What do you Control?

Quote of the Day:  I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.~ Jimmy Dean

This is a famous quote that you've probably heard before.  It speaks to what we can control in our lives and what we can't. For the most part, we control nothing but our own reaction to the situation or person or outcome. We can keep adjusting our "sails" by thinking of new ways to do something to feel successful.

I was trying to take a picture of Eric and our cat Leo.  You can pick Leo up, but you can't make him look in the right direction.

Switch directions

Okay, that didn't work either.

Moved in closer, tried to snap faster (quick, he's looking my way!), and got a fur face.

Finally, Eric set Leo on the ground where he calmly laid down.

Eric adjusted his "sails" to fit Leo's comfort.

I adjusted my "sails" of what would make a great picture,

and viola!

Here's the thing. In our lives, especially in our creative endeavors, we can't control who will show up or how they will respond to what we've created. All we can do is create what is in us and wants to come out. We'll build up our inventory, polish our skills, and eventually we'll shine.  More than one of us has walked away from an event that felt less than successful. But, is that all perspective? So, only a few people were there, not much money was earned, but what did you gain from the experience.  I think of writers who sit at book signings all afternoon and sell only a copy or two.  Was it a waste of time?  I don't know. Maybe the joy was in sitting in a bookstore for an afternoon chatting with the workers, browsing the shelves, drinking coffee, connecting with that one buyer who really wanted to read your book.

Or, maybe that feeling of "this just isn't working" is your call to try a new perspective. What preconceived notion do you need to let go in order to find just the right fit?

Go. Create. Inspire! and look for success in new ways.

Journaling Prompt:  When have you felt blue about your art?  How did you adjust your sails?

New Brew

Two Quotes for Today: What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything? - Vincent Van Gogh (Dutch Painter)

If we are always arriving and departing, it is also true that we are eternally anchored.  One's destination is never a place, but rather a new way of looking at things. Henry Miller (American Writer)

Art by JeMA hung here in February.

Some day soon,

Coffee Shop Confessions

at

The Coco Moon

by

Mary Aalgaard

will be performed.

I have not had the energy to work on my historical novel, War is Not for Girls.  I spent some time this weekend assessing my lack of creativity.  I had lunch with the above mentioned JeMA.  I told her that it's not that I don't like the story.  I do.  I love the characters.  They're alive in my head.  The setting is real, but I wasn't making any effort to work on it.

I started talking about an idea I've had for about a year to write a play set in a coffee shop.  I want to use all the great conversations I've had (and listened to at other tables) and bring them to life.

She said, "What is it you like about playwriting that's different from novels?"

I said, "The script is pliable.  You are part of a creative team.  It starts with my ideas, the characters and story that I create.  Then, the director interprets the script.  The actors bring the characters to life, and it's all presented to the audience who experiences the drama."

She held up two books, "Would you rather read this one, Writing the Breakout Novel, or this notebook (either symbol of you starting your script or writing a play)?"

I pointed to the notebook.

I started writing the play right there.  The next day I went to the coffee shop and wrote some more.  This morning, we were in the Coco Moon where her art had hung, and I talked to the owner who welcomed the idea of performing the play.  She gave me some ideas for the script.

Folks, I have new energy!  I can't wait to write more.

The novel is going back in the crockpot to stew for a while.  When the time is right, I'll open the lid again and add some spice.  For now, I've got something fresh brewing!  I'll introduce you to my characters later this week.

Ah, that hits the spot.

Journaling Prompt:  Describe a time when you abandoned one project because a new idea just couldn't wait.