Yes, I'm guilty again of being away from this blog. This time it wasn't "life reasons." I actually tried an experiment to see if I could stay away from writing here. The longer I resisted penning my thoughts the more that loss ached within me. I wondered if the "old fashioned" way of journaling without an audience like I did before the internet existed would satisfy me. Nope. The hole of loneliness out here in a world where so many connect who have never met in real life, swelled and grew.
In fact, that hole morphed into a monster with fangs. How ugly, I thought as I fought it. How could my love of writing turn into something that was ripping me up? I would have conversations with myself, taking each side. I'd remind myself that most folks who visit blogs are kind and that the comments are not necessarily the "whole feedback." Then, I'd say to myself, so what? It's actually refreshing that my commenters have manners and look for the good in folks! (I already edit my own work and can tear it apart, chew it up, and even spit it out as unworthy, so I should relish the wonderful comments you all have given me through the years.) I DO!
Yet, I succumbed to deleting posts, although there was hope even then. I knew, even then, in the recesses of my creative soul, that I should not delete my blog. I'm glad I didn't. It's ok if I sporadically post. As they say, it's "my blog and I'll do what I want" (and when I want or feel it.) There are no rules that way.
Thank you to the kind folks who searched and found a way to comment on the "about" page. Very computer savvy of you. I did forget that I left that comment ability enabled. Thank you also to those who emailed me asking about me. I'm sorry I haven't replied.
You all know I'm a visual artist who paints and perhaps you remember that I also make jewelry. You may not know that I have taught English and English literature and poetry. In recent years, I became an expressive artist, who combines the creative modes of writing and/or art to facilitate unleashing the creativity in folks of all ages and abilities. Sometimes I use music or simple dance as well.
I lead classes or workshops in real life in expressive arts. This is more than mere "journaling" classes. I've been asked by many to set up webinars to share my expertise and tips with others who don't live near me. Webinars have become quite popular on the internet.
To those who have read this blog, many have enjoyed the different types of writing I share here, from fiction, to poetry, to puns, to humor. In the future I will be sharing webinars here for those who want a low cost way of learning a bit of "gel's tips, tricks and expert-tease/expertise." My dear GEM has agreed to video me for such reasons. I hope that my wit and wisdom will engage you.
Besides webinars I will be posting my own writings here again for that interaction I dearly miss from sharing with you loyal or new readers. FYI: this post is NOT a new year's resolution. It is coincidence that I am posting again in Jan. I could write an entire post regarding resolutions and perhaps, I shall, in a future post.
Why is writing like breathing for me? Without air, one withers and dies. Simple as that. I have written all the time I've been away from here. I returned to this spot to share my soulcrayons because you all provide the fertile ground for me to plant my creativity seeds. I read, re-read, and cherish, each and every comment. Although, old posts are no longer visible here, I did back them up onto my computer.
So, like me, take a deep breath or more and plunge into new or old activities that nurture your own creativity seeds. Expressive writing is healing, energizing, and as necessary as exercise. It's truly medicine for the soul. It's been shown to reap health benefits galore, even if you're not "going through a stressful period in your life." Besides, I can show you how to enjoy writing if that's not been your thing before now, or improve, or vary it. Bloom, my blog buddies!
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