creativity is about Curiosity and embracing Failure

Tossing ideas or pasta

Creativity thrives when curiosity leads the way. It’s about asking “What if?” and tossing ideas into the air, even if you don’t know how they’ll land. And yes, sometimes things get messy—really messy. But that’s the magic of it all.  In fact, fear of failure is the ultimate creativity killer.

To create, you must draw inspiration from the world around you and, most importantly, from what you love. Let ideas flow in, mix them up, tweak them, and turn them into something uniquely yours. Then do it again. And again. Fail! Fail boldly! Practice, learn, and practice some more. Every failure is a lesson that brings you closer to your masterpiece. Review your work, discard what doesn’t fit, and keep moving forward.

Smoked ribs may be out of season and off the table for now, but some exceptions are worth savoring—especially on a sweet summer evening. Pork: the other white meat that always delivers

Take cooking, for example. Every meal I make doesn’t turn out perfectly the first time, but that’s part of the process. I review, evaluate, and learn—and then I try again. Since I’m often cooking just for myself, my mistakes don’t affect anyone else. It’s the perfect time to experiment.

I usually start with a base protein that I’m craving, like fish, chicken, or steak (though steak has become rarer for me these days). In the summer, I might fire up the BBQ. Then I choose a veggie or a carb to complement it—potatoes, pasta, or whatever feels right. From there, I think about how to plate it—what would be a pleasure to the eye as much as the tastebuds.

Cooking, to me, is like painting. I choose colors and textures that pair well or contrast beautifully—my brushes and paint. Even the plate becomes part of the canvas. A dark plate can make vibrant vegetables pop, while a white plate lends a cleaner, more elegant look.

Have I failed at this? Oh, yes! But every mistake teaches me something new. Creativity isn’t about getting it right the first time. It’s about trying, learning, and trying again. Failure is an option—it’s the fuel that keeps it alive