I am feeling overwhelmed. I know it has something to do with me being under the weather this last week, but still…
Right now I have all of these projects I want to do, but don’t know where to start. And I’m questioning this whole artist thing.
I’ve been a writer for my whole life. When I was a child, I spent hot summers in our cool basement reading books from the library and writing stories. One was about a boy named Jacques. (Back then I had this fascination with French men.) The gist of the story was that our whole relationship was started, developed, and maintained through long-distance letter writing. That’s about all I remember. I loved writing stories. I wonder where these stories are now. No, I’m not going to go look for them and take me off into another direction!
With writing I just put the pen to paper or in this case, the keys to the keyboard and just let the words drip out of my fingertips. Writing has always come somewhat easy to me – well, usually. That’s not to say I write or have written flawless pieces with one pass or ever. No, I usually write and rewrite and rewrite and rewrite, even with this blog. I do tend to agonize over every word.
But let’s get back to the artist thing. I’m a newbie as far as seeing myself as an artist. However, I say that, but I do believe writers are artists drawing us in with their words. This is not unlike a fiber artist who draws us in with her design, textures, colors, etc.
So what is my problem today? Well, as I mentioned I’ve been under the weather and have not been able to do anything creative. It’s not like I don’t have the time. I am fortunate that at this stage of my life I have free time, and for that I am so thankful. I’ve just not had any energy to sew or paint or dye.
Today I’ve been finally feeling almost like myself, so while I’m washing clothes I thought I’d start one of the projects on that creative list I started a week or so ago. But I can’t find that list. It has to be on this desk, but I don’t see it.
One thing I like about the laundry is that when the basket is empty I feel I’ve accomplished something. Just like weeding in the garden, I like the satisfaction of completing the project. Even though the clothes will again pile up and the weeds will return, I still have that feeling of accomplishment.
With art, I’m not sure I feel that way. When I finish something, let’s say some dyed fabric, I look at it and evaluate it. I look at it and say, “That’s nice, but next time I want to tweak it and add more blue, etc.” I never say that about the laundry.
So today I had a great day with nothing on my schedule except the laundry. No gardening. No cooking. No anything but finding that list and starting.
Wow! I just found it. The day is half over and I just found the freaking list! Now which one should I start? I look at this list and I’m already tired. The project I started this morning (I did start on something today) is not even on the list! It’s also something new and outside of my comfort zone.
So to make myself feel good today, I hung a couple of completed projects (Yes, self, I do complete things) on the walls in my studio. This piece, Mayo’s Garden, was in the exhibit at one of the local libraries for the past two months.
I named this piece after my grandma, Mayo. This was one of my first ice dyed pieces and still one of my favorites. It will be nice to have it here close to me.
Okay, so now I have this list and a couple more hours until dinner, can I at least get started on one or two of these projects? My first response is no. It’s too close to dinner. Maybe I should reorganize my sock drawer, or look through all of that stuff in the garage again.
There are so many projects I want to do, but I can’t seem to get out of the starting gate. Straightening up the living room takes higher priority than this list. And checking on Facebook is also a real important diversion activity.
Well, thanks for letting me vent my frustration at being overwhelmed today. I sure hope I”m not alone. If you ever feel overwhelmed, what do you do?
It’s funny. I just did what helps me – I wrote about it. I really feel better already. I’m signing off to see what I can get started in these last few hours this afternoon. Thanks for listening and although writing about it has helped me, I’d love to hear from you how you get past being overwhelmed.
Writing ALWAYS helps me. Although when I have assignments to do that aren’t as interesting to me, I have to MAKE myself do them. Setting a deadline into the future always helps also. Some days are just for laundry and a goof off day is great now and then. I had one yesterday — no writing at all — back at it today. Helped a lot. Good luck.
Hi Lynda!
I’ve been reading your blog a couple months and not sure if I commented yet or not. Please know your not alone!! Lol. I question my sincerity in “making art” lately also. For me, I think it’s age related! Haha. Your blog inspires me to make things. I loved your soap post and now have most of the materials to make a batch of soap. Thought I would use lavender instead of calendula. Maybe your just having an off week. In any case, I wish you well. And want to thank you for your inspiration!! It is appriceated!!!
Sincerely
Sherri
Sherri, Thanks! And so sweet to tell me that I inspired you! Wow! That made my day. Thank you for checking in. Oh, substituting lavender is a great choice.
AA, I knew that you’d say that! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Oh Lynda… how it warms my heart to read this entry of yours. “Overwhelmed” is definitely my go-to feeling. You did what comes easily to you, and “wrote” about it. My time is extremely limited with small children at home. I am constantly interrupted. Surprisingly, cleaning the living room (higher priority) does not help. I must spend a little time creating (anything) to feel better, then I can happily clean the living room. Spending time in the garden helps clear my mind as well. Maybe the key is to have a feeling of accomplishment, and something just for you, no matter what it is. The brain is a weird thing. Don’t forget to give yourself permission to rest if you’ve been feeling under the weather (I know, easier said than done!). At least if you do get into a project, your hubby knows how to cook! Thanks for being an inspiration to the rest of us newbies.
I’ve been ice dying thanks to your blog. I love Mayo’s Garden. I don’t suppose you remember which colors of dye you used. 🙂
Darlene, Thank you for the sweet comment. I just knew I was not the only one out there. I almost didn’t post it since I hate to complain knowing how so many of my readers don’t have ANY time with raising kids, working, etc. Your comment about creating anything really is key. It could just be a tag or a small block of fabric. I need to do that and almost did something like that yesterday but stopped myself. Thanks for the reminder and thanks for appreciating my ramblings. And I am blessed that hubby is such a great cook.
Hi Judy! I’m so glad you are ice dyeing and so glad you came to it through my blog. That is so neat! Thank you. For Mayo’s Garden I used Procion Forrest Green, Raspberry and Golden Yellow. I love how the colors split. I can even see blue in the piece. Thanks for commenting and glad you’ve been playing with ice!
I think that sometimes artists (and you are definitely an artist) need to walk away from their work and take a break. And sometimes during that break, the art changes (often dramatically) so that a previous to-do list doesn’t make sense anymore. Hope your muse returns soon and you accept her in whatever form she takes.
Rinda
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Rinda, Thank you. You are right about the need to walk away – take a break. Physically I’m feeling better which helps with being overwhelmed. Thanks for your kind words and commenting. Means a lot to me.
Lynda, first off… we are twins from different wombs, but then you may have already figured that out! I spent lots of time when I was younger reading and making up stories. But I have also always, ALWAYS needed to do creative things! And yes, I also get into periods of creative malaise… I want to create, but get blocked, uninspired… and I definitely become overwhelmed when I take on too many things at once. What seems to help me these days is 1) clean up the constantly growing mess in my studio; 2) give some thought to what I really WANT to be doing, creatively; 3) breathe… maybe take a walk, work in the yard, to clear my head; 4) PLAY! This year I have allowed myself more play time than I can remember in a long, long time. I have dabbled, experimented, “what if-ed” and gone out of my comfort zone. The result is that I have learned new things, enjoyed the process, and created some things I am very pleased with. I also spend time blog surfing to see what my fellow creative bloggers are doing, and you have been a great source of inspiration to me! So I hope that you will be feeling tip-top soon so you can get back to playing with me!
Overwhelmed….it seems that has been this last year for me. So procrastination has been upon me more than it should. But looking through other crafty peoples idea always help. Your blog, with so many different ideas is an inspiration to me. So thanks for sharing that you too get overwhelmed.
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Dolly, You’ve been through much this last year. I’m glad looking through others’ ideas help. Thank you so much for your kind words.
Judy, Yep, I thought that might be the case – twins and all. I also always did creative things growing besides the writing. I remember coloring the napkins for the dinner table, making little art kits for kids in the neighborhood, and of course, collages which was always about love! I love your suggestions. I have so many things on my list including the inspiration from you – the fabric coiled bowls. I’ve got the rope and the book and lots of fabric – now to do it! Thank you so much for your inspiration and glad I could inspire you! My next couple of days are full but hopefully this weekend I will be physically and emotionally ready to play again. Thanks for commenting and being out there for me!
I so identify with you! I have been in such a funk since January when my hip replacement nightmare started! I have just had no energy to do anything – of course now my energy is spent just trying to walk again!!! I have so many projects started or proposed to start it IS overwhelming. I want to do stuff but lack the energy to go look for the stuff – things are VERY disorganized when it comes to my crafts and sewing. That’s the other problem – not being able to find what I want or need! I keep buying stuff online which just adds to the chaos! Well, if you find an answer, please share with me, would you please?? Take care and enjoy what’s left of summer!!
Oh Annette, you have been through such a trying time I can understand why you have been in a funk. I hate to even talk about my overwhelmness (not sure that’s a word but…) when there are lots of readers out there with reasons to be challenged. You are definitely one of them. I’m with you on being disorganized. I organize in here but I still often have problems finding stuff. And, yes the new projects which involve online trolling and purchasing! I’m glad you are feeling better and hopefully we’ll meet again at Making Ends Meet next year. Looking forward to you showing some of your beautiful projects on FB. Oh, and my offer of the stencil still is good! Take care and keep feeling better.
Thanks so much Linda!!!! I too look forward to seeing you again – I might just have to come visit you! I’d love to have you show me how to ice dye. I’ve never tried dyeing anything!!! On my bucket list!!
Hi Lynda,
Well, I used raspberry, Forest green and mustard to dye a scarf. However, mine turned out to be red and turquoise with too much undyed fabric.. So, I’ll be overdoing the white parts. That’s how it is with ice dying, you never know what you’ll get.
Happy Monday!
Hi Judy! Happy Monday to you!
Interesting.. Yes, but that’s what’s exciting about it – always a surprise. I’d love to see your finished scarf.
Hi Lynda! I love your blog and have been reading for a few months – keep up the great work – making and sharing! When I’m feeling overwhelmed I no longer get upset and feel like I’m wasting my day (how agonizing, right?) – instead I finally reached a place where I can simply close the studio door and allow myself to relax and go bake, cook, read, garden, write a friend, or even just do the laundry! So glad I’m not alone. 🙂
Tierney, Thanks for being there and sharing about being overwhelmed. I’ve really enjoyed the recliner I’ve brought into my studio so when I need to take a break or calm down my overwhelming feelings, I sit in it and sometimes get a short nap! No, you are not alone for sure. Thanks again for letting me know you’re out there.