Artists

Progress – Day 11

Watercolor Typewriter

I can’t believe it’s only been 11 days since I started my morning pages challenge.  However, out of the other side of my mouth, I can’t believe I’ve stuck with it for 11 days!  As predicted, writing in the morning is TOUGH for me.  It seems that my first few words are always: sleepy. tired. grumpy.  It has also served as a great place to record my dreams.  They have been active and weird lately.  But I’ve found a bit of a rhythm and it’s always hard to cut myself off in order to get ready for the day.  Saturday morning’s pages were great because I could write as long as I wanted.  I hate racing the morning clock.  I have learned that it takes me about 15 to write the three pages.  You would think that I could get up earlier, but it’s just not possible.  But a clock does make me get right to it, spit out what I want to say.  I started on the first day with an unexpected genre (or theme rather?) and I have continued building on it each day — even if it’s only one of the three pages.  We’ll see if it turns into something more.  For now, I’m just sticking to the plan — three pages, first thing in the morning.

P.S. So this weekend I discovered this new app that turns your photos into watercolor portraits… Umm, maybe I spent too much time playing with it!

Calling All Artists: A 28 – Day Challenge

I’m doing it!  There is no putting it off any longer — I’m finally starting this new year (a month late) with a new personal challenge.  Have you ever read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron?  My writing facilitator from years ago recommended it to me and I have continually referred back to it throughout the years.  At the heart of The Artist’s Way is the practice of “Morning Pages.”  Cameron suggests, no matter what your creative discipline, taking the time to fill three pages first thing in the morning is at the heart of freeing our artistic self.  These words need not be taken too seriously.  The three pages can be stream of consciousness, lists, feelings, thoughts…whatever is in your mind first thing in the morning.

Yes, this will be difficult for yours truly.  I am NOT a morning person.  At all.  I am more of a write-until-my-eyes-water-at-night kind of lady.  And this means waking up to allow extra time — whaaat?!!  However, I want to give this an honest go.  And one way to do that is with public accountability.  (I can always shame myself into writing!)  I figured since the new month starts on Saturday, it’s as good a time as any to start something new.  (And it’s super helpful that this is the shortest month!)  This practice will also be difficult because February is a month full of visitors, parties, and working 3 jobs (two day-time gigs and the studio); but I am going to commit!  Who’s with me?!

Morning Pages - A 28 Day Challenge