The Artist's Way

For the record, I am not a visual artist. I wanted to get that out of the way up front.  But I do well in a creative atmosphere, and right now - I have nothing but time.

A while back I got the book, "The Complete Artist Way" by Julia Cameron. It is basically 3 books in one.

"The Artist's Way" - Cameron's original, groundbreaking twelve-step program, the essential first step on the path to creative.

"Waling in This World" - Part Two of Cameron's course of discovering the creative self, which shows readers how to inhabit the world with a sense of wonder and how to use this new found awareness to create meaningful art.

"Finding Water" - For the artist who has established a footing, a text that reveals the tools necessary to sustain artistic vision through the years.

I figured, I could finally brush the dust off this book and give it a whirl. I thought this might be part of that enrichment I have been hoping to have time for.

Also, I finally reopened "The Happiness Project." Somehow, someway - I was able to get over the hump and dive back in. I began enjoying it again. What I find interesting, for whatever reason, I am reading so much fasting and actually retaining more information. I think, and I am sorry to say, but my former job took up soooo much space in my brain, that I must have been mentally exhausted.

That's a positive, for sure.

It's another day, Wednesday morning, and I actually have a friend coming over for coffee. (She is a friend of my husband,) but she and I should have a lot in common to talk about - for one we are both American and both were married to Arabs. THIS should be therapeutic. ;-)

Other than that, I will send off at few more resumes today, possibly organize my shoes (I have TONS), and give myself a facial. I have such a busy day. ;-) LOL

Time and No are not the problem

Last night at the WW meeting, the subject was Making Time For Yourself. The leader of the group asked questions like, "Who had to make breakfast for someone else?" or "Who had to get their kids dressed?" Or "Who walked their dog, fed their cat.. etc." Just on and on with a series of questions. She concluded her little introduction with - "A show of hands for those of you who said yes to at least one of those."

I was the only one who did not raise her hand.

I almost felt guilty. But instead, I realized something. I am that rare bird that, as she gets older, will HAVE to seek out external groups and become a joiner if I plan on having a social life.

I am already feeling the pangs of it now. Most people I know are happily married with kids and pets and church and.. I could go on and on.

Then there is me. Take for instance, right this very second - it is 8:38pm. I am sitting alone in my living room, on the couch, in my pjs, lights are down.. a few candles lit, I have an ice cold diet pepsi to my left, feet propped up - with only the sound of the a/c.  The egyptian is not here (as usual).. and I am just here. Alone. The phone has not rang..

It's me. Little old me.

I have to literally plan things with others in order to do something socially. But it is Thursday night, and most people are with their kids, or their loved ones.. doing whatever normal American couples do. ;-)

So - making time for myself is never the problem. I think having too much time on my hands in the evening is the problem. It  gets sort of lonely up here. Then all I really have to look forward to is heading back into work and dealing with all types of items.. chatting it up with people, etc. Sure - my job can be fun. Like today - I had a coffee meeting in the am with one of the local meteorologists and two of my closest friends at work at Starbucks. Then, I headed back to the office, did a little writing, then took off to another meeting at a really nice restaurant, where the sales person at another TV station bought me an excellent lunch and we discussed a news item my company will be doing soon. Then off to write some more, and I set up some radio interviews for an upcoming event.. you know, basic stuff like that.

Then I came home to an empty house. I made low fat blue berry muffins, and watched American Idol.

Now.. I sit here.. just chilling out. There are tons of movies I could be watching, not to mention, I am in the middle of a good book. But the silence, can sometimes be deafening.

I remember when I could not get the egyptian to get up and leave the house. Now that he has made some friends, he is never home. Heck, I have no idea what he is eating for dinner these days. He might stay home once or twice a week. But for the most part, I don't see him until 11 - 12ish.

I discussed this with him this morning. Not that it helped.

Oh.. I guess I am just bored. And unfortunately, the leader at the meeting had no idea that she just reminded me how empty my life can be sometimes.

Geez.. wish I had some cool neighbors or something. ;-)

Ouch!

Waking up with a sinus headache has got to be the worst thing in the world. I knew something was up, when I kept sneezing last night. Then, at about 5:30 this morning, I woke up with one closed nostril.

I had to think quick - I could not find my Nasanex anywhere, so I opted for a Benadryl. Which made me sleep until (well - 15 minutes ago) and it is noon. Still hurting, popped a Tylenol.

Maybe I will get some relief soon. It's a killer.

It's Sunday! I wish I could relish it a little longer, but I know what next week and the next entails. Part of me just says, come on bring it on! Then the other part of me is like, okay.. let's just veg and enjoy the day.

My schedule is jammed pack with so many items. Too many items really. With Heart Month one week away, and National Wear Red Day two weeks away - it's just go-go-go.

The egyptian is hanging in there. He stayed up to 6:30 this morning (I am not kidding) chatting up with his friends and family back home. I know this, b/c I had to get up several times and ask him to lower his voice. Remember? The Arabic is LOUD. lol

Nothing exciting is happening around here - and that is good with me. We did go see "Social Network" last night. It was very interesting to see how FB got started, what happened, etc.

That's it guys. I have nothing else today. Honestly. This can go down in history are the lamest post EVER. But between the sinus pressure, the benadryl hangover, and no real excitement - it's all I can give.

Maybe more later.. ;-)

Just stuck... Post #2

I am stuck inside. Booo. Boring.

That's why you are being exposed to POST #2 of the day.
Perhaps something profound will flow from the ratta-tat-tat on the key board.

It is sleeting, pretty bad actually. You can tell it is by the "slicing like little razors" sound the rain is making on the skylights/windows and as it slices through the air. Sounds like it hurts. Nothing like needle sharp ice rain to make you want to sit in your 3rd story apartment.

At least I was able to get out this morning. I met my co-worker and friend, Laura, and her husband around 9:30 to be their guests at their church today. I had never been to a Presbyterian Church, so I thought it would be really interesting to see how the "other half" worships. ;-)

I have to admit, I really enjoyed myself. We started out with their "New Couple" Sunday School class. I was probably one of the oldest ones in there. I did see at least one woman who was probably older than me. ;-) The people were really nice and welcoming. Beautiful smiling faces, young couples who ooze an air of professionalism and success. The definition of WASP.

The Sunday School teacher discussed a story out of Genesis - and I heard a new take this time. We were reading the story of Jacob (the one where he hopes to marry Rachel, but ends up with Leah.) What was so interesting, we actually took at look at it from Leah's perspective. In the past- I always sided with Jacob. He was deceived by Rachel & Leah's father .. etc.) But this time - it talked about how Leah was the (not so pretty older sister) expected to be an old maid. She was (sort of) used to being seen as the "lessor" of the two sisters. On her wedding night, after much drinking and of course she going to bed with her veil on - Jacob woke up to find he had married the "other sister."

Poor Leah.. took a while (and three baby boys later) before she "got it." She knew her first son was a blessing, and the second.. and finally by the third, she simply thanked God and that was it. That's all that was expected. The beautiful, successful husband, three strong boys - none of it ever brought happiness - just God. It took a while.. but she got it.

I know I have several atheist who follow me, and I KNOW you guys usually have very strong words and basically see people (like me) as absolute fools. Regardless of what you believe, it's an interesting story. People, possessions, a great status in life - none of it will bring you happiness. For me, it is finding that fulfillment in God. For you, perhaps, it is to find happiness within yourself.

Anyway.. as for the service - was very traditional (the way I like it) - and basically, a good time all in all. Nice first trip to a Presbyterian Church. (If you did not know - I am catholic.)

Afterwards, we went for a tasty (good old fashioned) southern breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Laura and her husband are "good eggs." ;-)

This afternoon, I spent the day watching a disturbing movie (what's new, right?) As you know, I am completely addicted to Netflix... so this time I watched "The Crazies." Just your typical Sci-fi/thriller/slasher movie. I think with the lap top's proximity to my eyes and the headphones I was wearing - it was just a little too intense.

As soon as the sleet began to fall, I choose to bake some banana bread. Why not? I am stuck inside and all I can think to do is cook. I am, for whatever reason (actually I know the reason - biscuits and gravy at brunch)  STILL not hungry and it is almost 7pm.

So here we are, me.. with always so much to say, and stuck with nothing but this blank screen with little letters appearing before my eyes and you- my fine readers.

Here's to hoping tomorrow is productive as well as relaxing. (Since we ARE NOT going to work in the morning.)