Ramblings

On a friend's recommendation, I recently ordered The Right to Write by Julia Cameron. I think it's interesting that it took me as long as it did for me to call myself an artist. But now I finally feel like I can claim that title for the long years of practice and effort that I've taken drawing and painting. And, though I've been doing it nearly as long, "singer" is another title that often sounds just as pretentious to claim as "artist." But I sing, therefore I am a singer. I create art, therefore I am an artist.

But one thing I have never laid claim to is being a writer. Or, even more scary, a poet. Sure, I write on here and I journal. But really, that's about it. But there is something about this particular art that intrigues me, perhaps even calls to me. One of my life ambitions is to write a children's book and have it published. I have a draft that I need to brush up on and see where it can take me from here. I need to work on it soon because it deeply expresses my gratitude to my parents and I would sincerely love seeing them read it. I think I will share the draft with them.

I have taken one writing workshop that I extremely loved. The guidance via prompts yet the freedom to write were both incredible to experience. So, with that in mind, I'm going to see what the inspiring Ms. Cameron has for me in my latest book experience with her.

I don't know what will become of my writing. Maybe it'll be a helpful, developed from of self-expression. Maybe it'll grow into something more, though I don't have many thoughts at this moment of what "more" may mean. One thing I know it will do is give me an outlet for writing that is more representational of who I am. As a Chaplain, I document my interactions with patients and families. The formulas I use to write are dry and concrete. I do not feel comfortable nor do I think it is appropriate for me to write in the flowery, poetic style that feels more comfortable to me. But I need to do that somewhere! Otherwise it remains bottled inside, swirling and writhing, longing for release. Expression is such a beautiful form of release. Therefore, I hope to express more and filter less. Who knows what may come!