Tuesday, April 19, 2011

It's been a minute since I last wrote a blog entry

Gosh, it’s been a minute since I last wrote a blog entry. Let me start off with the writing. I took my first chapter to my writing group last Friday. They gave me some excellent feedback, both on what’s working and what’s not working. The holes in the logic of the science that I thought I had worked through apparently still have some problems. It was important for me to hear their feedback and it’s already helped on how I’m compensating in the upcoming chapters. I like figuring out ways to change/adjust the story accordingly. I also have to adjust timeline. I thought I had figured out the dates properly but after their feedback, I can see the mess. Hehehe. But I am not disheartened in fact their positive feedback has motivated me to finish Chapter 2 so I can bring to writing group this week.

On Sunday, for the first time since I’ve moved into the new space, I worked on my manuscript for three long, quiet hours. It was a slice of heaven. My sister Vick went to the museum then to yoga so I had the place all to myself. And I worked straight through until lunchtime. Then I took a much needed break and spent some time stretching. I spend way too many hours in front of a computer so it helped to move and twist my body a bit.

I also wanted to share a bit of the NYFA function I attended on Friday. It was great fun and I managed to meet four new artists at the event. A sculptor, a filmmaker and a couple of painters, oh my! I saw some of my fellow bootcampers at this little shin dig so did some catching up with Ged, Rachel and Katy. But I was completely fascinated by the sculptor who wants to write. T. is from Argentina so English is her second language but I encouraged her to write anyway. To just do it! We, creative types, need to spend time exploring those internal nudges. It’s honoring the impulse and if the call is strong enough then we should take a risk, take a leap of faith and see where we land. She has written one page so far and I hope she continues. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain by answering the call that beckons us. Am I being woo-hoo enough?! All right, I’m off my soap box…gosh, I can’t help myself. I just want to see artists thrive and succeed in their creative pursuits. Seriously!!

Anyway, that’s all she wrote today…gotta get back to the admin grind.

Peace,


Lily~

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2011 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Waking Up to a Sunrise

This morning, I woke up with the sunrise. The sky was orange and purply. It was lush and then I turned around in bed and slept for another hour. I wasn’t quite set to get ready for work. That’s usually the moment when I just want to stay home and do my own work.

It’s time to start writing again. I’m antsy and I’ve missed working on my novel this past week. I still have two and half boxes left to unpack. The things in these last boxes have been difficult to figure out where to put away. I’ve run out of closet space. I may just need to start throwing things out. Eeek!! Attached much? Just a bit.

For example, I have this cool little stereo that plays CDs…but since I have most of my music on my computer, I hardly ever use an actual system anymore. And of course, I also have to figure out where I would put the darn thing. Small room, limited space. It looks like I will need one more bookshelf (or take back the one I gave my sister). That way I have somewhere to put books that I am currently using/reading etc. My brain keeps mulling over the possibilities. So if you’ve seen me on the train these days with a faraway look, I’m probably thinking of where the last bit of things will fit in. It’s like one big jigsaw puzzle. Hehehe.

So back to writing. Yes, must get back on track. I think I’ve been waiting for things to settle down. I have felt, for the past week, like my life was still up in the air being in the new space. I guess I just needed time to adjust or at the very least unpack the rest of the boxes. Erck! Who knew one person could have so much crap?

This weekend, I’ll finish clearing out the space, give the apartment a good cleaning and then I’m back to working on my story again. Yay! I can’t wait.

All for now...


L~


All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2011 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

A Wet, Windy, Wednesday

It’s a wet, windy, Wednesday. This day was not made for umbrellas.

What is there to report? I still have five and a half boxes to unpack. Yep, I found one more. The last couple of days have been about trying to figure out where to put my writing desk. Initially, I had it in the living room but I realized that I have really gotten used to writing in my own room. I’m trying hard not to be so high maintenance. At the end of the day, I just want a quiet room to hear myself think.

Yesterday, I treated myself with a much needed massage. I didn’t realize how tight my neck and shoulders were until I was on the table. This is the first time in a long while that I have been flush enough to treat myself. So yay!!  I’m sure my accountant would tsk-tsk at me with a pointed finger and all but I’m on a new self-care kick. See me roar!! Rawr!!  And big thank you to Elise Constantine, masseuse extraordinaire...she's amazing!!

On another note, Friday I have writing group and I’m finally going to bring in my first chapter. I’m nervous and excited about it. Let’s see how it goes. Every time I think about it, I can feel my heart pound in my chest…yes, a little nervous indeed.

I also have a function to attend Friday night in Chelsea. I’m not really sure what will be appropriate wear …ergh…I’m going straight from work to writing group then straight to a cocktail-type party. Let’s see how I can finagle my way through those events, at least it’s not supposed to rain. I should knock on wood because with my luck it will pour. Hehehe.

My plan for tonight is to do some yoga/stretching, finish unpacking, spend some time on my novel (not necessarily in that order), read and drink lots of hot water with lemon. Yep, we don’t have cable or internet access at the moment so there is plenty to do with no media distractions. That’s all I’ve got for today.

Peace,

L~

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2011 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.