@Valley Jane Oh I love that too! And remembering what you don't want, or at least don't want as much as the things you really want. I might "want" to binge watch West Wing for the umpteenth time, but more than that I want to write something.

Part of my writing from the morning: Right Now I am sitting on the back deck on a delightfully cool morning with sun and breeze and the insect symphony playing in the trees. The hummingbird has been and gone. The squirrels scattered. I am in my happy place full of gratitude thinking how lovely it is to be able to be outside writing. I asked for this time to write, so Jan took the kids, and I am grateful that I’m learning to ask for what I need. I feel awake and alive and excited. Nature all around. I did an abbreviated caim prayer. So convenient how I can face the four directions right from the deck, stepping out onto it is east, and turning toward the empty lot next door is south, facing the house is west and the neighbors on the other side is north. And then arms lifted to the sky and then reaching to gather energy from roots in the ground and then filling my heart with all that is, finding moments of joy and peace in the midst of the world turmoil and pain.

@Valley Jane Yes, on a women's pilgrimage. I've never been. I'm so excited.

Hi Beth - your post resonates with me, too. Not the visual artist part about dipping toes in over and over and hoping to go deeper. Solidarity!

Compelled and resistant. Shy and eager. Hopeful and doubtful. Determined.