Kitties came way later for me, and Floofles thrust that passion into my life.
But at least a decade before that, on a trip to Zambia, I fell in love with hippos. They became my favorite animal in Africa. Their musical groaning and grunting echoing throughout the bush, their adorable ears, while being incredibly powerful, like a freight train. It turns out they are ancestors to whales, my other fave animal.
So over the years, my hubby has given me little hippo statues, including a Christmas tree ornament from the Egyptian collection of The Met.
I had the best time writing this and learned A LOT. Not just about hippos but about how the brain handles creativity and my own creative process. This, by the way, is typical of things the Ageless Mind Project publishes. Whether it's a poem or an essay you will find yourself being drawn into topics you never considered interesting. Thanks for asking me to contribute @Lynne Berrett.
Jena, your piece on Horace and the creative process touched me deeply. I was reminded of a story from my own life—a small act of creativity that held so much love and meaning. My late partner adored hippos, and when we traveled to South Africa, she fell in love with a polo shirt featuring elephants. She once mentioned how much she’d love one with hippos instead, so I designed it for her and had it made. It became a symbol of joy, love, and the way small creative acts can strengthen connections.
Reading about Horace and the connection between creativity, memory, and the hippocampus brought all of that back to me. It’s inspiring how you tied the science of creativity to something as whimsical and delightful as a baby hippo. Your process, blending traditional art with modern tools and even AI, reflects the very essence of divergent thinking. Thank you for sharing this—it’s a beautiful reminder of how creativity connects us to others and ourselves.
Uh oh. I may do some damage. Hippos are my fave animal and I have a collection!
Really?! I would never have guessed. I thought kitties were your favs.
So you know all about Pablo Escobar's zoo and the hippos escapees and that hippos RUN very fast underwater?
Tell me more about your collection!
Kitties came way later for me, and Floofles thrust that passion into my life.
But at least a decade before that, on a trip to Zambia, I fell in love with hippos. They became my favorite animal in Africa. Their musical groaning and grunting echoing throughout the bush, their adorable ears, while being incredibly powerful, like a freight train. It turns out they are ancestors to whales, my other fave animal.
So over the years, my hubby has given me little hippo statues, including a Christmas tree ornament from the Egyptian collection of The Met.
How cool! They ARE adorable but also quite powerful. I had no idea they could weigh up to 9,000 lbs. yikes! Ave you seen Moo Deng?
I had the best time writing this and learned A LOT. Not just about hippos but about how the brain handles creativity and my own creative process. This, by the way, is typical of things the Ageless Mind Project publishes. Whether it's a poem or an essay you will find yourself being drawn into topics you never considered interesting. Thanks for asking me to contribute @Lynne Berrett.
Jena, your piece on Horace and the creative process touched me deeply. I was reminded of a story from my own life—a small act of creativity that held so much love and meaning. My late partner adored hippos, and when we traveled to South Africa, she fell in love with a polo shirt featuring elephants. She once mentioned how much she’d love one with hippos instead, so I designed it for her and had it made. It became a symbol of joy, love, and the way small creative acts can strengthen connections.
Reading about Horace and the connection between creativity, memory, and the hippocampus brought all of that back to me. It’s inspiring how you tied the science of creativity to something as whimsical and delightful as a baby hippo. Your process, blending traditional art with modern tools and even AI, reflects the very essence of divergent thinking. Thank you for sharing this—it’s a beautiful reminder of how creativity connects us to others and ourselves.
So well-done, Jena’s💕🦛
Love this!
I LOVE THE HIPPO!!!! So cute. I love your work Jena. It's so beautiful and Clear. Regardless of AI - you are putting it all together -
My stuff always comes out a bit misfit..
perhaps fitting
I miss my PIANO!!!
Thank you lovely creative lady!
🩵🩵🩵🩵