Love Art Baby has become so dear to me over the past 10 months. The steadily growing page views are exciting and the thoughtful comments you write are so meaningful. I am thankful for this community of writers, mothers, fathers, artists and others with whom I have yet to interact. I have plans for many more posts, several of which are sitting in my draft folder, waiting patiently for edits.
You may have noticed I haven't been actively reading your blog posts or writing my own. I had been struggling to keep up and finally came to the conclusion that I needed to find my own rhythm. I cannot leave sincere comments on other's blog posts if I'm rushing to read as many as I can. My own blog posts must come about organically if they are to feel authentic. There is a part of me, perhaps another alter ego, that militantly urges me to push through and keep writing. Mary Alice Dorthjan, my inner child, defiantly resists these thoughts. I am not blocked with my writing. I have plenty of ideas, and a deep well filled with words. But my focus has shifted. Dramatically so. I may not be blogging aggressively this winter, but I promise to keep you updated.
At this point in my life, my time is divided between my one year old, art and work. I'm absorbed in the world of my busy toddler. He is exploring every nook and cranny of our tiny apartment. He is spoon-feeding himself stubbornly and haphazardly. He is demanding baths every night. And he is teething hard. My sore, chaffed nipples can tell you all about it. (Yes, I will be writing about the pains of breastfeeding soon. Because it is not always beautiful and amazing.) I'm also busy painting and sketching. I have finally come to a place where I believe that the process is more valuable than the outcome or product. That is an enormous step for me. The past five years I have been hasty and impatient with my art. Finding pause and my own methodology has been so groundbreaking for me. I want to compile a series of repurposed mixed media pieces to launch the reopening of my Etsy shop.
You can follow my works in progress on Instagram and Twitter. I also post updates on Facebook so go 'like' my page!
You may have noticed I haven't been actively reading your blog posts or writing my own. I had been struggling to keep up and finally came to the conclusion that I needed to find my own rhythm. I cannot leave sincere comments on other's blog posts if I'm rushing to read as many as I can. My own blog posts must come about organically if they are to feel authentic. There is a part of me, perhaps another alter ego, that militantly urges me to push through and keep writing. Mary Alice Dorthjan, my inner child, defiantly resists these thoughts. I am not blocked with my writing. I have plenty of ideas, and a deep well filled with words. But my focus has shifted. Dramatically so. I may not be blogging aggressively this winter, but I promise to keep you updated.
You can follow my works in progress on Instagram and Twitter. I also post updates on Facebook so go 'like' my page!
I struggle with keeping up with my blog, I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like with a 1 year old! You are so right, find your rhythm. Write as often as you like and don't give in to the pressure of putting something up. I write when I can. Some weeks I don't write at all, some weeks I write 3-4 posts. The most important thing is that you are putting your family and art first. :)
ReplyDeleteI know you can empathize, since you are extremely busy yourself! I get overwhelmed when I am on Twitter and see everyone tweeting links to their blog posts. Sometimes, you just need to take a step back and reprioritize. :)
DeleteThank you for keeping us updated. It is a small way I can still journey with you all. Much love. B
ReplyDelete