The New Year brings with it resolutions to do better . . .
One of mine is to post more regularly to this blog. Truth be told, I have a love/hate relationship with it. I love how it connects me with other potters and people who love my work. The encouragement and tips offered have been wonderful. I have also sold more work from my blog than most shows I participate in, and, I really enjoy a more direct exchange with those who love my work. But . . . I hate posting. Okay, I said it. It’s true.
It’s like this . . . when I am flowing well in my studio, the very last thing I want to do is stop and get on my computer. But that is the very time I should because enthusiasm is high and everything is fresh in my mind. But when I do, the gear change causes me to lose flow. Clay and computers don’t mix, not to mention the concrete walls that surround my studio make the wireless signal impossible to find. I rarely even get cell phone service in there – LOL. This isolation is wonderful in that it keeps distractions at a minimum. Instead, they come in the form of real live children who are hungry, tired, fighting with a sibling, or need a ride.
So, to post on this blog, I leave the studio. I re-enter The House (where laundry, and cooking, and cleaning, and homework help calls). And so, by the time I get back to my studio, I rarely seem able to pick up where I left off. There is an indeterminate period of finding my place again. And I hate that. And so then, when life throws me too many curves, I have avoided my blog as one more thing to disrupt flow. My temperament is to IMMERSE myself in flow. . . it is a long-standing battle to fight against that as I try to work in short bursts.
In the time since my last post (um . . . 3+ months ago), I had 3 kids playing Fall sports (practices and games 7 days a week), my spouse became gravely ill with an MRSA Infection (2 weeks of serious illness, then 5 days in the hospital admitted through the emergency room, came home with a PICC line and IV for 4 more weeks), 2 surgeries for him, Thanksgiving, a week long visit from in-laws, Christmas, a ski trip, and we bought a used Mini Cooper (out-of-state) for the Soon To Be 16 Year Old. Today, everyone is finally back at school and work . . . healthy and happy. Okay, the kids are not happy to be back at school. . . (Im happy!)
During my Anti Blog period, I came across a series of articles by Lana Wilson published in Clay Times discussing the unique challenge of raising children and balancing a career in clay. It seems my struggle is not unique (although I never want another Fall like last Fall!) Lana’s thoughts are truly inspirational. If you are struggling with a similar challenge with balance, I encourage you to read her thoughts.
My intent in 2010 is to schedule just an hour, once a week, to write/photograph and post what is going on in my studio. I can’t promise you it will be earth shattering, but I hope it will build a better feeling of mutual support between me and you.
I wish you all the time and energy and flow to meet your goals this year! Happy 2010!
Nona — I relate completely to your post. In fact I was feeling too much pressure to blog & almost quit. But then I decided to just post weekly. It really helped. I hope you keep up with yours as well — I enjoy reading it. Also would like to get together again — thinking of having lunch here instead of going out. I’ll call Barb & try and get a couple of days to choose from. Hope you can join us.
Judy, I have always admired how regularly you post! I read a lot of blogs and really look forward to the “daily posters” . . . but I understand the drain! For myself, I cant imagine having something to say every day. It sounds like a weekly post might work well for you too. I would love to get together you and Barb for lunch at your new “post -flood” studio! It looks wonderful from the pics Ive seen in your blog. Thank you for your friendship and words of encouragement, today and many days!
I usually do clay during the day and computer stuff early in the morning or late at night. My last studio didn’t have a computer and I never answered the phone there and that helped me concentrate. When I was at the college I’d work breaks which worked for me.
Life sure isn’t easy and with your spouse being seriously ill and three children you sure have to give yourself a break. The important things are first and those not so important have to be left out, even if it is your blog. I really enjoy reading about your work and processes. I think the one hour limit is a good idea. Facebook has taken much of my time lately and I’m now limiting myself.
Linda, I think you have the right idea – finding the “right” window to post (where Im not trying to regain flow) might be a better fit – and using a little more discipline with my schedule. That’s exactly what I do with working out, and rarely does something interfere. Of course, I think of exercise as “necessary” for my sanity . . . but I need to consider clay related tasks with the same value. Thank you for your encouragement friendship!