Beware of digging into things you should not. It never turns out well; the revelation will be painful, though predictable, and scar the guts deeply.
Answer: find the path forward—boldly, with full feathers and song.
Finding
Category: goals
Shifting
This is the time of year I love most (even if my allergies disagree).
The birdsong and frog song, the succession of blooming plants, the longer days, and the shifts between sunshine and rain.
I’m finishing up a project that I’ll be sad to leave. I love the characters, the setting, the story. I’m sure I’ll be doing future revisions and edits, shifting and changing, but for now, I’m going to move onto the next big thing.
These moments of shifting can feel good. “Hey, I finished a book!”
Yet, I can also feel unsure.
The possibility awaits: wonderful and scary; exciting and daunting; a dash forward and a long pause. All those contrasts hit me, freeze me.
I’m back to the act of creating again. The pen to the notebook–
shifting.
15 for 15
For 2015
Love
Laughter
Compassion
Humility
Health
Determination
Strength
Spontaneity
Innovation
Immersion
Intuition
Playful
Tenacity
Focus
Vibrance
Happy New Year!
MLK Day
Remember those who are willing to speak
and love,
those who inspire hope in others
and weave the threads of understanding
to connect our world.
Those are the people who inspire me.
Still Here . . .
Where have I been?
Working, of course!
Writing, day job, helping with homework . . .
I haven’t forgotten.
October is beautiful and oddly warm and dry. I’m enjoying this unusual weather, but I’m also concerned because this is far from normal for the Pacific Northwest.
I’m almost at the end of the long project, and I’ve been getting up at 5 to work on my writing. It’s a magic hour before email, the Internet, work, and getting the family ready for the day.
I hope your hours are filled with creative energy and beauty!
Milestones
A sunset from Malibu.
The end of the year, and the start of a new one.
The end of one story, and the start of a new one.
Yesterday I completed revising and editing my novel, Never Fall.
The revision process for this particular manuscript felt like an epic journey of sorts, so I felt like celebrating a little. At the very least, I could give myself a pat on the back.
I finished another story.
Well, not quite. For I’m sure more editing and revising will follow.
The process isn’t quite done yet.
Still, I consider my work a milestone. I finished.
On to the next project . . .
Recently, while perusing in-flight television, I happened upon an interview with the director for the film The Artist.
I haven’t yet seen the film, but Michel Hazanavicius captivated me with his passion and commitment to the artistic process. He emphasized the value of the story and considers this the heart and magic of what captivates us.
I agree.
Story.
The story keeps me falling in love over and over again with the the process of writing.
Today, I embark upon another journey. A new story.
I hope this year will bring you many new stories and milestones.
Happy 2012
>First Day
>The new year is born in a day of dazzling sunshine and snow lingering on the hills.
I spent the morning working in the garden. Cutting back spent hollyhock and foxglove stems . . . Pushing aside the worn feverfew and poppy plants to see what new life will emerge in a month or two.
1-1-11
There is so much anticipation in this year to come. My revisions should be done soon, and I’m working hard to finish up an intrinsic novel. At home, I will continue to enjoy the magic of my boys.
Exciting, healthy, delightful months ahead.
With writing, I want to work on the craft of imagery and detail. I will be returning to the lovely world of poetry to help me with this task. Who knows? I may get a few worthwhile poems out of the process.
Finally, I have a short phrase that has become my mantra or theme for the year to come. Some may find a little silly or peculiar, but those who know how darn serious I can get at times, may understand why I picked it.
Here it is my theme for the new year:
Lighten up!
What is yours?
Happy New Year everyone!
Michèle Griskey 
