The next number of posts, all titled Conversations on… come from email communications between a dear friend and me. With her permission, I am publishing excerpts from them because I feel they pertain to everything we’ve been discussing on the blog. Kate has been in the process of trying to figure out how to be a writer and still maintain her teaching job. She has very recently decided she must leave her job and fully embrace a “writing life.” At her request I’ve changed her name and am using initials for people she brings up. Those of you who have not read any of the earlier Conversation pieces, may want to go back to have a better understanding of Kate’s progress. You’ll find her story under the topic category, “Kate’s Story.” It’d be great if you all would join our conversation…
All photos in today’s post were shot by Kate on visits to New Mexico.
From Jeane:
I am very excited for you, moving into The Artist’s Way process. It’s bringing back memories for me of when I began its guidance, and all the miracles that opened over the course of 3 months. It’s what brought me here. You’re right: it is the perfect timing to be beginning it now. It’s wonderful at bringing up issues and supporting you to find solutions and healing. And, yes, creating the blocks of time you need to live this writing life is definitely something the work in that book will help you do. I STILL have to almost fight people for my creating time. Since I don’t go away to a traditional job, people think my time is free.
As Anne Lamott has said, learn that “no” is a complete sentence. I love that! She has also said that she’s learned to be a good wife to herself saying things like, “No, Anne has worked very intensely today (or this week or this month) and she needs some down time.” You will find ways to manage your life chores so they don’t chip away at your writing time during the week. When I began painting I held to a 5 day work week, doing chores on the weekends. I still work that way somewhat, but I don’t need to hold so fiercely to the structure anymore.
Something else that’s happened lately is that I’m accepting more disarray in my home because I just haven’t had time and energy. I have 2 weeks worth of laundry to do again, I didn’t make my bed for 2 weeks (unheard of, completely, for me), there’s a stack of paperwork needing my attention, road repair I’m just not doing. You CAN lower your standards if it’s needed to get your writing done.
Yes, your studio will take shape over time. You’ll find a piece here and a piece there. Craig’s List is a great source of cheap, great stuff, Anna and I are finding. We bought the old leather couch for the gallery at a second hand store. Wait until you see my beater of a 60′s era couch I bought for $80 off Craig’s List. It’s a good thing it was already worn because my 8 animals have already taken a toll. Your studio is a precious gift the universe has provided for your writing life. Whenever your demons nip at you, remember this miracle and it will give you strength.
I am over the moon about your throat and voice AND that you are back in your body, shining once again! That’s the very best news I’ve had in a long while. Hold onto this miracle, also, when things get hard. This is absolute proof that you have within you the power to be well. When you are not, you have wandered off course. I am also thrilled that your acupuncturist will continue working with you. How could he not? And, just as you advised me about the gallery, stay focused on what you have accomplished more than what lies ahead to be done. One foot in front of the other, you will accomplish what you need.
To be continued…
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Love to you all,
Jeane