The time has come to pick that one little word that I will attach to the year ahead just like I would attach a sidecar to a vintage BMW motorcycle. The year ahead will take off traveling at a high rate of speed just like that motorcycle, and then hopefully it will slow down to a reasonable cruising speed. All the while that sidecar is right there attached to the BMW keeping the exact same pace.
You may be curious what my one little word for 2015 is going to be. Hint - it isn't motorcycle or sidecar. I thought I had the perfect word all figured out at the beginning of November. It fit me to a tee or so I thought. It was going to be curious. But one day of writing at a local coffee shop completely changed the course for the entire year ahead. I eluded to this change in direction in the post The Wider View. I will be doing a year long photographic and writing study of nature's beautiful bodies of water. When I wrote that post the idea was still a little seed that had just been planted. Since that time the idea has rooted itself firmly in my head, my heart and my soul.
I have a notebook full of ideas for this project. I know in my heart it is the right time for this kind of work. Let me also state that I am horrible at sticking with year long projects. Not to be deterred by past failures, I have not only decided to take on this year long endeavor. I have also signed up for a year long class on making movies with Xanthe Berkeley called A Year of Creating Time Capsules. I have always wanted to take one of Xanthe's classes to learn how to make movies but the timing was never quite right before, now it is perfect. I want to incorporate short movies into my new project.
My word that I have chosen for 2015 is...Committed. I am committed to this project. I am committed to finally finishing a year long class. I am committed to documenting my photographic and writing growth. I am committed to putting a lot of my creative time and energy into this project. I will only be taking classes that in some way fit into the needs of the project. I plan on putting in 10-15 hours a week on some aspect of the project.
The best part is that this whole project will be housed in one place completely devoted to it. I am putting the finishing touches on a new Squarespace blog that will go live very soon - A Year Beside The Water.
For those of you who love the Coffee Shop Chronicles you needn't worry, those will continue here just as they have in the past. I hope to post two Chronicles a month. Other than that though most of my time will be spent on the new blog.
I see 2015 as a year of tremendous artistic growth for me. I am committed to this project and I am committed to investing in my future. So I am strapping on my leather motorcycle helmet, pulling on my vision correcting googles and revving up the engine, loading "committed" into the sidecar, and getting ready for the ride of my life.
24 comments:
Interesting choice as I too have become committed...:)JP
HI!!! thank you so much for seeking me out after finding me in artful blogging. after going through a few of your posts, are you sure we aren't related? or already friends? previous blog readers of each others maybe? as i found myself so comfortable here….with a bit of "have i been here before?"…..anyhow, you are the first of the "word finders" to share their word and i can't wait to start susannah conway's "find your word" class tomorrow in hopes of getting a grasp on mine. i love that your word is truly a word fitting into what you are planning to do all year. such clarity is a wonderful gift. it's a foggy wet morning here in wisconsin…and even though it's too wet to be out with my camera, i love being blanketed by it happy sunday to you.
Sounds like a fantastic and adventurous ride for next year. I look forward to following you.
I love how those little things enter our minds and won't let go! They stick, they grow, we become inspired and we create!
I can't wait to join you by the water this year! You know how I love the water.
ps…we lived in grand rapids YEARS ago and one of my best friends lives in stevensville now. last year we did a michigan take the ferry across trip and spent a night in holland….i love that area. you are so lucky to live by the water!!!
Oh Sarah, your post is so exciting today! I love the motorcycle and side car analysis! Your new word for 2015 tells the progress you have made and now know you want to take on a challenge and be committed. I know I will love your new series as I love water, and the best one is Lake Michigan, but I'm sure you will included many others. Happy the CSC will be continuing. The bench at the Lake would make a very beautiful wall print. One day I want a home with a huge wall to hang such art! Such a dream! Looking forward to your year on the water!!
what an adventure you have planned for yourself - both in artistic venues but also in personal accomplishments...and I love that we will be able to follow along with you (in the sidecar!) as you document your journey with a new blog...I look forward to your adventures...
That is a great word Sarah I'm so looking forward to reading your adventures I'm still thinking about which direction I will go in. As my 60th birthday is early 2015 I feel I need to get motivated...
That photo really made me smile. I think you did very well with your writing commitment last year. I am looking forward to your take on your new idea this year. I have to think about my word for this year...
great idea, I am taking xanthe's course too see you there
Thanks for the reminder that it's time to pick a word for 2015! I've been too busy sort of moping around the end of 2014 to even think of it. I'm inspired by your commitment and looking forward to following your new blog. (And really, I think I already know what next year's word needs to be for myself. I'm just not sure I'm ready to be "committed" to it.)
What a better place to be in to commit to this type of project!
Sounds like a perfect word, well suited to how far you have come and determination to go. Personally, I've been uber impressed with your commitment to both writing, and your photography throughout this year - I eagerly await your new endeavors.
Sarah, You are thinking in a powerful, life-affirming way. Your clarity is beautiful. I will look forward to your year beside the water. I grew up overlooking the Potomac River in a very small town, and my heart will forever be stirred by rivers and their shores. Your sidecar analogy is the perfect way to visualize your word in action. Yes, you have reminded me that perhaps I might establish a word also. But I am also thinking over a blackout poem from Austin Kleon, "I think there will be a year when we'll say, 'Gosh, we were good enough this year' and then we can just sit here." I've been driven most of my life, so perhaps my word will be something that takes me in a different direction . . . Thanks for the inspiration!
Love this post ... can't wait to see how you grow in 2015. Is that Scout in the sidecar? Great picture.
I can't say I've dedicated myself to blogging again yet. I keep feeling like I need to do something new. Not sure what. What I do know is I need to get back to work. I have a phone interview Wednesday. We'll see how it goes.
You are definitely a more dedicated writer than I!!
Sounds exciting.
Committed is such a strong word but I see you as a strong woman...I know you will make it...the course sounds lovely...I might just take a look at it...I am thinking the same as you, writing and photo's...but I'm not sure yet if I can make a strong commitment...it will take a lot of time..but I sure do wish you well in this endeavor and look forward to following along in the sidecar.
I'm looking forward to your 2015 journey too. Merry Christmas and a very happy (and committed) New Year.
I believe in you!
You have chosen a great word, committed. I have a hard time sticking with projects, it is something need to work on. I admire your determination! A Year Beside The Water sounds wonderful. I can't wait to read it.
I came away thinking I would find you COMMITTED and it will be about WATER . . .
That's what I got . . . now I will sit back and watch and listen . . . to Sarah, 2015!
How fantastic! Great word - I can feel your excitement and anticipation and I look forward to seeing your creative growth over 2015.
Yay Sarah! I am so excited for you and will enjoy your new project. All the best to you in 2015
xoxo
I am impressed and invigorated by your post and your commitment to your project. I have every confidence you will have a superlative creative year -- the kind of year you are ready and up for!
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