Cakes

Today was my roommates birthday. Ironically, when I walked into my 19th Century British Novelists class there was a quote left on the board by the previous class. It said, "The arts are not the frosting, but the baking soda." I have no idea who said it since that was the only sentence on the board. For those who have not taken a home-ec course, baking soda is what makes the cake rise. The metaphor struck me. I have been writing and performing since I was three (well I didn't start writing until pre-K and even then it was mostly shape sentences like "I 'heart' U"). Going to Christmas parties with my pre-med sister became less enjoyable as soon as someone would ask, "So what are you planning to do?" After she said "Become a pediatrician," (which she had decided on at the impressive age of eight and a half), my lack of an answer, usually a fumbling of words that somehow emerged, "Something creative," always struck my attorney filled family and friends as "interesting" "unique" and "different". Well, I like to think I am "interesting" "unique" and "different". I suck at math, I only use science when it helps me prove my point and I hate the sight of blood. I love writing stories, I love performing and making people feel good and it makes me feel good to know that there is someone out there who actually appreciates it. Without comedy, movies, novels, video games, life is lackluster. There is nothing to inspire or say what others can't. It is through the arts that some of the greatest revelations in life have been expressed.
When I switched from theatre to advertising I was expecting a huge reaction from my family. "Wow, something she can use," but instead I was hit with the same old "interesting" "unique" and "different". All I can really say to them now is, "Yes, I like to think that being different, interesting and unique is what allows to world to evolve. Everything else is simply frosting."