“Imitation is the greatest form of flattery“.

Sometimes the kids get upset because someone is copying them and they resent it. However, if you look at it from the perspective that there is a reason why they copy you – because you are doing something worth copying, it really does become a compliment, rather than an annoyance.

It reminds me of a quote that a blog reader sent me a few months ago that speaks to this:

“Nothing is original, steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light, and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is non-existant. And don’t bother concealing your thievery – celebrate it if you feel like it. In any case, always remember what Jean Luc Goddard said, “It’s not where you take things from – its’ where you take them to”– Jim Jarmusch.