The life of a writer...

Last night went exactly as planned. I got home, got dinner made, did a few chores, and by 6pm, was sitting down to write. I wrote until bedtime. It was so nice! Tonight is more of the same, with a few more chores added in. But writing... writing... writing.

My novel is taking turns that I never had anticipated. I write with a set plan, and then she veers off, and she is way more interesting this way. My plan is to totally go with it. If it doesn't work, it will get edited out later.

A question for you writers out there... is that normal? For them to take on a life of their own?

As far as my etsy shop goes, I got more leathers this past weekend and will photo them soon. My fave new color that I got is seafoam green. I also got a bright pink, green, a gorgeous burgundy/red, black, and distressed brown. I can hardly wait to use them all!!

A Found Hour

Yesterday at work drained me. I felt like I had been run over by a train. I opted for takeout dinner, so it would be quick, and I had a journal to make and orders to package. I yearned to write, but had accepted the fact that I most likely wouldn't have time.

However, I worked quite efficiently and had a spare hour. Oh joy! I got a little further in my story. I was able to move forward, and that mean the world to me. It's getting difficult to work full time and write, because all I want to do is write. someday. No. SOMEDAY. I will have the time to write. Putting that intention out there right now.

I've been involved in this thing called "The Receiving Project" where, for 32 days, you make note of the gifts you receive. It's only been 3-4 days, and I've received so much. Like my hour to write last night. Kind words from a friend when I most needed them, a new friend who I'm getting to know, and she is quite amazing. I find myself surrounded by artists.

In talking with artists, I'm still amazed that I have so much to offer them. I gain so much from our talks, and the connections we make, but when they go out of their way to tell me something, or thank me for a comment... I am just like "Wow!" Life is good. What have you been receiving?

Struggles

Last night I was feeling blah. I was feeling discouraged. And I let myself feel this way. I wallowed for a short time, then I decided I needed a plan. So, I began to formulate a plan. And then I tossed and turned last night worrying about more stuff that I hadn't yet dealt with.

So, one of my plans will go into effect soon. I'm thinking a referral journal giveaway, but I haven't worked out all the details yet. Basically, I know that people who have bought my journals love them. And if you refer someone to me and they buy a journal, you'll be entered for a giveaway. But like I said, I'm working on the details.

The other stuff, I'll be tackling today.

Part of it is struggling with this authentic me. I know that writing helps to bring me to my true North. Writing is the art that has always saved me. And I'm working on that. I'm working on making the time. It's hard with 3 teenage boys who are talkative and funny and active. But I just need to make that time.

Another part is photography, and honestly I don't feel it right now. What I feel is a tinge of guilt but I don't feel inspired to do it. I do know that I will return to it. I will enjoy life through the viewfinder at some point.

So what are your struggles today?

Ramblings.

It seems like it has been a really long week. This weekend I plan to write and relax. And that sounds absolutely heavenly to me right now. I don't really fit in a lot of ME time during the summer. And for the most part that is ok. I thoroughly enjoy my boys. However, this weekend their dad is taking them to the coast for a campout. So, I will be left to my own devices.

I've been thinking about some things in my life lately. Some things that just don't seem to be working for me. I need to figure out how to do what I need to do without doing so much that I don't want to do. My end goal is to be more authentic. And let's just say that it isn't so much the case in some areas right now.

I will begin, I believe by scheduling more time to write. When I'm writing or teaching my class, I am so happy. I feel like I am doing what I am meant to do. Speaking of teaching, my next ARTIST EMPOWERMENT CLASS will begin September 6. I am thrilled to be offering it again, and I will be posting more details soon! If you have questions in the meantime, leave me a comment or shoot me an email at robynsart@live.com

Seeking Balance

I noticed yesterday that I'm an all-in kinda girl. Lately my thoughts have been on freelance writing, and writing my Round Table Discussions. I haven't taken a photo in at least a week, or even edited one.

When I took the above photo, we were at Multnomah Falls. I have photos from the same area from over a year ago. I've been struggling lately with seeing the same sights all the time. They are breathtaking and majestic. But I have captured them in the past. I think that's why I'm drawn to be a travel photographer and writer. I ache for the new. I plan on many new trips this summer, and hopefully it will be the start of something.

I don't want to stop doing photography. Yet I've shoved it to the back. I have had many people contact me about doing Round Table Discussions, but nothing concrete has been set up yet. Still, no photos.

I tried editing some photos last night, and probably would have been more successful, but other things came up and took precedence (mainly a lot of cleaning since we were just told our annual apartment inspection is today). This weekend I hope to find more time for editing and listing photos.

And more time to dream of places to photo. I am moving next month, it's only one town over, but there are new sites. Lots of discovery will occur, and I will take my camera.

Balance will not always elude me. I will find a way to make all of my dreams fit.