Here I go!

[Christie]

I'm beginning the "30 Days" today, November first. Many of my online friends are involved with that novel writing challenge thingie for November, so this is a good month. On the other hand, we're heading into the holiday season, so I'll be involved with lots of community based commitments, which means it's not such a good time for personal progress, BUT... there will be no perfect time, so why not now?

I still haven't quite figured out this forum. In the interest of learning, I'm attaching a file of a small painting I finished yesterday for my blog. For today's "creative time" I will be working on a design to use as my profile "logo", or whatever that's called.

Thanks for listening!

[Christie]

I'm replying to my own post (groan.) I deleted the attachment 'cause I think it was too big. Bear with me, I'lll get it right next time. Tomorrow!

[Barbara Ann Storrier]

Thanks for joining in, Christie ... looking forward to it ... let us know if we can help with the photos!

[Dan Goodwin]

Welcome to Thirty Days of Creating Christie!

Reply here to this discussion to keep us updated on your progress. November is set to be a very creative month here on CCS, glad you're on board...

Dan

[DJ]

Christie, So glad you joined us for the 30 Day Challenge!
Can't wait to see your work..
Love & Laughter,
DJ

[Christie]

OK - It's the second day into my 30 and yesterday I didn't post and today I almost didn't post. I did pick up some art projects both days, but less than an hour's worth & nothing finished to share. My major accomplishment is so seemingly unrelated that maybe I shouldn't list it, but... I ran. Saturday I got in 3 miles with only a couple of "walking" breaks and today I did the full three running strongly. Haven't done that in a couple of months and I'll be up to 5 mi within the week.

Now, how does this relate to studio time? I dunno. Maybe it has to do with self discipline, but I doubt it, never been big on that. I only know last year I ran my first marathon and it was a powerful experience for me, which somehow translated into meeting a bunch of major creative objectives, as well. But after the training I slowly shluffed off, from lack of goals, no doubt, and it's been weighing on me.

Another thought about the physical/creative connection is, for some time I've known I'm ADD-addled, but not been sure what to do about it. Running helps -- a great deal, really. Something about endorphins or what-have-you, but when I'm running I'm utterly focused, there's nothing else. Afterward that feeling lasts long enough for me to get busy with other goal-oriented endeavors without the extreme distractibility I'm ususally dealing with. So, I feel I'm off to a good start. Oh, I mailed in an application for next year's marathon yesterday, too. That'll help.

Christie

[Barbara Ann Storrier]

Good start, Christie. I'm one who neglects physical activity, KNOWING how good it is for getting all the other duckies in a row and just as important as any other facet of creativity. You're inspiring!

[DJ]

Christie, I'm so impressed! I need to hear this, since my physical activeness is needing some motivation to get that circulation flowing again. And, as another member posted, "energy begets energy" -- who said that, ladies? I really think productivity begets productivity and your physical shape influences everything, including your creativity.
...So keep us posted on your progress.
...Have you seen Dan's Couch Potato essay? (We naughty thread-jackers dissolved it into humor quite easily, but we know there's a lot of truth in it. :-)
You can find the link in recent activities listing on the main page, where it says who's posting where.

[Dan Goodwin]

Great start Christie!

I agree re the physical activity too. I got into salsa dancing just under 2 years ago and it's been a major positive influence in my life for many reasons, not least of all the way that when you're dancing in full flow you tap into some deeper kind of energy. It's really helped bring more flow to other things I've created...

Keep us posted...

Dan

[kaly]

So nice to be reading the whole thread of comments. I have a colleague in office, who is 48 and runs 2 marathons a year and he is very fit. I cannot run 2 km at 1 stretch, though my BMI is less than 25. Maybe something to do with the energy levels. Dan, I have heard a lot about Salsa dance, and how positive the influcence is. Maybe its a good time for a lazy bum like me to start doing something for a change.

[Barbara Ann Storrier]

I know a woman in her 80's who has had two knee replacements and plays tennis :)

[Christie]

Thank you all for the encouragement. Here's an update, as I haven't been posting regularly.

I'm back on a regular training schedule for a marathon in March. I'm also working on drawings for my blog, (my major creative outlet now) but none posted recently. I want to report that something happened yesterday on my run that has made me very happy! About a mile from home, I saw an old friend who I thought was most likely deceased. Here is that background story, should you wish to see:

http://fromthelabyrinth.blogspot.com/2008/06/is-it-case-of-either-o...

When this little guy ran away from home last January, I had my doubts that he could survive encounters with other, more feral, flocks. Frizzles can't fly from danger and he is too small to fight. But yesterday I saw him happily scratching around with offspring that were definitely his. One happy bird!

Christie

[Dan Goodwin]

Kaly I can't speak highly enough about Salsa. It's been massive for me in so many ways, the actual exercise is the least of the benefits, almost.

Just so much fun, and wonderful to have a way of enjoying being in the flow of something with another person that doesn't have any romantic complications. Really boosted my confidence too, and I've met some amazing people in just under two years.

Check out a class near to you?

Dan

PS/ I do Cuban salsa. There's also NY/ LA Style which is far more showy and the girls have top do lots more spinning! Cuban much more earthy and grounded. Check some out on YouTube.