Bedside table clutter
Journal Sketch
Black marker on bond paper
6 x 9 inches
Barbara Muir © 2010
A few years back, well probably a decade ago
I read The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. I wasalready a journal writer, but not a regular daily
writer. Nobody can sell you on the power of
the journal like Julia Cameron who proscribed
it like medicine, unless it's Natalie Goldberg.
And Natalie and her book Wild Mind was my
original justification for journal writing --
a superb book.
I am fairly devoted to writing the required
three pages -- which is supposed to be the magic
number for creativity. But sometimes now I
confess I write my blog in lieu of the hand written
journal. But it's not really the same. I wouldn't
bother you with some of the trivia or personal
details in my journal.
My point tonight? I picked up the latest Julia
Cameron book on creativity, The Creative Life,
and I'm looking forward to reading it and my novel,
so I'll let you know what I think. Not too surprisingly
I have quite a few journals, and occasionally dip into
them to read about a time in the past, and remember
what I was thinking and doing.
Today I've been reading about a trip to Europe I
took with Steven in 2006. So much has changed
since then in my artistic and thinking life.
It was lovely to go back and see through my description
what we were saying and feeling as we traveled
from England, to Germany to Sweden, then home.
Steven kept wanting to hear more, and then we'd get
lost in talking about that wonderfully romantic trip
in one of the hottest Junes Europe has ever known.
Have a starting-to-write-in-a-journal day.
You are an amazing woman to manage to fit everything into a day that you do and then I read that you even have time to go back in time...now I realize that you are an amazing woman with supernatural powers, too!Barbara,your sketches are spontaneous and full of life.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, I enjoy your blog, and love both your writing and artwork! I am so impressed with your productivity! More powere to you! I am happy to hear about another Julia Cameron fan. I love her, and have read and own all of her many books, except the new. Please keep us informed about how you like it!
ReplyDeleteHi Linny,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much. I think you're amazing too. I so impressed by your work and your positive attitude, even when things go wrong.
XOBarbara
Hi Nancy,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much. I am slowly starting to read it, although it's exam time at the college where I teach, and I am painting in every free minute. It seems like the book itself is a journal. I do like it so far.
Take care,
Barbara
Interesting post Barbara. I could never really get into Julia but Natalie was for me (and still is) a star. It was she who told me to recognise the editor sitting on my shoulder and push him/her off when he/she was in danger of getting too dominant (you know, you can't do that, what will people say, why don't you paint something "nice" instead.. all that sort of stuff). Although Natalie was writing for writers, it's just as relevant for painters.
ReplyDelete