Going Back to your Inspriration

I forgot that it was so important. It was what got me charged in the first place.  Inspiration!  Creativity!

Weeks ago, Lauren told me about the book The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron.  Originally we were going to follow the book, reading a chapter each week and meeting about it.  In November I read the first chapter and thought the program sounded perfect.  I started writing daily, as suggested and thought about my first "artist date" - the date you give yourself every week, inviting creativity.  Well, that had been November, just when my business started to form.  Since, we both became restrictively busy. 

Previously, I read 50 pages a day - the NY City subway system is very conducive to reading, particularly if you take it daily.  But my subway trips were less frequent and when on I found myself thinking about what I needed to do while I was there so I could quickly get back home to work.  Lost in my thoughts I also forgot about listening to music while working and wasn't watching movies in the evening (too tired or distracted to think about anything but repeats).  Yes, I was focused and productive, but it was time to give myself a break.

Checking my inventory and materials, I listed any final items I needed for my first upcoming sale.  I was in good shape.  Things could be managed.  And if I missed anything, it was my first sale, surely I could allow myself the learning curve.

Over Thanksgiving my sister wanted to shop.  We were at Marshalls when I noticed the book Twilight on a counter.  Curious about the hype, a fan of vampire stories and noticing it was cheap, I decided to buy it.  Sometimes a pop novel is what the brain needs.  Now I was thinking about work, but also thinking about the time I could set aside to read. 

Taking these reading breaks, particularly on something so fluffy (but don't get me wrong, completely engaging) I was able to think about the other things I wanted in my week.  I bought a couple holiday gifts, met with Ann, went dancing (Basement Bangra at S.O.B.s is highly recommended) and finally cashed in on a yoga lesson.

A friend's birthday party rounded out the week.  I felt free, a bit girlie and content that I'd given myself some time.  Maybe these "artist dates" weren't such a bad idea afterall.