Dream Blogging & New Book Out - The Artistic Mother


Last night I had dream that I did a long post, in fact it was a series of the challenges of being a parent and an artist (writer/poet/painter/etc.)

I know I had some good points, but all I remember was writing: it gets easier-- not very helpful.

I think the reason I've been thinking about this is that I constantly try to make sure I balance my life with my writing and creativity while also making sure my family doesn't see me as some stranger that moves around the house complaining about clutter when not attached to her laptop.


But I know I feel resentful if I don't have time for myself and my writing. Writing in the morning has helped because I don't feel that anxiousness as night comes worrying that I haven't written anything because the writing part of myself has already been fed, or at least had a snack.

As I've gone around to different blogs this week looking that what different artists have done and realizing that they are each balancing something, whether it's a full-time job, children, or both, it is the rare occasion I find the financial independent artist single, without any responsibilities making his/her art...and when I say "the rare occasion," I think I mean "never." We all balance something.

So I've been thinking about my own writing and creative life, I was impressed to find this book by a blogger: The Artistic Mother: A Practical Guide to Fitting Creativity into Your Busy Life by Shana Cole...oh and she has 5 kids. I have one daughter and find it can be challenging, so I'm amazed how people do it with 2 or more kids.

I haven't read the book yet, but one of the first post I read by her was how this book came to be. Here's the link.

Also, as someone who will be having my second book come out in fall, I know the excitement that comes when your book is available and hers came available a month early on Amazon, so I wanted to help share her excitement. I'll be reading the book soon and will let you know what I think.

Anyway, her blog is An Artful Life if you want to check it out.

Maybe next time I have a dream I'm blogging, I'll sleepwalk to my computer and actually get something done. You know, that might be fantastic to be productive in sleep and actually sleep typing-- waking up as if little elves have written my poems, written a blog post, maybe even cleaned the kitchen.

Hmmm, I may have to explore this a little more.

Comments

  1. Hi Kelli
    Thank you so much for stopping by my OWOH blog and entering my give-away. Just in time too as I will making my drawing early tomorrow morning UK time!
    I have very much enjoyed exploring your various blogs and for the wealth of inspiration and creativity on display... so I am very grateful that you stopped by! Love the sound of your new book "Letter from the Emily Dickinson Room" too - just the cover itself is mouthwatering!
    Thanks once again and all the best in the draw.
    Hugs xx

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  2. I'd like to blame at least half of my blog posts on little elves. Happy Valentine's Day, Kelli, and a lucky Chinese New Year!
    love,
    Rebecca

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  3. Hello Kelli,

    I have no kids - just a husband to care for - and STILL don't have enough hours in the day! Too many irons in the fire, I think.

    Thank you so much for stopping by. I wish you a very Happy Valentine's Day.

    Catherine

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  4. Oh my goodness...

    "making sure my family doesn't see me as some stranger that moves around the house complaining about clutter when not attached to her laptop".

    EXACTLY. I feel so neglectful of my 2 kids & husband sometimes...and horrible about the piles of clutter I keep shoving aside - and yet this creative growth is the fuel that keeps me..and thus Us...going.

    thank you for sharing.

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  5. i love that you acknowledge we all have something to juggle. cause it is true!

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  6. Kells, I am so glad that we can all share in the conversation about how to do art and be mothers, it is a crazy, busy life. Thanks for the shout out on my book and I look forward to yours in the fall!

    I checked out your poetry book, I have been so looking for poetry about real life women! So glad we found each other, isn't blogging a wonderful thing?

    Shona Cole

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