Monday, December 11, 2006

a whole lot o' ho-ho!

So yesterday was 'Meg's Christmas!' Seriously. Because I am going to be in Canada for Christmas I had it with Mark and his family while I am still here! We went out for a divine lunch at a pub and then we came home and ate baklava and mince pies and drank what was left of the Canadian Ice Wine with Brandy that we brought back last year. I also got to open all of my presents! It was a little bizarre because I was the only one opening presents as they are all waiting for the actual day to open theirs - so I was a superstar! It was awkward. But it's also kind of neat getting pressies before the day.

I was lucky enough to get Danny Gregory's book from Mark's sister and brother-in-law! I've been deeply intimidated by his talent and his website for ages so when I saw that he had a book that could teach ME how to get drawing I stalked it for a little while. Every time I was in a bookstore I looked for it and then would put it back and run away to the safety of the self-help/ motivation section. So I had to get someone else to buy it for me so I wouldn't be afraid of it anymore. I am happy to say that it worked!

I read twelve pages last night before bed. (I had to sleep, I started a four-day First Aid course this morning. It meant a 6:00am start. Ugh.) I felt a familiar fizzle in my creative core as I took it in. I have felt that feeling before - the first time I read Spilling Open by Sabrina Ward Harrison and the first time I read Inspiration Sandwich by Sark, and a few other times - like the universe had shifted a little and I could actually sense my own possibilities changing. My very favorite page so far was page 5. When I read, "Pure creativity is all around us" I shivered with excitement for the rest. In a week I will be going home again and I am excited about the train- train- airport- plane journey because it is just going to be me and this book. Just wait - you won't believe what I come out with!

I've been asked what sort of things I write. I'll admit to something here: I really don't write any one thing. I have written a fantasy novel, a young adult novel, a non-fiction book about living a real life, and I have six books haunting me - three non fiction, and three fiction. So I write a little of everything. I can't seem to write anything short that is fictional. And now I am opening up another creative window - or at least I hope to!

I'm off to read some more of this book and to relax in a bath (I'm frozen after a day being nervous in First Aid! If anyone has access to a 'Lush' store - try a bath with BOTH a Black Pearl and a Jingle Spells bath ballistic in it - pure, complete and total BLISS!) I'm hoping to come back a little more talented just from pure osmosis!!

"Do you dare to be creative?" - Danny Gregory

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love Danny Gregory's style and web site. I can't wait to hear about your impressions of his book.

Safe travels--enjoy your time at home.

Cate said...

Merry early Christmas, Meg! I love that book, too!

Peaceful, happy travels--I sooooo enjoy the idea of your "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" journey with one of the best companions I could imagine--a book!

Anonymous said...

Hey Meg,
You're coming back to my side of the pond? What a great way to read that book - you'll have no limit of things to practice drawing. Make sure you bring a blank book and some writing utensils. I really enjoyed that book, I'm sure you'll come back inspired.

p.s. thanks for the very generous comments on my blog!

Anonymous said...

Well, Merry Christmas to YOU!! Danny's amazing, isn't he? I've read his blog for years, but haven't read his books.

Alex S said...

Thats the way to enjoy the holidays-spread it out and open presents throughout the month. To make it even easier Megg for others to gift you, do what I do. I now accept holiday presents throughout the year! If people are very, very nice I even consider letting them gift me with more than one gift, but they have to really behave very, very well for me to permit that. I know you will have a wonderful time in Canada and enjoy the getting there part too! I'm with you- I love the actual traveling part- and you even get a train ride in there? enjoy! happy holidays too!

Anonymous said...

Hurrah for an early Chrismtas...you total rock star!!! :-) I hope that you have a wonderful trip home and that you have many moments in which to devour and reflect on this new lovely book of yours! And, that warm bath sounds divine!!!

boho girl said...

ohhh...i've heard his book is divine and would love to browse through it.

so fun that you had your very own Christmas time.

i think of you always...

love you beautiful.

Susannah Conway said...

your enthusiasm is infectious, love - i want to get my paint brushes out now and make a mess... so instead i've just decorated my tree :-) christmas has arrived on this end of the coast too :-) love you and miss you xox

Anonymous said...

Looking forward to seeing some of your artwork IN PERSON!!
xoxxoo k

Anonymous said...

hi, sweetie...

i'd like to say that i think you are extraordinarily talented ALREADY, and that perhaps mr. gregory's book will help you discover more of yourself, but *i* personally have been inspired each time i come here.

liz elayne lamoreux said...

i love how excited you are about this book...and i cannot wait to see/hear about what comes out of you when you read it...

and that bath sounds incredible...

Anonymous said...

Now I want to go and have a bath - but I'll wait until tonight i think - a mid-day bath just doesn't seem right somehow. Have a fantastic Christmas in Canada.