I love this conversation. I've realized i do well with periods of certain packed days, productive and full, then days (full or half) during which i can chill, rest, walk, wander. Now i've begun scheduling myself like that and it feels wonderful.
I love that you schedule these chill days in. Do you find that time itself has become more spacious, the deeper your commitment to your practice has become? I marvel at what you accomplish, and yet, I sense great spaciousness.
I’m sitting here thinking about this essay while I’m also making marks in my sketchbook, watching an old Sherlock Holmes movie-The Hound of the Baskervilles!! I’m multitasking the things I want to do rather than creating spreadsheets and answering emails while talking in the phone! 😍😎
Sounds perfectly wonderful to me. I’ve been up since four. Did some reading and was falling asleep and then went back to bed for an hour. Luckily my appointments don’t begin until eleven…. What to do…. What to do….
My husband and I have a ritual. One of us asks “what’s on your docket for the day?”. It’s mostly the same, gym, hanging out, studio time. Lots of puttering about. It is part of the creative process. I loved reading this.
We do this in our own way! Mine is usually the same, but Rick is ever-changing. He is really out in the world. I wonder how this compares to before you retired. Thoughts on that? xo
Before retirement we lived for time away from work, especially in the last two years. There seemed to always be something to do that took me away from down time. Now I feel, yeah, there are still things to do, but I can do them on my own schedule. My mornings are for me. The rest of the day is up for grabs. I love the slow down. 💕
Loved this essay! Hooray for down time - time to dream, read, take a walk , write a letter to a friend (not an email). I have been trying to take more time for things like that sprinkled through the day instead of doing what I think "I Must do" before I can "play". Those days when I don't allow "The "Musts" to take over, I have a more fulfilling day and actually accomplish more.
I think that is so important. And especially time for doing nothing but breathing and staring out at the sky. It doesn't take long to feel refreshed :)
I have written some things that I believe sum up my desire to find my creative space. To go about the day as you have shared. And I will share one here.
Leaf and Feather
“Oh, leaf and feather patterns!”
As those ice crystals on the window held her for so long.
I love this conversation. I've realized i do well with periods of certain packed days, productive and full, then days (full or half) during which i can chill, rest, walk, wander. Now i've begun scheduling myself like that and it feels wonderful.
I love that you schedule these chill days in. Do you find that time itself has become more spacious, the deeper your commitment to your practice has become? I marvel at what you accomplish, and yet, I sense great spaciousness.
Lovely essay. You "work" 5 to 9!
Kateri, regardless of how you manage it, I so admire your creative productivity. And just getting yourself set up on Substack is an accomplishment!
Smiling. Thanks, Carol.
I’m sitting here thinking about this essay while I’m also making marks in my sketchbook, watching an old Sherlock Holmes movie-The Hound of the Baskervilles!! I’m multitasking the things I want to do rather than creating spreadsheets and answering emails while talking in the phone! 😍😎
Sounds perfectly wonderful to me. I’ve been up since four. Did some reading and was falling asleep and then went back to bed for an hour. Luckily my appointments don’t begin until eleven…. What to do…. What to do….
My husband and I have a ritual. One of us asks “what’s on your docket for the day?”. It’s mostly the same, gym, hanging out, studio time. Lots of puttering about. It is part of the creative process. I loved reading this.
We do this in our own way! Mine is usually the same, but Rick is ever-changing. He is really out in the world. I wonder how this compares to before you retired. Thoughts on that? xo
Before retirement we lived for time away from work, especially in the last two years. There seemed to always be something to do that took me away from down time. Now I feel, yeah, there are still things to do, but I can do them on my own schedule. My mornings are for me. The rest of the day is up for grabs. I love the slow down. 💕
You have been creatively so busy, and you’ve had a lot happen since. I hope those mornings are extra slow and delicious ♥️
Loved this essay! Hooray for down time - time to dream, read, take a walk , write a letter to a friend (not an email). I have been trying to take more time for things like that sprinkled through the day instead of doing what I think "I Must do" before I can "play". Those days when I don't allow "The "Musts" to take over, I have a more fulfilling day and actually accomplish more.
I think that is so important. And especially time for doing nothing but breathing and staring out at the sky. It doesn't take long to feel refreshed :)
I love this Kateri.
I have written some things that I believe sum up my desire to find my creative space. To go about the day as you have shared. And I will share one here.
Leaf and Feather
“Oh, leaf and feather patterns!”
As those ice crystals on the window held her for so long.
I would venture to guess
11 years of age.
She was truly full of wonder and deep connection.
Inside
her magical
knowing years.
I look for her
more often now.
Deep under tissue riddled by scars,
by grownup behavior, by distance
she has rested.
Waiting for an invitation
long over due.
Bowing to your words, Judy. Only we can invite and only we can answer. At least that is how it has felt to me. Thank you for this ✨