Creative Distractions

Much like David in Stitches: A Memoir, as a child I would often find solace in drawing when I was upset my something. Specifically I remember often when I was  punished for something (being mischievous as my mother would say), I would draw many sad faces all over my paper or reenact a more dramatic version of my punishment with my dolls. Usually after all that I would then become so distracted by what I was doing I would forget about the punishment I would start drawing happy things I would begin either trying to make clothes for my dolls or try giving them different ways to wear what they wear now.

I believe these activities shaped my life in a way that,  now when I'm older and something upsets me, I usually try to distract myself. I no longer draw or play with dolls, but now if I had a bad day I'll come home and perhaps make a skirt for myself. My creative outlet has becoming sewing and knitting, which perhaps was fueled by my liking of dolls and all the unique clothing each doll, In my opinion this is similar to David Small who clearly took solace in drawing and using his imagination, and then went on when he was older to write and illustrate novels. Based off of this it's east to assume that most children take their childhood escape and will usually allow it to develop into a lifetime skill or hobby.