Very inspiring! I have two friends who've discovered their inner visual artist and are getting a tremendous amount of joy from it. And both have turned it into reasons to travel (painting in the French countryside, enrolling in a 6-month art program in rural Scotland). And I'm getting back to playing a musical instrument, partly inspired by your wife. Because you're right--you are your own audience.
Great post! I feel like every book I work on is my first one and thus relearn the process every time (PS I qualified for Medicare last year, but who the hell cares)
Faye, which is harder: writing it, or being haunted by that unsatisfied impulse to write it? I've had times in my life when I closely identified with the prophet Jonah, who runs but cannot hide.
All are equally hard- the desire to write, the act of writing, editing. But sitting down to do it, setting aside the time for it, might actually be the most difficult! I do have a kind of deadline for this one tho. Wish me luck! This cold weather is keeping me inside today. The perfect activity. After eating of course 😁
So what have you rolled up your sleeves and tried, Don? Beyond writing, of course :) I am a crocheter and stitcher ... although yesterday I decoupaged a paper flower to a jar lid in what I call a craft minute ... a pretty simple thing, sprung from my own brain and joy-bringing
Thanks for this, Don. I am also very interested in this topic for my podcast, Your Creative Midlife. I wonder if we haven't denigrated the idea of the "amateur" -- someone who is doing something creative for the love of it -- and therefore, people are afraid to even try something creative like painting or music for fear of being ridiculed. We have to break this mindset.
Very inspiring! I have two friends who've discovered their inner visual artist and are getting a tremendous amount of joy from it. And both have turned it into reasons to travel (painting in the French countryside, enrolling in a 6-month art program in rural Scotland). And I'm getting back to playing a musical instrument, partly inspired by your wife. Because you're right--you are your own audience.
Great post! I feel like every book I work on is my first one and thus relearn the process every time (PS I qualified for Medicare last year, but who the hell cares)
Thanks for this. I’m taking my creative shot with writing. And it’s been great fun.
Great message
Thanks, Jill!
I am playing guitar more. I have two friends are painting now, one in acylics, the other in watercolor. Glad you are doing better
Thanks, Jody. Will you be joining Buddy Flett's band?
No, I play with him occasionally but not part of his band
Thanks for the reminder to go back to that personal essay I keep putting off! ❤️
Faye, which is harder: writing it, or being haunted by that unsatisfied impulse to write it? I've had times in my life when I closely identified with the prophet Jonah, who runs but cannot hide.
All are equally hard- the desire to write, the act of writing, editing. But sitting down to do it, setting aside the time for it, might actually be the most difficult! I do have a kind of deadline for this one tho. Wish me luck! This cold weather is keeping me inside today. The perfect activity. After eating of course 😁
So what have you rolled up your sleeves and tried, Don? Beyond writing, of course :) I am a crocheter and stitcher ... although yesterday I decoupaged a paper flower to a jar lid in what I call a craft minute ... a pretty simple thing, sprung from my own brain and joy-bringing
Evelyn, I never suspected you were so crafty!
Thanks for this, Don. I am also very interested in this topic for my podcast, Your Creative Midlife. I wonder if we haven't denigrated the idea of the "amateur" -- someone who is doing something creative for the love of it -- and therefore, people are afraid to even try something creative like painting or music for fear of being ridiculed. We have to break this mindset.
Betsy, I agree. That's why I emphasize that the stakes are low. It's a great time of life to take chances, experiment, break a few eggs.