The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.
Eden Phillpotts
I am already two days behind. If I don't gather my thoughts and make a serious effort now, two will turn to three, then three to four, and at that point, I'll be too far out of the race to even consider trying it this year.
What am I speaking of, you might ask?
NaNoWriMo...
It isn't a competition, per se. It is a way of motivating and encouraging writers who struggle with their craft to forget all their hang-ups and just write. The goal is not quality--it's quantity. 50,000 words by the end of November. I didn't really find out about it until mid-way through the month last year, and I've been eagerly anticipating a fresh start for this year ever since.
Enter writer's block. My old nemesis. I've had so many great ideas over the years that met with a crushing defeat at the hands of the ol' WriBlo. I had hoped that I could hack my way through it this time. It still lurks over my shoulder. I'm using this little blog space as a jumpstart. Hopefully, once I get my stubby fingers tap-tap-tapping away at the keys, I'll build up some momentum that will carry me through a dozen pages or so of my novel-to-be. Wish me luck.
Assuming that I can actually get the ball rolling on a literary front, this may prove to be a month full of creative endeavors for me. I've been in Portland now just a little over 4 months, and in that time I've made a couple of close friends who are tied quite strongly to the local music scene. I've never felt as though I'm a good musician. I love music, and I would love to play for an audience at least once in this lifetime. I have confidence issues that hold me back. I watch and listen to others play, and can't understand how I could ever stand on a stage and do what they do. Enter B and K. I've jammed with B at their house a couple of times, and K has apparently been listening in when I'm there. In addition to the praise they've laid on me in person (which I normally assume is smoke up my ass) I've heard from other friends of ours that they've paid me compliments when I'm not within earshot. The term "really fucking good" was thrown around once or twice. K has a friend with an established project who is looking for a new bass player. Apparently, she suggested me. It's a nice boost to the ego.
On top of creative juices flowing in my music and (hopefully soon) with my writing, I've been slinging ink around the drawing paper a lot lately. I'm even beginning to feel as though I should dig out a canvass or two and start painting again. I'm amazing myself with the work that I've done. It's leaps and bounds beyond what I'm used to doing. I dunno where it has come from all of a sudden. Not sure I care... If I can move my lazy bones enough to unearth my camera, I'll take a few snapshots of finished works and art in progress (don't hold your breath though).
OK. Enough procrastination. I have a novel to write and a song or two to record.
Peace, my friends.
