Friday, October 1, 2010

october 1st

I woke up this morning and had this great feeling. That feeling of waking up on a december morning after the winter air had invaded your room overnight. It's cold but you like it, and you head downstairs following your nose to the kitchen where your mom had started fixing breakfast - coffee cake and eggs and bacon. Then you go snuggle into the sofa with your coffee mug warming your hands and your heart, listening to the crackle of the fire, and it's not until then that you realize it's Christmas day.

So maybe I woke up today and realized that I wasn't at home on Christmas day in my comfy bed with bacon on the stove downstairs and coffee waiting to be sipped on. Instead I was in a dorm room. But I found that instead of disappointment, I felt contentment. I swung my legs over my lofted bed, fixed a bowl of cereal, put Nat King Cole on the Crosley, and settled into my hammock. Molly and I decided that because it was October, it was now officially fall and the season of holidays. Which is the best time of the year. And the reason I felt so content this morning is because I have decided my favorite part of my everyday routine is waking up in the room, feeling at peace with no cares in the world. There is absolutely no feeling of being rushed... we eat, drink coffee, read, journal, have a quiet time, and listen to the record of choice for the morning. Not a bad way to start the day.

This morning, I opened the book "Bittersweet" by Shawna Niequest, and sure enough, the chapter is called 'love song for fall.' She talks about pumpkins and changing leaves and moving forward as seasons change. She elaborates on how we were made to create and how it makes us feel whole and alive. She notes that there really is no need for another artist in the world, but then interjects, saying that the world may not need another painter or musician, but you might. Sometimes it is so easy to put aside your craft - whatever it may be - and just do mindless work: clean the kitchen, do your laundry (read my accounting book...). But as an artist, sometimes you just have to set that stuff aside and focus on your craft. Get off your butt, get off that wifi you're stealing from your neighbor, and create.

Sometimes all we need is someone who is pursuing their own art to be right there beside us for that boost of creative energy. Shawna talks about going to a coffeeshop to meet a friend, and while they don't talk much, they both know they're there for each others encouragement. That being said, I think the best friends you can have are those whom you can share silence with and not feel awkward, but at peace. And while Shawna focuses on honing your craft, your innate drive to create, there's also something to be said for enjoying those artistic endeavors of others - music, literature, paintings - whatever they may be. One of the greatest artistic endeavors I marvel at is the world that was created for us to live in.

While this morning could not be better as of yet, the plan for tomorrow morning involves a walk to a coffeeshop, the outdoors (tis the season), and Harry Potter. Oh, yeah.

love,
anne

2 comments:

  1. I had to look up what a "Crosley" was (a record player for those of you who are less hip), but I love your new entry. As a visual artist, support from others is crucial. Maybe advice isn't a necessity but certainly for the "energy" you described.

    Keep it up annie, I miss you!

    -chloe

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  2. chloball, you're quite an inspiring individual. can I get a chloe bristol original before you're famous?

    love,
    anne

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