Friday, March 2, 2012

Awakening the Creative Soul Within

Like so many people at this time of year, I feel a bit stretched thin. I'd like to say it's an isolated occurrence, but truth be told, this time of year always seems to pull me down. The never ending juggling act that is my life, means I've been trying to accomplish everything without sacrificing quality. Bit of a struggle...to say the least.

But, I'm not here too complain. I don't want to drum up a pity party for one. Instead I'm here to update you on my new game plan.

Recently I rediscovered a passion that I've long pushed aside - art. I have, in part, Leah Piken Kolidas to thank for this. Her Creative Every Day challenge inspired me to peel back some layers and explore.

I've always enjoyed drawing, painting, scrapbooking...basically doing anything that involves using my hands and getting dirty.Somewhere over the years I shelved these passions for later; too busy to enjoy the freedom I felt when creating art. I focused my attention on writing and that...was that. I was a writer. I attached the label and went on my merry way, forgetting all the other creative things I used to do. End of story.

Or so I thought....

If you follow my blog, you'll know that recently I lost a loved one. He was taken from us unexpectedly. Way too soon. This experience forced me turn inward, and take a good hard look at myself. What makes me happy? What am I avoiding? What am I yearning for? The labels I long ago stuck on myself, seem restrictive now. Like rediscovering my forgotten passions, I'm also rediscovering how I see myself.

So that's what I'm doing. I'm shedding those confining labels to incorporate all aspects of creativity. I've gone from being a writer, to being a creative person. This doesn't mean I'm not a writer, I am. I will always be. However now I can see that being a writer is only one aspect of me. I can no longer ignore the voice that says:

Write, Paint, Draw, Photograph, Create, Learn.....


So Angie, what ARE you working on?


Glad you asked!

I'm exploring the world of mixed media and creating lovely pieces of art. I will continue to post these as part of the Creative Every Day Challenge.

Next week I'm attending a course on editing, which I'm looking forward to. I will continue to edit my novel, and chug along with my WIP. Blog updates will be provided.

I'm also in the final stages of launching the first Write Me Happy challenge called,   22 Things. I'm keeping tight lipped about it right now, but I will say this - it comes with a fancy badge for your blog! Awesome, right? I'm working with a close friend - who is an incredibly talented artist - to design the badge. Can't wait!

When the inspiration takes me - which I hope is often - I will continue to participate in Five Sentence Fiction. A fantastic word prompt challenge that Lillie McFerrin hosts. Check it out!

And that, my friends, is the Write Me Happy update. I hope you will continue to stop by and leave comments. I LOVE hearing from all of you!

What are YOU working on?!


6 comments:

Bullish said...

I love this post, Angie!! I have so many pursuits outside writing that I've always referred to myself as a CREATIVE instead of a quilter or beader or writer. I hope you enjoy stretching your creative wings (!) and I can't wait to hear more about your contest!! *hugs*

Lisa Shambrook said...

It's so easy to get distracted with general life, we forget some of the things that make us who we are! Sometimes I think I concentrate so hard on being a writer I forget the rest of my creativity...I haven't scrapbooked for a while and I'd love to get back into that, so I appreciate your timely reminder...I must get my paints back out!

Diane Fordham said...

I enjoyed this update. Thanks Angie. You definitely are a creative person, and I think pursuing what we enjoy doing, whether it is one thing or several, is a great journey to take. I wish you well x

Angie Richmond said...

Thank you ladies for the lovely comments!!

Anonymous said...

Awesome post!

I also lost a loved one recently. It was sudden and the timing of it seemed almost malicious in every way. I think about him every day, and it's also made me consider what I'm doing with my life and how I'm moving forward.

Thanks for sharing!

Angie Richmond said...

Sorry to hear of your loss Emmie. Take care and thanks for commenting.

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