself with bright and creative people–musicians, hat makers, artists, writers, photographers, crafters, kitchen goddesses, and graphic designers. Or maybe I just read the right combination of blogs and books. Or maybe I’ve browsed one too many bookstore, craft show, yarn shop, museum, etsy shop, etc and my head is a bit addled. But the way I see it people’s capacity for creative thought is remarkable. A part of me wishes I could compile it all in some online archive titled “People Are Cool” or something equally as vague.

[Author Note: I'm quite serious (about the concept if not the name). I desperately want to create a multimedia online journal that celebrates creativity of all types: recipe creation, handmade goods, art/design, writing, photography.  I'll let you know if I figure out a way. Suggestions are welcome.]

In the meantime, never fear, friends. My complex remains. And I’ll still bite off a cynical comment with the best of them on my good days. But perhaps I’m becoming a bit of an optimist as I enter the second half of my second decade. Perhaps there is something to this growing up business.