Time and IWSG December 2013

Quote of the Day:  Peace is when time doesn't matter as it passes by. Maria Schell

Time in a bottle Jim Croce "There never seems to be enough time to do the things you want to do, once you find them." 

Time (Why you punish me?) by Hootie and the Blowfish "Time without courage, And time without fear...is just wasted time."

Honey, time marches on, and suddenly you realize it is marching across your face. line by Truvy in Steel Magnolias. I played Truvy in a community theatre production in Alexandria, MN about 10 years ago. It is one of my favorite roles.

If you have to watch the clock, it might as well be artistic.

How do you mark time? For a short time, I had an email correspondence with a guy named Tim. I told him that every time I type his name it turns into Time. He wrote back a funny quip about time and how he marks it by how fast he empties the shampoo bottle! 

I am marking time today by noting that we're already at the first Wednesday of the month where we write about our insecurities with the Insecure Writer's Support Group, founded by the great ninja blogger, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Before I joined the Advent Photo-a-Day Project, I had planned to write about my word for the week, which was Accept. And, actually, I think Time and Accept work well together. We need to accept the time we have, accept the time of life we're in, accept our gifts and take the time to use them to make the world a better place. We need to be gentle with ourselves when we run out of time. We need to accept that we are busy people with many tasks to do and people to care for. And, sometimes, we need to claim our time to create and build our own careers while those around us need to accept that we have those needs.

When I told the Biker Chef the word for the day, he wondered about thyme. There he goes, spicin' it up for me again. He says that thyme can be used with almost anything. I sure enjoyed the thyme at Thanksgiving! (*grin)

I'll leave you with one more song about time/thyme, Scarborough Fair: Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme, recorded by Simon & Garfunkel in 1966. The song itself has been around a long time. According to wikipedia, it is a ballad from Great Britain/Yorkshire and has been around since the middle ages.

When I wrote back to Tim about time, I said that I would like to be timeless, or at least have my creative work have the staying power of a song like Scarborough Fair, or a story we keep going back to like A Wrinkle in Time, or one of Shakespeare's great plays whose themes are timeless.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  How do you mark time?

IWSG November 2013

Quote of the Day:  Since you are like no other being ever created since the beginning of time, you are incomparable. Brenda Ueland, quote found in the book The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron.

Piano Bench Confessions

The first Wednesday of each month, I participate in The Insecure Writer's Support Group, founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Go to his blog for more connections to insecure writers. We fill the airwaves on days like this! 

I am working through Julia Cameron's book The Artist's Way with my sister and a couple other creatives who need a boost of confidence to get things moving. Chapter Two discusses the "crazy makers" the people who sabotage our creative success. Some are surprisingly close to us. Some are paid instructors and seemingly well-meaning teachers. Some creep up in unexpected places and cause all sorts of damage. These are our villains. Julia says we need to be very wary of these people. They are the blamers, the hurtful criticizers. They are, in reality, more stuck and frustrated than we are and are lashing out as we try to move forward and live a more authentic and creative life. Pay attention to this. If you are feeling beat up by someone's comments, shut them out. Make a list of the crazy-makers in your life and limit your time with them. Some relationships might even need to end. You  need to decide and empower yourself.

Then, to combat those negative voices, surround yourself with your champions. Make a list of those folks, the ones who say, "Of course, you can. I believe in you. I love you and your creative spirit," and then they show you just how much. 

So, what does all this have to do with a picture of a piano bench? Well, I am a pianist and a piano teacher. I had some serious wounds related to my playing and creative spirit. Without my champions, I would not have recovered. I also use that bench to process the world and sort things out. I don't know how I'd manage without it. And, it has been the source of inspiration for my next play Grace Notes: Piano Bench Confessions. Self-doubt rose up in me last week (I was a bit ahead of schedule for the IWSG), so I talked it out with my sister (a grand champion) and my friend who is also a publicist and promoter of words, and I messaged and connected with a few more supporters. They helped me realize that I had been exposed to many of my villains recently and that some of those interactions triggered old wounds and insecurities. Then, they said those magic words, "I believe in you. Get busy we're waiting for the next play," or whatever it is you're working on.

Go. Create. Inspire!
You are a unique and creative individual and the world is waiting for your masterpieces!

Journaling Prompt:  Who are your champions?

IWSG October 2013

Quote of the Day:  What type of writing do you most want to be known for? Question posed to me by Lu at a recent women's retreat.

Hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh

Here we are at the first Wednesday of another month, and it's time for another posting for the Insecure Writer's Support Group, hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Click on his name to join in or read more posts from insecure writers and artists.

When Lu asked me the question, above, I did not hesitate when I answered, "A playwright." That said, my huge insecurity is that I need to get busy. I have started my next play (pat on the back), and think about it every day, but need to make the time to write it. In addition, I'm getting some pressure from my fans (those who saw Coffee Shop Confessions here in the Brainerd area) who are asking, ''So when's the next play?" (Will this new one be as well received? Will people want to take the time to have a part in it?)

The other part of that insecurity are those words from "the committee" who say, "Who am I to be known as a playwright?" especially when so many women have been working really hard to make a name for themselves as playwrights, to get their plays produced, and prosper. The battle rages on for equality in theatre. Even some of my closest friends believe that more playwrights are men. The truth is, more plays that get produced are written by men. 

I don't want this to be a post about gender equality. No matter what the roadblocks appear to be, you (I'm also talking to myself here) have the power to leap over them, to push them aside, even ignore them, and carry on. 

So, after publishing this post, and doing some edits on an article (for which I get paid), I'll be writing the next scene in Grace Notes: Piano Bench Confessions. Are you ready for another original play by the not-yet-famous Mary Aalgaard? 

Group handshake before each performance of my play "Coffee Shop Confessions."

One huge motivator for me is in sharing the story. The table reading is like a big party where I invite safe, theatre-minded folks to my home (this time the Art Spa house), to read my play and offer feedback. Then, there's the HUGE celebration of performing it for an audience, seeing people getting together and experiencing the story is thrilling, to say the least.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  What type of writing (or art) do you most want to be known for?

IWSG August 2013, A Day Late and a Dollar Short

Quote of the Day: I don't think you have time to waste not writing because you are afraid you won't be good at it. Anne Lamott

I'm a day late and a dollar short on this month's posting for the Insecure Writer's Support Group, hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh (click his name for a list of more participants and an explanation of how the group got started). I think we should have an IWSG week instead of just one day. I know I could use more therapy, and with summer and all its distractions, a little wiggle room on time. Thanks.

I was part of this exciting event the past four days in Sturgis, SD, home of the largest motorcycle rally, started in 1940.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, August 5, 2013

 

I have this dilemma at the moment of having so much life to live, adventures to experience, and family and friends to spend time with, that I'm afraid (and rightfully so) that I won't take the time to write. So, I've tried to combine my activities with my love of writing and recording life. I write reviews for theaters in the Minneapolis/St. Paul areas. I write about arts events in my home area, Brainerd lakes area, and I'm writing about my travels on another blog, Ride off the Page. You can read more about the Sturgis Rally and this year's trip there. I'll be posting there in the next few days.

 

I had huge insecurities about being a travel rider/writer, especially blogging from the back of a bike. Up until last summer, I'd never been on a street bike before, much less taken a wild west tour on one. So, the details and the language were foreign to me. I thought, real bikers won't want to read my travel blog. Non-bikers will question my mental health. My travel companions, and folks we met along the way, might not want me to expose them to the world wide web. So, I almost didn't write it. But, I had encouragement from the Biker Chef and our friends and family who enjoyed living the trip through our pictures and words. And I thought, why not? I'm a good writer. I know how to make the event come alive for others, and I love taking photos.

 

So, my fellow insecure writers, write what you are drawn to write. If it is placed in your heart to do it, then it IS your thing. You ARE the one who is supposed to tell that story. Write it. Don't apologize and don't hesitate. Your adventure is at your fingertips.

 

Go. Create. Inspire!

 

Journaling Prompt:  What are you waiting for? What is holding you back?

IWSG July 2013

Quote of the Day:  There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. Maya Angelou

You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children. Madeleine L'Engle

Kids helping me write my play!

 

In June, I had the great joy of facilitating a writing camp for kids, ages 7-12. We had a blast. As you can see from the above picture, I did some writing, too. In fact, one of the bonuses from leading this class was the inspiration I got from the kids.

 

As summer consumes with all its busy-ness, events, and time away and with family, I find I don't sit down and write. I have play ideas (several) that need to be let out and brought to light. My insecurity for the July IWSG posting, is about the same as last month. I'll add some inspiration, though. Be a kid. Let responsibilities slip just a little. Farm out the chores. Sneak off to a quiet place and let your stories out. They want to see the sun, too.

 

The Insecure Writers Support Group was started by ninja blogger Alex J. Cavanaugh.  The purpose is to share our insecurities and offer encouragement to other writers and artists. This is a wonderful support group. Thanks Alex, and your helpers this month!

Nancy Thompson – http://nancysthompson.blogspot.com/

Mark Koopmans – http://markkoopmans.blogspot.com/

Heather Gardner - http://hmgardner.blogspot.com/

In other news, Joy and I have some exciting things happening as our Primo Art Spa finds a home. Click over to that blog to see what's happening!

That's all for now. Grab your pen and journal, your sketch pad and pencil, your camera, or whatever creative tools you need, and...

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  Do you have any Independence Day traditions or vacation plans? What creative energy is bursting to get out of you?

IWSG June, 2013

Quote of the Day:  Writing is harder than anything else; at least starting to write is. It's much easier to wash the dishes. When I'm writing I set myself a daily quota of pages, but nine times out of then I'm doing those pages at four o'clock in the afternoon because I've done everything else first...But once I get flowing with it, I wonder what took me so long. Kristin Hunter (American writer)

School's out for summer! Yay, right? It's that glorious time of hanging out at home, baseball practice and games, swim team conditioning, summer camps, fundraising for mission trips, band lessons, and having friends come over to hang at the house. Someone asked me once if I was looking forward to summer, and the truth is, not really. It's a different kind of busy, much less time for myself and my writing, but more time with the kids and the chance to take trips and get out. So, how do you fit in any kind of writing, especially the kind that might not produce any income?

Other mothers who write posed the question on facebook this week about finding time to actually write when the kids are there, plus the distractions and duties of the home, and the just plain ol' tired feeling you have. Some of us escape to coffee shops, which works if you're writing a play set in a coffee shop. Not so much when you run into people you know and "need" to catch up. Some of us try to tune out the family and ignore the household chores. I can do that. Not all day long, though. Those growing boys tend to want to be fed. Once the cereal runs out, they're looking for meat. (I need to teach them to cook.) Then, of course, it's carting them around to all the above mentioned activities. (Middle son is just starting driver's ed this summer.)

And, yes, it's much easier to do the dishes (see above quote). Case in point, this morning, I got up early to write this post, but first, I let the cat out, started coffee, washed up the pan from last night's burgers, eyed the rhubarb crisp for breakfast, got the middle son up to get to his swim conditioning, looked up the quote, left to bring him to swim conditioning, came back, ate breakfast (whole wheat English muffin with nutella, saving the rhubarb crisp for second breakfast), finished typing the quote, sneezed so hard my readers flew off, laughed about that with the twins who are eating breakfast beside me and waiting for me to drop them off at swim practice, but first we need to stop at Dad's house for their swimming suits.

You get the picture, and it's just 8:00 am, now.

So, I suggested to one of the other authors who seems to be quite popular and can find no private retreat in which to write: Build yourself a treefort and pull up the ladder!

Sign at my friends' treehouse cabin in the woods, a great hideout.

 

And, that is my contribution to the Insecure Writer's Support Group for June, 2013. How do we find the time to be writers when we're so busy living? I don't know. Maybe, I'll jump on the bike and write about it later (when the snow flies, and boy, does it fly here in the North)!

 

Read more about the Insecure Writer's Support Group at Alex J. Cavanaugh's blog. (I gotta go. Time to drive the kids to the pool!)

 

Go. Create. Inspire!

 

Journaling Prompt:  What's your biggest distraction? Any fun summer plans?

IWSG May 2013

Quote of the Day:  Whatever you do, do it with all your heart. This was the message on our Yogi tea bag this week.

The Blogging from A to Z Challenge is over and now it's May 1, the first Wednesday of the month, and time for another post for the Insecure Writer's Support Group, started and supported by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Whew! It was a blogging marathon, and I loved it!

It feels more natural to be writing my reflections on the challenge post right now, but I'll hold back. That will come on Friday. These two, Millie and Willie Cottonpoly, were there for me this whole month!

Millie and Willie Cottonpoly, gearing up for further adventures.

 

When you're feeling insecure as a writer, or artist, or in life in any way, what you need to do is build up your support team. Surround yourself with people who say, "I believe in you."  Create puppets, if you want, to give you the visual stimulation. Invite other people into the creativity.

 

Play off each other's creativity.

Play off each other's ideas.

Play off each other's dialogue.

Play off the Page!

 

Hey, that's a great name for a blog.

 

I had moments of insecurity through the challenge, but the puppets kept me going. When I felt a little silly about bringing them out, I quickly learned that they helped me make a connection with the people around me. Heck, even the famous poet Naomi Shihab Nye held the puppets for a photo and giggled along with me!

 

My insecurity is, How can I keep up the momentum from the blogging from A to Z Challenge and create more plays that people will want to be in, watch, and produce?

 

I'll keep Millie and Willie, and those wonderful supportive people, close at hand!

 

Go. Create. Inspire!

 

Journaling Prompt:  When have you felt that a "silly" action on your part was the best way to break the ice and make connections?

 

Open to Crazy Ideas

Quote of the Month: Open the window in the center of your chest and let the spirits fly in and out. Rumi
(My theme for this year's A to Z Challenge is Open.)

Millie and Willie, a sock puppet creation, are here to tell you their story during the April A to Z Blogging Challenge. They are my crazy idea for the Blog Challenge. Willie has a crazy idea in this episode. Today is also the first Wednesday of the month which is the day we post for the Insecure Writer's Support Group, a crazy creation of the ninja blogger Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Willie and Millie Cottonpoly reading the Community Ed. Guide.

 

Willie: Millie, you've been reading the Community Ed. Guide. See anything you want to take?

 

Millie: Oh, I don't know. A few  cooking classes have caught my eye. My dog obedience class is in there again. I wonder if anyone will take it this session.

 

Willie:  Your classes always fill, Millie. (peers over her shoulder) Look here. They're offering a class on memoir writing.

 

Millie:  Are you thinking of writing your memoirs, Willie?

 

Willie:  Not mine...yours.

 

Millie:  I don't want you writing my memoirs!

 

Willie:  I don't mean that I'd write them. I think you should write a memoir about your colorful life, Millie.

 

Millie:  Ppfff. Who would ever want to read that?

 

Willie:  I would.

 

Millie:  You already know everything, Willie.

 

Willie:  Oh, I doubt that. No one knows everything about another person, even someone you've been partners with for over 40 years. You have a cedar chest full of journals. You're a great storyteller. You're the life of the party when you get into talking about our crazy adventures or your dog training. I think you should write it down.

 

Millie:  Willie, that's a crazy idea.

 

Willie:  Good writers go with their crazy ideas. Sometimes, you just gotta jump on the train and go for it. (hums I've been working on the railroad)

 

Millie:  I'm going to need a support group for this...

 

***************

 

Come back tomorrow to read more of Millie's puppy dog tales.

 

Go. Create. Inspire!

And, jump on the train with one of your crazy ideas!

 

Journaling Prompt:  Write about a crazy idea that you jumped on the train with, or one that you might dare to go with some day soon.

IWSG March 2013

Quote of the Day:  Things need not have happened to be true. Tales and adventures are the shadow truths that will endure when mere facts are dust and ashes and forgotten. Neil Gaiman

Do the thing you fear the most and the death of fear is certain. Mark Twain

Fear of over-exposure keeps us in the shadows.

Do you call this Shadow Dancing?

 

Do you fear over-exposure as a blogger? As you're trying to build your brand, get your name and your work out there, do you feel blocked by the fear of predators and identity theft? How about the use of photos, of yourself, of your family and friends?

 

I've been pondering these things lately, and it is blocking me. I read many, many blogs and get most of my information online. Some people don't put any personal information or photos on their blogs (Alex Cavanaugh). Others, like me, use my real name and my own photographs. I write about plays that I attend and who accompanies me. I share successes of my children and fun events with friends. My hope is to be a light in this dark world, on and off line.

 

So, for this month's posting for the Insecure Writer's Support Group, I have a question. How much of ourselves can we safely put out into the world?

 

Go. Create. Inspire!

 

Journaling Prompt:  What blocks you as an artist?

IWSG February 2013

Quote of the Day:  And then it was like, wait, you can go to college and study theater? This is almost a racket, you know. And then when the opportunity came along to do it professionally, I thought I'd won the lottery.  Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks might have won the lottery as an actor, but I did not win it as a playwright/producer for the Minnesota Fringe Fest. My number, 116, was drawn as #109 on the wait list. I have about as much chance of getting in as an ice sculpture's chance of lasting an afternoon outside in August. Not in the cards for me this year. I'll have to admit, since this is the montly posting for the Insecure Writer's Support Group, that I am both disappointed and relieved. It would have been a huge undertaking. I was already stressing about the script: Should I revise my old one, or write a new one? Would any of the cast members even be interested in doing it again? How could I ask people to commit to five performances in the metro (over two hours away) during the first week of August? Where would we stay? What about my kids? What if the show sucked? What if no one wanted to be in it? What if I couldn't get it together? What if no one came to watch it? What if I...

So, The Committee had already called a meeting inside my head. On the other hand, I told them to meet some other place last month when I threw my name in the lottery. I told them to "pound salt" (one of the Biker Chef's expressions) when they tried to tell me I didn't have what it takes to write a play, cast a play, produce a play, and attract an audience. Seven sold-out performances was their swift kick in the pants.

They crowded in at tables, pulled in extra chairs, and lined the walls to see and hear

Coffee Shop Confessions

What I'm saying is, you might be scared. You may have a few self-doubts. Your chances are slim. Do it anyway! Say to yourself, "I can do brave things." Then, go out and do them.

I decided the morning of the lottery pick that if I didn't get chosen, I would write a new play and produce it right here in my backyard (i.e. the coffee shops). So, who's in? Want to come play with me? I already have the title for a second cup of confessions Double Shot!

Read more IWSG posts by visiting the host Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  When have you done brave things?

IWSG January 2013 and the Word for the Year

Quote of the Day:  Now is no time to think of what you do not have, think of what you can do with what there is. Ernest Hemingway

It is the first Wednesday of the month, and the first Wednesday of the year. I participate in the Insecure Writer's Support Group, hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Go to his site for more details and a link to others who participate. It's a great way to build community in our writer world.

Interesting shaped package

 

K.C. had the most interesting shaped package "under" the tree this year. Everyone who looked at it had a guess. A "For Sale" sign, a picket sign, a sign that announces your business, directions, a huge shovel, an extra large pancake flipper? The only way to discover the answer is to OPEN the gift.

 

Once you've opened the gift, you have a certain expectation of how to use it. You get a little nervous and think, but who am I to use such a fine gift? Aren't there others out there with more advanced gifts that mine? Am I really worthy of it?

 

This year, I've decided to throw my name in the lotto for the Minnesota Fringe Fest. It's a week long festival of theater productions for anyone who dares to participate, about 165 different types of performances. They have everything from kids writing their own shows to very adult themed and professional troups, dance performances, and one person stand-up. Anything goes. The only way to get into the festival is to register your name, get a number, and be chosen. I went to the informational meeting on it at our local community college. Two of the organizers came up to promote it and answer our questions. I got excited. I told myself I'd go right home and sign up. Then, I looked at the website, and got scared. Look at all those fabulous photos, amazing productions, talented actors and crew, creative thinkers. The negative committee sat down in my head and ordered pizza. They almost talked me out of applying. But, I have to do it.

 

My word for the year is OPEN. The message I'm hearing from it is, you are open. Your gifts have been opened, now go out and use them to...

 

Go. Create. Inspire!

 

I'll be applying for Fringe Fest today. Wish me luck!

 

Journaling Prompt:  What's your word for the year? What fabulous gifts have you opened that are beckoning you to use?

 

It's a spear used for ice fishing, hand made by my nephew.

 

IWSG December 2012

Quote of the Day:  Words of wisdom from the late Johnny Carson:
I was raised to be humble, but that doesn't really work in show business. You have to have a certain amount of ego to make it. I don't mean, being all cocky, but you have to go out there with a confidence that you are the best. When you go out there, you have to believe that you are great at what you do.

I'm sitting here in my living room, with my cat on my lap, wondering what I have to say to other insecure writers (and artists and anyone who might need a confidence builder), and I'm watching a PBS special on Johnny Carson. He had to believe that he was the best of the best and go out night after night with that confidence. He didn't have room for self-doubt. If he had it, he hid it well.

I heard a professional basketball player say something similar. He said that when he's out on the court, he has to believe that he's the best player out there, then he plays like it.

Do you do your art with that same kind of confidence? Do you say, "This is what I do best. People want to read my words (or see my art, eat my food, hear my ideas, etc.)" You need to. If you can't say it out loud, think it. Write it in your journal or your bathroom mirror. Yours is the first positive voice you hear in the morning. Another way to build your confidence is to truly listen to compliments. Hear what others are saying about your work that builds you up. Keep writing, or making your art, because you don't want to let your followers down.

I've been hearing from fans that they'd like to see another play this spring. I wrote, produced, directed, and acted in my first full-length play last year. I feel pressure to produce something new that is as entertaining, and excitement to do it, as well as the fear of not pulling it off. And, where's the time, for goodness sake?!?!

Mary at the Shante before a performance of "Coffee Shop Confessions"

Will there be a second cup? Double Shot?

It's a mystery.

Go. Create. Inspire!
And, dare to be the best at what you love to do.

(To connect with more bloggers on the list of Insecure Writer's Support Group, hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh, click on the badge on the right or his blog. We post our IWSG on the first Wed. of each month.)

Journaling Prompt:  Of all your gifts and talents, what do you do the best?

IWSG November 2012

Quote of the Day: Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. Galatians 6:4-5 The Message

Love this quote, and it seems like a good one to use on another round of the Insecure Writer's Support Group which happens on the first Wednesday of every month, created and supported by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Please, click over to his blog to connect with other insecure writers, or join the club. It's a chance to commiserate with other creatives.

 

 
While on our Wild West motorcycle ride this summer, I felt drawn to the dead trees. Big, old trees stand out, stark and bare, amongst the greenery. The smaller branches that held the leaves are gone, the bark stripped and the core polished smooth from the wind. The trunk still looks so strong and the branches angle out and around. Nothing hides its inner beauty. I mentioned this in a post in October, and my sister Joy wrote in her comments: In Tarot The Tower is sometimes an image of a tree burning. Clearing out the old, making way for the new.Everything about that trip was a new journey for me. In the past five years, I have let go of old, hurtful relationships and rebuilt my life.

When I started blogging three years ago, I wanted my blog to be a source of light and inspiration. There is so much garbage out there, way too much negativity. I wanted to lift up what is beautiful and good and gives others hope and encouragement. I wondered who was supporting the arts, and decided I can be that voice as well.

So, I made it a point to write about performances and artists in my area. I started getting invited to theatres in the metro. It felt good to be noticed for my reviews and support of the arts. Now, I'm not so sure I'm doing the right thing. I share my reviews on the website of our local paper, for free. When I asked if they could pay me for my reviews, they said, No, we don't have funds for an entertainment blog. And, that's it. Just No. Not, no, and thank you, or good job, or we appreciate having your reviews here. My reviews have been shared on the internet by the theatres in the metro. My words are quoted in their advertisements and credit given to the paper!

Okay, I can accept that newspapers don't have any money. They haven't figured out how to adjust to the digital age where everyone reads online. They, like the book publishing houses, can't afford to work with and pay new writers, so we have to come up with a new plan.

To add to my discouragement, I was at an event at the local college where I have attended and promoted their shows for several years. I have reviewed and encouraged people to attend plays. I talked to the head of the theatre department and he acted like he didn't even know who I was. My friend pointed out that I reviewed two of the plays he'd had there in the past few months. I mentioned having them on the website of the local newspaper, then he was like, "Oh, yes, I have seen those." Whatever. No Thank you. No invitations to shows. No connection that we could all work together in our community to support the arts.

Am I wasting my time doing all this reviewing? Should I be doing other work that leads to a more profitable future? Am I trying too hard to fit in?

There you go, my insecure post is filled with self-doubt.

Whatever your pursuit is today, may you be filled with courage and self-confidence. Jump into your art with a strong heart, believing that what you do does make a difference.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  Have you ever stopped doing something because you thought it was a waste of time and no one appreciated it anyway?

IWSG October 2012

Quote of the Day:  Kind words heal and help, cutting words wound and maim. Proverbs 15:4 (The Message)
And, in another version (ESV) A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

Words are powerful. We writers know that. We agonize over the choice of a word or how to turn a phrase. Non-writers know it, too, which is why so many writers are criticized and banned, and sometimes even silenced. If we live in a world of criticism, if those who are closest to us use us as verbal punching bags, our self-worth diminishes. We can't be confident even in the areas where our gifts are the strongest.

While I was at the Women's Retreat at Mount Carmel this fall, Barb, our leader, put a sock monkey on her shoulder and called him her "Critter." Her Critter is resentment. She went on to describe how that Critter affects her mood and how she treats herself and others. She scattered tiny animals on the floor and asked us all to take one and write about our critters.  This is my journal entry, and here is my critter - a gorilla.

 

The Criticism Gorillas rides on my pencil, staring me in the eyes.

 

Criticism Critter is a gorilla. He stands up on his back legs, pounds his chest, and intimidates. He might turn his back on me and show me his backside, walking away from me, abandoning me because I'm not good enough, pretty enough, smart enough, self-confident enough. Then, he lifts his head, pulls his lips back from his teeth and laughs an insidious, deep, dark laugh.

 

I'm leaving this forest - NO more gorillas riding on my back!

 

 

What I'm writing about here is destructive criticism, the kind that leaves you feeling beat up. Get out of the relationships that attack who you are and what you do. The world is full of criticism. The artist's life is a set up for rejection. You need to surround yourself with people who give you light and love. They will be in your camp when the No's show up in your inbox. They will tell you that you are always good enough and to keep shining your unique light in this dark world.

Thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh for starting the Insecure Writer's Support Group. It is good group therapy the first Wednesday of each month.

Go. Create. Inspire!
The world is waiting to hear (read, see) your unique voice.

Journaling Prompt:  What does your critter look and sound like?

IWSG Tardy, Again

Quote of the Day:  There are two weapons in the writer's arsenal...The first is stamina and the second is uncompromising belief in yourself. Leon Uris

On this September 5th edition of the Insecure Writer's Support Group, I'm low on both. Thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh for starting this online group and all the great insecure writers who participate. Go to his blog for more info.

And, I'm tardy again on my posting, so here are my excuses.

(The middle one is not really that much taller. He's on the top step.)

Yesterday was the first day of the 2012-13 school year. We were up and out of bed before 6:00 am. The middle son was at his school for earlybird class by 6:45, and the other two biked off to the middle school by 7:15, backpacks loaded, tummies full of blueberry muffins, and heads and hearts filled with good wishes to the start of a new year.

After supper, the neighborhood boys wanted to run off a little bit of first day of school steam, so they gathered at the park. I headed back to the store for more school supplies. Just as I entered the store, my cellphone rang. "Mom, I've been stung." One of the twins, Eric, has had an allergic reaction to wasp stings in the past, so I turned right around and brought him to the ER. He didn't show much reaction, but they took good care of him. All the while, I thought of his twin brother, Charlie, who had also been stung, twice, at the same park, at the same time, and wondered if he needed attention. I tried calling. No answer. About an hour after we got to the ER, the phone rang. "Ya, Charlie seems to be reacting to the sting." Thanks to big brother Zach, he got some Benadryl. I told the ER nurse that I had to go. I said, "His twin brother was also stung and is having a reaction, so I need to go get him. I'm going to leave this one here, and go get the other one. I'll be right back."

By 11:00, we were finally home. The boys sleep-walked into the house, and I fell into bed. I'm still recovering as I write this post about writing and found the quote that explains my problem. I don't think I have the stamina nor the "uncompromising belief" in myself right now. It seems a little selfish, actually, to daydream about writing fiction right now.

So, I sent my groggy boys off to school today, still needing a couple extra notebooks, minus their football shoes, and spent the morning trying to regroup.

Tomorrow's my birthday. Maybe I'll get the gift of stamina and self-confidence. But, if not, chocolate will work.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  What do you do when you're low on stamina and belief in yourself?

Engine Failure!

Quote of the Day:  The engine is the heart of an aeroplane, but the pilot is its soul. Sir Walter Raleigh

Keeping with that analogy, the right ventricle, engine, on our American Eagle Airlines flight #2344, August 1, 2012, failed. (Click on the link to read the details.) We had just taken off when we heard a loud thunk. It was right by Zach's head (my son), so we really heard and felt it, sounded like we hit something, or it fell off or exploded. Yay, a little freaky. We had to circle back to the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) airport and wait for a substitute plane. My son, Bobby, said that the woman next to him grabbed his hand and said she didn't like flying in the first place. She and her husband were not on the substitute plane. I also grabbed the arm of the guy, Tim, sitting next to me. Loud thunks and dead engines are not things you like to hear about while airborn. I confess, I had a few tears. Zach looked at me and said, "You get a little scared?" The boys were cool cucumbers.

I was unable to write my Insecure Writers Support Group post because of these travel delays. (Click on the badge on the sidebar for more info on the IWSG, hosted by Alex Cavanaugh.) We were two hours late at our next stop, Chicago, and assumed we missed the flight. The ticket agent gave us new passes for the 8:30 flight. Then, we saw that our original flight was delayed until 4:30, and thought, what luck, we'll get on that one. But, they gave our seats away, and we couldn't get them back. So, we spent another five hours at O'hare. This, after spending our original four plus two more hours at DFW. Also, there was no water in the bathrooms those last couple hours at DFW. Ya, not pretty.

So, all this is to demonstrate how hard it is to keep a writing schedule, or stick to a plan of any kind. Detours happen. I decided I needed to give myself some grace in my creative world. The real world is rather time consuming right now. Let me explain.

The reason we were in Texas in the first place was for my oldest son's college orientation at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. He's had delays coming and going there now, which I pointed out were there to show him how hard it will be to travel from central Minnesota to Lubbock, Texas. He was undaunted. He really wants to go there, for the big, new adventure, the quality education, the engineering program, and the milder winters. It's a hot dessert right now, however!

The other reason for all my writing detours is a new relationship. I'm riding off to the wild west with the Biker Chef, tomorrow! I'll be documenting that experience, and other rides, I hope, at my new blog, Ride off the Page.

So, are those good enough excuses for being tardy on my IWSG post, my lack of blogging this summer, and the non-existent play writing?

I hope you're all having exciting adventures.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  Have you ever had delays or issues at the airport? (ha! who hasn't?) How's your summer going with your creative life?



IWSG in July

Quote of the Day:  Long before I wrote stories. I listened for stories. ~ Eudora Welty

Gifted writers have gifted ears. ~ Curtis W. Casewil

Alex J. Cavanaugh, host of the Insecure Writer's Support Group, gave us permission to post our usual Insecure post on the first Wednesday of each month on a Tuesday this month, because we're celebrating Indpendence Day here in the U.S.A. on July 4. Since this is usually a time when family and friends gather, it seems like a good theme for this month's posting.

What inspires you? What do you do when you are feeling isolated, blocked, discouraged, or stuck in your art?

Gather a few friends around your kitchen table and talk about your hopes & dreams, your goals and ambitions.

The creative energy around my kitchen table last Friday night was inspiring. Here are three of my favorite people talking about what they love to do, what inspires them, and what they'd like to do with their gifts and talents.

On Sunday, my friend, the artist JeMA, and her family parked their RV in the park for Art in the Park Day. They have turned their plain ole RV into a public art project. They ask you to put on a dot and tell them three things that inspire you. You can participate remotely by going to their website, Inspire to Inspire.

Share your art and ideas with other people.

Hang out with other creative spirits.

Collaborate, support, and encourage one another.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  What inspires you?  Go to JeMA's website and share it if you like.  Journal it; share it here; whisper it to a trusted friend.