Rockin' the Granny Tote

I'm going to try a new thing, which is actually a old thing.

Though I finally gave up my attempts to completely read (and do) a Julia Cameron book, there was one idea in one of her many books (and I can't remember which one) that sprouted a root in my brain--the idea that it's not necessary to find a large block of time in which to write. Instead, she suggested that one look for little nuggets of time--perhaps having a breakfast, lunch and dinner type of writing times, with a few snacks thrown in for good measure.

While giving it thought, I realized that for it to work, I needed to make my writing portable. I needed to have it one place--my fountain pen, some miscellaneous pens, a couple of legal pads, a journal, and whatever notes or articles of inspiration I was using at the time--easy to get to and easy to carry.  At the same time as all this thinking, I actually stumbled over the perfect bag for me, for this purpose--a bag that's almost too much (and perhaps IS too much for some of you), a loud, in your face, painted cats and sequins bag. I quickly snatched it up.

And then lost it in the closet, forgetting all about the "little bursts of creativity."

Luckily, I have friends. Friends who often think along the same lines that I do, and read a lot of the same books as I do. Today a friend suggested that big chunks of structured time may not work, especially right now with Nathan home all day. He referred to Cameron's idea, and it all came flooding back--my initial excitement about the idea, the free feeling it gave me, and the bag. The delightful bag.

So I've dug it out of the closet, and I'm choosing what to put in it. When it's filled, I'm keeping it right out in the open--maybe on the sideboard in the dining room, or perhaps next to the couch in the living room. Somewhere prominent, where I'll see it a hundred times a day. Somewhere easily accessible, where I can grab it as I head out door. 

I'm feeling ever so optimistic.

 

Comments

[Karen]

Virginia--yes, I had to take the sacred out of it. I mean, that it be done at a sacred time, at a sacred place, with sacred tools. It sounds good, but in reality, it makes it too big and too scary. Now, it's everyday--casual, no big deal. Sooo much easier to handle! And yes, I too regret that I'm so far away from dear friends. When is teleportation going to become a reality?!

[Virginia]

I love this vibrant blue bag with the marvelous cats and the idea of making your writing portable. I use a plainer blue 'Life is Good' bag myself, but it works great when I walk downtown for coffee, a meal, or to people-watch while sitting on a bench on Main Street ... and when I head to the pier, bike trail on the bluff, or sandy beach nearby. Until Jan (of 'My Dumbo Feather' and her friend Kathy helped me clear clutter from my home on a recent visit, my blue bag sat at the bottom of the stairs with lots of other 'stuph' but now it hangs from the 'hat rack' at the bottom of the stairs ... just as accessibly.

I'm so glad you've created a new 'virtual' spot to share and look forward to catching up with you as time permits even as I wish that Maryland wasn't on the other side of the continent from me because I'd LOVE to meet you for coffee and a chat right about now. Instead, methinks I'm going to brew myself a cup with my new Keurig machine and log on to Giraffe Journal to follow your fine example. I need to get back in the routine of posting more regularly.
Hugs and blessings,
Virginia

[Karen]

I think I actually talked with you about the bag and the plan, Kara, the FIRST time I considered it! LOL!! I'm still getting used to the idea of little bursts of creativity, but I think in the end it will work quite well!!

[kara]

I love the bag! I like it even more knowing that you are gonna use it for the ease of grabbing little bits of writing time.

[Karen]

I'm feeling good about it!! Thanks for stopping by!!

[The Other laura]

I love it! I definitely do opportunistic writing in the summer when hanging out with Max. I hope it works for you!