This post isn’t so much about Band-Aids, but rather the tool used to make the majority of these Band-Aid ideas possible. This post is in honor of my little black book. Since the beginning of the semester, I have kept the tiny composition notebook as well as this trusty pencil in my front left breast pocket. These tools became a staple in my wardrobe. I kept them handy for project 54 in particular to always have ready in case an idea arose.
Through-out the course of the semester one of the most incredible things I noticed was how relevant our seemingly irrelevant class meetings were. For instance, I remember on class in which Scott recommended we carry such devices at all times. Of course I was way ahead of him at this point and had to restrain myself from jumping up, book in hand and exclaiming to the whole class how effective the simple tool was. Another example of unexpected truth was another class when we discussed alternative ways to promote creativity. I remember one suggestion was sleep deprivation. I found this one to be particularly truthful. Often I would be lost somewhere between consciousness and a deep dream state when I would come to the realization that I was thinking of Band-Aid and having a potentially useful idea. I had to force myself many times to reach for my tiny notepad and scribble the idea before allowing myself to return to rest. Although this was not always easy, I was greatful each morning to wake up and have amazing ideas I surely would have lost in my slumber.
Another unexpected result came from the visible location in which I kept my notes. The little book peered out of my shirt pocket all day in plain sight by anyone I contacted. This brought a variance in reactions. Some mocked me for looking like a “nerd”, others remarked at how brilliantly accessorized I was, while others still pressed on with curious inquisition. Those belonging to the later group were usually unexpectedly useful. After explaining to them the purpose of the book, the majority would chime in, using their own obviously curious minds to aid in my quest for inventive Band-Aid posts. Some of which I have used(Ill never admit which), while some I appeased by scribbling their ideas while marking them to be scratched out later.
I believe that utilizing the simple technique of a notepad and pencil is something that I will take with me and will continue to benefit me even after completing project 54. Im interested to see just how people react once the semester is over and I don’t have the quirkiness of the project 54 goal to present me with sympathetic input. What will the little book be used to document next? I suppose I will know soon enough. It’s amazing to me what lessons you learn through life without attempting to learn anything at all. It is also amazing to me how many ideas come and go and without documentation are lost forever.
