Here we are at the beginning of a new year. It’s a relief to put the last one behind me. If last year were a hairstyle, it’d be a Mohawk: scary all around and just plain ugly in the middle.
The year wasn’t totally without highlights. There IS an upside to having your life turned upside down. You’re compelled to take personal inventories, to appreciate things differently. Nothing like being flipped hip pockets over split ends to make you sit up and take notice.
I’ve enjoyed taking classes again. After sweating out some fears in computer workshops, I took a semester length class (got an A!). I signed up for two more this coming semester. It’s surreal to be in that environment after so many years, but I like being there. How often do people take a hard look at their lives, realize their dissatisfaction, and keep on doing the exact same things? It’s like watering a dead plant every day and hoping an orchid will pop up. But who am I to talk? Without a good kick in the pants, I fall into the category of stick waterers.
Being forced to set aside writing/illustrating pursuits brought an unexpected revelation, too. Even though I enjoyed what I was doing, I had a nagging feeling I wasn’t representing myself in a very authentic way. I doubt nagging feelings lead to wild success and utter bliss, so I’m okay with letting it all simmer on the back burner for now.
That leaves me with a question -what to do with this blog? It hangs in the blogosphere and in the back of my mind. I miss the camaraderie. I just haven’t quite figured out a way to keep it up.
So, no resolutions …just faith that this year is going to be better. It’s off to a pretty good start. I’d say so far it’s more like a bowl haircut: kinda funny looking, but ready for that awkward growing-out stage.
Happy New Year. Hope it has the right amount of bounce to it.
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18 comments:
I hope 2011 is good to you, Adrienne! Good to see you posting!
Hi Kelly! Right back at ya! And I had to at least get a New Year's post in (hopefully posting won't become an annual event...)
How funny! I was just thinking about you the other day--wondering what you were up to, appreciating again your pretty picture on my wall.
A bowl haircut--well, that is a classic anyway! Here's to a classic year head for you.
Good to see you, Adrienne! You've been missed!
Even if there's not much time available for writing and illustrating, you have such talent, I hope you won't let go of the dream completely.
A friend of mine was awarded a scholarship to last year's summer SCBWI conference. If there's any chance you could manage to get the time to go, you should apply for a scholarship. I'd love to see what happens when you get your portfolio in front of art directors!
Happy 2011! Hope this is a better year!!!
Happy New Year, Adrienne! I'm sure your 'bowl cut' will turn out attaining some great highlights as it grows out!
Green Girl - I know a few people who could use a better year - let's hope it's a classic one for all of us!
Ara - You are too kind! A conference scholarship would be a great opportunity. I hope to get back in touch with SCBWI soon.
Linda - Happy New Year to you, too! I hope you're right!
I'm glad to see your post, Adrienne. I hope you'll continue to keep up with your blog. It ALWAYS brings a smile to my face, or makes me laugh hysterically. One or the other! Good luck to you with the new year. I hope it's better than the last! :)
Hi Adrienne, hope this new year brings you good news . I'm sure your computer classes will benefit you too.
Rena - Hope it's a great year for you, too. And I hope I have more time to visit my favorite blogs. :)
Keats - I'm not sure yet what will come out of the computer classes, but it can only help. I just feel like I have so much to learn!
It's good to see you back in the blogosphere. For what it's worth, I've been checking your blog from time to time, hoping for more posts.
Lately I've been trying to do things slightly out of my own comfort zone, like driving when it's stormy or writing in different genres. It's NOT easy, but I'm almost always glad I did it.
What about posting vignettes or little snippets of things as they come to you?
Your description of the mohawk completely describes my year too. It made me laugh out loud.
As for the blog, don't make any decisions. As for 2011, I'm taking it one day at a time. Anything is better than 2010.
I hope your bowl cut grows out well.
Good for you for being back in classes. And congrats on that A!
wow! You do have alot going on! You go girl. I love your attitude. I keep waivering back and forth to figure out what direction my blog should take too. Have a great 2011!
Mary - It makes my day that you pop by from time to time! I know what you mean about comfort zones...they tend to shrink if you don't keep stretching them.
As for the snippets - you'd think I should be able to do that, especially considering how often I start to write posts in my head...
Suzanne - Sorry you've had that kind of year too! This one's bound to be better!
Debbie - Thanks! And Happy New Year!
Christy - Whatever direction your blog takes, I know it will be creative and entertaining :)
You are awesome, Adrienne. Your honesty and ever present sense of humor is a joy. I ALWAYS enjoy my visits to your blog.
I'm sorry this year has been rough. Mine has too. I was glad to toss the calendar and move on! I love your analogy with watering a dead plant. That's perfect.
I'm hoping for good things in 2011!
Adrienne -- It makes my day that it makes your day. Seriously!
Hi Becky! Dontcha love the chance for a fresh start? I'm hoping for good things for you too!
Mary - :)
I hope you have an excellent 2011 that ends up being a wonderful kind of hairstyle :)
p.s. I like the new drawings that you're using with your posts this year. They are so much fun (the dog, the zombie robot, etc.).
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