Artist’s Way: Week 11 Check-In

1.) How many days this week did you do your morning pages?

Morning Pages: 6/7

Despite all of the distractions, it felt good to pull through and complete at least 6 out of the 7. I should be feeling disappointed that I skipped Sunday’s morning pages. but at this point, I need more encouragement than negativity.

Night Pages 5/7

I started the week slowly by skipping Monday and Tuesday, though finished strongly. Looking back, I

2.) Did you do your artist date this week? 

I’m so proud to answer… YES! I rocked the Burchfield Penney Art Center at Buffalo State College. I was only there for 90 minutes, so I felt rushed. But I loved the   current exhibit, “Artists Among Us II.” It’s filled with a range of members’ work. While I was unable to discover the artistic merit in some of the pieces, I enjoyed the showing as a whole. Specifically, 2 pieces deeply inspired 2 separate picture book ideas. One dealt with a dirty unicorn, and the other revolved around a girl who swims everywhere. Since I went later in the day, I was all alone in the gallery. Well, I shouldn’t say I was alone. I was surrounded by creativity. I LOVED IT! I need to start booking solo sessions at art museums.

3.) Did you experience any synchronicity this week?

Most of the week was spent visiting my Uncle at Hospice. While I planned to turn my emotions into creative substance, I found that myself blocked. Instead, it was a chance to let inspiration. I was too focused on Tom to isolate myself into a productive state.

At HOSPICE, on the final day that my beloved Uncle Tom was semi-coherent, he made a request. “Jokes!” It took us a few minutes to realize what he was saying, but basically I got the message. He knew his time was up, and all he wanted to do was laugh. Even if his facial muscles were too weak to express it, we made sure to make him laugh inside. It made me understand that people expect me to be imaginative, goofy, and funny. By not supplying laughs, I’m letting people down. I can’t parade around like I do, and not tell a few jokes, even when death is knocking. I respect my Uncle so much, and him calling on me for entertainment is empowering.

4.) Were there any other issues this week that you consider significant for your recovery? 

What was extremely significant was that in my 11th week, I only completed 1 task. BOOOOOO!!! “Crave, go to your room. And write! You owe it to yourself to be more consistently creative!”

With one week left, I need to go out in style! Though, a part of me still has a “get out of jail free card” in my pocket. With my Uncle’s state, and the recent breakup with my girlfriend of 2 1/2 years, I know I may not have it in me. I do believe that I will complete Week 12, I guess I lack the confidence to feel that I will accomplish more.