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OK, starting today, I found that I had almost nothing to write down. A friend who had done this a number of years ago helped me to see that even if I simply wrote the same words over and over at first, the words would start to come.
Simply post any comment that you might have as the course unfolds in your life.
We're starting tomorrow, right?
Anyway, as far as writing things down, maybe because I've kept a journal for 50 years, just pouring thoughts on paper comes easy to me, but, razz, I would just try not to over think!! No one is going to read it. YOU don't even have to read it! We all have thoughts that just criss-cross our minds, so see if you can just snag them and write them down. Even if it's "I wonder why I can't think of anything to write about" Or, "Yup, five minutes has gone by and I can't think of one darn thing to write.. I can't wait until this is over and I can go eat breakfast. This is so lame. I have things to do."
Just do a brain dump. It will get easier over time.
Sorry, Catherine, you are right we start tomorrow. Why did I think that today was August 1st? OK, I had a practice session today.:D
Razz- I thought it was August 1 too this morning. I was relieved to find that I was a day ahead, so I spent the time getting ahead a little in the reading.
I'm actually excited to get started on the morning pages. What I'm not looking forward to are all the exercises at the end of the chapter. I forgot there were so many.
Oh! I'd love to do that - I've been meaning to give the program another go... I need to create some space in my life for creativity.
( The poster formerly known as BunnyFan - yes, I've been gone a long time )
I did the morning pages, and they were so cathartic. I had a ton of garbage to unload. I have a long morning off today, so I went on to do most of the exercises at the end of the chapter, at least the ones that I could do sitting. I was a little resistant to the affirmations, because doing affirmations have always seemed a little fakey to me. But taking my negative thoughts (or "blurts" as she calls them) and turning them around seems to be a good way to create some affirmations that I might actually use.
I'm so excited to be doing this program again. It seems to be just the right time in my life for me to revisit it.
My morning pages will be evening pages. Hope that I can muster enough energy to do them.
I did my morning pages and re read the introduction to the 10th anniversary ending- don't know if I read it or not when I got the book. I'm now on the regular introduction and will read the first chapter. I've been doing morning pages for a good while, so that is easy for me now but I do remember at first I thought it was hokey and the affirmations- but I have found that the affirmations really do get into your head and thinking of turning around negative self talk is beneficial. I do think the main part of the pages is a brain dump- just whatever comes into your head- get it on the paper. Don't worry about spelling, meaning, structure. No one will read it except you and that will be later on. I'm excited about doing this. I have it on my list for the week to do every day.
I have had an excellent day! I basically used the morning pages to talk myself into not bailing on my scheduled exercise due to headache. That led to actually getting all today's work done and leaving on time. I started playing with affirmations this evening. One is a holdover from the first round: "I am a brilliant and creative". I forgot to finish the sentence, left it that way as a challenge to perfectionism, and have become fond of it. My affirmations tend to be quirky.
After talking to a friend, I was reminded to just keeping writing something so I did. 'I have nothing to write' was the first phrase that I repeated until other thoughts came up and then some more and I got an idea of how to approach a situation that I needed. Have to work on the blurts which will be a little more challenging since I have working on them for the past few years without knowing it as 'blurts'.
Artist date is going to going to the beach this evening with camera in hand.
Boy, my handwriting is messy, especially first thing in the morning, and especially once the cat started nuzzling my hand as I was attempting to write. So writing about that filled up quite a few lines, until the cat got bored and left.
I can't think of an artist's date yet for this week. Certainly nothing that costs money.
What a great idea! I get so much out of the pages. I usually do them in the evening. If I wasn't so short on time these days I would join you. Have fun!
Last night I remembered I was going to do this right before I turned the computer off for the night. I thought about pulling out an actual paper diary book that I've lugged around for years, but decided to type it on the computer instead. I'm going from memory of doing this maybe 10 years ago, so I forget what the book says about the medium and how much I'm supposed to write. Then again, the new edition(s) may change some of what's in my book. After I wrote - I was afraid I wouldn't get to it if I got up from the computer - I dug the book out from the box it was packed away in (I'm in Honduras...) and started with the introduction. I'm taking the book with me this weekend on my trip, so I'll catch up with that. My pages tonight will be on a different computer (one plus for I should have done it on paper...), but I'll merge the files later.
What was the revelation for me so far is that as I unpacked my books looking the the specific one I got back in touch with some of the subjects that I have 'packed away' while being down here. I didn't take time to thumb through the other books last night, but I also didn't tape the box back up. I had been thinking I 'should' just get rid of all my books as my mobile lifestyle doesn't lend itself to lugging a large box of books around, but last night I felt a rekindleing of interest in parts of myself that I've missed.
I forget the details of the artist date. Vague memories. So, guess I'll figure something out while I'm down in Tegucigalpa this weekend. Sounds so exciting, doesn't it? I good if a trip to the casinos counts. Maybe I'll head up to the main park, this being the push I need to go again.
I bought the book years ago and couldn't put pen to paper. Today I found an old journal that I had the best intentions of using but only did the first page. I have always had a fear of somebody reading my personal thoughts. I don't feel so tied up in that anymore so I am taking it as a challenge to do what I am uncomfortable with. I started with something very general and in no time went to something deep. I think this will be a great way to get my story out.
I am enjoying reading how each person approaches the pages and assignments. I spent a long time yesterday doing some of the exercises- old creativity bashers and creativity builders. Today just the pages. Artist's date was piddling around in a store...thinking of ways to use items. But I was ALONE. That is the key for the artist's date which I tend to forget. I find writing by hand is better for me. I am sure the computer works better for other people. Have fun and happy creating.
The pen is better for me as well. I love the computer for many things but the flow of the pen seems to help.
I discovered yesterday that my artist blockage is in my sewing efforts. I keep stopping due to lack of confidence so did some of the AW's tasks in going back to see why. My mother was really good at it and expected the same from me. Later attempts as an adult were frustrating beyond the most straightforward sewing. I love fabrics so this is an important step for me. The affirmations do help in overcoming these negative messages.
OK! Got my morning pages done.
I was looking through the Week One exercises, "Recovering a Sense of Safety." To the extent possible, can we discuss the week-specific topics together? And are we planning to do one week for one chapter? How will this work? I personally would like the structure of all of us being on the same "page" literally....
So anyway, I'm willing to share a bit about my own core negative beliefs. My personal history (short version--don't want to bore anyone) is that I started out with tons of creative fire.. I took art classes with adults when I was in grammar school, and in high school I had so many creative hobbies I just had a blast. I sold painted rocks, I did oil painting, I made my own clothes, I was in several plays, etc. etc. I think life just happened after that, and my right brain took a back seat to raising 4 kids and dealing with all kinds of hardships (financial ruin, alcohol/substance abuse by DH, etc. etc.). Then when I found a way out of the financial ruin it was because I had a pretty decent left brain, too, and could make good money using both left and right brain in the business world. Now, at 60, I feel such a craving to create and innovate. Not just create in a fine arts sense, but also in a business sense. There are so many wonderful ways to innovate there. In addition, I need to dig deeper into my creative soul.
In short, if I had to answer, my enemy within, my core negative beliefs, they might include:
--"I thought I had a creative side, but I'm really more analytical--the creative side was really just an ability to apply learned technical skills quickly (like learning how to draw, learning how to take a pattern and turn it into a dress)"
--"There's a right way and a wrong way to do things, and the creative way makes me afraid I'll do it the wrong way" (My father, an artist, once told me he was ashamed of me because I used black in a painting.)
--"My kids are creative, but I'm not."
--"I see so much stuff around me that astounds me in terms of art and beauty, and I could just never compete with that."
--"It would be so cool to be a designer, but I feel like a fraud even saying it."
Anyone else want to add theirs? (Of course, if you don't feel comfortable, that's cool, but someone might trigger another one for me as well)
Catherine, Thanks for coming out with your core negative beliefs. I do think it helps to read other people's beliefs as it might trigger something I hadn't thought of in many years. The comments of parents can destroy attempts. I was lucky that my mother was pretty open to my ideas, although the feeling was that they were silly.
1.One core belief is that art is a HOBBY! It is good for passing the time but one can never take it seriously.
2. Art should not take too much of one's time. It is not worth the time when one could be cleaning or doing something PRODUCTIVE or USEFUL.
3. Most artists are unhappy, loopy, depressed and strange. Art is the cause of this. That's a hard one for me to get out of my feelings although my head knows it isn't true.
4. If it isn't perfect, no one will appreciate it and if no one appreciates it it is not worth doing.
I too like the idea of us all discussing each chapter on a schedule.
Hey, Catherine, we share a lot, especially the analytical part.
I loved art when I was in younger grades and then got sidetracked with life but always loved looking at beautiful things, not to possess but simply to admire the effort, uniqueness and creativity.
I am never bored when driving as the colours and shapes are always changing especially in the rain. I have dabbled in oils, watercolours and some acrylics and enjoy them but feel frustrated with having reached a plateau of some sort. I am going to try another course for a day in oils on Aug 13 to see if I can get going again.
I did a fair bit of sewing for home and family but a year or so ago, I was so excited to find fabric that I loved with large rose and red pointsettias on a green background and made 48 placemats which were a joy to make and give to family and friends. They were truly unique.
I want that joy and excitement again, hence the Artist's Way.
Catherine and nswef- Thanks for sharing your core negative beliefs. I'll share mine, too.
1. I'm not disciplined enough to work on my own.
2. I'm not a very creative person.
3. My skill level is not that great.
4. I do sloppy work.
5. Nobody cares what I have to say.
I obviously know that these are all wrong, because I can come up with many examples where I stuck with a project and did a great job. But these thoughts still jump into my head. They most likely stem from having a perfectionist mother with low self-esteem. Following the instructions in the book, I wrote a little about her negative influence in the same notebook where I do my morning pages.
I also did the exercise where you think about five other lives to lead, if you could start all over again with a clean slate. I came up with ten: Buddhist nun, singer, permaculture farmer, painter, potter, scientist, writer, publisher, shopkeeper, and baker. Then, I was supposed to take one of these and live a little of that life. The example in the book was that if you chose country singer, you should pick up your guitar (if you have one) and play a little bit. I tried out several of these alternative lives in tiny ways. For instance, for my "singer" life, I made up songs on the spot and sang them on the way to work, instead of listening to the radio. This was on the highway, where nobody could see me!
I think I did a pretty good job for week one, though I didn't complete all the exercises.
It feels a little strange to be going through this chapter again - I have been making time for creative pursuits, so I should have this base covered? When I started playing with negative beliefs/affirmations, what came up was how I present them to others. Which is: as little as possible. Which affects the work itself: if it's not finished, I don't have to show it to anyone, and there's nothing to discuss. Oops.
Say I'm a tattoo artist. People have Opinions about tattoos. And who gets them, and what and where, and why don't you just paint on canvas and be a real artist instead? It's easy to imagine the conversation, because I have had it with myself regularly for the last fifteen years. Actually having that talk out loud, with people whose opinions I care about, is moderately terrifying.
(I am not actually a tattoo artist, my family would have noticed by now.)
My artist's date was impromptu - I checked out a CD from the library, and gave myself permission to do anything (except internet) while it played. Mostly cleaning, but I polished a couple candlesticks and started playing with the idea of a shrine, and started on rearranging everything in my home.
This is so exciting to read how others are working through this. I have a very hard time with other lives- or listing things to do. So, you all are a help and an inspiration. Seems a lot of us have perfectionist damage.
shadowmoss
8-5-12, 10:38am
Today I did the morning pages on my netbook. I'm in a hotel. I knew that there is an issue when I type on a netbook that sometimes I accidently hit something wrong and in the space of time to hit two keys (very fast as I'm a fast typist) I highlight and erase entire pages of typing. Then it autosaves before I can stop it. So, it happened this morning, and I wiped out about half of what I typed. Then I had a nice discussion about how was it important to refill that space or was the fact that I had already gotten it 'out of my head' enough, and since these pages aren't to be read again what did it matter if they were now lost?
I'm thinking that I"ll go back to pen and paper for a lot of these reasons. I also have an old diary that I started back 20 years ago and still have more because if I have it I know it hasn't gone anywhere, if that makes sense. It would help the perfectionist in me to just start back on the old diary rather than crack open a new one. I do still also feel a need to actually use all the pages before I destroy it, waste not want not, you know.
I've been reading the book, but it is a difficult read for me. It was about 15 years ago that I bought the book, and now the language doesn't resonate with me so much. Then again, I want to go through it and wring what I need out of it so I can also release it. Not sure that is the right attitude, but it works for me right now. Time to go back and dot my t's and cross my i's on that part of my life and then move on.
I didn't get my Artist date last week so did it today going to a craft exhibit, looking at fabrics at my favourite store, touring boutiques along the pier at a lake port and watching the waves on the rocks. Lovely.
When I did my morning pages today, I started getting insights into some spiritual issues that I was working on which surprised me but probably shouldn't have.
Gardenarian
8-6-12, 9:30pm
Hi -
I have been lurking around this thread - hope it's okay if I jump in!
Negative thoughts: my dh is a professional musician and dd is well on her way to becoming a professional painter (as well as a very talented guitarist/singer). So I feel like my little dabblings in writing, collage, drawing, and calligraphy look quite pathetic compared to them! Just as children get labelled "the smart one", "the funny one", in my family dh and dd are the "creative ones" and I am the manager/decision maker/dogsbody.
I have been doing my morning pages (in the afternoon usually) and it's been mostly very useful, though I do have off days. I haven't figured out what makes it work better sometimes than others.
Mer05, I have also been doing a lot of cleaning and rearranging. It does feel like a creative act, and brings up lots of ideas.
My pages are starting to flow a little better now. It was hard at first.
My other lives include lawyer, teacher, financial analyst, horticulturist and, my Censor had a fit, a theatre set designer. I had not realized that financial security was governing my thinking that much.
Tomorrow is check-in so must think about that a little.
Razz, A theater set designer sounds quite enjoyable and you can start at home! I'm amazed at the other lives people are thinking of. Gardenarian, It's hard when others do "better' than you in creativity. I know the feeling. My real life is a retired teacher, my other lives are writer living by the sea, city girl, farmer, self sufficient raising chickens, baker and hiker .
Gardenarian - you will be happy with what the future weeks of The Artist's Way offer you.
The essential message will become that you are a unique creative channel that the world would be poorer for not seeing. You are responsible only for doing the effort, not the quality of the results
Gatrdenarian and others, it is fun to have more join in the discussion and effort.
Looks like we've got a good group - welcome to those just joining!
Small confession: I skipped most of the week 1 exercises, the time travel-type ones, because it felt like nothing had changed since last time I did them. I did work a lot with affirmations and blurts and found that helpful in identifying issues to work on, and also did fine with the basics (morning pages/artist date). I just read through Week 2; I have mostly dodged the crazymakers, but skepticism is my middle name!
I'm not following along--my AW book is in a pile somewhere--but I like to browse images from a variety of sources (kind of a mini artist's date), including media I don't personally use, like ceramic clay. One site I visit often (along with Polymer Clay Daily and Etsy) is Daily Art Muse: http://dailyartmuse.com/
I, too, just read chapter 2 and it is resonating with me more than last time. I've avoided crazymakers, but do think I tend to make my own self crazy with shoulds. That will be my page writing tomorrow I think. I'm also still having trouble with an Artist's Day...never real sure what would count. Again, I enjoy sharing this journey with others on the same path. Thanks all.
How is everyone doing? Are the pages working out well for you?
Finally got a chance to read chapter 2. I used to have 'crazy' people in my life but have deleted them over time. The pages are going well, I am even getting more flow in my writing. It is still work for me though. I never had a diary so stream of consciousness writing is not something I have done in a long time.
The tasks - Adding to my list of 5 possible new situations was a challenge but I worked through it this morning. I have added travel writer, painter, researcher, explorer, and cook to my list.
Has anyone else noticed some particular barrier that is showing up in the exercises? My barrier is the need for security - financial, travel, accommodation etc. In my teens and 20's and past that, I was eager and ready for the unknown wherever it may take me. When did it change? Why?
Julia Cameron calls it the Censor and it screams at me creating a feeling of anxiety when I post something that is not secure and known.
I blanked on morning pages yesterday, and ended up starting on week two exercises. Based on those, I'm pretty good at regularly doing things I enjoy, and am not horribly neglecting major areas of life. (Except, for whatever reason, the piano. I haven't played in ages, and not for lack of a piano.) No trouble finding ten small things to fix, though. Plus the big issues of crippling self-consciousness and (as nwsef brilliantly put it) perfectionism damage.
Is anyone else doing the writing out three affirmations business? I'm not sure if I'm getting anything out of that, except briefly feeling like Bart Simpson.
I read Chapter Two, and a lot of it resonated with me. Especially the part about the crazymakers. I've spent the last seven or so years deleting the crazymakers from my life, many of which were deleted all at once when I moved to another town. However, there is one bit of crazyness left, and that's a marriage problem that dh and I have not been dealing with. (I don't want to get too specific right now.) The morning pages have really forced me to think about it. When there's absolutely nothing else to write, you're forced to dig a little deeper, into the stuff you don't want to think about.
I have not been writing down my affirmations, just repeating them to myself. Like Mer05 said, it makes me feel like Bart Simpson when I have to write down things repeatedly.
I haven't been doing my Artist's Dates, and I don't know why. I have a couple of them in mind, but I keep forgetting. In my frugality, I like to combine car trips. So I tell myself that I'll stop someplace on the way home from work. But then I forget, driving home by habit. I guess I could put a sticky note on the steering wheel. The Artist Dates were very important to me when I did this program 15 years ago, so what's stopping me now?
Adding five more imaginary lives was tough for me because I did ten last week. (I should have read ahead.) But I came up with: B & B owner, landlord, interior designer, fiber artist, civil rights activist. And just today, I also thought of doll artist. You know, making dolls as sculpture. This is such an impractical yet exciting idea for me! I did this in an art class once, and it was my favorite assignment.
Razz- I'm with you on the barriers. I also feel the need for security, and it gets in the way of a lot of living. I also used to jump into new experiences. Unfortunately, I made some big mistakes that way and I became a little squeamish as time went on.
I have been writing the 3 affirmations 5 times each for 2 days. I was amazed yesterday when BLURTS appeared...maybe I have been squashing them down for a long time and they just had to come through! So, I think that dug up some things and the hope is that seeing them, saying them and changing them to something positive will un clog whatever needs un clogging.
I know what you mean Stacy about the Artist's Dates. My thriftiness sometimes gets in the way of my mental health and Artist days do help with mental health. Trying to make efficient car trips is also an issue in thwarting days out. But, I am getting my hair cut tomorrow so will spend time at the library afterwards browsing magazines. Maybe an art book or two.
Doing this with others is quite different from doing it alone...more accountablity and more support. It keeps me on target. I'm awful at choosing other lives...can never think of anything I'd rather be doing. But, perhaps that's the same as those blurts that took an extra week to show up.
Stacy, is it possible to find Artist dates in places that you visit daily. Just a walk along the pathway will allow you to see different colours in leaves and their shapes. i was hiking with friends but with my dog. For good reasons, I dropped back to visually check on one lagging friend and was able to finally see that leaves in the morning sun are largely white in the highlighted areas.
If you go on a gravel path, you can study the different colours and shapes. Look for the shapes of shadows and highlights on buildings, trees, houses
It seems that I have doing Artist Dates for years - when I felt down, I would take off and simply drool over needework patterns and completed projects on display or go into a place called Bowerings that had the most gorgeous glass objects and dishes beautifully displayed. Sometimes it was simply to sit and look at a body of water and feel the tension in my body flow out to the water. I called these efforts 'soul food' because they kept me sane when life was too crazy.
Does that help give you some ideas?
My Artist Date today is going to a flowerpot sale. A local consultant grows pots of flowers propagated by local nurseries as test subjects and then a local non-profit sells the pots. I am going with my newly charged camera to take pictures and to buy a few. They are absolutely gorgeous.
Artist Dates were/are hard for me. I have too many shinys to chase after, and the return on time spent on an Artist Date never seemed to be as fulfilling. Probably because I could not find the appropriate artist date.
Strangely enough a massively multiplayer online game is providing just the right high return respites that Artist Dates are supposed to provide.
Well, my Artist Date had a twist that was a hoot.
It was pouring when I came out of the grocery store so I got wet. Not a problem as I am not soluble.
I continued on to the plant sale and found everything quite wet. I grabbed my umbrella and walked around in a light mist thoroughly enjoying the flowers and trying to choose which 14" pots I would take from really beautiful annuals of many colours including vincas, geraniums, aster, petunias, sunshine impatiens and many others that are new to me. It started to pour so I simply slipped off my birks and walked around barefoot in the rain having a blast. The volunteers manning the sale had a laugh at my expense.
I got four pots - a vibrant pink and a coral vinca, a raspberry impatiens and new to me blue that cascades. It was a fun and difficult decision to choose from so much beauty. It wasn't 2 hours but long enough.
I've been fighting with the idea of the artist date too this week. Plan A was to go to an art gallery after work, but art galleries aren't something I've ever done, and the heat makes a very good excuse for not walking in the afternoon. I may take chord_ata's cue and play a video game instead. (I started playing Portal 2 in commentary mode ages ago, but never finished, and it's a fantastic game.) I think exploring virtual worlds counts - same basic idea as books and films.
I also bought supplies for my "tiny thing": toilet seat replacement. The lid bends under any weight, the screws (also plastic) keep coming loose, and basically sitting down in the bathroom is more of an adventure than it ought to be. I've been putting up with it for a couple years now, and turns out an upgrade only costs $10.
Razz, I like your ideas about the artist's date. I always think it needs to be "going somewhere". Yesterday I went to the library and took a 10 minute walk on the marked mile path through the park- I didn't go the whole way but just 10 minutes was a nice change for me, it was a glorious day, I talked to a border collie and its owner, and some others. I had never taken the path, so it was new to me. I look forward to going there more often. I bought a purple gel pen and am loving writing with it! It makes me smile.
Well, today, I finally took an art course in oil painting which I have not done for over 10 years. The instructor was quite informative despite not being able to speak English so required translation from Italian but his approach was just what I needed. Lots of enthusiasm from all the participants.
It was hard work but fun.
Good for you Razz. I assume this had been scheduled? Or was it spur of the moment?
I decided last week to take the course so it was sort of spontaneous as I chose to take someone else's spot since the class was full. I had seen the course advertised and been interested but said, "Too much going on right now" as per my usual objection but this time I 'chose' to give it the time as needed instead of everything else. I don't remember being that exhausted for some time though which was great.
Isn't that called taking the coincidence as a gift? An opening in the class and you went!
I did take somewhat of an Artist's Date yesterday after work. I took a walk down to the river and watched the ducks for a little bit. I wasn't there long, but it was a nice stop after work and before making dinner. Next time, I'll bring a sketchbook and draw those ducks.
The morning pages have been amazing for me. I've been keeping a lot of things bottled up inside, and I have actually been able to see things in a different point of view since I've been writing them down, as more of an impartial observer.
It only takes one or two insights to get hooked on the 3 pages, that's been my experience. I've done many new things thanks to those pages.
Week three! I had a very good day yesterday, and did all the reading plus my artist's date (walking down to the lake at lunch). The topics for the week were all interesting. Cameron's concept of a conscious universe interacts poorly with my worldview, but it works on a positive-thinking level. The human mind is amazing at making patterns - so the basic idea is to look for positive, useful patterns, and either reframe or demote negative events to just stuff that happens. Today I have more writing to do than time to do it in, which I suppose is a good problem to have?
<snip>Cameron's concept of a conscious universe interacts poorly with my worldview, </snip>
I just treat that as an attempt to describe what needs to happen.
My preferred explanation is that it is about allowing the right brain to do its creativity thing. The two descriptions map into the same process and result.
In the week 3 reading, I found that 'anger' is a very good friend was a different concept to consider. Several friends are complaining that they are having trouble finding time for painting so I suggested the book and course as a way to find out where they could redirect their energies. I do think that one has to be ready for this though.
Had the most wonderful Artist date. I left home really early in the cool temps and drove to Long Point, a Lake Erie beach area and spent the morning walking along the long beach taking lots of photographs with l-o-o-ong shadows and dappled light areas. It is a lovely spot. Very quiet so early as well. Water was quite warm so the beachgoers should have a lovely day as it warms up.
I have an online preview of a new book of the site by a friend if anyone is interested in Long Point. http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/3463049
Did not know about 'blurb' feature of Facebook. Still trying to decide if I should join.
Reading chapter 3 I found a need to underline many things. Anger is something I am not comfortable having...working on the idea of why am I angry about something. I'm finding the exercises harder especially when I need to list people or events. But I keep adding to them. Today I spent an hour drawing with a grid. One of my goals is to become comfortable with drawing and more accurate with proportions so the grid helps. I enjoyed the time, it went quickly, but no big ideas bubbled up. This is doing question 7 of week 3. Inner compass. I thinkI will do some walking, too and keep trying to find an inner compass.
The walk around the lake taking photos sounds like a lovely thing.
That website is great. http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/3463049 (http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/3463049) the photos are lovely and who knew there was a place to make books. This is good information for me! Thanks again Razz.
So, that synchronicity thing? I've been toying with the idea of a blog, and finally came up with an approach I like enough to stick with, that might potentially be entertaining to read. So as of Thursday, blog is a go, at least on my hard drive. Yesterday I started rereading The Happiness Project, and chapter three's advice was, "Launch a blog!" Heh. And then today a friend (and social media queen) posted about a blogging conference in town next month.
Which sounds frankly terrifying, the whole talking to real people about some thing I'm just barely starting, and just as a hobby. But I don't have any legit reasons not to go, and their website basically says, if you just want to curl up on a couch with the wifi, that's fine, so even social anxiety is no excuse. Looks like I'm going! (Ack.)
How are you all doing?
Mer05, that sounds wonderful. Go for it and enjoy telling us how it all went. I think that it sounds exciting. I got a little sidetracked for the past couple of days but will get going again tomorrow. I have read Chap 3 and found it fascinating and must reread it again several times more. Lots of stuff to take in. My morning pages are a challenge to get through still though.
"I have nothing new to write"
That phrase was the ice breaker for me to start a morning page. That phrase is also the touchstone I use, when my mind runs empty. And no, I do not have three pages of that phrase. I rather enjoyed the stream of conciousness result.
Morning pages still took me 45 minutes, but it was constant writing.
Mer05- It sounds as if synchronicity is at work!
chord-ata- My pages always take at least 30 minutes- can't seem to write or think much faster than that.
I found doing the chapter 3 exercises that I have only one person who truly nurtures me. One I would call on and the others are not so .... I didn't like seeing that. So it made me think.
What are some of your favorite Artist dates so far (this round or previously)?
If there were no constraints(financial, time,etc) other than the usual constraints such as integrity/civility that are important to everyday life and community on your choice, what would be some of your dream Artist dates? Lets also assume we could beam ourselves somewhere if desired in an ecologically healthy way to take out the effects of travel--unless a travel journey itself would be one of your ideal Artist dates.
My ideal Artist Date is what I have been truly fortunate to have experienced. Simply sat and looked at waves watching and taking note of their motion and colours with herring gulls walking and diving. Walking the trails with our dog and watching how the light changes depending on the leaves of oaks vs grapevines vs wild flowers and looking for shapes in shadows especially from an early morning sun. I have walked in gorgeous gardens and studied the flowers finding the highlights, soft colours and brilliant especially in impatiens or zinnias with their strong shapes and colours.
Simply sitting by myself with a cup of tea on our front verandah and watching the swallows dipping and soaring with the slowly setting sun to outline them.
Walking or xcountry skiing in fresh snow has revived me when life has seemed overwhelming. When the weather is bad, I put on Beethoven's 6th symphony, close my eyes and shut out the world. DH knows to leave me alone when I do that.
There is so much beauty and strength in our world. Making time to take it all in is my understanding of the Artist Date.
BTW, thanks to those who mentioned that the morning pages take longer. I was thinking that I must be doing things incorrectly if my attempts took longer (that perfectionism showing up again) and was getting discouraged.
Reading Chap 4 with 'reading deprivation' is going to be interesting...
I am not looking forward to reading deprivation....I have skipped this chapter several times! Last night I did a meditation tape before bed and chose not to read in bed...awake for 1 1/2 hours! Keep thinking it will work, but I don't know if I can do it for even one day! I did do 1/2 hours of brainstorming for a book writing this morning, piano practice 1/2 hour on Monday...trying to do each day something that's been in my interest. Nothing bubbles out, but I enjoy the half hour. I also thought of 2 other nurturers....don't know why they didn't come to mind when I was choosing.
My dream artist's date would involve a bank of microscopes supplied with pollen, diatoms, botanical, mineral, and biological samples...Screen captures, a sketch pad...
razz, I also run about 15 minutes per page. A little faster with a decent pen, but I'd have to type to get down to 10 minutes!
I forgot the reading fast until I read the chapter this morning. Then forgot four more times before noon! I've gotten into the very bad habit of checking Facebook and rss feed at work, and will be trying to break myself of that. This is still better than last time - it fell over Christmas, and I decided that was the last thing I needed on top of holidays and family, and pushed it off for a whole week.
My best artist's date was probably the local art supply store - I had a groupon, so got to go in and browse, then picked up a sketchpad, and a whole bunch of colored pencils & pens. Drawing is not something I feel I "should" be good at, so it's fun to play with. My ideal would be travel - I recently read an article about countries you can hike across, and Scotland sounds like a lot of fun. My next few trips will be short and domestic, though.
Hey, sorry I've been out of the loop. I've been on vacation in VT for two weeks. Week One was VERY intense with 12 people in our rental home--family as well as family friends. I am SORELY needing an Artist Date at this point!!! Thankfully there are a billion opportunities for them in Vermont.
Will check back later--I hear stirring in one of the bedrooms upstairs!
So, no reading yet today...except here which I am counting as working on Artist's Way. working on this chapter's tasks I am more fluent with ideas than previously. i wanted to skip pages this morning but did them and lots came out, so she is right. I am going to give this reading fast a good try. Evening will be the hard part, so I am thinking of what I can do when I usually read. Making myself accountable has made me do the tasks more thoroughly. Thanks all of you for posting and working through this book together.
Catherine, 12 people in a house is my idea of hell. This whole next week should be one long Artist's Date if you can manage it!
I'm checking in here. I have done the reading fast for 3 days- defining it as not reading a book or magazine. That's the best I can do for now. I am on day 4 of it and find that I am doing more. Thursday I went to the lake, rather than read while my husband watched TV. It was grand and counted as an Artist's date as well. Friday I worked on repairing a hat- it involves making a new snazzy bow for it and figuring out how to add it...I've done a couple of other 30 minute art work, writing, coloring and the hat. So, I am seeing that reading books does interfere with my time...Next fast I might get away from the computer, newpaper. Baby steps. Happy non reading, folks.
I am not reading but doing pickling, horticultural competition entries and laundry instead. My Artist Date was taking the dog for a long walk with a small bucket with about an inch of water in it. I was collecting "roadsidea" material for an arrangement for the local annual horticultural competition. It was great fun both collecting and comparing material shape, size and perfection and then doing the arrangement. I came second.
I used sumac, cattails, Queen Anne's lace, goldenrod, red osier with berries, sow thistle and a white flower that I don't recognize so cannot name. I should have taken a photos but got too busy getting it all together.
Now I look at roadside plants with fresh eyes. Next year will be a new adventure.
I love roadside plants--brave and hardy and beautiful. Native grasses and ground covers...I encourage them in my, er, garden. I wish you did have pix.
iris lily
8-25-12, 11:54pm
I wanted to use Queen Anee's Lace in a flower arrangement at the lily show I attended out of state in June. It was so inviting along side of the road, miles and miles of it as I drove there. But, they forbade the use of noxious weeds such as Queen Anne's lace. It's too bad.
Talk about synchronicity... Friends and I have been walking the old rail lines twice a week for about 3-4 miles going out and returning from a new starting point each time. We want to start biking it as well so I hauled out my old bike. It needs a lot of work. I needed to find out the name of the local repairman who is highly regarded but not listed anywhere under bike repair. We have talked about it and asked around to no avail. When I visited my neighbours to perk them up at their lakeside retreat yesterday (his wife said he was having a hard week) and get my DH out of the mental rut that he was in, I found out the name of the bike repairman and why he is away every summer touring music festivals.
Another discovery - I love making my own cards using my 4x6 photos, card stock cut to size and invitation-size envelopes. I have a bridal tea today and needed a suitable card. Most of my photos are spring season during my morning pages, I realized that I need to go out on an Artist Date to search for timeless images for all occasions. My local favourite grocery store has Kodak booths set up and I can get prints made for 19 cents if I print a total of 100. I can frame, enter script and edit the pictures and the results have been lovely.
I wanted to find a suitable words for the bride-to-be who is having a destination wedding but nothing seemed right either in the card shop or online. The phrase "There remains faith, hope and love and the greatest of these is love" kept coming to mind so I used that with best wishes added.
Razz, You certainly inspire me! It sounds as if you are enjoying all parts of this Artist's Way. Congratulations, too, on your roadside arrangement. So now you will have 100 cards all set. do you plan to sell them?
Day 5 of the reading fast. I've made it much better than I thought and for longer. I'm even thinking about doing a TOTAL fast of all reading as this one has led me to do some very useful and artistic tasks. I keep noticing and that is good.
Good progress, nswef.
For me, reading has usually been an escape for an hour or more so taking a nonreading break has been positive timewise as well.
I have an idea for an article that needs doing based on the insights gained from the card for the bride-to-be.
So now you will have 100 cards all set. do you plan to sell them?
The photocards are pretty labour intensive so I doubt that I would sell them but now that you have raised the notion...
One wonderful change from the efforts so far from the course is the sense of happiness that is increasing in my life. Anyone else noticing this?
I am so glad the reading deprivation is over! I did stay off my RSS reader (blogs) and books/magazines completely, and no RSS or Facebook at work. Otherwise, it was a bit frustrating - it seemed to get in the way of things that I want to do more of (research, reading books for fun), without leading to accomplishing things I needed to get done. This week's questions about time-sucks seem like they might lead to a more useful fast...
My artist's date last week was going to a bead store to repair/upgrade a broken necklace. I'm not sure it 'counts' because I had a mission, but playing around with the redesign was fun. Final result: not perfect, but much better than before.
The reading deprivation was instructive for me as well. Now I have some catching up to do with weekly news magazines though.
My day away will be to a play at the Stratford Festival which I really enjoy; the setting is so beautiful with the river, gardens and swans. Long leisurely drive there and back to enjoy as well.
Finding time to do the creative projects that come to mind seems to be my current challenge. I need a wife to free from the routine household maintenance like cleaning, preserving food for winter, gardening etc.
I found the reading deprivation useful, too. I must admit that as the days went on my scanning the newpaper turned into reading, but I am proud to have not read a book! Next time I'll try a more thorough fast. It has made me look at reading in a different way. Razz, your days are very full. I've found that some days I count an unexpected joy to be my artist's moment- for example I had a mammogram on Monday and afterwards walked through the art display they have at the women's center. It was inspiring and calming. Yesterday I did some pencil drawing based on something I noticed at the gallery, so even though it was unexpected, unplanned and short- it was effective. I do find hearing the canned tomatoes ( that I used to do years ago- now Hunts provides them) lids pop was very satisfying. Again a moment, but joyful. I do seem to be happier or more satisfied lately. I'm interested in how others coped with the reading deprivation. Did anyone just refuse the way I did the first several times? Anyone do a complete fast? Then the artist's prayer. I had never done that- found hers intimidating- so this time just thought of what I needed and wow- I wrote it today.
Did reading deprivation stop everyone??? It's been quiet here.
Not stopped, only distracted! I had out-of-town guests, which was lots of fun but not great for internet. I just did this week's artist date today - a beginner's painting class where you copy a famous painting, courtesy of Groupon. So now I have a nice 8x10 of Van Gogh-ish sunflowers that will probably go in my bedroom in the summer. I also did some playing around with the week's exercises - lots of wishes for simplicity in there. 'Real' projects haven't been going much of anywhere, but I'm not too worried.
I have really found myself relaxing and enjoying life a great deal more. I am gradually surrendering the sense/need of control to my higher power and simply being the creative being that I was created to be. It is such a neat and freeing concept to consider oneself as being wonderfully created and wonderfully creative with the power of expressing it artistically. Obviously, I was really ready for this course.
I have "my personal space" working well and do my morning meditation and writing there. Seems to keep me focused much better.
At first, I found it really hard to find wishes list from Chap 5 to write down. Was my life that complete? I didn't realize on how many minor things I have rationalized the denial of them. Thoughts like - too late in life, too expensive to consider for the benefit that will result, not that important really, not enough time/energy etc. She calls it sabotaging oneself and she is absolutely right.
I bought myself a used bike this week and have to practice to get my balance and comfort up to speed after not riding for over 21 years. I want to ride along the Niagara river on the beautiful biking trails after the falls. Next year! (first I wrote "maybe", then "I hope" and now I am determined to do so). This wish has been on my 'bucket list' for years.
My Artist date was spending a couple of hours walking around and taking photos of an old trail that has been sadly neglected and then taking pictures of zinnias and sunflowers at a friend's garden. Those are such sassy and assertive flowers, aren't they?
Wondered if anyone is noticing that the 5 different lives that you might think about has changed so far. I started out as lawyer, teacher, horticulturist, financial analyst, and now am thhinking explorer, traveller, painter, actor so opening up to many more possibilities.
Had another fun synchronicity - I had met someone as I went in who wanted to know about doing a volunteer position at our library. I offered to train him that day and before we started was told that another friend needed some relief volunteering in the same position at the library. Worked out that he can help out both of us to reduce the load.
My weekend was full of new things and people, but well-balanced with downtime so I never felt busy or overwhelmed - I'm really hoping the rest of the month works like that! There was also an Endless Project - one of those where you get lost in tweaking and never actually finish. I declared it done and sent it off before I could decide that the whole thing was crap, and have already gotten a nice compliment on it.
Razz - I skipped the 'different lives' exercises this go-round, but I remember 'explorer' also started making my list! Also, pirate.
Well, we are into week 6 of 12. How is everyone doing? I find that if I do my morning pages at other than 'my little space', I daydream and dither so need to focus on that place for my meditative efforts.
Off to my play date today to see Cymbeline. I had to read the story as I knew nothing about this Shakespearean play. It is going to be really interesting to see how this is staged as the scenes keep changing and Zeus comes down on an eagle to talk to ghosts. :D
I am also looking forward to seeing and taking pictures for future cards.
Well, I got the bike and am riding it every day to get back my balance and skills. The Niagara gorge adventure is looking more like a real possibility for next year.
I find that I am continually reminding myself more that if I have the creativity to deal with all the joys and challenges of life so do others. It strikes me that this is a very loving approach to others. It is so easy to be what is called a Wet Blanket and judgemental towards others. How much more helpful it is be supportive and reminding others (should the need arise and doing it appropriately) that they are as blessed with the same source of creative ideas and solutions as everyone else?
Any others having changes taking place?
...I find that I am continually reminding myself more that if I have the creativity to deal with all the joys and challenges of life so do others. It strikes me that this is a very loving approach to others. It is so easy to be what is called a Wet Blanket and judgemental towards others. How much more helpful it is be supportive and reminding others (should the need arise and doing it appropriately) that they are as blessed with the same source of creative ideas and solutions as everyone else?
That is such as nice thought! I'll take it as my thought for the day!
Free evening with no social events, so I am working through the week's tasks. Pancakes as a seasonally-appropriate variant of 'baking'; I used cinnamon and it smells fantastic.
On the week's theme, I am good at not spending, but less good at investing well. That probably applies literally and figuratively! I just finished dealing with my most pressing financial issue, a 401K rollover that didn't get reinvested. The brokerage offered recommendations, and I took them - maybe not ideal but better than the nothing that was happening. Figuratively - I often feel like I ought to put off doing/buying big things until some major life event or indefinite future. I've fixed that thinking in some areas (like travel), but it is awfully persistent.
One change - I have watched TV once in the last two weeks, and that was with a gathering of friends. Not a deliberate thing, I've just had other plans!
Razz, the Niagara ride sounds amazing! And Cymbeline - I've never seen that one either.
Wouldn't you know it? Synchronicity at work? I sat beside a couple who were experts on Shakespeare and gave me insights into the timing and goal of the Cymbeline play - all to deal with King James. I was also told that the limited sets (I grumbled about them) were actually closer to the proper historical way to present Shakespeare according to his era; the focus being on the actors and how they make the story credible. I always learn something neat from my seatmates at theatre so love going by myself as going with a group seems to exclude personal interaction with strangers. A couple of friends do join me in striking up spontaneous conversation with others and we both enjoy the exchange.
Well, now, I am happy to see more discussion here. Razz, I do believe we might be 'kindred spirits". The bicycling is something I have been afraid to try yet. But I have noticed that justification for delayed gratification you mentioned. My lives of imagination have also become a bit more adventurous- put in race car driver! Never in a milllion years would I have thought that would pop out of my imagination. We spent several days at the beach doing some chores and I did move my chair closer to the waves...something I think is fun, but don't do because the umbrella isn't there...I am amazed at the ideas that do come up within the whining and chatter of how the day went. I do find writing a little note at the top of the next day's work about something I need to think about, write about- what keeps me stuck- who to "blame"- remembering childhood joys- helps focus the page beyond how I slept and what I did. I've done this much more thoroughly this time around and feel it is due to the group dynamic- being accountable and sharing ideas, artists dates, insights. Thanks all.
Alright, I finally got a chance to do the tasks answering questions. Maybe it is my stage of life experience or being on these forums for over 10 years but I really don't need to watch my pennies to see where and what I am spending as I know. I understand where some of my values about money come from and I have modified them as I understood the history and saw the need for change to make them mine. It is the first chapter so far that I find does not make a difference in my thinking. Maybe it is a good thing to make that discovery in order for me to understand wherefore I put such a priority on artistic experiences like painting, theatre, HD Metopera, HD ballet, gardening, music etc. I do it with a strict budget limit and really treasure each experience.
What does everyone else find with this chapter?
I felt tracking money was kind of silly as we are pretty sensible, but I am stingy with myself, so this chapter has helped me be more generous...I bought a zester- something I have wanted, but put off. I found two- one for $2.95, the other for $5.95. The more expensive had the same blade as the chap, but a nicer, more comfortable handle- normally I would go with cheap, but I bought the good handled one and am glad to have done that. I also bought 3 polished stones...I just love the feel of them. Thinking back on "extravagant " purchases- Oreck vacuum, Mephisto sandals, down pillow- all are at least 9 years old and have been used weekly or daily and well worth the cost...so it was an eye opening exercise to think about that and how they make me feel. I'm pretty sure the vacuum and pillow are close to 15 years old...I wear the sandals every day and every season except deep snow times. They look new, still. Of course they are only 9 years old...Add in good ladders as an excellent purchase for us. Again, doing more with the chapter than I ever did on my own.
I somehow overlooked the tracking-pennies bit when I read on Wednesday morning, and in the context of the SLDF it does make me laugh a little! I was very focused on frugality when I started reading this board, and have shifted to a more simple-living mode in recent years. Not buying anything is usually simple, but not always optimal. It sounds like nswef and I have similar issues with underbuying and neglecting investment in infrastructure, and I think this chapter is a good reminder to work on that.
I'm planning to work on a few of the exercises this weekend - mainly 'postcards' and 'change something at home'. New art for the bathroom and/or starting on my plan to declutter/rearrange the kitchen.
Ok, you reminded me about the smooth stones. It is a must do.
DH and I just had a fun outing. We went to a garlic festival and I did splurge, just a little. I bought three varieties of garlic that I have not tried as yet to plant this fall. Lovely day with rain, sunshine, fluffy clouds and lots of wind and DH's company, of course.
I was going to buy mums yesterday to renew my large pots but talked myself out of it. I saw a new idea today using one mum and surrounding it with cedar mulch in a large pot. It looked so good so will do that this week.
Wow, my morning pages today made me finally realize and fully understand that the deep thinking that I have about all kinds of issues over days (and weeks sometimes) is really my voice seeking expression in an written article. For years, I have condemned myself for stewing about things as I mentally worked through all aspects of that issue. I know that I have the skills and ability to creatively express these thoughts. Argggh! What an important and long overdue insight for me.
Anyone else getting special insights?
Razz, You made me laugh in recognition! I worked on how to get pictures for the "dreams". No magazines come to the house and many don't do much for me, but I was choosing some postcards from my stash to do the 5 postcards and what do you know- some pictures for my dreams...synchronicity? I think so. so now i just need to look in different places than magazines. I so happy that you were able to more fully enjoy your Shakespeare. I've been making Artist's moments- last night I noticed the water filling the bathtub and how the light reflected on the current...like the ocean but closer, cleaner and warm! So I am trying to work on "the moment" and not fuss about things that have happened or might happen or should happen. I'm greatly enoying the smooth stones as well. I love quartz, though, having grown up in Pittsburgh area where quartz was unusual and exotic, moving to Maryland I still after 40 years- pick up and save quartz. Not smooth but beautiful.
No particular insights here, for the moment. But I have had a pleasant weekend. I wanted to replace a framed picture in the bathroom, but the idea of putting nice art in a high-humidity zone worried me. I wound up DIY'ing it this morning - the phrase is something I saw on etsy, and earlier this year I ran across the idea of painting with coffee and wine. Between the acids in the 'paint' and the humidity, it definitely won't last forever! But easy to replace - it took about two hours and three attempts.http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8438/7966659616_c39f899a8a_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/24512866@N06/7966659616/)
Mer05, I've had pictures in my bathroom for many years and they've not been damaged. What you made looks quite attractive and inspiring! Today I worked on the question of what kidn of God do I believe in and what would I like to believe. It's interesting how things have evolved for me...still cannot reconcile evil in the world to a loving, forgiving God or spirit. But, I am developing my ideas and am much less hostile to any religious belief. Still no love of organized religion...How are the rest of you doing?
Worked on find attractive rocks but think that there are prettier ones to be had than what I have sound so far.
Like the bathroom image and logo, Mer05.
I have sorted out my God concept but can see where it can be challenging.
The pages really flowed this morning and I worked out an issue so probably will continue doing the pages longterm. That is a new idea for me to consider
I do think the pages have done the most for me, of course, I am more faithful doing the pages than any other of the activities.
Checking in! I'm still good on morning pages and artist date, and about 50/50 on the exercises. I seem to be writing bits of song lyrics in the morning pages now - which is kind of neat, and kind of 'okay, brain, this is not the direction I planned on going'.
Trying to think of a 'wonderfully comforting something' - last time I splurged on comfy socks, but right now 90 degrees is a cool front and socks do not sound wonderful. I also need to track down magazines for the collage. And an artist date - I am a bit overscheduled this week. Doing lots of planning for upcoming projects, too.
Haven't read week 7 yet. Today I left my morning pages with the quest for me to find a better schedule in my life. I want to write, sew projects, etc for my artistic efforts but life, friendships, general roles at home and their expectations are giving me a hard time. Will see what unfolds.
Neat about the song writing!
If you don't have magazines, consider finding photos on Pinterest as well and either printing them out for the collage or making the collage in a graphics/scrapbooking program and printing out the whole collage at once or using it as your screensaver, etc.
Week 7 is pay-dirt for me!!!! So much is right on target.
"Perfectionism is not a quest for the best. It is pursuit of the worst in ourselves, the part that tells us that nothing we do will ever be good enough-that we should try again...
We deny that in order to do something well we must first be willing to do it badly. Instead we opt for setting our limits at the point where we feel assured of success...
As blocked artists, we unrealistically expect and demand success from ourselves, and recognition of that success from others."
What has anyone else discovered in Week 7?
My synchronicity? I went to a horticultural society meeting and the chef from a local school talked, among other topics, about the adventure of trying all different kinds of herbs mixed with all different kinds of vinegars using Dijon mustard as the emulsifier to blend the canola/olive/grapeseed oil and vinegar. It was perfect for me and I started experimenting for the salad tonight. I am going to find my trademark salad dressing using ingredients from my garden as much as possible. Fun to do.
Well, I'm at the blogging conference! A lot of other newbies/wannabes here, so I don't feel like I wandered into the wrong place by mistake. (Also the food is excellent.) I've found a ton of new blogs to start reading, and it's been fun, so I'm counting it as a win! Likely too social to count as an artist date, though.
Definitely identify with fear of failure! I'm trying to play with things I don't feel I 'ought' to be good at, to get around the perfectionism.
Amaranth, Thanks for the pinterest idea..I spent too much time looking there and adding them into my new account...but it is a great idea for browsing for images.
Mer05- yea for you going to the blogging conference!
Razz- ah perfection- not really one of my issues.
I've gotten very comfortable with "good enough", but I am having a difficult time doing artist days and actual art. So today on the pages I tried to figure it out...fear of self indulgence seems to be the big thing, so I will work on evicting that thought of self indulgence being a bad thing. I've also decided that the dead time of day between 5 and 7 can easily be used for art. Yesterday I did doodle a bit with crayons in a shape- kind of the zentangle idea and also played with oil pastels ( used to be called cray-pas) chalk that sticks. Progress.
Wow, did I get off track! Here it is, the beginning of Week 8 (right?), and I haven't done Week 6's exercises. It looks like I'll be doing some reading and hurrying to catch up. I've been distracted with my lovely vacation, more hours at work, and an overwhelming amount of vegetables that I have to process and store. I am happy to say, however, that I have been faithful about doing my morning pages. It's gotten to be such a habit that it feels weird when I don't do them. Too bad the same thing can't happen when I try to exercise every day.
I did notice a change. In the beginning, my morning pages were full of my complaints, a lot of it about my dh, and now they are far more peaceful. Part of it is that when I wrote down what was bugging me, I was more able to approach him calmly and express my feelings better. He's now aware of what has been bugging me, and he has been a little more thoughtful because I didn't blow up at him after letting it build up inside. Putting everything down on the morning pages has kept frustrations from building up inside of me, and I've become a much more peaceful person as a result. The only thing I've been whining about lately has been that the cat wants to nuzzle my hand while I'm trying to write!
This is a habit that I intend to stick with. It works for me. Now I just have to get back to reading the chapters!
Glad to have you back Stacy.
If I thought week 7 was tough, Week 8 is even more challenging. Morning pages keep being interrrupted but must get back on track so that I do them every day again. It definitely affects my day if I do the affirmations with the thoughts of the course to motivate and overcome any resistance.
Wow, this week. I've been slammed at work on top of a busy week; one of my bad habits is putting things on hold because "busy!" and I'm trying to not do that, and preserve some downtime. Morning pages are still going, but I'm not sure when I'll get to the exercises!
It's encouraging to hear that others are having trouble doing the tasks or chapters, but that the daily pages are working well. It seems to me it is a long process and baby steps will get us where we want to be. I too found that complaining to the pages helped me confront problems- small or large- in a calmer way. It has also helped get rid of the fretting- goes on the page and then it's done! I took an artists day today and had a lovely time. It made me feel as if I need to do more, and that it is well worth the time. I've also made myself do "my art" this week right after the pages. I'm working on a picture book plan and have my list ready of who I need to call to get permission to take pictures, and a lot of ideas. So, just 15 minutes a day has resulted in tangible progress for me. I'm having trouble with this chapter- who messed up my art plans...cannot seem to pinpoint anything, but I recall with another chapter it came out in the pages a week or so later...My brain just needs to digest and dig a little. So, thanks for sharing your thoughts. They are helpful and enlightening.
Well, working on chapter 8 came through to some great insights, finally.
I was asked about my favourite colour ? I used to say red or yellow but with careful thought this time, it is - raspberry pink - and why I love it. It is lively, luscious, promising, vibrant, appetising, joyous, rich, very present, bursting with sensory images of taste and tang.
Also, if I had no obligations or financial restriction whatsoever, what would be my dream? It was hard to think about, I kept putting in responsibilities and limits. I want to take a cruise around the world. I want comfort and security but need to explore in order to understand my world in all its wonderful and unique variations. Yes, I know that there are dark moments but people's character shines through them. What is one small step that I can do right now for fulfill my dream? Go exploring my area and try to see as much and sketch in order to see better. One sketch a day is now my goal.
Any great discoveries that you might want to share from others any of you doing the course?
Well, this weekend did not go as planned - in a good way! Less work, more play, late morning pages. And I've done nothing specifically goal-related all weekend, but last week was crazy-busy and some r&r was definitely in order. (And, sometimes just knowing you're playing hooky is fun.) I did do most of the exercises, although my idea of an ideal-ideal day needs some work. Or, probably less work.
I only got as far as Task One in the exercises (so far), but it was one that I really needed to do- write down my dreams, goals, and action plan. I already know what my big dream is: to be a quilt artist and be able to support myself with my art. I had already gone so far as to open a business and have an Etsy store, but then it kind of fizzled out with lack of sales. I haven't been challenging myself or being really creative, just playing in safe. This week was a kick in the butt to get me going again. I have specific goals now for this week, this month, and so on.
At a glance, the rest of the exercises look interesting as well. I'll have to wait until Tuesday to do those, when I have some time in the morning.
Chapter 9 is interesting as well. Compassion for oneself and not setting impossible targets for efforts makes things flow better. I made four pies last night and finished the two cream pies today as part of my adventure in creativity. The result is quite amazing and a great morale boost.
I am donating the pies to a fundraising dinner this evening and serving there as well but DH got to sample the apple and elderberry with the leftover pieces of pastry and fillling so he is happy. The other two pies were creating prebaked shells and filling with coconut cream and chocolate cream with meringue on top. All from scratch!
I will try and get a picture today to share.
Has anyone done the picture collage yet? I still have to work on that from last week's tasks. I have so few magazines so it takes a while to get enough to make it possible.
I have to say that there was something about Chapter 8's exercises that made me very happy. It was the task in which we were to describe our "ideal" day, given that our circumstances were the same as in real life. I was pleased to discover that my ideal day was simply the way I spend my days off from work already, except that the house is already clean and organized. My "ideal ideal" life is only an extension of that. I would live in my ideal place, which is actually not that far away, and I basically live the same way with a few differences. For instance, I do not have to go out to a job, but I support myself with my quilting. Also, instead of a sewing room downstairs, I have a workshop that is open to the public. The season is the same, as early autumn is my favorite time of year!
I realized how close I am to living my ideal life, and it has made me grateful for the life I now live.
Chapter 9 is interesting as well. Compassion for oneself and not setting impossible targets for efforts makes things flow better. I made four pies last night and finished the two cream pies today as part of my adventure in creativity. The result is quite amazing and a great morale boost.
I am donating the pies to a fundraising dinner this evening and serving there as well but DH got to sample the apple and elderberry with the leftover pieces of pastry and fillling so he is happy. The other two pies were creating prebaked shells and filling with coconut cream and chocolate cream with meringue on top. All from scratch!
I will try and get a picture today to share.
Has anyone done the picture collage yet? I still have to work on that from last week's tasks. I have so few magazines so it takes a while to get enough to make it possible.
Now I can't wait to get to Chapter 9. And those pies sound delicious.
I did the picture collage the first time I did the program, about 15 years ago. My son was very young then, so we each did a collage. It's a good memory. Unfortunately, I've decluttered so well that I don't have any magazines I'm willing to tear up. I consider my Pinterest account to be the collage. There are examples there of everything that I love the most.
http://pinterest.com/sewrightdesigns/
One of the tasks is to look over one's morning pages and see what triggers one's attention. I see a lot of "must do" for the day and the future. Not many fun things but mainly responsibilities or obligations. I found that interesting to note so made a mental note to look for ( or must do:D) more planning for fun things in my day.
When I think of exploring something or an activity, it becomes more playful so am trying that approach to get out of the sense of duty and responsibility that seems to take joy out of the doing.
I just stumbled on an Artist's Way group on Seattle Meetup.org. They're finishing up, but I wonder if there might be others established for in-person study groups.
Checking in, without much to report. I am keeping up with morning pages, but have let the artist dates slide a bit. Tomorrow I'm going to try making beer, which I think counts. At any rate, it's something new! I'm going to try turning off the internet at home next week, and see if I get anything more done that way. It's an awful time-suck!
Interestingly, in my morning pages today, I discovered that my social time with friends needs to be reduced as it is gobbling up so much time. There is so much that I want to do creatively but being too socially distracted does limit what can be achieved. Really love these morning pages now.
Razz, I find too I need to limit my social activity. I know that weeks when I have something to do every day that involves other people I don't do well. I'm glad you are loving your morning pages. A lot of things come through that you never thought would. Now for me to get back on track with the exercises of Chapters 8 and soon 9. Happy making fun time rather than should time.
Anyone else finding that the cursive writing skill is actually making one start writing more letters. I am surprised at my response but I used to love sending letters and now am doing it again. Emails are quick and convenient but a letter seems more personal and appealing somehow.
Ran into one of my barriers of perfectionism last night which made me really grumpy until I realized later today what was happening. I worked through the challenge and got some problems solved, come creativity completed and enjoyed the process without worrying about being perfect.
Well we are now 3/4 of the way through. I have made the discovery with further research that by getting rid of the 'must-do's' beyond the basic maintenance is part of my growth. It seems that far too many want my time, energy, and interest for their endeavours and it is so hard to deal with the demands by saying "no" which is described in AW as a form of self-care.
My artist date today was to take the dog for a long walk in the gorgeous warm fall sunshine and gentle breeze with no care or responsibility to anyone. I discovered that some of the large fall asters can be a rosy deep pink as well as the usual blue. I never knew that so was delighted. The sumacs are all shades of yellow, orange and red. I should do that long walk across fields with the dog more often.
Reporting in! I finally did the collaging - I took pictures and recycled the paper, and think I may try to do it every few months, as I save up magazines. For last week's artist date, I made beer - that was an experience! Next time I'll have a much better idea what I'm doing, and hopefully make less of a mess. But it was fun (and I have some hope that the beer will turn out). This weekend, I'm not sure - either hiking or a museum exhibit that just opened.
I thought it was interesting that 'media' didn't make the list of common blocks in this week's chapter. I think TV and/or the internet account for a whole lot of time loss, for a lot of people. (The internet is my time-suck of choice.)
Reporting in! I finally did the collaging - I took pictures and recycled the paper, and think I may try to do it every few months, as I save up magazines. For last week's artist date, I made beer - that was an experience! Next time I'll have a much better idea what I'm doing, and hopefully make less of a mess. But it was fun (and I have some hope that the beer will turn out). This weekend, I'm not sure - either hiking or a museum exhibit that just opened.
I thought it was interesting that 'media' didn't make the list of common blocks in this week's chapter. I think TV and/or the internet account for a whole lot of time loss, for a lot of people. (The internet is my time-suck of choice.)
You will have to tell us how the beer turned out. How long does it take to brew?
My copy of the book was written in the 90's so I don't think that the internet and cellphones had the same attraction as they do today for time loss. She did mention TV but I think that TV time has waned a lot as people moved to the internet for their interaction. I may watch about an hour a month, maybe. DH will watch sports like hockey but the TV has not been turned on because of the NHL strike.
I'm a week behind in the book- stalling...Today I did go through 2 weeks of pages- I've done this before and found it tedious, but helpful- especially when I am focusing on what insights I have and what actions I need to take...the must do list is always longer than the insights. I'm still finding it hard to do an artists date. We were on vacation for a week and the resort had lots of different activities so I tried line dancing, make up trial, turtle race ( really very funny to watch and hear) . They all should count as artist dates but at home I don't seem to take time. I try to make them work around other times I am out in the car, so think I need to re think that method. Again, I am so happy to be doing this with other people. I didn't think I would- so NEW INSIGHT!!!
I had a fabulous day yesterday - very similar to what I wrote down as an Ideal Day, actually. It was a good blend of practical things (making a week's worth of breakfast, a couple hours' work), exploring (a new lunch place and museum exhibit), and socializing (early-Halloween costume party). I'm hoping today will be similarly low-key and productive - my plan is to pull out winter clothes, check on the beer, another couple hours' work, and make plans for next weekend's vacation. Maybe even write some?
Mer05 I like the way you categorize the ideal day. How is the beer doing? I did several pages of tasks from the book. Worked on a book a bit today and plan to practice the keyboard. So, I am nearly caught up with the weeks, feeling more productive.
The beer is doing well! Very surprising to open the bucket after a week and find what smells and tastes like proper beer. Last year I tried cider and mead, and both were undrinkable even at bottling time. (The cider improved a bit, and the mead still has a couple months to go.)
I read through some of my old morning pages today, and am wondering what on earth to do with them in the long term. There are bits in there I'd like to use (if I can ever find them again), and some insights I think are interesting/important, and a lot of "oh, and I ought to do laundry" that I don't care about even just a few weeks later. I'd like to be able to find the useful/important things quickly, and am trying to think how to accomplish that.
Mu first mrorning pages are going in the fireplace when we start our first fire. I kept struggling with repetitive phrases to get going. It was mostly must-do's. I am doing much more free thought or stream of consciousness with triggers for ideas and responses in the later weeks.
Still miss the odd day of morning pages though.
My blockage is 'busyness" so I need to let go of some activities and the sense of responsibility for doing them. DH has been on my case for years to stop and relax for a bit each day so it has been a chronic problem. Planning for fun has been important so the artist date is being done. Off to the theatre and some sightseeing in Niagara area this week.
It occurred to me that I could do an odyssey of images that are important to me in my area in the different seasons in different media. I love and need to explore so looking at the familiar in a new way would be fun to explore.
My artist totem is a 3" brass statue of Rupert the bear from my childhood. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rupert_Bear
I had forgotten about the special feeling that I had about this bear until reminded in this week's tasks. I had him sitting on my dresser for years and could never let him go or give him to my kids. We had Rupert stories in our house for years when I was a child. I must look for one again.
Anyone else find their artist totem?
I am looking for my totem. Not able to capture one, yet. I have a seal (toy) that when I was giving away everything I just kept. I'm thinking that must be important. My husband gave it to me probably 30 or more years ago and it helped me through the death of a cat...kept it on my pillow for months where the cat used to sleep. I'm thinking that might be the thing. It has just occurred to me to WRITE the responses to the check in. I usually just skim over that, but the idea of the artists date and synchronicity should be noted somewhere for re-examining. With my insights and actions, I have a paper divided into 2 columns- I go throught the pages, highlight in 2 colors, put it away, then go through the highlighted to note insights and action needed on the sheet of paper, then don't need to keep the pages...although I have. I am on spiral notebook 18...I went back to when my mom died and my friend died to see how I was coping then. It helped, but I don't know if I will keep the pages forever! I am obsessed with my sleep habits, lack of...Trying to get an artist day today. Taking pictures and browsing. Razz, your odyssey of images is an inspiring idea.
Neat Mer about the beer! Might be your new passion!
Are we lost? Very quiet here.
Not lost just busy:D.
Finally read Chapter 11 this morning and it is a biggie for me. I have not done all the Week 10 tasks as yet including the 7 draws on 7 subjects. I feel stretched in so many directions at present but am doing the morning pages, artist dates and working on a watercolour painting plus taking unique photos around our area so having fun exploring images of the fall season.
If I take nothing else away from this 12 weeks, I have learned this - life is fun, make fun a daily part of my day/week in ways that help me experience my wonderful world more fully.
Today I went to my favourite garden centre and took great care to find light and shadow in potted plants and then off to a statuary craft centre for some images. After walking the dog, I came home to see the setting sun shining on some deep red maple leaves that I hope all those pictures turn out well.
Off to see the Metopera HD transmission at the nearest theatre tomorrow which is real soul food for me.
Funny but I started thinking about writing poetry yesterday. I enjoy some like Wordsworth but now am thinking a whole lot more about what I might say.
I tried doing a watercolour painting after a year-long break and it was not great but felt good to be doing again.
It occurred to me to try for a painting a day even just a quick one. I need to organize my painting area a lot better for doing a simple pick-up effort as it is quite messy due to neglect or inattention.
I have so many artistic interests that it is hard to fit them all in. I can paint and sew when I don't have to garden. Photography is possible all the time. Writing articles is on my to-do list but finding a time slot has been a challenge. Anyone else find that same 'slot' problem for their art efforts?
Walking the dog for me is all round positive - meditative therapy, good exercise and fresh air, gratitude for the beauty around me and fun to see the dog have a good time as well except when he pulls me in a sudden sharp jerking motion because of some wonderful smell that must be explored right then.>:(
DD1 gave me another of Julia Cameron's books called Finding Water, the Art of Perserverance. It is sort of a sequel to the Artists' Way but follows similar ideas and is a little more personal. I am enjoying reading it in bits and pieces and it is a 12 week course as well.
How is everyone doing as we are heading into the last week of the course?
I'm alive! Most of last week was spent preparing for and going on a vacation to Pittsburgh (computer-free). I got back in late last night. (Artist's date: an afternoon wandering the Carnegie Art & Natural History museums. Very fun!) Tonight I'm catching up on everything - hopefully including the week's exercises.
I've been in a somewhat crazybusy place for the last week or so - as soon as I get one problem resolved, a new one crops up, like Whack-a-Mole. So far, though, the problems are all getting taken care of, which I am pleased about, but at the expense of maintenance-type stuff. I'm strongly considering giving myself a quiet weekend to catch up, relax, and finish my Halloween costume.
I hope you get your quiet weekend. I cannot believe the progress I've made creatively- I'm writing every day for at least 20 minutes and the thoughts just keep coming...I know it was this third round with The Artists Way and the input of this board, giving me ideas and encouragement just by reading of the things you are doing or thinking. I didn't do ALL the exercises, or an Artists Day every week...I didn't do it "perfectly" but, it opened some pathways and boosted ideas and self confidence. I'm now working on my wishes for the 7 areas of my life from Week 12. That will take me a long time. I am going to keep working on those exercises I skipped or did half way. Thank you all. Is this going to be an ongoing group now or will everyone just move on?
I haven't posted for three weeks, but I've stuck with it. I've been doing my morning pages religiously and have gotten some great insights from them. I've also gotten a lot of new ideas since I started the course. For one, I've decided to walk more and eventually work my way up to long hiking expeditions. This morning, I walked over six miles, which I've never done in my whole life. I decided my totem is going to be a doll I made for an art class once, which I call the Wild Woman of the Forest. I realized on my long walk today that I would never be able to stick with a full-time job that required me to be there 40+ hours a week for 50+ weeks a year because I require so much free time during the year just to live life - spending time with family, gardening, sewing, and now hiking. Fortunately, I have a few sources of income, plus my husband, to keep the bills paid throughout the year. I loved Chapter 11 because it essentially gave "permission" to live my life as I see fit. I don't have to feel like a failure for not getting the prestigious big-money job that would eventually burn me out.
I'm a little behind on the reading, but I'm going to take my time finishing Chapters 11 and 12. I realized today that the last time I did the course, I actually had not finished it, because the library book was due. Also, I may have had some trouble getting through the task in Chapter 10 called The Deadlies. I had a hard time with that one, but it turned out to be good for me to face some of that stuff.
I have a terrible time with the Deadlies, too and wishes or dreams of what I want.
I have a terrible time with the Deadlies, too and wishes or dreams of what I want.
I haven't gotten to the wish list yet, but it looks like it's going to be hard for me, too. I'm so used to being grateful for what I have that making all those wishes seems a little ... I don't know... greedy?
Yes, greedy and perhaps so inhibited and squashed that wishing is just "foolish". On the other hand, perhaps I am so happy with the way my life areas are that there is nothing really to wish for...but I remember how in one chapter I had no anger...but it spewed out on my pages a week or so after. Maybe the wild wishes will bubble and ferment and spew out next week.
Now that I've done the wish list, it was easier than I thought. Under Possessions, I ended up putting a bunch of practical household stuff like a freezer and a pressure canner. Under Creativity, I realized there were a few possessions that would help, like a walking foot for my sewing machine to make my quilting go more smoothly, and a big folding craft table. One thing I put on several of the lists was TIME. Time for creativity, spirituality, and even career, so I am able to work out solutions to problems in my head. I guess it confirms something I already knew, that I value time more than money. Although a little money would be nice too! :)
I had been running behind on the weeks in the book, but I jumped out of bed at 5:30 this morning and got right to it (after my morning pages, of course). Now I'm actually done! I just have to get in my Artist's Date for the week, and then I'll be done with the course. I did re-read week 11 again, because I found that chapter so inspiring. And I know I'm supposed to do the morning pages and Artist's Dates for another 90 days. Hopefully, I can keep it going longer than that.
Would you all like to keep posting support and ideas for another 90 days? I have really enjoyed having online friends with whom to share the experience.
Razz, I like that idea, too. I'm thinking I need to go back once a week or so to re do some of the exercises...after I get my wish list done. I'd love to hear of breakthroughs, stalls, artist dates, 3 pages. Truly I am a nosy person and love to hear how other people approach this. I'll keep posting. I hope others do, too. In fact I am thinking that next Tuesday we'll have a lot of posts due to it being the end of the 12 weeks, or am I still a week behind?
You are in your right place wherever that may be. I need to go back and complete some of the tasks as well so feel that I have sort of finished and sort of not.
I like the idea of keeping a post open for further discussion - maybe a [Monthly] Creativity kind of thing?
This weekend involved lots of cooking, including brewing and bottling beer. (Can I put "bottle washer" on my wish list?) Halloween costumes did not get done - hopefully tonight! I did actually do the wish lists. I also had a thought about the morning pages. When rereading, I'm going to try pulling out a sentence or section from each day, to create a 'one-sentence journal'-style document. I don't know if it will hang together, or if it ought to be typed or in a notebook as well. But it's worth a shot, to preserve the diary aspect of these things! The notebooks really do start to stack up - I'm not sure about keeping them all around indefinitely.
Mu Artist Date this week was a trip to the Hamilton Mum Show which was amazing and I got some lovely photos.
I was talking to a friend about the morning pages and she vented on these pages and then burned them and felt that she was discarding her anger and frustration of the time. I can understand that feeling after throwing my pages into the fireplace each morning.
I had another look at the 'deadlies' which I have not as yet done. It is on my 'to-do' list. Did a little more planning about taking my photo prints and making a selection of cards using some envelopes that I have on hand. I will need to trim the photos a little but they will mount beautifully on 1/2 of an 8 1/2x11 sheet of cardstock paper.
I need to buy a guillotine for doing the trimming of both the photos and cardstock paper so that I can mark an outline and not need to measure every time.
I hqave to say that I have loved this course and it has changed me and ensured that I include something that is plain and simply fun. I love the idea of needing and enjoying Artist Dates with total lack of guilt about not including anyone else.
iris lily
10-24-12, 8:16pm
you guys! keep it up! Another 90 days! go go go for it!
I am looking forward to the Winter wher eI will hunker down. There are sewing projects I must complete BUT ALSO I am thinking about copying an abstract artist I like. I will not spend $5,000 per piece, so I would like to flatter her by copying her.We shall see if that happens.
It is wonderful to be having this go on for another 90 days, especially as here the days shorten and the drearies set in mentally. I got some books from the library on collage and another on drawing birds with colored pencils. So, with my little book plan and these things I'm set for some great fun. Fun is good and I am not good at thinking that. Getting much better! Go away Puritain Ethic!!!!
How is it working out? Today's pages made me realize that I need to declutter some more. Yesterday's pages started me on the first words of my first poem.
As I work through the pages, I am finding that thoughts do clarify and then gel into ideas that really help.
Checking in. I have been writing for my little book more frequently and have decided 3 or 4 pages every day this month on the NaNoNovel Writing- not official, but figure 3 or 4 pages of fiction is pretty good. I didn't think I had it in me, so this is a huge item. My daily pages are working as well. I keep a piece of paper next to me when doing the pages to take notes as things come in my head. Often just boring to do lists, but sometimes book ideas. Nice to have poetry in your head! With your photography Razz...lots of ideas.
Nswef - That's great that you're doing Nanowrimo! I did it in 2008. I got about halfway to the 50,000 word goal, but I learned a lot about writing a novel, and maybe I'll finish it someday. It's a shame that November is one of my busiest months of the year at work, otherwise I'd do it again.
So, I'm checking in. Still going strong on the morning pages. It's developed into quite the morning ritual, even though I end up using the first page every day talking about coffee and cats.
I really thought that doing the Artist's Way would lead me to be more creative in my sewing projects, but I've hardly touched them lately. It's weird to me that I've taken a great interest in hiking. After work yesterday, I climbed Rib Mountain, our local mountain here in Wisconsin. Okay, it was easy because of the nicely paved walkway and the fact that it was only about four miles round trip, but it was a real milestone for me. I've never climbed a mountain before. :) It was the sense of accomplishment that I rarely get in day-to-day life. Maybe that's what I need to do in my sewing. Instead of (or in addition to) the easy small projects that I plan to sell online and at craft fairs, I need to make a challenging piece of artwork that I can be proud of when it's complete.
Sounds as though you are considering more possibilities, Stacy, which is important both in hiking, sewing and writing.
Some day I might consider even a version of NaNoNovel Writing but, right now, I admire anyone who makes even the effort as it seems overwhelming to me.
Stacy, I'm excited for you climbing that mountain- and on my kind of path-paved! I really feel the Artists Way has opened me to trying new things without fear of failure- just do it for the enjoyment. Razz, Will you post a picture or two of your mums? Today I wrote 5 notebook pages on my book...just flowed right out. I shared the fact that I was doing this with my sister who was so positively enocouraging about it. I took Julie Cameron's advice about who is a supporter and who is a nay sayer before I told her. It is something to always think about. This board is a great place to share.
Should we make a new thread for the 90 day extention?
Should we make a new thread for the 90 day extention?
Would you like to start it?
Sure, I will. I didn't want to step on anyone's toes.
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