Sunday, January 08, 2006

Blogging the Artist's Way

I can't quite believe I'm actually doing this but I am. I read the intro Chapters to The Artist's Way last week and am digging into Week 1 right now. What a great way to begin the New Year.

One of the cornerstones of the program is Morning Pages, three longhand pages each and every day. So far, I'm on track. I thought "hey, three pages can't be too hard." I realize now "three pages is a long journey, with some very big silences." The good news is that I am finding my voice. Writing longhand is a different experience than writing at the keyboard. It seems to have a greater connection to my head and heart. I'll be shifting over a fountain pen tomorrow; I don't know why I started using a rollerball. As a fairly enthusiastic fountain pen collector, I have about seventy pens to choose from. There's no excuse for not having a great pen at hand.

The Morning Pages seem to be singular exercise. I'm not sure whether we go back and mine them for information or insight. Cameron recommends sticking the pages in an envelope. I have a standard notebook for the purpose.

I am excited about the Moleskine journals I have for the new year. I have the daily calendar (large size) so that I can make notes, musings and observations on the day. This will help with my goal of being more present every day. I also have a blank Moleskine (large size) for drawings, projects, lengthier thoughts and reflections. I keep reading comments from the Moleskine obsessed that these little notebooks work magic all their own. I'm looking forward to falling under their spell.

That's all for now. Dinner awaits.

5 comments:

Aenigma said...

Someone recommended a fountain pen to me, suggesting I get a disposable one to try it out first. The major office supply stores don't have any. I'm also left-handed and wonder if the point is moot anyhow (though I hold my hand normally, not turned inward). If you know of anyplace in the Bay area that sells the kind of fountain pen I'm seeking, I'd love to know!
Kathryn
http://www.kathrynpetro.com/mindfullife

Leah said...

yes, i need a fountain pen too. when writing 3 pages of longhand it becomes so very clear that a good pen is needed. i've been trying different pens and haven't found one i like yet.

Sharon Delman said...

Kat, what fountain pens have you tried? Based on what you have or haven't liked, I may be able to make suggestions.

Sharon Delman said...

Kathryn, you're in the Bay area. The Japanese stationers tend to stock disposable fountain pens. Have you looked into Kinokuniya in Japantown in SF? I believe Pilot makes a disposable and it's pretty good. I realize being left handed poses an additional challenge but I'm happy to help you try to find the right (write) instrument.

SD

Rebekah said...

Oooooh a fountain pen collection. Fabulous! Do you do calligraphy too? And a moleskin journal. It sounds that you are inspired to express. My curse - trying to make everything perfect in a beautiful journal. They tend to stay empty because I don't want to mess them up. I'm writing morning pages with a variety of pens - I like to see the different colors.