Ideally, I’m picturing a sandy beach (in the Bahamas or in Florida), and I’m walking along it while the sun rises–or sets. I’m not fussy about that. The important thing is that I do not have anything to do but commune with the ocean and that beach–for at least a week. In a pinch, a long weekend might do.
In my dreams!
In reality, I’m not getting to that beach any time soon. The end of April and the beginning of May are always hectic for me. I teach at two colleges. The semester is ending, I have student papers to read, grades to turn in, reports to file, and a book deadline.
Adding to the fun this year: I have to buy a new car since my lease expires on May 1st, and one of my sons is getting married in a couple of weeks.
But I still need a break! And this morning it struck me! I know how to take one. All I have to do is make what Julia Cameron calls “an artist date.”
If you haven’t read Cameron’s book, “The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity,” I strongly recommend it. It’s not just for writers. It’s a great book for anyone who would like to tap into their more creative selves. My sister-in-law who ran a shopping mall was the first person who recommended it to me. She claimed it changed her life.
What exactly is an “artist date?” According to Cameron, it’s a specific time you set aside (she suggests two hours once a week) to “play” with your inner artist. The possibilities she mentions range from browsing a junk shop to visiting an aquarium or watching an old movie. (She also recommends visiting a beach–but I live in upstate New York, and on Tuesday we had hail and snow! My inner artist is particular about her beaches.)
Cameron stresses that what you do on the date isn’t important. The essential thing is that you commit time to being only with your inner artist. (No friends or in my case, sister, allowed.)
It’s been quite a while since I carved out time to spend on an artist date. But I’m determined to do it. Two hours? I can squeeze that in.
One of the things that I used to do with my inner artist was to just window shop at the mall. And there are two stores we always walked all the way through: Williams Sonoma and Pottery Barn. For some reason, those two places soothe my soul. Maybe it’s because of all the pretty, impractical things that I really have no immediate need for–but that I can thnk about, dream about. No pressure.
Another thing I’ve always loved to do with my inner artist is to ride in a car with the top down. My mind empties and the pressure blows away with the wind. And May is the perfect month for riding in convertibles…
Do any of you already make dates with your inner artist? If so, what do you do? If you’ve never tried it, I’d love to hear some of your ideas. I have a feeling that my dream of a week at the beach is still a ways off…
Let me know.
Cara
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I don’t know whether I do anything that qualifies as an artist date or not. The closest I come would probably be to go upstairs and get comfy with a book, whether I have the time or not. However, if the artist date requires leaving your normal “zone” and getting out, then I can’t say I do anything on a regular basis like that. Every now and then, perhaps, but my most relaxing “guilty pleasure” is a lunch out with friends. That doesn’t count, though, since I take more than just my inner artist.
JV,
I had time to just read your comment before I left the house this morning.
The thing is–I haven’t really taken the time to just do something with just my inner artist either–not in a long time.
But I have to say that your guilty pleasure is my guilty pleasure also. I love to go out to lunch with friends!
Best,
Cara
I would love to do this…get away for an hour or two…from the hectic life of 4 kids, home responsibilities, work, etc. Sounds like heaven. Let’s see…I would probable go to a bookstore (Borders) and just browse through the stacks and then sit down for a cup of coffee. Or take a long walk. Or sit down and read a Blaze uninterrupted…LOL.
Kara,
I love all of your ideas. (Bookstore browsing is great!) You made me think of what I did when I had kids (never four all at once) at home–I took up running! It was something I did entirely for myself.
Pretty drastic. But it got me out of the house–alone!
Best,
Cara
I plan elaborate dinner parties that I never give, LOL!
Hi Cara! This sounds like a wonderful idea! If I could do it it would be something like taking a cake decorating class or an art class or a writing class. Something just for me. Or like Kara said just going to the book store and wondering around looking at what ever I wanted to. Really does sound like heaven. Right now the closest thing I get to this is curling up in the sun that shines threw my open front door in the mornings with my dog and reading a book, but that only last as long as the sun shines in.
Also I have to tell you that I loved Led into Temptation! And I cant wait to read about the other two sisters in the coming months. Have a great day!! (*)
Hi Alina,
I’m so late today getting back to everyone. Sorry. Am I thrilled that you liked “Led Into Temptation.”
I think taking a class is a great idea. I’ve taken some cooking classes. A local restaurant chef gave them and he brought along someone to clean everything up. Perfect!
But sitting in the sun and reading a book sounds lovely, too.
Best,
Cara
For me going to the ocean is my choice of get away, only an hours drive away & it has been calling to me! Our northern California beaches are not the kind with long stretches of white sand and warm sunshine, if it gets to 70 it is a hot day! All that said I love the ocean as it restoreth my soul. A month or so ago I drove over there for my daily walk on a beautiful day when I just had to get out. It was one of those days when everyone else & their dog (literally) also thought it was a day for the ocean!! (H) Our beaches are very interesting, rocky, lots of rip currents and usually cold so mostly you should stay out of the water, tide pools with creatures and outstanding views. If you go at the right time of year you might sight a whale migrating, sometimes you see pelicans, seals/sea lions or other sea life, it is always endlessly fascinating.
Great subject Cara, thanks. I may go tomorrow! I sort of goofed off yesterday & today I need to be more practical. Such is life!
Donna,
I’m green with envy. I love to be near the water. It nourishes my soul also.
It sounds like you have an artist date quite regularly. I’ve decided that I’m being a bit too practical lately. And that I need to goof off more.
Best, Cara
This is a fantastic idea! I think I’m going to try it. Even if I can’t manage 2 hours at first, I can start with a half our and build from there!
Thanks for giving my mind something productive to chew on today!
Cathy W,
I’m glad you like the idea. I think it really helps when life gets hectic!
Which is why I’m going to start doing it again. And I started with a half hour walk.
Best,
Cara