Simply..the bits in between....

27/4/2016

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I have loved being a wife, a mother, a teacher, and often say my most precious possession is my own front door key, but I've been remembering the spaces in between when I enjoyed being on my own.

Playing truant from school! Going to Art School. Going on courses. Taking a day into the city on my own. Going back to university as a mature student. I loved it! Artist in residence at Caol Rhuad.

There are some light hearted prompts in Julia Cameron's book The Artist's Way especially in the chapter Recovering A Sense Of Power. For example she asks you to complete 20 sentences such as I don't do it much but I enjoy.... and My favourite childhood toy was....I worked through this book with a friend many years ago and we got a lot from it. Artist Dates are something I will take up again.

Christina Rasmussen in Second Firsts also suggests ways of looking back in order to look forward and suggests you get to know your Survivor, Watcher and Thriver. Especially the Thriver.

Interesting and useful, as are many of your suggestions recently. And keeps my mind occupied while I mow the lawn, fix the lock, barrow stuff to the bonfire and wire up the greenhouse door against that strong north wind which they say will bring us snow tomorrow....

Thank you!

13 Comments

Julia

27/4/2016 03:07:36 pm

And all that work is part of your choreography too, freda.....i am reminded of the book and phrase: chop wood, carry water.
But snow tomorrow????
oh no!!!!

Freda

27/4/2016 03:20:00 pm

There is a certain satisfaction in chopping the wood and carrying the water, but it does take up a lot of time! And snow? Brrrr it is cold enough!

cathy

27/4/2016 05:58:55 pm

I just put Cameron's book on reserve at the library. Perhaps it will bring a little inner reflection. I played hooky from school 1 day...really just a couple hours - I didn't go back in after some off campus program. Felt guilty as he**...probably looked guilty, too! That's me...the rule follower.

Freda link

28/4/2016 11:36:28 am

I did it quite often!

Swissrose link

28/4/2016 04:59:12 am

I have no regrets, I know I have had a lot of luck and I have loved and enjoyed what my life brought (and it hasn't been linear!). But there are downs and crises, too, and something I read years ago and found very helpful was to think back to the age of about 10 and who were then - possibly the most authentic time of life for many as we develop into our adult selves but before puberty screws our brains up!
I still often think about this when I wonder where life is going after 50 - but also find it useful with my 20 yr old daughter who is struggling to find her footing in the real world and is herself not far enough away from that time to recognise her own needs, necessarily. She too must find her own way but bringing up children (and now grandchildren) shows me that personality and character are definitely nature more than nurture and show up from the youngest age, it's pretty amazing who we are!!

Freda

28/4/2016 11:38:06 am

It is pretty amazing and I do agree about ten year olds.

Mary

28/4/2016 09:41:41 am

I have read Cameron's book some years ago--though focused more on the journaling aspect. And funny you should mention the fun of going to a city on your own. I just booked a trip over to London to spend almost a week (by myself, as myself:)) in May. I grew up in London (British mother/US father) and have come over many times since, though not for about 5 years now (--still have my Oyster card). I actually know my way around London better than Washington, where I work. My husband encouraged me to book the trip after I had several very rough work weeks. So I will go where I want, when I want, at my own pace (good thing, as I am still in my CAM boot)--visiting museums, chamber concerts, galleries, certain shops, other exhibitions, etc.. Staying at a studio apartment so I can buy/fix my own food and tea. As my mother used to say, "I can potter around." Can't wait! Hopefully, the snow will be gone by then.

Freda

28/4/2016 11:39:43 am

Enjoy London by yourself and as yourself Mary. The sun will be shining my May!

cathy

28/4/2016 01:23:46 pm

One of my favorite books is Alice Steinbach 's Without Reservations. She travels to several different countries, by herself, living in each place for a month or so, while she discovers herself. Her second book which was about her trying different occupations (geisha, sheep dog trainer and something else) didn't impress me as much.

cath

28/4/2016 10:56:07 am

For some reason, I tried several times I found it very difficult to really 'stay' with The Artist Way when I bought it long ago.
Nevertheless visiting Glastonbury ten years ago I couldn't resist buying six(!) books by her in one go. Had to carry them around for the rest of our holidays too and never regretted that.
I worked very intensively with 'Finding Water' two years ago and
absolutely loved it.
Going on courses, studying, sitting in a museumcafé writing...
loved it.

Freda

28/4/2016 11:41:09 am

Now that is odd because after The Artist's Way I could never get on with any of her other books! We like the same activities though...

Liz Wood

29/4/2016 12:56:47 am

I've just re-read and loved Hannah Hinchman A Life in Hand which is taking me back to Cameron. I'd forgotten how good Hincman is. Published in 1991 but well worth getting hold of a copy. Just wish I could establish a regular-ish journal habit. Anybody know the secret?

Freda

29/4/2016 09:54:24 am

Write a blog? Thank you for the recommendation - off to look up Hannah Hinchman..

Simply..the bits in between....

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