Red Cedar
More apocalypse, less angst
creative endeavours
i’m playing hooky today, having decided that the whole body/mind combination for me was about to come unglued due to too many days of people in a row. i am particularly stressed these days on the job because of all the union hearings this week and next, which i need to hold some empathy for the human race in reserve for…. so i decided it would be best to squeeze in a mental health day before my next hearing (thursday), lest i lose all patience with everyone. and lucky me, it has turned out to be a rainy day here on the coast, which gives me a perfect excuse for staying inside, listening to music, and reading books. i may even get around to unpacking the rest of my library room later today.
i have decided to teach myself how to play the guitar finally, and am planning a trip to tom lee music later this week to buy a new acoustic (ben gave me some good advice on solid tops that are made in canada and not too expensive). i own a classical guitar that came from my mother, but the wide neck has always been an impediment to my very short fingers when it comes to chording. since i have been through that exercise unsuccessfully in past years, i am going to circumvent the frustration and just buy a guitar that fits me. mostly my desire to learn is for social purposes, to be able to play and sing my own songs at parties – and for writing new material. i don’t ever forsee playing the guitar with the flying folk army since we have three exceptional players in the band already. i have always wanted to be able to sing and play around the campfire though – and i feel like this summer is a good time for creative ventures of all kinds.
the other thing i want to focus on is my writing – both creative and non – as my needs for expression are surpassing this blog and i suspect i have some more songs and possibly a story or two tucked away inside me somewhere. the only thing i’m not sure about is where i will find the time to put the practice into both guitar-learning and writing that i need. i think possibly the ferry will become writing time now that i have my computer all retooled and happy, and music practice (which includes spending more time on the fiddle) will be evenings after work and the weekends i am kicking around the coast.
i’m excited anyways – about the music and the writing – i haven’t felt this creatively driven in ages.
One Comment on “creative endeavours”
Red Cedar 
This is the first time I’ve commented on your blog, though I think we’ve conversed on Derrick’s listserv. What’s the expression? Long time reader, first time commentor….
Anyway, being suddenly struck with a creative drive is a high that I enthusiastically welcome. The problem is maintaining this drive. It seems as though you are assigning specific times during your normal schedule in which you can do them. This is good because you don’t have to make more time, you just utilize your time better. If you haven’t already watched Time Management for Anarchists, I highly recommend it. Its funny but oddly useful at the same time.
Maybe you could post a story or two after you scoop them out of your head. I’d be delighted to read them.