The Artist's Way...

I said a few posts ago that I want to do something different in my blog. I could just go on reporting on the local fair or craft show, but I want to do something more. About five years ago when I was going through a difficult time, someone recommended that I read this:

It's about how EVERYONE (not just some people) has a creative inner self, but we push it to the side because of all our responsibilities like making a living, paying bills, raising kids, etc. Other societies foster artists, but America tends to squash our creative sides, stressing that we can make more money in fields like business, law, medicine, computers, whatever...and how many times have we heard that we shouldn't focus on an artistic goal...that something more "realistic" will be much more lucrative. As a result, there are a lot of frustrated people out there who have given up on their creative hopes and aspirations to be able to pay the bills with jobs that may be well-paying, but not exactly creatively challenging.

I am guilty as charged. As a single mom who has raised three boys pretty much on her own, I am at a crossroads as far as my creative future. I have had jobs I've hated, but have tolerated them to pay the bills. As a result, my creative side has taken a back road...or even no road.

So, about that same five years ago when I read this book, I decided to pick up a pencil to see if I could do anything like I did in college way back when. I grabbed my Michealangelo coffee table book and tried to draw a couple of his sketches. I've kept them...probably as a reminder that I should pursue something...

...but I haven't picked up a pencil since then...and can't tell you why.

Now since I have gotten into photography...and my boys are gradually leaving home...I feel more of a need to pursue "something." I don't know what it is yet. I guess I'm on a personal kind of journey. This blog helps me figure that out...and wondering if there are others going through the same thing.