Rolling Down the Cyber Highway

 

The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Have you ever begun a project only to find yourself on a journey to a place where you discover as much about yourself as you do about the place where you stopped?

If you don’t remember, were you paying attention? This isn’t an idle question: truly. I’ve just found more of myself because of a place where I stopped.

The new site where Meena Rose and I have taken up part-time residence is stretching me in ways I never anticipated. I had my expectations of what would be required of me, and I had dreams of what I could contribute. I think that’s true anytime one launches a new project that will be shared with others.

During the past couple of days, I did necessary research in order to put together a post for this morning in the “Two Voices, One Song” Garden. Research is a normal part of writing. Ask any good writer. What surprised me was not my distraction quotient, but rather the depth of the distraction.

I was looking for a piece of video—my first to be linked on a site in one of my posts—about Julia Cameron. I had no difficulty finding one. YouTube has several available for linking.

Surprise came with the reviewing portion of my research. I admit it; I got lost inside all of those videos. I watched the woman speak to a workshop group, not once, but several times on several videos. I listened and recalled what it was I’d put aside when my copy of “The Artist’s Way” was relegated to the bookcase.

My morning pages had become a thing of the past, no longer creating an advantage to my work and personal understanding. I’d given up that portion of my intent when I got too busy with daily tasks to remember that my inner self was more important than my public one.

Lao Tzu, traditionally the author of the Tao Te Ching (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When I finished commiserating with Muse concerning this lack in my daily routine, I went on to enjoy watching several videos of Dr. Wayne Dyer as he presented the Tao Te Ching and its use today. I’ve seen Dr. Dyer before and thoroughly enjoy his presentations. Beyond that enjoyment, I absorb the teachings and what they have to offer me and my life.

This stolen opportunity to take time for my inner self screamed out for more regular visits to a place of personal learning and expansion. I’ve been neglecting it for well over a year. I know, in my heart of hearts, I need to go back and pick it all up again.

Not only will backtracking help me personally, it will help my writing and my journey forward on this path I’ve chosen. This new/old exploration will solidify both my philosophy of life and my attention to living it. I believe that to be the most important use of my time when I’m not pounding a keyboard or nubbing a pencil.

Some celebrate new beginnings with parties, giveaways, and additional hoopla. I’m one of those who makes more time for thinking, studying, and exploration. Please join me in new wanderings both here and at “Two Voices, One Song.”  I don’t know where this is taking me, but I’m sure going to enjoy the ride.

Until later, a bietot,

Claudsy

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Future’s Threshold

The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For many the season of warm weather has already driven temperatures into the high 90’s and above. Hence the reason we live as far north of the Mason-Dixon Line as we can. Today we might get into the mid-60’s with rain.

You won’t hear us complain too much. The moisture is something we need to keep fire threat down in our forests. Cooler temps ensure that we don’t have adverse effects from being outside and enjoying the day, as well.

The first of the season’s holidays has passed with celebrations, speeches, memorials, parades, and picnics. Soon June will open its doors to summer’s activities and school recess. What will your future hold this summer?

Thinking on this question this morning, I could see many changes for myself and how I move through my life. Sister comes out of the chute, anxious and excited as she begins summer session next week to get a leap into her new curriculum.

A new book is making its way to me. I ordered “The New Drawing from the Right Side of Your Brain” a few days ago. Many years ago I read the original edition of this marvelous book. After discovering a new version was out, I decided to slide the cost onto my educational spreadsheet and order it.

The one thing I learned from the original was that the technique taught by Betty Edwards could be used for any type of creative project or thinking. Yes, it does teach how to perceive an object in a way that allows the viewer to recreate it on paper, in oils/pastels/acrylics, etc. At the same time that perception bleeds over into other aspects of the physical world. Perception of time can shift as well or how one sees other people. Writers can learn a whole new spectrum of creativity.

When taken in conjunction with The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, a whole new view of the world is available. I intend to discover as much of that new world view as possible. The old one is getting a bit tired and frayed.

New seasons introduce new beginnings, and discovery of those beginnings is part of the drive into the months ahead. In preparation for discovery, here’s my list of impending activities.

• Continuing education in the writing craft
• Visits from three friends from around the country
• A terrific new project in collaboration with a fellow writer
• Locking in our cookbook “Get REAL in the Kitchen”
• Taking at least two weekend trips
• Getting “The Moon Sees All” to agent/publisher
• Finishing the final draft of “Failures to Blessings: Finding the Silver Lining”
• Finishing “Forest Primeval,” a book of poetry
• Writing one book for middle grade children
• Reading at least two books per month: my volume is down right now

And how are you spending this future season? Let us in on your plans for your “lazy” summer calendar. First one to September gets to share personal plans for autumn first.

A bientot, my friends,

Claudsy

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