101 Things to Do in 1001 Days: Goal 25

My quest continues to complete my list of 101 things.

Goal 25 is to journal daily a six word memoir about my life* . . . (for at least 30 consecutive days - 3 times during the 1001 days). I began the first block of this journal writing the day my daughter left for her summer adventure in India. "Meg to India. Miss her already."

Some days are easier than others. A specific event or emotion just needs to be the center of attention "Change ripples outward: splashes over me." Other days, ordinary days, I work through many possibilities to choose the right words. Sometimes, I try to go with the silly "Mani/Pedi. Fingernails: neutral. Toes: outrageous." For balance, I often try to be a bit more serious or profound "Parenting adult children. A learning process."

I'm an expansive writer so summarizing a full twenty-four hours (1,440 minutes)into six words is a challenge for me. One of the aspects I like about this challenge is that my whole life is showing up on the page - parenting, writing, family, risks, realizations, fears, friends, as well as the ordinary and boring. "Need to sleep; deep without dreams."

I'm learning that for me, there is something liberating, yet safe, in writing just six words. I find the writing a bit easier than it was when I began in May. Many days, it is even fun! I've gone longer than 30 days with this first block; I've adjusted the goal to journal the entire time my daughter is away (through the end of August).

And I'm doing it . . . day-by-day.


*See http://www.smithmag.net/sixwords

Just for Fun (and something more . . . )

The text I send my family reads "I am exhausted. Painted rivers and marshes and rocky rocks today . . . fluffy clouds tomorrow." The only response I receive is from my husband, the master of one word replies: "Wow."

My family is a bit mystified why, of all things, I am at a five day watercolor painting workshop at OMEGA Institute in Rhinebeck, NY. I've always wanted to try watercolor painting. And it is on my list. I've joined a social movement with thousands of people from across the globe and created my own list of "101 Things to do in 1001 Days" (dayzeroproject.com). Lists of 101 goals that are specific, measurable/clearly defined, realistic yet make one stretch are created, many posted on online, people blog about their accomplishments and challenges, often creating photo records and commenting on each others journeys.

My list is not posted online, but my 1001 day journey began on July 25th (my birthday). I have a bit over 2 3/4 years (1001 days) to complete an expansive array of goals that I want to accomplish in my second act. Some of my goals include: shoot a gun at a gun range, read the entire body of work of one writer (Ernest Hemingway), and take and post one photo, every Monday, to document an ordinary moment in my day (143 weeks).

The daily demands of raising my three children has given way to a new phase of parenting - long distance - as my children are currently in Santiago, Chile, Dallas, Texas and Manhattan. For the first time in almost 30 years, I have stretches of time to focus on me.

Goal #36 - take a Watercolor painting workshop - is complete.