The Artist's Way Week 1 - "Recovering a Sense of safety"

My check in:

1. I did 6/7 days of morning writings. It was very cathartic to externalize some of the chronic worries that plague me, and looking back and reading some of them I thought how crazy it is that these things dance around in my mind. There was some really positive thoughts too though about my accordion playing.

2. I almost went to the dollar store for my date, but I didn't just want to buy a bunch of cheap candy... sigh, my weakness. I decided to set time aside to take a long bath and listen to music. There's something to be said about super hot baths. The Japanese really enjoy them. It felt really good and relaxing to set aside some time for that. This next week I want to take myself out to a meal.

3. Something I have already been working on is taking a negative blurt and finding a kind way to spin it into something positive. A positive thought like that can change the day for me. It was really interesting to dive into my past and see the people who supported me and the people who tore me down. It's crazy how experiences from almost twenty years ago stick with me. They don't hurt the same way but they still pop into my head. I might send one fellow an email about how he supported me in a time of great need. The time travel was powerful.

Sorry I am late. I enjoyed reading all of the checkins.

1. Missed one day. Had a hard time getting beyond “What I’m doing/thinking.” And “What I gotta do.” But got a couple interesting personal intuitions.

2. Went and contemplated the view over Green Bay to Michigan.

   
   

3. Had some hard times finding motivation to play.

During this period of time where I have to spend more time on this house remodel than I can on my accordion, I WILL say I'm lucky to be around a very creative and talented friend, who is full of practical and impractical ideas, and watching him work, think, ponder, and act is very educational to me. I don't have any creative intuition around home design: choosing paint colors, fixtures, appliances, flow. The tasks of decided how to do a new kitchen and bathroom to update this old beatup house just feel daunting, but with my friend's help it's so much easier, and working alongside him is such a wonderful way to learn - to see how he works.

This first week was a little tough for me, as I flew from PA back to the desert of So Cal, where we had no power due to fire danger AND a good friend of mine is out here now for the month and he is taking the lead in the house remodeling, which is so helpful, but I was pretty consumed getting the project started, moving back into this house and all that. Also - I really couldn't find an enjoyable and affordable concert for my artist date, I'm determined not to let that stop me this coming week, and I'll do something-anything with myself even if it's not the most ideal.

1. I skipped two days. And mostly did not do them when I first woke, but I'm going to try to get into that routine.

2. I did not! But I promise myself I will now that I'm here, and I actually found some cool concerts for this weekend so that will be great.

3. No issues - my only observation is that suddenly my friend is here to help with the house, and that is such an amazing resource that I need to drop most other things for the next few weeks - so I can't spend the time on my art and artist self that I thought.

1.I've done the daily pages daily. It was an interesting experience just going with whatever popped into my mind.

2. I didn't do the artist date but hope to improve on that in the future. I knew that one would be my biggest hurdle.

3. Nothing significant. Interesting chapter that reminded me of some "interesting" events in my past. Some of these things stick with you even though they were long ago.