Wednesday, July 17, 2013

The Artist's Way - The Day The Dragon Stopped Writing

The Progressive Book Club is the excellent idea of Mike L. Swift. You can find the guidelines and join the group for future discussions here. The book currently discussed is The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron.

Let me start by saying I absolutely adore this book. I received it as a gift and I really believe I was not gifted with a book, but with a second chance of making dreams possible. It is divided in a 12 week program and as the cover reads, it is a "spiritual path to higher creativity". I'm still working on Week 8 but there has not been a single week I've had not had an epiphany, or many. I will trust the reference to the first four chapters and their content to my fellow artists in the Club because I have a greater need. I want to share with you the impact of this book in my core as a creative being.

There are two predominant subjects in this book. The idea of a Great Creator with the freedom for it to be what suits you best. It doesn't need to be a specific God from a specific "Ism". If you are not a religious person that's okay. If you are, that's okay. The Great Creator and Creativity in itself becomes pretty available for everyone who wants to get it. Synchronicity is the second constant of this book. You read, you do your homework and suddenly, things start happening around you for real. Messages, people and tools start coming your way as you may need them. I swear sometimes I could hear The Twilight Zone score playing from Above.

However, this is like the Neverending Story. You become the main character and closing the book does not guarantee things won't keep happening inside you and that your world won't change. On the other hand, reading it fast without really doing the homework won't render any benefit. It's like buying the medicine but not taking it, or take it every other day.

I wanted this book to help me finish my WIP but yesterday I wrote on FB: "Wouldn't just be the irony of ironies that I would quit writing over a book that was supposed to inspire the writer in me? Didn't see that coming." The paradox, Father Dragon Writes that he won't write anymore.

Where this statement came from? Synchronicity. While this book and its exercises have made me think, laugh, get mad and cry (a lot); my surroundings feel like creative Jumanji. I ponder, I execute and something "coincidental" manifests in unexpected ways. Messages came that made echo in some raw wound in cleaning process.

The Ruthless Engineer.
Artist: Al Diaz
"Usually, he who has many talents ends up being an amateur in many fields, and professional in absolutely nothing." Award Winning Mexican Writer. TV show.

People say I have many talents I'm good at. Truth is I'm acceptable as an amateur but far from a pro. I have the talent but I lack the knowledge. I had the opportunity to study arts at the best Fine Arts school in Mexico. For many reasons I couldn't take it and this became one of my most bitter regrets, a wound that still hurts like hell.

"Pain and Art...A match made in Heaven?" Julie Luek's post
I was born sick. I've lived half my life imprisoned by illness and by walls. In order to stay on your feet in the face of an incapacitating ailment, you first have to come to terms with your reality. Reality was I couldn't move. Whining about all the things I wanted to do but couldn't was the certain path to self-destruction. I killed my dreams in order to let my heart and mind live. The question in Julie's post was if you really need to suffer to become a good artist. I didn't suffer to become a writer. I became a writer because I suffered and I needed a more creative and constructive way to express my pain, other than hating the world, me and my fate. Writing about living made me forget I wasn't living but surviving. Killing characters on paper made me forget about killing myself.

Darth Vader (mixed techniques)
Artist: Al Diaz
"Build your own dreams or someone will hire you to help them build their dreams." Shah Rukh Khan. Twitter.

Back to The Artist's Way, if there is one thing this book does for you is to help you believe in possibility. This book made me remember all those dreams I killed. At the time, they felt more like a boulder tied to the neck. Now they are more like the hard tissue over a wound that never healed. The song I never sang, the flight I never took, the kiss I never gave. My time to go after those dreams was long gone. They were my heart's desire but so what? I got wisdom and resilience in exchange so I guess that's okay. Besides, I am too old... or maybe not. 802 is still young for a dragon, some of you said.

"In order to be able to catch the ball, first you need to REALLY want to catch it." The Artist's Way.

In spite of the recent lesions, my health is improving in a significant way. Physically impossible is becoming possible. The Artist's Way is having me believing that impossible can become possible in the creative side. Dead dreams can be reborn and achieved. I had not realized that I truly believed I was a bad dragon who deserved all the misfortune I've endured. The book has helped me to see this and work on it. I am not a bad dragon. I am a good dragon to whom bad things has happened. I do deserve my dreams to come true. I deserve the song, the flight and the kiss and no matter how old I am, it's always good time to start making dreams come true.

Avatar, the Last Air Bender. Nickelodeon
The question is not if I want to catch the ball or not. The question is WHICH ball I do really want to catch. 

"The more I think about writing, the more I paint," I told Sir Jeff not long ago.

I wrote when my wings were broken. Now my wings are healing and stretching. Sometimes they can even hold me off the ground for a short while. The Artist's Way is telling the dragon there's still chance to conquer all those denied horizons, even now at this age. It's nudging me to try all those wonderful things of life I could only imagine when I wrote about them. It gave me a compass that, like Jack Sparrow's, is pointing to what I desire most. And my desire is to paint me a story.
Spirited Away. Ghibli Studios

How old will I be by the time I can make Agnipath look like Nickelodeon's "Avatar. The Last Air Bender" or there's a Father Dragon Studios that create something worth of Ghibli Studios? The same age I'll be if I don't try. The difference is I'll be a step closer each day, if I do. That's the essence of The Artist's Way.


Father Dragon Writes that he won't write anymore in the loving memory of dreams that could only be in my imagination. Father Dragon Writes that he'll go out and risk to fly to the extent of his wing capacity. Father Dragon Writes that he'll paint stories and fully embrace the artist within.

Thank you, Mike, for this gift. Thank you all wonderful writer friends who embraced me into your community. You've taught me so much! No. I'm not saying goodbye. I'm just celebrating you today because I'll be away on Friday. :) Till next week.

Celebrate the Small Things is a Friday Meme created by VikLit

82 comments:

  1. Wonderful post Al. Great reading and see you next week.

    Yvonne.

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  2. This is so bad that dragon stopped writing. I like this line"The question is WHICH ball I do really want to catch."

    Regards,
    Content Writing Services

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    1. It will be like enhanced writing, or visual writing. A fusion of writing. :)

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  3. Hi Al - what a great internal appreciation of your life, and where it can go - despite all .. you can paint, you do paint ... now with words, in the future with paints, pastels, herbs, rainbows ... go for it -

    We'll see you here .. what a wonderful book by the sound of it ..

    Cheers and for all your inspirational future painted thoughts .. Hilary

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    1. Sure we'll see each other here. I still have a party to throw with you all.

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  4. Sounds like the book might help me decide between music and writing. Or mess me up even further, one of the two.
    That drawing of yours is excellent.
    Never too late to achieve anything, Al.

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  5. Grandma Moses turned to painting in her 70s so its never too late. I am glad the book The Artist's Way, has given you the tools to figure out which way you really want to go. If painting is your heart's desire then follow your heart. Whatever, please don't stop blogging, we would miss you.

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    1. I wont stop blogging, Jo. I would miss you too much too. :D

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  6. I'm putting on my cheerleader's outfit (at 49, it ain't pretty) and grabbing pompoms and cheering you on. Identifying your heart's dream and then allowing yourself to take a step with it is courageous and inspiring. You have always amazed and touched me and many others here and continue to do so as you explore this new chapter in life. Here's to Julia and HER courage to follow her dreams and inspire others. Can't wait to see where your wings take you.

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    1. I'll surely be showing you, Julie. We inspire and encourage each other. :D

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  7. art is an expression of ourselves... my books are the little voices telling me to let them out... however you should share your talents, just know you have people ready to see, hear and listen.

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  8. What an awesome post, Al. You are most CERTAINLY a very good dragon. You have touched my life through your blog, and I'm a better person for having know you. Very big hugs back to you, my sweet dragon. Don't ever give up on your dreams.

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    1. And I'm a better dragon because I've met you all. I love you too much to abandon you. That's the truth. I'll be seeing you while I search for my dreams. :)

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  9. First, let me begin by saying that I am glad that book made it to you, that you began to read it, and that you "worked" it. As you say, sometimes just reading something is not enough. It is the equivalent to having medicine and not taking it. I think that God puts many tools in our path, but we are still responsible for the follow through. We must do the actual work. You got the book, but what you do with it... that is up to you. I love the line from the book about actually wanting to catch the ball. It is a reflection of just how important our desire to succeed is. The most successful person is not the one with the most advantages. It is merely the one who wanted it the most. That is an important lesson right there.

    As you say, you have many talents. You merely have to decide which you love the most and cultivate that one. Which ball do you want to catch? You will be successful at something. It is merely up to you to choose.

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    1. You never fail to give me a reason to smile big time. You're a marvelous support, Robin. THank you.

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  10. What an inspiring post. I will miss your writing for sure, but I do understand the value of following your one true passion. That is all that matters. I wish you all the best as you begin this new quest!
    Nutschell
    www.thewritingnut.com

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    1. Don't miss me. The cave will still be open for all dragon friendly folks. Besides, you've got a party to attend. :)

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  11. Al,

    My friend, today I shall not leave a rambling comment. I have a tendency to do that. The articulation within your post and the articulation of those whose comments preceded mine, are thoughtful.

    Your posts speaks and you will listen to your heart. If so be it, you can paint and the paint becomes the words of the imagination.

    I wish you well.

    In kindness,

    Gary

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    1. Gary, I know we understand each other. THank you for your support, words and kindness.

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  12. I am currently juggling many balls myself. I know the feeling of being good at all and master of none.

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    1. It sucks, doesn't it? I want to give myself the satisfaction to master at least one thing.

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  13. I hope you'll still be here in the Dragon's Lair when we stop by and that you'll share with us, when you can, the beauty of your creations. Be well.

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    1. I'll still be here, LD, for a while I hope. Thank you and hugs.

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  14. I'm sorry that you're not going to write any more, but I am happy to know that you won't withdraw from creative pursuits. I look forward to seeing your stories! :)

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    1. Thanks, Lara! Yes, we are still in the creative side. :)

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  15. That was a beautiful and very personal post. Thanks for sharing your struggles and pains and the help this book has brought you. I wish you well in whatever ball you choose to catch :-)
    Tina @ Life is Good

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    1. Thank you, Tina. The cheering is so encouraging. You're all good friends.

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  16. I'm not telling you anything new when I say; there are many ways to tell your story/express yourself/enlarge your talents. You have such a marvelous way here in your own space that makes me always feel welcome and as though I've come to familiar place (home?). May your dreams come true and you find the outlet that best suits those talents you choose to pursue. tome your are a very successful and talented dragon whichever way you might choose.

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    1. This means a lot to me. I'm very glad you feel that way. I really am. It's great that people feel this place as home because you're an important part of my life. Thanks! :)

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  17. Sounds like you really connected with this book. Maybe you'll switch mediums, maybe you need a chance to miss the words? Who can know? I enjoyed the book and many tasks, others I found a little pessimistic. I will review it, but missed the proper date. Yours is a great review.

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    1. Thanks, Charmaine. I also struggled with some tasks...still struggling with them, but it's mostly because I'm struggling with myself.

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  18. I have this book but haven't got round to reading it yet. I think part of me wants to figure things our for myself, even though it'll probably take longer. A lot of the time when I focus on something it sucks the joy our of it and I really don't want to lose that in my writing.

    mood
    Moody Writing

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    1. Hahaha, I'm hearing myself here. I am also handling that, Moody. The joys of being an artist. It is never easy.

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  19. Creativity comes in different forms, and no matter what form you choose to embrace at the time will be the right one. :)

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    1. I think I'll soon have to go to you for a bit of advice...when the time comes.

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  20. Talk about synchronicity! My co-worker just took this book out from the library and said "Let's do it together!" I've been on the fence about it but now I'm thinking that, with the message double-teaming me, I should give it a try.

    And as for Father Dragon not writing anymore, that prospect makes me sad. But not nearly as sad as the prospect fo Father Drgon not doing what he REALLY loves. So go paint and please, please, PLEASE share your creations with us!

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    1. I'll do Bev. And yes, read it, and work on it. You'll be surprised, I guarantee you that.

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  21. You scared me for a minute as I thought you were saying goodbye! That would break my heart. I agree with Beverly, do what you love but please share your creations with us. I am looking forward to seeing more of your amazing paintings.

    Hugs for a happy weekend to you, Al.

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    1. No goodbyes, Julie. I would be back faster than the time it would take me to say goodbye. I'm totally and shamelessly addicted to you.

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  22. Love this whole post, Al! I smiled, my eyes welled up with tears - not sad tears, but joyful, glad tears. I'm so glad that you have found your dreams, and that you have decided to fly with them. Paint the story! I would love to see it. Write it, and I would love to read it. The beauty of your soul and your imagination are wonderful! You are a good dragon! Fly! Soar!
    Big Hugs! :)

    I read part of The Artist's Way, and I found myself cycling through the first four chapters a few times, and then had to turn it back into the library. I still want to finish it, but it's not a book that seems to call for "finishing" as much as journeying with it.

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    1. Journeying it. YOu've just nailed it. It's the journey one cannot rush or you miss the point.
      Thank you for your wonderful cheering and support, Tyrean. Your heart talks to mine.

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  23. You invoked a lot of emotion out of me in this post. You absolutely have the talent, and knowledge? What's that? I'm about to be published and I'm starting to learn that I know next to nothing about this business. One step at a time, and I'll be first in line when you have something out. Keep dreaming and soaring, Father Dragon. You're the best dragon in the blogosphere. :)

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    1. That's a lot to say coming from a knight. Thank you, Sir David. THANK YOU!

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  24. Hi, FD.

    WOW.... you and I have SOOOOO much in common. BTW your illustration is stunning. You are a TRUE RENAISSANCE Dragon... I feel the same. Anything creative and I master it. A blessing? Oh, DEFINITELY ... a CURSE ... That too! It's very frustrating to have all this creativity bottled up. A TRUE artist can't be satisfied in just one medium. We must ALWAYS push the envelop... I know I do ... ALL THE TIME. Music will be my next VICTORY when I get around to it. I am Not young either and I have LIVE MANY different lives. But I know I still have several more before I leave this one and start as another creative being.

    Your grand heart and SOUL will always be creative, playful, passionate, and wise. No matter what afflictions you have..

    Take care, AL.

    We are all behind you, cheering you on!

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    1. I also thought we had a lot in common you and I. Yes, I also got my paws into the music, hahaha. Amazing. Didn't get far because I can't focus on one project, but I'm trying to change that now. Maybe one day you and I can paint while writing and playing music together, hahaha. It would be fun.

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    2. That would be fun, FD! I'd LOVE to visit your Lair.... I understand it's quite beautiful. WE can toss a few gnomes to warm up before we start.. just to clear our heads and string our fingers/claws. LOL.

      Have a wonderful weekend!

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  25. A wonderful post Al. I agree with whatever you said. Have a lovely weekend.

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  26. Al, as long as you are happy and you are following your love of art you are good!
    You are very talented and goodness I'm glad you are not saying goodbye... I was freaking out about that lol

    Enjoy your weekend ;)

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    1. Thank you, S.K. That's why I clarified. Dragon is not going anywhere. ;D

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  27. I look forward to seeing how this unleashes more of your creativity, because you seem pretty jam-packed already, Al. You give us beautiful, lovely nuggets that I carry in my spirit as smiles.

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    1. Jam-packed, very precise, dear Mary Pax. That's how I am right now. Let's see what comes out of this. Hopefully something better than what we have. In the meantime, I hope I can give you more smiles. :)

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  28. I must live on a different plane than Father Dragon because I don't get it. Everyone's an individual with their own talents. Who's to say which are "professional" or "amateur" talents? All the critics who said van Gogh or other artists had no talent? Then 50 years later they're all of a sudden brilliant painters? Tastes are subjective and changing all the time. I think your paintings are great. Accept your talents, be proud of them, and don't compare yourself to anyone else. There is only one Father Dragon, and he's awesome! :-)

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    1. No, Lexa, not the critics, except for my inner critic. I refer to pro vs. amateur in regards of knowledge applied to performance, not in regards of how others see my work. I know that is very subjective. I just want to be able to do things I like but I don't know yet how to achieve them. That's what I meant by pro. Thanks for your cheering, my dear friend!

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  29. Yes, we all deserve to have our dreams come true. :) I will work on that right alongside you, my friend.

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    1. I didn't expect any less from you, comrade in arms... and in bolitas!

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  30. Fabulous post Father Dragon :)

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  31. I read your contribution to the progressive story. Loved the idea of giving life requiring pain. Beautifully written.

    You're blessed to have other ways to express your thoughts and ideas, Al. And I'm with Lexa about that "distinction." Everyone is an amateur--a beginner--at some point. And maybe being a professional isn't the best goal. The best goal must be to do what you love and do it to your fullest. I think you're on your way to that achievement. :-)

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    1. Thanks for the vote of confidence. I am so very glad you liked my idea. Whether I'll fixed the best goal or not, it is still to be seen, but I can tell you one thing at least. Something is happening inside the dragon...and it's good. :)

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  32. Beautiful post Al!
    Follow your heart. Do what makes you happy. And don't forget to share your amazing art work with us. You are truly gifted.
    And don't be too regretful over the fact that you didn't get the chance to study at the best Fine Arts School. I truly believe that art, in its many different forms, comes from the heart and soul.
    From a musical perspective, I've discovered that quite often, prescriptive formal training (which doesn't encourage individuality) can stifle natural expression (to a certain degree), which comes from a special place deep within.
    Oh, and I loved your contribution to the Tree Of Life collaboration!
    Writer In Transit

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    1. Thanks, Michelle. I'm in the process of forgiving myself for the Fine Arts School thing. I am just learning and understanding what you say, and let my heart be my guide...once it's healed.

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  33. Our time on this little space rock is so ephemeral. Deep down, you know what path you want to choose. Trick is not letting life/doubt get in the way. So don't be afraid of taking a different path, I believe our life journey is more thrilling when we learn to trust ourselves, our hearts, and our passion.
    Hugs! (:

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    1. Dragon hugs, Elise. Trust is quite a challenge for me, did you know that? Dragons are wary types by nature. Yet, it is not impossible. :)

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  34. A book that helps you to unleash your creativity, painfully or not, is a good book. Father Dragon will always write, whether he knows it or not - it's born in the breath of his fire. Keep up your talented ways! Writer’s Mark

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    1. You put a smile on my face with your words, Nancy. And there's truth in them, I suspect. Thanks! :)

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  35. I've been wondering if I should put this book on my wish list for craft books. It seems to be a popular book, but you expressed it in a different way I've yet seen. I know you'll continue to create. Create what makes you happy and what breathes passion into your soul, and don't think about judging that final product ahead of time. It's what we all do, start thinking ahead about what we'll produce, but I think it traps us.

    Shannon at The Warrior Muse

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    1. True enough, you've just summarized it all. :)

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  36. You know, there are a lot of "artists" that have found themselves here in the writer blogs. People believe in and support all aspects of creativity here; so creativity is inspired and encouraged. This has always been a good place to "find yourself."

    I've know writers (myself included) to have epiphanies about their writing passions, to suddenly change genre's as they discovered authors that think/write like theselves, to discover their talents lie in editing or cover art. Guess I've been around long enough to see a lot of personal and professional growth. I am always excited when a blogger finds their true calling by following the extensive resources and encouragement of our community.

    This is still a supportive community for artistry, and I'm glad you will still be around as you explore your true calling. I guess I need to pick up that book for my own inspiration :)

    ........dhole

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    1. I highly recommend it to you, Donna. And you're right, the community and all the blogger friends have been extremely supportive and a great help to find many truths about myself. It's amazing and I am very grateful to you all and if I could, I would hug the stuff out of you for real. :D

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  37. Dearest Al,

    Sorry I am late to respond, but after reading this post, I had to stop by and say Aloha!

    "I am not a bad dragon. I am a good dragon to whom bad things has happened. I do deserve my dreams to come true. I deserve the song, the flight and the kiss and no matter how old I am, it's always good time to start making dreams come true."

    These are very wise words my friend, which makes sense coming from the fire-breathing mouth of an 802-year-old :)

    Take care of yourself - we will always be here and please let me know which type of Irish music you may need to help you along on your journey :)

    ((AL))

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    1. I tell you the type and you tell me the titles... that's what I need. :) Thank you my friend for all your support.

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  38. Hello Al, I came by you via Tree of Life and boy am I glad I did! I loved this post and will now try to access my Julia Cameron book - which for the moment is hiding.
    I wish you well and thank you for this.

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    1. I'm glad you found it useful. I'm sure you'll love the book. Thank you for your words!

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  39. Amazing. I was given this book years ago by an obviously intuitive and encouraging friend. It has since languished on my shelf (like some of my writings). Thank you for bringing back into the fore of my consciousness the importance of inspiration.

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    1. Maybe it is time to read it. You know what they say, when the student is ready... ;)

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  40. I think that is an amazing revelation. I applaud you, and I too would love to read that book. Hubby and I had an interesting discussion yesterday, and after years of marriage I find he has always wanted to be an actor - would love to see that come to pass for him. You give me hope Al, you truly, truly do!

    Bless you!

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  41. I am always in favor of those who decide to pursue their dreams! I wish you nothing but success on your journey Al. My sister was the artist in my family, but I can recognize talent when I see it. And you have it my friend!


    Oh, the irony here. Let me take a minute to absorb it. A book that is about inspiring people to write actually inspires you to stop writing- wow, that's just priceless...

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  42. What a coincidence. This morning I was thinking about a book that I received as a gift and how dear it is to me.

    You've made me interested in this book. Fantastic post.

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  43. "Jack of all trades and master of none." Great post and I love your Darth Vader painting Al!

    -Maurice Mitchell
    The Geek Twins | Film Sketchr

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