Baltimore Museum of Art on a fall morning. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Last year, I realized that amidst all my color-coded categories in my Outlook calendar, I had neglected to add one for myself. I have six different work categories and four different family categories, but none just for me–a not-too-subtle sign that I need to make some literal space in my life for my own needs and interests! So I made a category for myself (a relaxing seafoam green) and have tried to make more “events” for myself, whether it’s something as mundane as a haircut, or plans with friends. Sometimes, I even get to add something like the event I’m talking about today……
Last February, I was pleased and proud to have two poems published in the Feb 2012 edition of the light ekphrastic, an online journal dedicated to ekphrasis art and literature. I submitted a poem, Chant for Cooks, and was paired with a painter, who sent me a painting of hers, and then we created new pieces inspired by what our partner had sent us. It was such a fun experience, and continued my love affair with ekphrastic art that began with a few workshops I took at the Baltimore Museum of Art several years ago, and has included one of my poems being included in the audio tour for the BMA’s permanent collection.
A few weeks from now, my poems will be featured among other works from the journal as part of exhibition at a local art gallery, and I’m so thrilled. I’m going to bring my family, soak in all the inspiring work from other contributors, and maybe even talk a little about my own writing/creative process. It’s my husband’s birthday, but supportive guy that he is, he is just as excited to attend as I am, and I’m enjoying the idea of showing my girls this side of myself as well.
As lovely as I expect this experience to be, it’s also a good reminder to myself to keep making space in my life for me as a person, outside of the fulfillment I find in my family and job. Whether it’s blogging, writing, or seeking out other events and pursuits I enjoy, I know we’ll all be the richer for it.
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Congratulations! You deserve to make this event your own. I’m only now getting around to creating an event for myself each week, which was much needed. I enjoy this form of poetry and had been doing it for a while without knowing.
Enjoy your debut with family and friends. You only get one debut. Make the most of it and be sure to tell the rest of us all about it afterwards, Jackie.