Discover Challenge – Obstacles

The Discover Challenge this week is Obstacles.

Over the years, and through different goals and life chapters, my creative process has varied a lot.

I can surely say that limitations and structure have made my work stronger.

And I always feel like I am just beginning to learn.

Some projects were easier and have worked out well, some are not yet finished, and some were very hard – yet worked out well with more time and revisions.  Support from good editors is greatly appreciated.

I am not writing a lot now, and am grateful for photography.  I also enjoy arranging flowers. Reading is a big part of my life.  Over the years, I’ve read many books about creativity.  I am ever-interested and appreciate authors who share about their process.  Rest is also important for all of us, and my life had to change after a chronic illness.  The schedule I kept “once upon a time” is not an option.

So often it seems artists have had to overcome obstacles, in some way, and somehow their art is enriched.  Mercy and grace.  I hope to write more about this in the future.

Everyone has a story.

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writing an essay
all I deleted
to say what I mean

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feeling new poems
fallow fields
waking up

(Time Of Singing, 2000)

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Ellen Grace Olinger

(post updated on April 30, 2016)