and so it begins….

So the summer has officially begun! We had our first planning day today- super exciting and then dinner at one of the student’s family’s home. Yay, free food and awesome people. We played our now annual game of LIFE, which I won…AGAIN!

The summer is such an amazing time. Every year I don’t know why I’m shocked at realizing how much this theatre and these people mean to me. I was so giddy today that I could hardly stand it. I have tons of work to do to be ready for Monday, but lots of fun things to do between now and then as well. So I’m off to read scripts and create a family feud game board thingy….

Summer approaching!

I’m finally in Columbus. Ready to start the summer, excited and terrified of the whole thing. There’s a lot of responsibility: artistically, educationally, personally. It will be a true test to my own commitment and maturity. I can’t lie, I’m kind of scared to death…I feel like I’m approaching a point that will define who I am as a person for the next chapter of my life.

“stumble upon” wisdom…at just the right time

Life is hard sometimes…but something has got to keep you going

Beginnings of an Artist Space

I finally decided that I wanted to do my artist space outside- but then I wondered, “What will I do in this space?” I usually do my morning pages in bed- so I might want to create a mini-artist space in my room. I usually do my crafts in the other room. So that leave not much to happen outside. So I moved the chairs and table around on my porch to allow for better craft and homeworking to happen out there- I’m pretty happy with how it looks so far. I want to get some interesting sculpture or maybe potted plants to live out there and make it more colorful- the sun and trees are already great, but I’d like to have color!

A table to work on!

Chairs to read and relax in!

The whole porch from one side…

and from the other side!

Tons of shade, but still tons of light…my artist likes it!

20 Affirmations

Here are twenty affirmations I hope to manifest in my life. I could explain each one in detail, but I don’t really feel like I need to do it now- I anticipate creating a piece of art that reflects each one, so maybe I’ll go in to more detail at that time. These were great fun to think of, but a bit emotionally taxing as well.

I wanted to make sure that they didn’t turn into New Year’s resolutions, which was difficult considering it is the new year But these are the kinds of things I hope to say to myself over and over until I truly believe them. Some are things I know are my weaknesses and others are things I recently learned about myself that I want to pay more attention to and foster the development of.

So far… I heart “The Artist Way”!

at my doorstep

Here is the first day of my effort to create art every day this year. I don’t think it will always be photographs, I’ll experiment with writing, painting, etc. I think the point is that it will be something I do in around 15 minutes or less. I want to be more spontaneous. I just went out into my yard and took some shots and these were my favorite..

The Artist’s Way

I’m starting The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. Mostly because I’m taking a class that will help guide me through the book. I’ve also become fascinated by visual journals and mixed media art, so I want to begin exploring these things in my on work. Here is my Creativity Contract.

I’ve decided to keep my journal on loose leaf materials rather than in a book- because I will have to turn things in and need to make sure I can alter it to my teacher’s preferences for organization.

I’ve done two days worth of morning pages and am surprised by how easy it is to fill up three pages, but then again- I had nothing pressing to do today and it is all still new. The challenge will come when I start classes again and am super busy.

I’m excited about expressing myself as an artist. I’ve never thought of myself as one until last semester when I was forced to be creative in that way. I’m excited to see where it takes me.

Oh, and I hope to get back into blogging and not feel self-conscious about what I’m putting on the page.

Holla!

Week One

This week has been totally intense. There is a lot expected, but at least it is all laid out for us at the beginning so we know what to expect. The home work load is intense, just this week I have to read 4 plays and the preface to a book, make a collage, read a short story, do 3 sketches, and write an essay. And there’s still one class I haven’t even started yet!

I was satisfied with my first essay until we began discussing it in class and then I felt that it was totally inadequate. It’s an amazing experience to talk with other people who respect your work as much as you do. I’m having REAL conversations about TYA rather than defending its validity- which is a welcome change of pace. I definitely need to step up my analytical game.

My assistantships have been a hassle. Figuring out who I am TA for was confusing but I think we finally have it worked out. My assistantship at the theatre has also been less than exciting. I have moved boxes, thrown things away, stacked books, moved and inventoried banners, and gone through old financial paperwork for shredding. LAME! I know its the first week and all, but I don’t really feel like I’ve learned a lot.

I have found a place to live! More than I anticipated spending, but its super cute and REALLY close to the Rep! I can’t move in for another couple weeks, but at least I’ve found a place that I really like!

I really like my new friends. We had a super awesome game night and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know different people a little better as the days go by.

I’ve come to embrace the term “1st year”. I’ve got an idea about my service learning project that I hope someone else will be interested in. I have volunteered for  a weekend guest teaching position in a town about 30 minutes away. It will just be couple of Saturdays and hopefully a fun experience.

Overall, things are going really well so far and I’m excited about what is to come!

Democratic Convention

Powerful. Inspiring. Hopeful.

first day!

Grad school starts tomorrow! Even though I don’t have any classes, I have some meetings and plenty to do. First I’m going to the school to print some stuff and then I’m meeting with the artistic director of the theatre. After that I’ve got some errands to run and then an all theatre department meeting in the afternoon.

I’m excited about my meeting but also pretty nervous, first impressions and all… I’m supposed to come in with a list of things I hope to learn from the assistantship, so I’ve gotta work on that tonight.

I’ve officially met all of my fellow tya people and I really like them. I think we are going to be a great group.

Well, It’s off to work on this list and then go to bed! Grad school here I come!!!