Five Ways to Make Creative Resolutions

The new year is almost here, and while many of us place finding a job, taking tighter control our money and not visiting Bridgepointe  more than once a week at the top of your list of New Year's resolutions, there is one extra resolution that I'm hoping to keep in 2011.  The resolution reads simply – "Make time for writing." In the bustle of fresh starts and reinvention, I hope you won't forget to add your own hobby to your list, or perhaps plan to make time for a new hobby. Either way, here are a few tips for staying creative in the new year:

1. Take classes to learn more about your hobby, and meet like-minded friends. Wondering where to go? Here are a few local options near Foster City:

• Check the schedule at the College of San Mateo, which also offers online courses. Among the classes offered are foreign languages, creative writing and photography classes.
• Maybe you've always wanted to learn Photoshop, or be able to communicate with a Spanish speaking neighbor. Stanford also offers online classes.
• Local classes are also available through the and the . See their listings on Patch for contact information.

2. Find a group of people who share your interests and meet with them once a month. Or organize a club yourself.  It's catching! My creative friends inspire me, offer support and gentle critique so that I can reach higher. MeetUp.com is a great way to find people with similar interests, or to start your own group. Many local clubs would be happy to have you as their member: http://www.meetup.com/cities/us/94404/

3. Scour the Internet for the best blogs and online communities that fit your interest. Participate in their discussions, and add your material. There are plenty of blogs about everything – clothes, wines, food, raising children, writing and various crafts.

4. Take yourself on an "art date." My favorite places are in Metro Center, and the . Both have WiFi, and, even though Starbucks can be crowded, I write my best stories there. Here are few more ideas to treat yourself to:

• Take a walk in a park with specific mission - to make photographs or paintings of flowers, birds, or people. 
• Visit a museum or  see a good movie.
• Check out new books on your hobby at the , Barnes and Noble or Borders.

5. Go to a specially organized local event, talk or a presentation. Many local book stores have very busy schedule for writers – I've seen Anne Lamott ('Bird by Bird'), Gary Shteyngart and Yann Martel, the winner of Man Booker Prize for Life of Pi, to name a few. Wondering what's going on in the Foster City area? Check the Patch Events section regularly for a list of upcoming events.