In the frenzy of beginning a new year, and reading other people’s tons of resolutions, I only have one goal.
Do all the things.
Probably not the best goal, considering my penchant for perfectionism. And procrastination. But a goal is a goal, and there are things I want to do and new things I want to try. What better time than the new year to shake out the cobwebs and try something different?
Well, Not a Whole Lot Different
It doesn’t have to be complicated. I baked a new type of cookie. Experimented with whole grain breads. Started colorwork knitting projects. Working my way up to more complex things. Art and writing are foremost in my mind. I hauled out my copious quantity of sketchbooks and set them by my computer where I’d have to look at them every day. Also, I reminded myself perfect drawings weren’t the goal, just quick sketches.
I drew with pen liners so there is no going back to erase lines. And then I opened the terrifyingly blank 9 x 12 sketchbook and outlined a few Victorian houses in ink to add watercolor washes to later. My finger slipped and I bought more watercolor supplies because this is the year I’m going to relearn watercolors. I bought small copper plates because I’m going to try etching on something besides plastic plates. Ditto smaller pieces of lino block. Less intimidating.
Besides the sheer joy of buying new art supplies, I bought a calendar and mapped out which days I would do art, and which days I would do writing. I know myself. Without a hint of a plan, I flail.
Same with writing. The new fantasy novel needs about 7 chapters outlined so I can write them and put finished to the first draft. Poems need revising. My collaboration project with Kathleen Cassen Mickelson needs revisiting. Into the calendar. If I want to do all the things, I need a plan to do most of the things. Who knows what other projects will need to be tackled? Like renovating the house. Ugh. (Tables to later.)
Whether this method is going to be my salvation has yet to be seen. I dabbled in it last year. But last year was working full time. This year is not. I have the time. It’s up to me to make the most of it. How do you plan out the Want To Dos in your life? Is there a better method than what I hit on? Is organization for an ADHD person the way to go?
Other Essays
Reading, Writing, and Resolutions
Using Weaving for Bursts of Writing Creativity
For more essays, search the Non-Fiction Links
Favorite YouTube Links for Beginning
How to Organize Your Watercolor Painting
Beginning Linocut Block Prints
Make a Drypoint Etching Print from Recycled Plastic
Designating days for art and writing is a great idea. I too flail without a plan. I still need to put my own art dates on the calendar! Looking forward to sharing some calendar dates with you for our collaborative efforts.
The main thing for me is writing every day. I’m sitting outside a barbershop in Oaxaca waiting for Jerry’s hair cut to be finished. We’ve escaped the snow for 3 weeks. I’m writing about it all in a journal. No computer—too heavy. So glad to be connected with you artists/writers creating your worlds. Wish my battery power wasn’t so low. Hasta luego.