The Artist’s Way: Week Three

This week my Artists Way journey was a mix of ups and downs. I struggled more with finding the time to write with my children in the mix. Most days, I woke early and had at least a bit of time before they woke up. A couple of days, I wrote my morning pages with them in the room watching TV or playing. I hate putting on the TV first thing in the morning and it left me feeling irritable and guilty several mornings. My husband - bless him - set the coffee maker for 5:30am so I woke to fresh coffee each day. That really set me in a grateful mood (for him at least,) even on my grumpy days.

I woke thinking about morning pages every day. I was determined and excited to write. Interestingly, though, I often started out feeling like I didn’t have much to say. I began by recording my daily events like it was a journal but then by the end I didn’t want to stop writing at three pages. So maybe it takes me a bit of time to warm up? I don’t think having kids nearby peppering me with questions and complaints helps. In any case, I am loving writing first thing in the morning. If I could dial in the schedule with my kids, and try to let go of the idea that there is something specific that’s supposed to make it onto the paper (e.g., something profound and insightful,) this new routine would be pure bliss.

For my artist date, I went back to the consignment art and furniture shop. I also looked at office designs online and fantasized about the office space I could create with an unlimited budget and imagination. I also did a lot of other personally enriching activities this week: I browsed an art gallery, I took the dog for two walks in the woods, and I had a ski lesson. So really it was a week full of activities that filled me up. And my mood (and sleep!) improved over the course of this week.

Next week - Week 4 of The Artists Way - requires reading deprivation!! No reading. No podcasts. No news. No TV/movies/etc. I am nervous for that and I admit I did some binge reading in the final days of Week 3 in anticipation!! Ha:)

I’m starting to brainstorm the structure, location, and details of The Artists Way Creative Cluster group that I’m planning. If you have any interest in joining us or learning more, please let me know!