I feel a shift. It's coming from the nudges in my heart. I'm nervous about telling you this.
I want to write and I do write, everyday. But I also want to paint. Why does that make me feel like a traitor?
I struggle with thinking that if I focus on another thing, my writing will take a backseat. But I know that's not true. I love it too much.
I'm new in this journey of painting and feel like a complete amateur. A kindergartner sitting with college art students. I don't feel like I belong. But I didn't feel like I belonged in the writer's world when I started writing.
So I'm listening to the nudges in my heart. I did a dorky little ceremony today to symbolize that I will take my art as seriously as I've taken my writing. I put on a silver necklace with these words carved into it: dream, smile, laugh. It's a reminder that I'm pursuing yet another part of my dreams.
I will split my two loves in half and give equal portions of time to each of them. It's difficult for me to admit I want to paint to all my dear bloggy friends. I don't know why. I'm afraid, I guess. Taking chances like this are big for me. I'd always wanted to be a writer. I didn't plan on wanting something else just as much. I shouldn't feel like a traitor I suppose; I just want two things instead of one.
Why am I telling you this? Because you've always been such a supportive and loving creative community. You've encouraged me when I needed a pick-me-up and cheered at my victories. I guess I'm asking you to walk with me through this transition of becoming a writer and an artist.
Do you have more than one dream? What nudges in your heart are you following or want to follow?
Scary to be a beginner but a very worthwhile experience I think. This sounds wonderful and the two can go together very well! Best Wishes. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm excited for you. I think the two things will make your life rich and rewarding. When you listen to your creative heart, you soar, I believe.
ReplyDeleteIt is my belief that having more than one passion, be it people or projects or things of the heart, is not love divided in half and thus diminshed, but rather love grown and multiplied, love is endless in source! Painting and writing to me are like two wing of the same bird, I believe you will balance them nicely!
ReplyDeleteWriting and painting are both creative and are not exclusive. They will have unequal demands on your time and you will feel you are betraying one or the other. If you have this urge to paint and write work out when each is best to perform. Clearly painting demands the right light which may not be the best time to write.
ReplyDeleteBe brave and even controversial in all that you do. Looking forward to seeing future posts.
Do it. You'll always wonder, if you don't try. I took up piano for a year a while back and it was great. Not a love of mine, but I never have to look back and say what if...
ReplyDeleteHow exciting...go for it!! Sometimes I think that by indulging in two passions, you actually take the pressure off and perform better than you would have if you are relying on one skill every day. I'm looking forward to hearing how you fare :)
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, it's a strange feeling. Soon it will be just as natural as writing and I'd love to see some of your paintings on your blog!
ReplyDeleteDon't question yourself, just do it! I write, and I paint, and I carve wood, and I take photographs, and each has its own time and place in my daily existence. Sometimes one takes precedence over the other, but they are all equally important. Do it !
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely - just get stuck right in there..looking at your blog page I always thought you were a 'visual' artist too...I do hope you will share your paintings..good luck and enjoy! Jae
ReplyDeletePursue another dream? Why not? Chase them all. I like to think there is always room for beautiful pursuits.
ReplyDeletego ahead...do what you wish.
ReplyDeleteCheers.
Catherine, Such shifts are big, but must be made. I was prompted about a year ago to return to art/painting. My writing has not suffered. My spirit has soared. GO FOR IT!
ReplyDeleteCatherine you are an AMAZING writer and will be just as amazing of a painter. Believe in yourself and you can do it.
ReplyDeleteI too struggle with this same quandry between writing and photography. Let's both be brave.
Make sure you follow your passions no matter what they are. You might find the two of them weave together more often than not but you'd never know it until you try!
ReplyDeleteJust keep writing!
ReplyDeleteHere is my Sunday Scribbling post:
unknown gap
Oh my, I had to comment. I feel this ALL the time. I'm a photographer. Not just for fun. It helps pay my families bills. When I started writing again a few years ago I was horrified to tell my husband. I was sure that he would be like, "Oh great! Now your a writer huh?"
ReplyDeleteHe didn't. But I will admit, I usually swing back and forth. It is hard to give both equal passion. One usually slightly takes a backseat. Thankfully, my photography business is seasonal. Busy int the spring and fall...and then weddings during the summer. It's not accident that I write a lot in the winter...Oh and August when it's nearly too hot to do anything!
It's ok though. You should pursue this. You are a creative person. This is what we do. Embrace it, and give it your full attention if you want too! You'll come back to writing when the muse strikes. The painting may help!
Hi Catherine,
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Thanks!
I need to appologize for not being a very good follower lately. I wanted to respond to this post, though. I think you have an amazing gift of both writing and art. Have you done any picture books? There are many great ways to combine the two gifts. I await your fine creations.
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