A Me Day
Do you believe in fate? Providence? The universe trying to tell you something? Twice today I have been reminded of The Artist's Way.
First, my best friend emailed me a link to an article quoting Julia Cameron about her new book that links Morning Pages to weight loss. This, by the way, is incredible. Julia will never cease to amaze and impress me. She makes connections that are right there, but no one else has made them. Morning Pages have become an integral part of my life. I don't recall when I went through the program the first time - maybe 2003? 2004? Maybe even 2005. I was skeptical that the simple act of journaling could help focus my energies to help me reach my goals, but that is exactly what has happened. I get up early every day so that I have time to write three pages each morning before I go to work. You have no idea how much of a commitment that is for me. What a challenge it is for me. I'm the one that used to sleep until 10 or 11 on the weekends. I'm the one that used to rush around every morning to make it to work close to on time because I had hit the snooze half a dozen times. Now, I hit the snooze once, then get up, shower and get ready for work, then sit down with a cup of coffee (in a cup or mug that I like, that means something to me), my journal and my favorite fountain pen and I write three pages while the Today Show plays in the background (I like to at least hear a few headlines so I know what's going on in the world). That time allows me to purge all the stuff that is rolling around in my brain, plan my day, and jot down those snippets of dream memories that may eventually take hold and grow into short stories or even novels.
Second, my horoscope told me today that I needed to let go of something that is bothering me, because the other person involved isn't ready to resolve the situation yet, and urged me to take care of myself, inside and out. It even went so far as to suggest that I schedule a "me day." How ironic, given the fact that the thought of Morning Pages today reminded me that I haven't had an Artist's Date in quite some time.
Given the combination of these two reminders, I think that perhaps it is time to schedule some me-time. But then comes the question that always plagues me - what would I do? This weekend I have to take the dog to the vet, but after that, I think I will escape to the mall by myself and get a haircut. Then I think I'll go to the library - something I haven't done in ages. And go to Staples. I've been wanting to get by there for over a month now to pick out new ink for my fountain pen and Ion (by the way - if you like cool pens, the Cross Ion is worth checking out).
This is BIW week, so this is a good time for me to be considering my creativity and ways to focus it. On a personal note, I've been working on my "space" lately. As my reward for winning NaNo, I decided to redo my scraproom/office. In those brief little snatches of free time I've had since NaNo ended, I had thought about my space and what would make it more conducive to my creativity. I cleared out the room, vacuumed, steam cleaned the carpet, removed the hutch from my desk (which really opened the room up), bought some white organizing cubes, added a bookshelf (and created a "reading corner"). It is fantastic. I still want to paint in here, but that can wait 'til spring. What color should I paint it? I'm thinking the NFL paint - Go, Cowboys! But I'm open to suggestions. What color is your office? What color would your dream home office be? Comment below or email me.
Elle
First, my best friend emailed me a link to an article quoting Julia Cameron about her new book that links Morning Pages to weight loss. This, by the way, is incredible. Julia will never cease to amaze and impress me. She makes connections that are right there, but no one else has made them. Morning Pages have become an integral part of my life. I don't recall when I went through the program the first time - maybe 2003? 2004? Maybe even 2005. I was skeptical that the simple act of journaling could help focus my energies to help me reach my goals, but that is exactly what has happened. I get up early every day so that I have time to write three pages each morning before I go to work. You have no idea how much of a commitment that is for me. What a challenge it is for me. I'm the one that used to sleep until 10 or 11 on the weekends. I'm the one that used to rush around every morning to make it to work close to on time because I had hit the snooze half a dozen times. Now, I hit the snooze once, then get up, shower and get ready for work, then sit down with a cup of coffee (in a cup or mug that I like, that means something to me), my journal and my favorite fountain pen and I write three pages while the Today Show plays in the background (I like to at least hear a few headlines so I know what's going on in the world). That time allows me to purge all the stuff that is rolling around in my brain, plan my day, and jot down those snippets of dream memories that may eventually take hold and grow into short stories or even novels.
Second, my horoscope told me today that I needed to let go of something that is bothering me, because the other person involved isn't ready to resolve the situation yet, and urged me to take care of myself, inside and out. It even went so far as to suggest that I schedule a "me day." How ironic, given the fact that the thought of Morning Pages today reminded me that I haven't had an Artist's Date in quite some time.
Given the combination of these two reminders, I think that perhaps it is time to schedule some me-time. But then comes the question that always plagues me - what would I do? This weekend I have to take the dog to the vet, but after that, I think I will escape to the mall by myself and get a haircut. Then I think I'll go to the library - something I haven't done in ages. And go to Staples. I've been wanting to get by there for over a month now to pick out new ink for my fountain pen and Ion (by the way - if you like cool pens, the Cross Ion is worth checking out).
This is BIW week, so this is a good time for me to be considering my creativity and ways to focus it. On a personal note, I've been working on my "space" lately. As my reward for winning NaNo, I decided to redo my scraproom/office. In those brief little snatches of free time I've had since NaNo ended, I had thought about my space and what would make it more conducive to my creativity. I cleared out the room, vacuumed, steam cleaned the carpet, removed the hutch from my desk (which really opened the room up), bought some white organizing cubes, added a bookshelf (and created a "reading corner"). It is fantastic. I still want to paint in here, but that can wait 'til spring. What color should I paint it? I'm thinking the NFL paint - Go, Cowboys! But I'm open to suggestions. What color is your office? What color would your dream home office be? Comment below or email me.
Elle
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