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Friday, January 22, 2016

I Like The Bearded Look A Lot Better

2016 is not off to a strong start for this lonely little Blog.
There is a lot going on at home (all good, just too much for my preference) and I am too scattered to do much of anything for myself.  When I have a few moment of Me time, I prefer to sit in silence.  But I also am feeling the pull to get back to using my Me time more productively...not that stillness isn't productive, because it sure is needed for recharging.


So I decided to do The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron again.  The last time I did it was probably 5 years ago and it took me 9 full months to do a 12 week course.  This time, I am hoping to do it in 12 weeks, but will allow myself 6 month, if necessary.  Progress ;-)

Each week, there is a chapter to read and tasks to do.
Throughout the whole 12 weeks, and presumably forever, two of the constant tasks are to write Morning Notes and take oneself on an Arist's date.  Morning Notes are 3 full pages of writing before the day begins on anything that pops into the head.  Since my day begins at 5:45, I refuse to get up earlier to write the notes, so I have reset the time to accommodate my schedule rather than the best time to empty my mind for a clean, clear start to the day.  When I did this 5 years ago, I went from resenting the Morning Notes to looking forward to them.  It is a great way to purge.  Feel it...and let it go.





The Artst's Date was not what I was hoping for, especially not for week one.  I was hoping to go see The Danish Girl.  My schedule for the week could not accommodate this.  By last night, it was looking like Week One would have me fall short already.  And then this Gordon Lightfoot concert came up in my Facebook feed.  And I decided this would be my Artist Date for the week.  I will not make a habit of it, because the dog was a nudge and the phone kept ringing and it was easy to get distracted while I tried to have a home based Artist Date with myself.  All that being said, it was time well spent with Gordon and the nuances of his voice and those words that just transport me to another time and place in my life.  Shallow me misses his beard in this one, but he is in fine voice.







Have you ever done The Artist's Way?  More than once?  I am thinking it might be just what I need to feel inspired about beading again.  And Blogging for that matter.  I remember it helped a lot the last time I did it.  But like most things that require optional dedication, I let the Morning Notes and Artist's Dates fall by the wayside.  
We'll see how it goes this time around!  

7 comments:

Honey from the Bee said...

I had an art teacher recommend this to me, but I never bought it. Sounds like it's definitely worth the purchase and time. Going to think about it and decide if I am committed before I buy it.

I've felt the same the past few months that the gotta do has out spent the wanna dos. Couldn't help it, but didn't like it. Now it's more of same, but allowing myself time each day to play. If I don't I'll never get back to it.

Hope you'll write more about how this book brings back the mojo.

windrock studio said...

I really like those little squares that you painted, very fun! I've been aware of this book for a very long time but have never been tempted, I don't do well with rules and that's kind of what it seems to me. I wish you luck on the journey with it this time and will be interested to hear how it's going.
I sure do agree with you about the importance of sitting with silence, my salvation.

Maryanne said...

I tried the program but didn't get very far. But, I'm having the same problem as you. I just can't get motivated. I haven't touch beads for months. I'm trying to get back to beading, or just back to anything creative! Hope everything is going well. I was thinking of you today. Are you getting any of the blizzard? We're ground zero! Stay warm and safe.

AntiquityTravelers said...

I haven't heard of this one, but am curious to see if it helps you get back into the swing of things. Sounds like we are all having that lack of motivation lately. I know I am, and I'm at the guilty stage .... but I guess not enough to actually motivate me! I do think the quiet, reflective time is important. I like to paint, especially if it is with the Bead Girl. But I'm not good at it .... it is just cathartic for me. Sometimes I need that. I do like your little squares. They are sweet

Karin Slaton said...

This book is totally new to me. Clicked over to Amazon and read through the first chapter - loved that it was about having less fear. Ooh, and an Artist's Date sounds so intriguing. Hope you stick with it, Christine - just think of the blog posts you'll be writing as you share pieces of your adventure with us!

Bobbie said...

Good for you! Even getting the motivation to pick the book up again and get started (on whatever timeline you can manage) is miles ahead of where I am in the "kick in the creative pants" department so far this year. I have heard about this book for years, but have never really checked it out, probably because I feared it would make me feel guilty or fail-y, but maybe I'll look at it with different eyes. Lord knows I need a kick in the creative butt...In any event, I look forward to hearing about your adventures and continued Artists Dates!

Liz said...

I think there is something in the air. So many productive, passionate bead lovers are on hiatus. For what it's worth I miss your blog posts. No pressure. When the time is right you will partner with your beads and blog again. I haven't tried the program, I have trouble making myself do things like that. Sounds like it's worth the effort tho. Hopefully it will get something rolling. Sometimes just doing stuff, even if it isn't satisfying, will prime the pump. And Gordon Lightfoot's voice is AMAZING.