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 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.
