I have some times set aside every Tuesday and afternoon to do creative exploration.

That might be trying a new technique or practising something that’s not part of something I’m currently trying to create, it might be reading, something, new, or taking a class, or anything at all that’s about expanding my creativity.

Yesterday was a snow day, and I had the opportunity to take two online classes.

They were both terrific. Not only were the subjects interesting and the presenters very very skilled the host of the classes created a good feeling and helped it seem like we were all working together on this. It was much more like being together in person.

So I’m not only going to take the lessons from the classes, but I’m also going to use the structure that the classes took place in for future zoom meetings that I’m hosting.

First thing this morning I was debating whether I wanted to walk the dog in the pouring rain or wait until it started to snow.

It’s nicer to walk in a little snow than in a lot of rain…

But what if the wet sidewalks got slippery quickly once it started to snow?

And what if, once the snow started, it got messy really quickly?

Before I overthought it too much – I am really trying to stop looking to optimize – I bundled up and went out.

It was wet and chilly but, as usual, the imagined walk was harder than the actual one.

Well, art with truth in it, at least.

I was hoping to have a restful Sunday, a straightforward one, to ease me into the week.

That didn’t quite work out.

I got some things done today, but I sort of felt like I was running back-and-forth the whole day and not quite focussed on anything, and that left me feeling at loose ends in a way that I really didn’t enjoy.

So, lesson learned.

When my day feels scattered, I need to do a focussed activity.

I had a great time at an online writing retreat today.

Even though I know that the best way to charge up my writing battery is to spend time with other writers, I often forget to actually do it.

After today I feel peacefully content with my plans to get back to the page.