duende (doo-EN-day) noun

1. Demon; goblin.

2. Inspiration; fire; spirit; magic; charm; magnetism.

[From Spanish dialectal duende (charm), from Spanish (ghost).]


The two faces of passion--the magical charmer and the goblin.

Creative people know these faces well. There is that magic when the idea is flying on wings that sprout in the heart and pulse through the veins and spill into the world while erasing time. Then there is the goblin that sits like a rock, keeps the page blank and the mind tangled around things that don't really matter or are not at all true. You can't create! This is too much for you! Should that really be blue? Dialog there, are you sure you shouldn't use description? A full note or two halves?

When you know the nature of the beast, you learn to work with it. Tame what needs taming, bridle what needs bridling, and ride like the wind whenever you get the chance. More often than not, though, the pace most comfortable for the steed--a basic trot--is not the most comfortable for the rider. Together though--with a little give and take--there's no telling where you'll go.

It's worth the ride.