waf·fling.

WEDNESDAY: 01.24.2024

waf·fling-ing: “an” approach to creative decision making.

“Waffle. ​​[wof-uhl] (noun, adjective, verb, state) 

ORIGIN OF WAFFLE^: First recorded in 1890–95; originally dialect (Scots, Northern England): “to wave about, flutter, waver, be hesitant”; probably waff + -le

noun

1. a batter cake with a pattern of deep indentations on each side, formed by the grid-like design on each of the two hinged parts of the metal appliance (waffle iron) in which the cake is baked.

adjective

2. Also waffled. having a grid-like or indented lattice shape or design:

3. a waffle pattern.

verb (used without object), waf·fled, waf·fling.

1. to speak or write equivocally:

2. to waffle on an important issue.”

state

1. a personal approach to decision making in which one works herself so stuck she doesn’t know what to even listen to anymore?

Good Morning, I hope my joke which turned into a curious deep dive of the word “waffle” from dictionary.com finds you well. The further I read, the more I felt this word helped me in some creative thinking. I’m writing this article from a current state of waffling. Needing creative friendship connection, my existential best friend promptly texted “I’m here for that. 10:30?” 

Note: If there’s anything I want people to know about creativity, is that a support system is absolutely vital to all creative humans. This is especially why I believe in the power of art teachers and especially your own creative thinking friends. 

On our call, we quickly got onto the theme of relating everything to my (still very rad) dilemma and how much of a waffle I can get. The state described as a feeling of overwhelm and ambivalence I tend to get stuck in my own head over-analyzing and worrying. In full transparency, I’m still not sure of what my path is, though, time is ticking and writing is a way to help me sort it out. [Edit: writing did help.] 

As an art teacher, I wholeheartedly champion taking risks, growing, and seeking connection with one’s creativity. When I ask myself, what would “Professor Slu” say to a student with my decision, it feels natural to offer a supportive urge to trust. Do it for art, for adventure, for living a rad life. You got this. 

Lately, the non-art teacher “me” is worrying about the what-ifs, feeling stuck, and questioning the lessons of everything.

Then Professor Slu is like, sounds like a journaling assignment. 

Hence, the waffle state.