Lost in the Forest, suggested by Barbara Fox
_________________________
This is how I feel these days. I’m walking in a forest, and every tree is in my sight, taking equal attention. One is not much bigger than the other or, if it is, I am studiously ignoring that one.
For example, today: One tree is making little animals. One tree is trying to clean my studio. One tree is maintaining Anne’s class. One tree is putting up Tracie’s class. One tree is meeting with the web guy. One tree is writing an email to Jason. One tree is coming up with reasons not to make this little writing thing into an illustrated essay, like I promised.
Even though I am lost in this forest of my work life, it is, for the most part, enjoyable. I like to hear the birds sing and feel the sun peek through the branches.
It’s lovely, actually.
But I also feel a little bit scared, if I’m honest. Which way is the right way? Aren’t I just walking in circles? Is there a right way, to … somewhere? And if so, where?
Or is this the journey, to be in the forest, wandering around, enjoying each tree as I stumble upon it?
But I can’t help but wonder: Are there any big trees that I need to pitch a tent near and camp out for awhile? And does the path lead to a cottage made of candy? Without the witch?
I suppose it’s a combination of both, like everything: Work on being able to enjoy the moments but also move along the path to where I’m going. (I don’t have to know where the path leads, but that there is a path I can’t deny, even if I think that all I am doing puttering in the forest.)
________________________
Please comment with a topic (it can be just one or two words, or a sentence, a quote, etc.), and I will pick one and either make a word poster like I intended or wimp out and just do a little bit of writing, like I did today. I am doing 10 of these….
carlasonheim.wordpress.com 
at the beach……….
Bats in the attic…
Took notice
No, there IS no candy house, and there’s always a witch. In case you were wondering, actually.
Take my 85 years of wisdom I offer to you now: sometimes you NEED to run in circles. There’s always a temporary “right way” and you know, on some level, when you’ve found it. You find right ways by staying busy and constantly exploring. Listen to your thoughts. The secret is to maintain a high level of curiosity and to find DELIGHT in everything around you!
I’d say you’re on the right track, sister!
PS. My word is DELIGHT!
Barb Alexander
Baby Blue Bird
Carla, if there are cats (or other animals) to be found in the trees, you will surely find them. These would have escaped me completely. 🙂
Seaside dreaming
It ain’t easy living in the forest of creative creatures….but what struck me is the little bird who sleeps in the crook of the tree, surrounded by cats….wonder what the bird is dreaming….
I loved your essay!
How about the quote by Helen Keller, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”
Thanks, Carla, for choosing my “lost in the forest” words. Your depiction both in word and sketch are spot on, although the sketch seems a bit more playful. I am currently working on a fiber art wall hanging for a Level 3 Stitch course I am taking through the Gail Harker Center for Creative Studies. My recurring theme is trees hence sharing with you 🙂 Thanks again!
Climbing the walls!
Love! Fanciful and fun!
Just follow that yellow brick road!
Quote “We all become great explorers during our first few days in a new city, or a new love affair.” Mignon McLaughlin.
I thought I put it right here OR there’s people inside those cats, said by my 2 1/2 year old son after watching the musical Cats.
Love your “little writing thing” and your cats!
My word is – umbrella.
i think i am lost in the same forest ! wish we could meet.
do you know the song of joni mitchell : the circle game ..?
then i see the painted pony’s (remember the merry-go-round of chagall, of the kids art week)
everything is connected !
Love this post and theme. I find it amazing how your posts often reflect where I’m at. On reading your words, I was able to identify a whole forest of my own trees which sparked my curiosity about the direction I am moving in. I think this could be helpful and worth doodling and writing about during this particular phase in my life.
Adam Grant’s wonderful TED talk on procrastination seems to fit with your essay. I feel that procrastinating is no longer something I have to be ashamed of, I can use it in conjunction with my own trees to make new creative and life changing discoveries. Thank you Carla.
My kite is stuck.
The cupboard is bare.
Old sardine tin