And then my muse went into a coma

Before I left for California (for a wedding, not a move), I was bursting with inspiration. Things were a bit hectic there. I definitely had a lot of fun and was exposed to a level of fashion that is not often seen on the streets of Texas. Then, I went to a basketball tournament, which was also really enjoyable. But when I finally arrived home, I found that my inspiration had been sapped completely. I recall that my senior design professor said that college students (particularly seniors) have achieved a delicate balance. This balance is such: the students are equipped with the knowledge and tools to design and implement at a near-professional level; however since they have not been sheltered from the real world, their creativity has not yet been diminished. I was often afraid that as soon as I walked through the Sallyport (a Rice tradition), some part of me would be blocked off, and the creative flow would just stop. Even now, I find it harder to delve into my imagination the way I used to in middle school and high school, when writing ideas came without a second thought. This summer, the creativity has peaked and ebbed, depending on my mood. I find that the more time I spend in nature, the clearer I can concoct. However, this past week and half has shown that a quick plunge into the real world results in a snoozing muse. I'm lucky because I have four more years of schooling before I am truly finished. In the mean time, I'm hoping to find the secret to sustaining creativity while dealing with a conformist society.