"Functional fixedness is a cognitive bias that limits a person to using an object only in the way it is traditionally used."
"When I use a word" Humpty Dumpty said, in a rather scornful tone "it means just what I choose it to mean -- neither more nor less". Through the Looking Glass
Prowling around the house for just one of my mugs for Mug Monday ( hosted by the talented Valerie of Acorn Moon and Pat of Weaver of Grass), I discovered that most of them were already in use for anything but their intended purpose of simply holding a warm beverage. Needles and thread were in one, paint brushes and pencils in another, pennies in a third. Even the Portmeirion milk jug is stuffed with brushes. And so it was all around the house and garden,
Old canoe paddles double as useful garden stakes,
A lidless teapot and Limoges dinner plate have been home to an African Violet since 1997 (it thrives on benign neglect),
And the cloche that should be protecting strawberries in the garden is sheltering fairies in the house.
In Psychology 101 we were told that a sign of flexible intelligence is the ability to overcome functional fixedness, to perceive new applications for existing tools. And that is my excuse for filling the charming, stylish mug on my worktable with more paintbrushes, like feathers in her cap, rather than topping her up with hot chocolate or mint tea.
Speaking of tea, where's the coffee pot?
Oh my goodness - to have Tiger Tim and Merry would be a life complete. I adore them. Their little 'mugs' are all one needs to be happy.
ReplyDeleteCatherine
Your uses for mugs made me smile as many of my own mugs are filled with paintbrushes, buttons, coins etc, not to mention the odd spider.
ReplyDeleteI love the cut out fairies in the cloche.
I have several mugs stuffed with paint brushes. Your philosophy makes perfect sense to me. It has been fun this morning visiting blogs with Mug Monday. I have started Friday Shoot-Outs with another blogging group and exploring Mug Monday has been truly enjoyable. Thank you for the visit
ReplyDeletenow that's an interesting take on the idea of mug monday, yes I'm all for creative repurposing.... we have onemug that we use to keep our toothbrushes in...
ReplyDeleteHappy Mug Monday! You have the uncanny ability to re-purpose familiar things into imaginative items.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog. What an inspiring place to be!
Looking at your delightful multi-purpose mugs so reminds me of my own mixed uses for containers. I really like the paddle in the garden and the pixies under glass.
ReplyDeleteThis Monday Mug theme is lots of fun. xo
Good Day from Michigan, I also smiled at how you use your mugs and BTW they are all very unique and lovely. Hugs Judy
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful collection..I especially like the little cottage.
ReplyDeleteAt my house there are pencils in one and pens in the other of two matching blue and brown handthrown pottery mugs. Does this mean I have 'flexible intelligence'? (Oh, I just love that phrase!)
ReplyDeleteI had a little laugh at your mug description but isn't it nice to know that we can use our mugs for lots of things. When I have finished with my tulip meg (as a drinking vessel)I think I will put my brushes in it too...ha ha.
ReplyDeleteLovely post! I love the way you have intriguing things in the mugs and cloche!
ReplyDelete'Flexible intelligence' - wonderful term!
Mugs do work so well for corralling brushes and pencils - much easier to find when you need one!
ReplyDeleteHow did i miss this? And of course mugs were made for paintbrushes, what else? :)
ReplyDeletere - your comment - The stairs will remain bare; we have so much stuff that the odd bit of plainess is a blessed relief. And I don't think our landlord would be too impressed!
I didnt even think to lok at all the mugs I have that are filled with pencils and brushes, I think I have counted at least 8, thank you for that thought.
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