Do You Know Doh?

I signed up for a simple three week class.

I've done this before and found helpful advice but nothing that was earth-shattering. 

This time was different, maybe not earth-shattering ( no rumbles of the fault lines here in SW Ohio) but certainly soul-awakening.

I was supposed to learn about publishing in the art world.  Instead, I learned what I want from my life.

Most folks know that I have four children and that one of them, Alex, has a challenging life path.  I have spent many years working toward creating a fulfilling and meaningful life for him.  I was a disabilities advocate, lectured medical students about the impact of care on the family, wrote for and edited a statewide newsletter.  Several of my articles were reprinted through the local Down Syndrome Association. 

Later, I wrote for Christian publications.  But it all came to an end when Alex's needs required my full attention.

Many of you also know that my marriage of 38 years is coming to an end.  It has not been my choice but I have come to accept that it is unavoidable.  I have learned that I can and will survive (apologies to Gloria).  Part of my healing has come from looking at myself, my strengths, and my possibilities in the future.

Which brings me back to doh, hoh hoh, hoh! (apologies to Julie Andrews)

Jenny Doh, of Crescendoh!

Jenny is offering "The Keys to Publishing & Building Creative Momentum" as a 3 week class.  Our first assignment charged us with creating a statement of intent for publishing.

 

It took a few hours, but I managed to generate a list.

That was the easy part.

Then we were asked to use her "wheel" method of planning to picture how all of this fit into our life and activities.  I have used the "circle of influence" style of mapping for Alex's needs for many years with the professionals in his life.  I had a difficult time breaking from this method so I created a hybrid.

I like what I see.

Of course, it had to be fabric and thread.  (I gotta be meeeee! Apologies to Frank.)  Note:  All apologies due to the fact that I am singing these songs off-key as I type.  Loud.  The dogs are hiding.

There is still time to join the class.  Check it out.  I am enjoying the sense of community in the group.

But I saved the best news for last!  I have been accepted into my design program at UC Blue Ash.  This old dog is going to learn some new tricks starting in the fall.  I think I am more excited about going back to school than I was when I first entered UC 40 years ago.

So I close tonight with one last song:   "Ch, ch, ch, changes...."

Thank you David Bowie.  Say "Hey!" to Iman for me.

 

 

Comments

[Heather]

You are such an inspiration, and I'm so glad that you are my friend. Congrats on getting into the design courses! That's great and I can't wait to see what you do!

[Sarah S.]

You are amazing, and I know you will knock it out of the park. I am truly so excited for you. To new beginnings!

[Victoria]

Heather and Sarah, "Thank you for being a friend.." You are, indeed Golden Girls.

The song thing may be getting old, a good night's sleep should cure that, but I really do appreciate your friendship and encouragement.

[Jean]

Isn't life just wonderful? it is so awesome when you are blessed with yet another chance to blossom. I'm so excited for you and I look forward to you sharing your "aha!" moments with us.

P.S. love the fabric chart... so you!

:-)

[Ellen]

I am so happy for you! I need to go back to school, too. How exciting! Your sewn circle is beautiful!
It is an amazing class! I am glad you are part of it!
I now have many tunes in my head ;D