Hello, from Alcatraz
Checking in to say hi. OK, I'm addicted, too.
When I first started doing commentaries for All Things Considered, I was on a streak of sorts. I can only recognize that fact by looking back on it. Somehow, my editors liked the stuff I was writing, accepted more pieces than they rejected, and I became used to being on the program once a month, sometimes even more.
I had a number of people--friends and friends of friends and complete strangers who looked me up on the Net--ask me how they could get on the air, too. I gave them the best advice I could. I thought I had some kind of magic key.
I didn't.
All spring, all summer, I've been submitting pieces as I always did. Every one, not quite right. Or a lot wrong. Sometimes, in my lowest moments, I think that blogging and writing have become competitors for my attention, and blogging has won. In blogging, I've taken a lot of joy in photography, in showing pictures of the things that enchant me. Then, I write things about the picture, captions really. Embroidering the edges.
As a painter, I've always found that along with the soaring joy of creating something from nothing comes a deep and crushing doubt. Rare is the painting that is made in the pure light of joy...most of the time, in the early stages, I think, "This is just crap. Why did I ever start this thing? I might as well be painting with my foot."
And so I've walked through the dark halls of denial that there must be something wrong with the commentaries I'm submitting, and arrived at the door marked GET TO WORK. I'm trying to figure out what the early pieces had that these current ones don't. It falls under the heading of Mojo, an indefinable spark, an unexpected take, a flash of real humor. All summer long, I've been grabbing at the inspirational cat under the bed. We know that doesn't work--it just retreats farther into the dusty reaches. Now, I'm taking the bed apart.
I like hearing from you; I obviously like blogging, and I miss doing it. Got the bones of a piece put down this morning before daylight that has some potential...
From Alcatraz,
JZ
Some of them are pretty good, but they're still captions.
posted by Julie Zickefoose @ 7:26 AM
8 comments
8 Comments:
Julie....
From the time I first met you singing with the Fam at the Longaberger Golf Course at the Bird Watching Weekend Event... to watching birds with your silly husband and Mac on the tower.. to doing what I'm doing this morning...checking to see if you really could be taking a blogging break....NOT!..You have been a delight!
I dabble at birdwatching, watercolor painting, gardening, and yes...photography.... and BLOGGING!
YOU, MY DEAR, HELP ME UNDERSTAND WHY!
Don't even think for a moment that you're not bringing inspiration...that you don't reach people with your talent....You reach not only Licking County....Newark...but daily my heart with your words and pictures and insight.
Continue your work from Alcatraz or New York or wherever your camera and keyboard are providing the flow.
God Blesses Your Work!...and WHAT STUFF REALLY MATTERS, ANYWAY??!!
I agree with Willy. I read your blog on a daily basis just to see your art, your photography, your family, and your dear sweet Baker. I was so worried about him (and your family) when he was sick; you'd have thought one of my kitties or my bunny were sick.
Keep on bloggin'--you inspire us all.
Best of luck catching Mojo the inspirational cat (c:
Yay! Julie's hooked! ;-) I read in BotB's blog that you now have a video camera (and boy do I understand the big box story... I got my ZR45 at the Apple store too!) I strongly suspect that Chet and video cameras were made for each other. Is there video-dabbling in the future too?
While I agree with the sentiment of some of the other commentators, I understand about the pressure and time demands.
I know you aren’t a TV fan but I’m looking at your planned absence as the summer season. The new season is coming and I can look forward to the return of a favourite “show”.
My mother was, and my sister is an artist. I work with wood, small furniture and toys.
Anyone who produces anything, stories, paintings etc. can relate to the “it’s not good enough” syndrome. When you publish or display your work everyone gets to judge you through that work.
I can’t begin to imagine the twisting and turning you’re going through with your Letters From Eden. No wonder your thin, who could eat?
And remember:
The most precious thing we have is life. Yet it has absolutely no trade-in value.
So, live it doing the things that you consider to be important.
To sum up my ramblings a modified misquote from Dirty Harry “ A womans gotta do what a womans gotta do.”
A fan.
Julie;
The rest of the world gets to take vacations. You should too. Please! And then COME BACK! Reading your blog is sometimes the highlight of the day. I share it at work, everyone loves it.
Yes, addicting!When I began blogging the small things in my town, I was new to the digital camera -- and I paced myself, planning pictures,etc. Now,everywhere I look, there's something else to see, to comment on. At 80, I'm having a ball!
From someone who's been painting with both feet and an elbow lately, thanks for the reality check! Can't have a high point without a low one. This too shall pass.
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