Doodling : A Hidden Masterpiece

         Doodling. This infamous past time for less-than-average students is nothing short of an art form. What with it's creative scribbles and messy lines, it demands the attention of teachers everywhere. Much like the work of Picasso, the masterpieces of doodling demand a certain respect. Its ability to convey boredom and showcase the creative process is second to none. And the millions of kids, who keep this tradition alive, in spite of fussy teachers and narrow-minded art seminars, should be commended for their perseverance.

         The artist first feels the need to doodle when seated in a particularly boring classroom. This impulse is followed by a small drawing or sketch. The illustrator then continues onward, taking great care not to let an idea go unnoticed. Depending on the length of the class period, the average doodler can go through 2-4 pages a day. That's 2-4 pages of pure imagination that can't be taught in any classroom lecture. And after the artist is done they can breathe a sigh of relief, along with the teacher, whose suspicion was increasing by the minute.
         
        I'm not so much of a a doodler, especially at school. But when I'm at home with my work all done, the pen keeps clicking, and the ideas keep rolling in. Doodling is an especially coveted past time, because of its ability to erase boredom for a minute or two. In fact while I'm doodling, I can't tell the time, its just me and a piece of paper. In the eyes of all the doodling retirees ( our parents and teachers ), its a complete waste of time ; but ask them to come up with another activity that relieves stress, takes away boredom, an can be done with a pencil and a piece of paper, and they won't be able to come up with one.

       In the world of doodling, no stick person is too basic, and no smiley face is too cheesy. The crowded illustrations and legendary games of Tic-Tac-Toe may go unnoticed for a while, but they'll always be special to the creator. The one and only art form with no rules, no boundaries, and no restrictions is one of the most hated. And yet the practice is alive and thriving. I have enough faith in humanity to trust that the habit will stick around, and that in 2100 A.D., children will still be scrounging for a piece of paper to execute their latest brainwave.