So, I took a few months off from blogging and social media to take time to recharge and refocus. I felt that I was burning out, both personally and creatively. I put myself into self-imposed social media exile – no Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram – and I stepped away from most of my creative activities. I continued to write in my journal, but I didn’t write much fiction, which was a difficult thing to do.
I was also trying to find a new job, something that would allow me to work remotely and not be a drain on my mind and soul. That was also difficult. I left the public sector and ventured back into the private sector, stumbling around a bit before I found my current position. Patience paid off, and I now have a job I enjoy – writing and editing – with a company that takes care of its employees.
During this period I spent my time with pleasant distractions. I became more involved in my yard and garden. I put up some raised beds, both store-bought and ones I built myself from wood pallets, and planted wildflowers to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. I also spent more time in the kitchen trying new recipes and experimenting with my new gas cooktop. In between I looked for a new job, submitted applications, and participated in a bunch of online interviews. Eventually, I received the offer I was looking for.
Starting someplace new, trying to find my footing and direction, meant that I needed to focus, so that was another reason for my break from everything. I wanted to get myself established and learn what I could, and I think it was a good decision.
Once I started feeling comfortable with my new job, I began to once again test the creative waters. The first step was writing. I had an idea I’d been mulling over that came from a dream I had a few months ago, a strange little love story that played over and over again in my head throughout the night.
It’s not exactly like riding a bicycle. I mean, I remember how to write, but the gears in my head seemed to have rusted over a bit. They needed lubricant and a little polish to get moving again. It was slow going at first, but now I feel like the machine is beginning to warm up and the words are flowing better.
I’ve also decided to test myself with a new endeavor: Painting. I picked up some acrylics, some brushes, and a pack of practice canvases and dove in. I’ve always wanted to learn to paint, inspired by my mom, and so I’ve been practicing daily. Nothing fancy. I know I’m not going to be the next Monet or Dali, but I’m having fun. I’m mostly interested in abstracts and I’ve been working on landscapes. I have a long way to go, but I think I’m off to a good start.
I’m now doing the things I love, the things I’ve been missing. The hiatus was good for me. Stepping away from everything helped to give me a new perspective, new focus, and new energy. The engine is still warming up, but it feels good. I have ideas to explore and new things to try, and my passion has been reignited.
It’s good to be back.
RB
yay welcome back Richard! It’s so good to see you posting again and I’m happy you had space to get balance and set things back on track.
It looks like lantana in one photo? my garden has been growing nicely too, and with colder weather coming I’ve been busy prepping it for winter.
Your paintings are neat. Maybe not the next Monet, but the next Bist? it’s always about expression and capturing that little thing that only you have, right?
Lol! Thank you, Lila! Hope you’re doing well.
You are correct in your flower ID. The wildflowers have been going crazy through the late summer. So. Many. Butterflies!
I’m glad you liked my amateurish attempts at painting. I don’t think Bist rolls off the tongue as well as Monet, but I’ll take it! Cheers!
Welcome back
Thank you!