I’ve been feeling a little disconnected from the blog lately, so I wanted to sit down and have a little chat and get caught up.
1 // I went to a writing class a little over a week ago. It was focused on the business side of things, but it was really informative and helpful. The best thing about it was being back at the literary center in Minneapolis. It just reminded me that I need to spend more time there. It’s refreshing and inspirational to spend time with other writers and a nice break from the day-to-day of life.
2 // After class I visited my friend in her studio, which is right by the literary center. I haven’t seen her for a long time and we used to meet for lunch once a week when we worked downtown (now neither one of us does), so it was nice to see her and catch up. She has recently discovered a love for water marbling and she was finishing up something that she was working on when I arrived, so I got to see her process. It was so much fun to watch her! It was really mesmerizing to see.
3 // Watching her in the studio took me back to my photography classes and how much I loved disappearing into the darkroom to develop photos. I always found it to be a really calming process–even when things weren’t always working out as I’d hoped. I think there’s a photography store nearby that has darkrooms that are available to be used. I’ve always wanted to look into that, so I might do that this summer.
4 // And since we’re still on the topic of creative things, the writing inspiration has definitely returned. I’ve talked about working on letting go of control and letting my natural writing/thought process do its thing, and since I’ve been working on that I have this itch to write again. I mean, it’s always been there, but more so now. It’s back to the point where sentences pop into my mind and I have to write them down, and my characters are a constant presence in my thoughts. And that feels good!
5 // I’ve been obsessed with podcasts these days. I’ll have to do a post to share my favorites soon. Of course there’s First Drafts, which I’m caught up on now and I also love Serial, but there are some others as well. I haven’t even listened to an audiobook yet this year, I’ve been so focused on podcasts. What are some of your favorites?
I think that’s all for me.
WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH YOU?
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My husband was obsessed with the darkroom when he was in his photography program back in college. He could lost in there for hours. Glad to hear you got to reconnect with some things that you love. Everybody needs that now and again.
Sounds like you’ve been busy! I look for inspiriting in lots of different places too, I’m glad you’ve been inspired and you’re using it well. <3
Yay for your inspiration kicking in. Being blocked creatively can be maddening! I have been thinking about starting a podcast, but am scared. I don’t want fear to stop me though.
I love podcasts as well! I really get into blog and business ones. I haven’t listened to Serial yet, though obviously that’s on my list because of how many people have told me it’s a must-listen!
I am so clueless about podcasts. I mean, I certainly know what they are, but I guess I just need to pick one and dive in, lol. I hear so much about Serial, so maybe I’ll start there.
Glad to hear that your writing inspiration is back!! I bet that’s a wonderful feeling. xo
That’s so cool that you took a writing class. I’d like to take some sort of creative class soon. I’m just now starting to get into podcasts myself, but I always struggle with whether I should listen to audiobooks or podcasts or YoutTube videos while doing things around the house. How do you choose? Have you listened to The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey? I love that one!
I am obsessed with podcasts too — mostly crime based ones like Serial and some social media and blogging related ones as well.
xoxo, Jenny
Crystal, you should totally look into that this summer! How fun and like you said, relaxing. It’s a great way to indulge into creativity.
I LOVED the first season of Serial!! I haven’t listened to season 2 yet!!