Fueled by Wonder: How Curiosity Shaped My Creative Soul
From ghost stories to the Bermuda Triangle, the mysteries that sparked a lifetime of imagination
From the time I was old enough to ask “why,” I’ve been on a quest for answers. Curiosity has always been the heartbeat of my creativity, a drive to explore and make sense of the mysteries around me. Looking back, I owe much of this insatiable curiosity to my parents, who fostered my love for learning in simple but profound ways. They were the kind of people who didn’t just tell me to read—they handed me books and let my imagination run wild.
My mother, in particular, played a huge role. To this day, she devours novels like some people snack on chips, always eager to dive into a story or idea. I think she saw a bit of herself in me when I showed a fascination for books. But there’s one subscription she gifted me that stands out like a flashlight cutting through the fog of memory: Time Life’s Mysteries of the Unexplained.
When that infomercial popped up, it felt like the universe was inviting me to explore the unknown. If you’re Gen X, you probably remember those late-night infomercials like I do. They were a constant presence, whether you were waiting for a show to come back on or just flipping through channels during the quiet hours of a weekend night.
Time Life didn’t just sell books—they sold wonder. Their commercials had this way of grabbing your imagination and not letting go. With dramatic music and a voiceover that promised to reveal the secrets of the universe, they were irresistible. I begged my mom to order the series, and to her credit, she indulged me. Each volume that arrived in the mail felt like a portal to another world, fueling my curiosity and inspiring the creative mind I’ve come to cherish today.
And it wasn’t just the Time Life infomercials that stuck with me. Gen X grew up in the golden age of infomercials, where late-night TV became a treasure trove of strange and fascinating promises. From K-Tel Music Compilations to Ginsu Knives, these commercials painted a picture of endless possibilities—slice through a tomato like butter, get rock-hard abs, or unlock the secrets of the paranormal! There was something magical about their over-the-top sincerity, and for a kid like me, they were like a direct invitation to dream big.
Ghosts and Hauntings: Stories That Give You Chills
I’ll never forget the thrill of cracking open the volume on hauntings. The Winchester Mystery House, with its staircases leading to nowhere, became etched in my imagination. The tales of ghostly figures wandering the Tower of London painted eerie yet vivid pictures in my young mind. These books weren’t just about entertainment; they were windows into how people have grappled with the inexplicable for centuries.
I’d sit there, wide-eyed, devouring “true” ghost stories that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. It wasn’t fear, though—it was wonder. Were these hauntings proof of life after death? What did it say about the world we live in? I credit these stories with teaching me to lean into the unknown, not shy away from it.
UFOs: The Call of the Cosmos
Next up were UFOs. These books, with their vivid depictions of the Roswell incident and government cover-ups, tapped into my love of science fiction while planting a seed of “what if?” What if we’re not alone? What if those lights in the sky were something more?
The cultural ripple effects of UFO sightings fascinated me just as much as the idea of extraterrestrial life. It wasn’t just about aliens—it was about how these mysteries shaped the way we look at the skies and ourselves. I started to see creativity as a way of exploring the edges of what’s possible, much like those who chased the truth behind UFOs.
I still feel that pull toward the unknown whenever I travel. On my last cruise from Miami to Puerto Rico, I couldn’t help but realize I was floating near the bottom of the Bermuda Triangle. Looking out at the endless expanse of water, I felt that same mix of wonder and curiosity I had as a kid reading those books. What is it about a mystery that draws us in? Whether it’s a UFO sighting or an unexplained disappearance, these phenomena make us think beyond our day-to-day lives.
Psychic Powers: Unlocking the Hidden
ESP. Telekinesis. Clairvoyance. These weren’t just fun to read about; they felt like invitations to stretch my imagination. Stories of people like Edgar Cayce and Uri Geller hinted at untapped human potential, making me wonder how far the mind could go.
As a kid, I didn’t question whether these abilities were “real” or not. The fascination came from imagining a world where they could be. Could I do what Christopher Reeves did in the movie “Somewhere In Time.” These volumes sparked an appreciation for the mysterious power of the human mind, a theme I’ve often explored in my own creative work.
Witches, Witchcraft, and the Power of Story
I was equally drawn to the history and mythos of witchcraft. Tales of the Salem witch trials revealed how fear and misunderstanding can spiral into tragedy, while stories of modern Wiccan practices offered a more nuanced view of what magic could mean.
These books weren’t just about witches—they were about the enduring power of storytelling, how myths and beliefs shape the way we see the world. For me, they underscored the importance of perspective and the beauty of finding meaning in the mysterious.
Dreams, Premonitions, and the Mystery of the Mind
The subconscious mind is a world unto itself, and these volumes dove deep into its mysteries. Dreams, intuition, and the possibility of predicting the future captured my imagination in ways that still influence my creative process.
I began to see dreams not as random mental noise but as tools for self-discovery. These books planted the idea that our imaginations and subconscious thoughts are just as important as the world we experience while awake.
Conclusion
Looking back, it’s clear how much these books shaped me. They encouraged me to dream, wonder, and explore not just the world but my own creativity. They taught me that questions are just as important as answers and that the unknown is something to celebrate, not fear.
Today, whether I’m strolling into a Houston music venue, savoring a perfectly crafted beer, reflecting on mindfulness, or marveling at the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle, I carry that curiosity with me. EVERY day is an opportunity to celebrate—to dig deeper, to uncover a little magic in the ordinary. After all, isn’t that what creativity is all about?
Best,
Astro Joe Garcia
In the Living Years - Mike and the Mechanics
As I reflect on the influence of my parents and the mysteries that shaped my curiosity, I’m reminded of “In the Living Years” by Mike and The Mechanics. The song’s message about understanding and appreciating the wisdom of those who came before us resonates deeply with my journey. My mother’s love of books and my father’s quiet encouragement planted the seeds of the curiosity that defines me today. Much like the song’s lyrics, which speak to the importance of connection and legacy, I see how their support helped me explore life’s mysteries and gave me the foundation to dream, wonder, and create. It’s a reminder to cherish those who inspire us and to carry their influence into our everyday celebrations.