Do you do anything while you watch TV? Fold laundry, work the crossword puzzle, or pay the bills? I like to bead and watch TV. Or, more accurately, bead and listen to TV. I've learned that there are certain "talky" shows with lots of dialogue—crime shows, law shows, hospital dramas—that work especially well, since there isn't much you need to see on the screen to understand. This is a roundabout way of admitting a somewhat embarrassing fact:
I really like to bead during American Idol. Really like it.
My fascination with this show is a little puzzling. I'm not a singer. I hate seeing people humiliated. I'm not in the age range of the contestants or the key viewing demographic (which based on some of the past voting I believe must be 11-year-old girls).
On the other hand, American Idol is the closest reality show to my actual life.
True, I'm not really famous, except to a very, very small group who may have seen my photo in a jewelry making magazine or newsletter. (And even then, when they see me at a bead show such as Bead Fest or Bead & Button, they usually say, "You look so familiar. Did we go to high school together?") Thankfully, my rejections are a lot more private than American Idol, given that publishers tend to send terse written rejection notes if they bother responding at all.
Despite these differences, the show offers a surprising amount of helpful advice for anyone in any creative field, whether that's writing, jewelry making, or extreme cupcake decorating:
1. Dream big.
2. Believe in yourself.
3. There's more than one right way.
4. You catch more flies with honey.
5. Listen carefully to criticism from those you respect. (And even then, don't be afraid to take only what's useful and throw the rest away.)
6. No matter how much talent you have, you'll need to work hard.
8. Support others.
9. Take risks.
10. It ain't over 'til it's over.
Do you watch American Idol? What TV shows do you like to watch?
About the Guitar Pick Earrings
These earrings combine Vintaj brass guitar pick shapes that I've embossed with a musical note pattern. The jet black glass round bead symbolizes a high note suspended in the air. I like that these are larger, bold earrings. You need to have a certain boldness just to try out for American Idol or chase any bigger-than-life dream.