shallow, sallow, mallow, callow, and so on. Rarely has it been a month between writings on this page. Also, rarely has it been so long between completion of fabric pieces. Clay seems to eek out, but glazing and returning to a kiln takes ages. So, I am fallow. Just the other day, I made the grand realization that space or lack thereof is a major factor. Until the weekend, I was crowded into this itty bitty living room, things piled hither and thither both on the floor and on shelves, table and all flat surfaces. No room for the activity I crave.
Realization is usually followed by resistance. Immediately after I realized that there was a lack of space that was having a severe effect came the ever-present resistance to all that would not only soothe my ills, but also allow me to get stuck in to my precious activity. The issue? Look at the mess, and get through it to find that much-needed space for creating as well as for living.
I decided long ago that since there were few demands upon my living room as a social space, I would use said space for fabric and clay work. Actually, the clay has been happening in the dining room. I do truly dislike this space, but after having made the decision to stay here at least until the lease runs out in April 2012, might as well get with the program.
Today brings the first day of a clean table — fabric table — in the living room. No longer do I have a couch on which to languish away my days… there are but two sort of cushy chairs and one uncomfortable rocker in there. And now, there is the redeeming feature of space. I can walk safely and easily across the area on my way to the patio door… opened every morning to allow in some cool air before I go to the pool. It’s sheer bliss.
Speaking of the pool, today marks the end of the 5th week of doing deep water exercise Monday through Friday. I have two short days on the weekend for rest and recuperation, then it begins again. Also, I have made the commitment to put at least as much time in on my apartment as I do traveling to and from the pool and in the pool — roughly two hours each day. May sound like very little time to some, but to me it is a very large commitment — work on the place daily? Never heard of it. Don’t get me wrong. I desire cleanliness and order, but when there is too much “stuff” and a small apartment with very little storage the order tends to go by the wayside for me. The cleanliness is always there, but the order suffers.
Well, writing this short note must draw to a close, as it is getting near time to leave for the daily water experience. Now I must think of getting another bathing suit — have two, but one is getting stretched out — for a daily bath of chlorine on the fabric doesn’t help it at all.
Life is good. Grateful for what I have.
Later……..
2 hours a day! Wow. that’s huge. I can’t even get myself to spend 2 hours a day creating. Some days I don’t even go into the studio…still. And that’s when I’m motivated to do art. Hmmm. Kudos to the commitments. That alone…to be willing to put yourself in failure’s way…so easily. Onward ho!