This afternoon, I took a walk through my neighborhood, as I do almost every day. The sky was clear blue, with not a cloud to be seen after yesterday’s gloomy day. My neighbors were out and about. A man walked his dog. A woman passing me on the trail smiled and said she hoped the whole winter would be like this. Smiles. Sunshine. The end of the first month of a new year. I felt good. Ready for something new.
My personal bucket list is pretty empty. I have traveled to every place I’ve ever wanted to go. Sure, there are some I’d like to return to, but I’m happy with where I’ve been and have no real desire to add to the list. I used to play the piano but don’t care to play anymore. I do like to listen. Right now, Deuter is playing Sound of Invisible Waters on Pandora as I write. I like to dance and sing, and I’ve tried both. Let’s just say I dance better than I sing. No, I want to try something completely new. I’d like to draw.
I can do a sweet-looking daisy, a tulip, a cloud, a cat and a house. And I do like to doodle. But my very limited repertoire of sketches is frustrating. I want to draw what I see.
The local art museum sent out a brochure with classes for adults. I looked at it every day. I told myself I really don’t need another thing to do. My calendar fills up fast – gym, lunch with friends, church, book club, giving circle, volunteer docent, writing group, visits with my kids, teaching, book coming out soon, so book promotion…. and yet, as soon as I returned from my walk, I signed up online. Thursday nights in April, because the next two months’ classes are already filled.
I’m already imagining myself with pencil and sketch pad, playing at art, for that’s how I see it. I need to play. And learn, too. I hope it works out. Because of course, I have enough to do. I bet you do too. But sometimes we just really need to try something new.
How about you? Are you longing to try something new? What’s stopping you? Or are you going ahead with a new plan? Comment below and I’ll put your name in the drawing for my copy of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson. In it, an itinerant librarian meets racism during the Depression.
The winner of last month’s drawing is Mary Jo Doig. She wins my copy of Listening is an Act of Love from the Story Corps Project. Mary Jo has written a terrific memoir of her own. Click on her name to read all about it. Congratulations, Mary Jo, and thanks for stopping by!
10 thoughts on “A Day for Something New”
Cindy Louden
Working at my computer, enjoying the sunshine @ my window & then further enjoyed the day through your post! Thanks, Linda. I also have always wanted to be a good singer or potter – but I do have dancing creds: in 8th grade I won the trophy for Best Female Dancer in the Cabana School of Dance! That trophy still sits in sunshine on my bookshelf! Thanks for sharing your memory & I look forward to seeing your art work!
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lindawis
Glad this brightened your day! Congrats on the dance trophy!
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Pearl S. Buck Writing Center
I fully believe that you’ll be illustrating your own books. You have an unerring ear, so why not an observant set of eyes. A great combo for a writer.
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lindawis
Hah! Illustrating my own books! Never thought of that one. Hmmm.
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Peg
Wow! I was just researching new places to volunteer and looked at a few classes too. Not sure what I want to do but I’m positive something will find me!
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lindawis
Good to hear! I hope you find something you like that’s new to you as well.
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debbiebritt1
Another thought provoking post! With your guidance, Linda, I have decided to take on something new by taking your Memoir writing class! I love reading your insights to life and I can’t wait to get started putting my thoughts and memories on paper!
Life does have a way of passing by and we forget to take a breath. Getting older is teaching me to enjoy every small joy during the day, whether it is playing with my grandchildren, making pancakes on Sunday morning for my husband & I or just sitting quietly and watching the sun set.
See you soon Linda!
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lindawis
Thanks, Debbie! I agree, it’s hard to remember sometimes to enjoy the small moments.
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Marie
With the holiday rush over, the start of a new year seems like a good time to begin something new. Since I retired I have tried to do that: travel to new places, writing classes, learning a new language, genealogy. Now I’m just trying to keep all those plates spinning and looking for my next new thing.
Good luck with yours Linda!
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lindawis
Thanks, Marie, and good luck with your plate spinning! 😉
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