I don't know why I can't pick it up and read it, but I can't. I agonized over the words and the order of the ideas when I wrote it, but it seems once it was 'out' of me I couldn't go back. I am looking forward, fleshing out the proposal for a possible sequel. But, to my delight, I have found that in the process of looking forward I am actually living the life that I described in my first book!
That realization is such a relief to me because I have often thought to myself 'who am I to instruct anyone how to be an artistic mother?' I see so many awesome Momma bloggers and artists and photographers out there who seem to have it all together. I think 'what could I possibly bring to the table?' Well, I see now that I brought an honest reflection of a process of living that actually works and is real.
Somehow I got the chance to tell my story in book form and I am so grateful for that opportunity. I am not great with words. I stumble over them, I can't find them as easily as I 'see' them in my head*. For example, to the gentle chagrin of my 'words man' husband I can't say which is left or right quickly without visualizing them first; my goodness how many times have I told Mark 'left.... I mean the other left'! Writing a book was the perfect venue for me to communicate words. From the comfort and silence of my home I could mold my ideas, shoot them off to my editor and have her cut out all the unnecessary waffle. A book is the slow old fashioned way of communicating and that suits me fine.
I know my book is not rocket science, but it is practical and I stand behind what I wrote by the way I live my life. I know I am not a cutting edge artist, but my book has projects that I enjoy doing and are easy and accessible to other busy Moms like me. Moms who like small, pretty family focused things; Moms like me who have one foot in the artsy world and the other in the intense world of raising children - with all their demands for food & cuddles, their laughter and sibling squabbles.
So when I think back to what I said in my book - the stuff about scheduling and art goals and doing a little bit of art a day and seeking inspiration in family - I know it is all good stuff. I am putting it into action, even now months and months after reading my book.
I hope that I do get a chance to do another book (I have have been sitting on a book #2 proposal waiting for the summer & house remodel to be over so I could get back to it) but you know if I don't I am pleased with my first one. And judging from the folks that have contacted me there are enough who like it too. If you own a copy of my book and have gained even one little piece of inspiration from it then I am satisfied. Communication needs to have a purpose and my purpose was to hand on the keys to the life of the artistic mother to as many as will listen!
* Oh, and if you are taking part in the wishstudio playgroup on August 30th, then you will hear me stumble over my words on video!!!
Now let me break the rules of blogging and post my gratuitously pretty photo that is totally unrelated to my post, and post it at the end of the post rather than the start!!!! It was inspired by photos by the fabulously talented Shannon Mucha!
*********************
Check in on Saturday to see if 1) you won the follower giveaway and 2) you want to see the adorable soda can earrings I made my daughter this week inspired by Greencraft magazine!
I think that is very typical that once something is finished- our attachmentto it changes-mine sure does- and none of us are together, we all are in the "boat of winging it!"
ReplyDeleteI am throughly enjoying your book. As a matter of fact, so much so, it is enough for both of us. You don't need to read it, the book was written from your heart.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Sounds like you're more of an idea, then process related, person. I've got more ideas than Carter has liver pills and, generally, manage to get a lot of them off the ground -smile.
ReplyDeleteLet me do your proofreading; I'm the i-net geek who sends notes to bloggers when they have mis-spelled words, poorly written grammer, etc. One of these days, one of them will reach out and smack me one upside the head -grin.
You share in such an elegant and personal way. You speak to the mother heart in all good mothers.
ReplyDeleteI have not read the book yet, but it is on my list of winter things to do when I can take the time to really enjoy it cover to cover.
I am a scribbler of words and a keeper of memories. Checking in on your blog helps me to remember, every projectand story does not have to be complicated and that is ok too.
What a very honest and I think eloquent post.
ReplyDeleteLove your photograph it's really ethereal and beautiful.
Good luck, I'm sure you will get the opportunity to write another book.
I am enjoying your book very much and enjoying being a part of The Artistic Mother's Art Group as we go through your projects in your book together.
ReplyDeleteTrudy
Host of The Artistic Mother's Art Group
www.artisticcreationswithtrudy.blogspot.com
"...in the process of looking forward I am actually living the life that I described in my first book."
ReplyDeleteProfound, and yet simple. This little statement resonates deep with me. :-) I'll be meditating on that for a while!
Your photo art is great! When I first saw it, before I read what you said, I said to myself, "that looks like Shannon's work!"
I should add though, it definitely has your flair to it. Are you ladies still doing TriBloom? I always enjoy those.
ReplyDeleteOkay...
ReplyDeleteI just want to say...I absolutely adore you and your book and all those wonderfully creative inspirations of which I am still working my way through and when you do publish your second book...i want you to know i will be right there waiting with baited breath for my copy.
Words can be a complicated avenue, i will agree. My brain works far too fast and most times i scramble to verbalize my thoughts in some sort of admirable fashion. Writing is easier much like a painting. This reworking of each layer until you finally have your masterpiece.
Thank you Shona. It means the world to me to have something so wonderfully pretty and lovely to inspire me on my journey.
You are a joy...a creative one! ♥
ReplyDeletehaving been a writer all my life (newer to art!) I can empathize with your feelings... it's like pushing the send button, posing for a photo, all things that, once sent out into the universe, are, well out there! And that's a great thing, especially since you are living the life you portrayed in your book. the photo at the end of your post is gorgeous, whether it's at the beginning or end:)
ReplyDeleteThat is soo interesting that you haven't wanted to look at your book since you published it. I think there is sometimes a feeling of contraction once we've put something out into the world. For me, it is sometimes a little fear but in your case, it sounds like you had just moved on to the next phase!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, by the way, your book looks wonderful and good luck with the sequel! :)