Jeri,

"A friend here who is a songwriter, says something I believe is true: "All songs are love songs." I think love is necessary for inspiration."

I can agree with this... Must be why chocolate is such an important part of this thread. (BG)

Actually, I think it is all the strong emotions that feed creativity- but most of us enjoy the pleasant ones more, and prefer them to inspire our various works.

The questions I have are, ie it better to get excited about something, to bring out creativity, or to be relaxed to the point that one's semi/unconcious can contribute? Does soothing backgorund music help or hinder the creative process? Are the sharp flavours of peppers and ginger better than the smooth taste of chocolate or cheesecake? Are dark, shadowed forests more inspiring than bright sunlit beaches ( though one must factor in the waves...)

Any comments? If I bring a couple of pounds of ginger and chocolate to the getaway, and a few bottles of some potable liquid, can we have a study of this?

8-{E