Hi All,
Hope everyone had a fun Labor Day weekend. For some odd reason, the summer is still lingering here in Chicago. Temps in the mid 90's is INSANE for this time of year. But from what has been forecasted, the winter is to be a brutally cold one.
Once again this is the first Wednesday of the month, and that means another post for the IWSG created by Alex J Cavanaugh. By now most of you know what this is, but for those new people who don't, it is a monthly post for writers to vent out their insecurities and for others to lend an invisible helping hand with advice or just plain sympathy.
This month's question is, How to find time to write in your busy day? Now that is a LOADED question and one that hits home....
Personally I haven't written anything substantial in over a year, just the occasional post, a few intros, and one piece for the WEP. In the grand scheme of things, that is NOTHING. And yes, I am very Insecure about it. Many times I freak about how I have absolutely no interest in writing anything. My mind has been fogged with LIFE. Many of you know I had bought a run down loft in the South Loop of Chicago. A great space that needed so much of my attention and money. I am HAPPY TO SAY, that I FINALLY FINISHED!!!!! Yes, one year and one month.
I ran out of money, so I had to do the remaining work myself, which included all the trim wood work, hanging glass doors, and painting. Now that it's complete as of two days ago, I thought I'd be ready to JUMP back into writing.
Sadly, it does't seem that way. Life is still plaguing me. I need to sell my loft. From all the frustration, work, and expense, I ended up hating this place. I thought, since this was a former Children's publishing house for nearly a century, I would feel inspired. I don't. I miss my sweeping views of the park, lake, and city skyline. I've come to realize, I am a totally visual person, and THAT is what inspires me, not old, brick lofts.
SO, I am on the move again. Stressful, yes, but I am relieved too. I want to be creative again and not just with design work. It's getting old for me. I find it funny, the acquaintances OOOO and AAA when they see my place. For me, it's what I do. I'm a professional. And what kind of interior designer would I be, if my place doesn't speak volumes.
Today I plan to hop around and visit the other group members and HOPEFULLY I can learn how they manage their writing time. The only great advice I have for you today is.... visit the other group members.... lol. I honestly wish I had more.
On a POSITIVE NOTE... here are a few before and after pics of my loft. It was QUITE the challenge. LOL
BEFORE:
AFTER:
Hope everyone had a fun Labor Day weekend. For some odd reason, the summer is still lingering here in Chicago. Temps in the mid 90's is INSANE for this time of year. But from what has been forecasted, the winter is to be a brutally cold one.
Once again this is the first Wednesday of the month, and that means another post for the IWSG created by Alex J Cavanaugh. By now most of you know what this is, but for those new people who don't, it is a monthly post for writers to vent out their insecurities and for others to lend an invisible helping hand with advice or just plain sympathy.
This month's question is, How to find time to write in your busy day? Now that is a LOADED question and one that hits home....
I ran out of money, so I had to do the remaining work myself, which included all the trim wood work, hanging glass doors, and painting. Now that it's complete as of two days ago, I thought I'd be ready to JUMP back into writing.
Sadly, it does't seem that way. Life is still plaguing me. I need to sell my loft. From all the frustration, work, and expense, I ended up hating this place. I thought, since this was a former Children's publishing house for nearly a century, I would feel inspired. I don't. I miss my sweeping views of the park, lake, and city skyline. I've come to realize, I am a totally visual person, and THAT is what inspires me, not old, brick lofts.
SO, I am on the move again. Stressful, yes, but I am relieved too. I want to be creative again and not just with design work. It's getting old for me. I find it funny, the acquaintances OOOO and AAA when they see my place. For me, it's what I do. I'm a professional. And what kind of interior designer would I be, if my place doesn't speak volumes.
Today I plan to hop around and visit the other group members and HOPEFULLY I can learn how they manage their writing time. The only great advice I have for you today is.... visit the other group members.... lol. I honestly wish I had more.
On a POSITIVE NOTE... here are a few before and after pics of my loft. It was QUITE the challenge. LOL
BEFORE:
AFTER:
55 comments:
You created an amazing living space! Shame you don't like it now. (Isn't that what happens when you work on something for too long?) Hope the new place is more inspiring. I'm assuming you will be selling the loft for a good profit?
Hi Michael - as Alex says .. it looks stunning - but I think I'll stay here for now! But at least you've realised that need "the visual" ... take care and good luck with selling ...
Cheers Hilary
Oh, it's a shame you're going to sell it. The place is stunning.
We're in the 90's, too. I'm hoping it cools down soon.
The loft is breathtaking! Love the exposed brick and to-die-for kitchen. I'm a visual person too. So I completely understand! Yes, this heat is exhausting. Visited Chicago in May and it was perfect! Good luck in selling and writing;)
Your loft is gorgeous! I'm sure you already know that, but if it doesn't stimulate your creative juices or "speak to your soul," if you know what I mean, I guess it's gotta go. Now that you have a better idea of what does feed your soul, your next place will be better yet. Good luck selling the loft.
It's in the nineties here, too. Come oooooooon, fall!
WOW!!! Your loft is phenomenal!!!!
Life always gets in the way, that's what life does.
If you're not happy where you are, then definitely move, if possible.
Have a great September. And good luck in your endeavors!!!
Your loft is absolutely stunning now! It should be shown off in House & Garden or Architectural Digest or one of those uber-fancy magazines. Seriously, it's spectacular! If you finished only 2 days ago, its way too early to dive back into writing. You're exhausted and stressed. You need a break. Don't cheat yourself out of it. Just relax, congratulate yourself on a job well done, and do things you really enjoy doing. You deserve it!
The loft is amazing, and it's a shame it came to be such a struggle for you. Someone is going to jump on this. I agree with Lexa's comment above. Give yourself permission to take a break.
Thanks Alex.
Not as much as I had hoped. Funny, if I left it alone, the market improved so that I would've made twice as much. But since I put in all high end finishes I'll be lucky to make only about 10K after paying off everything. SO not worth all the trouble.
I'd stay there in England, too....
Thanks L. Diane.
Thanks Jennifer.
Sadly it doesn't Susan. That is why it's time to move on.
Thanks Cathrina....Someone will really enjoy this space because that didn't OD on all the rehabbing.
Ah, thanks so much, Lexa! That I am. Today I am blogging and enjoying myself catching up with everyone. It really helps touching base with all my wonderful blogger/writer friends!
Thank you, Dianne. I intend to do that.
Yes, sometimes we need a break to recharge. As for your loft, omg it's gorgeous! You did a fabulous job, and I can't imagine it not selling right away. I'm trying to sell my house as well...
Beautiful!!! You do good work! :)
Your brain/heart will let you know when it's time to write again. Trust yourself! :)
I really do get being a visual person. If I can't see certain things around me, I'm not a happy person. I love your loft, but I'd want those views, too. You're so creative in many ways, Michael that I know you'll find your best place and it will be or become beautiful.
I'm so sorry your awesome loft turned out not to be your forever home. It does look fantastic, but I totally get what you're saying - everything has to work together for me, too. Location is a huge part of that. You'll find your spot - never give up!
Hey Michael, I totally get you. I'm sitting here writing, inspired by the sea view. I understand as one visual person to another, what views do for the soul. You've sweated over this remodel, so I hope you manage to make a good profit. Then what happens? Another apartment in Chicago with a view?
Thanks for the gorgeous pics. I love how you've furnished it. So perfect.
I'm sorry that you're not inspired to write. I LOVED what you wrote for WEP and was hoping that'd get you going again. You have a great talent, so I hope you get to work again soon!!!
Denise :-)
If you like wide open spaces you wouldn't stay in England Michael. That's why we left. Too crowded. I thought you were moving to Florida anyway or is that something else? I too think your loft is gorgeous but, of course, if it no longer makes you happy, only thing to do is sell.
You did a fantastic job and I hope you get top dollar for all that work! You deserve it. But I'm like you, visual, that's why the ocean views speak to me. I have a lovely home in Pennsylvania, but the view of trees seems to close in and I feel stifled too. I'm moving to the beach and can't wait to feel the freedom of it!
You are incredibly talented at design. I love the look of your place but I can't imagine myself living anywhere in a city. You have to find that abode that inspires you. I look forward to reading about your hunt.
You've done a fantastic job; the pictures 'After' are terrific. Even if it doesn't work for you, it will definitely work for someone else. Someone will find happiness in the place where you toiled.
Now, go find that place for yourself.
Oh my gosh, You've done an amazing job on your loft. Best wishes on that move. May you get those vistas again and regain your creativity in writing.
Oh, how I wish I had the money to but that place from you! It's gorgeous. Sorry it's been so much trouble for you - but someone's going to love it.
I'm going to work my butt off for the next two days and hopefully that will open up a day for me next week to head into the city to see the place in person. Will message you.
Its beautiful anyway. Jaw-dropping beautiful. Heck. I wanna live there.
It is so beautiful! Why don't you give it a chance to grow on you? No place you find will ever be perfect. May The Father grant you the serenity to find peace and inspiration wherever you find yourself. :-)
Hi Michael, your loft is beautiful, stunningly gorgeous. Its your labour of love and hard-work. I am thinking I would have written lots by living there. It would have inspired me tremendously. Give it a chance, Michael. Live there for some time and see how things go.
Wow, Michael, what a lovely job you did on the place. I'm sure it will make a nice home for someone. I understand about needed that *certain* space in which to write. And... remember also, wherever you go, there you are. I hope you find the perfect place to settle. In the mean time, don't sweat it that writing is taking a back seat. It'll come back to you. Ask me how I know. :)
You've created such a beautiful space, but I totally understand about the view. I also hope your able to get back into writing. I know that feeling all too well.
It looks gorgeous! Sorry it didn't turn into the home you were wanting. Sometimes we just don't have the emotions to write. I've been dealing with that during our move and trying to build a house also. It sucks you dry and there's nothing left to write with. Maybe when you can take a break and just refill yourself, then you'll be able to write again.
Oh wow, absolutely stunning! You did a great job with the loft. I hope you come out of your rut soon, and get inspired to write! I haven't written properly for so long, but I'm getting back into it now. I'm sure you will too!
I can relate to how you're feeling Michael. I haven't written anything except my children's book in ages. And what's worse is I can't seem to recapture the desire to write anything. I thought once my mom recovered from her cancer I'd hop right back into writing and that hasn't happened. It's made me depressed and anxious because I really miss the feeling of escaping into a new writing project. Here's to both of us getting back where we want to be!
And the work you did on the loft is stunning. I'm sorry it didn't turn out to be the place you wanted.
Oh Michael, I am right there with you. I'm blown away at how little I feel like writing because I'm supposed to be a writer. What happened to me? I keep asking myself that and it bothers me that I don't have more ambition when it comes to my writing. I wonder, "Am I really a writer, after all?" and the answer No scares the crap out of me. So why can't I get it in gear and start writing? Your guess is as good as mine. I just keep hoping that I'll get the incentive with the renewal of joy that I used to get from writing.
On another note, your After pics are absolutely gorgeous!!! Great job!! now on to the next project, eh? :)
Michele at Angels Bark
Glad you finished your loft. Love the pictures. I think there are times in life that life and other responsibilities take our time from writing. If we don't have any writing contracts, that's okay. Part of writing and life is having fun.
Hi Michael! Wow, you've really gone all out on your loft! You did an outstanding job from the beautiful expansive kitchen down to the rich shower tiles. It's a shame you're not enjoying it, but hopefully you'll receive many generous offers. I also love the flooring and the cozy banquette, and it's impressive how much of the handiwork you've done on your own. Good luck with the sale, and I hope you find a place you love!
Julie
You did an amazing job on the loft, but I understand needing those views. Half of my home experience is the views outside and the location. I love the mountains, and I've got a view of my favorite peak out the front and a view of a ridge behind my house. I'd be so sad to leave this.
You do beautiful work. No wonder being so visual and all. :-)
Anna from elements of emaginette
I get what you're talking about with your writing. I'm pretty much in the same place. I had planned to post for this months IWSG and didn't make it. I did commit to hop around a look for inspiration and motivation. I DO know that they have to come from within, but a little external insight couldn't hurt, right?
I did feel better after listening to a short talk by Neil Gamian over at 'Weaving A tale or Two', about 'Making Good Art', it helped me feel inspired to want to write something well. Reading your post and seeing the pictures of what you have done design wise with your loft is an inspiring example this is truly 'GOOD ART', just a different form. Seems maybe that's been your thing for the last year. Maybe now as you sell the place and move on, the writing will come. I don't really know or have any answers, but I do know that being creative in some form is important to me, and if it is to you, you certainly have something to be proud of in the last years work.
Seriously hoping to make it back for the IWSG next month. Maybe I'll see you then.
I totally wish I could afford you Dear. My house needs some creativity. And money, lots of money investment. I love what you did with the loft, and I'd give anything to live there. I guess heaven can get old, huh? Well, good luck with all your projects, and I hope you can find time to write for the upcoming IWSG anthology.
Congrats on finishing your loft. It looks amazing! You are talented. Now that you don't have to focus on the loft, maybe you'll have more time to write. I hope you can come up with something for the IWSG Anthology. :)
Wow! You did a fabulous job on the loft. I'm sorry it didn't turn out to be the place you wanted to be. I hope you can find that place, and when you do, you'll be ready to write again.
Your loft is fantastic! I think you need to take a break, even if it's just a couple days. Binge watch netflix, stay at a hotel and order room service and just write lists, do some illustrations...take the writing pressure off yourself. You've had so much pressure with the loft for is it three years now? Call me tomorrow if you want to talk. I really think you need a rest. Hugs!!!!
Wow! It's stunning!
You've been through so much...and also put SOOOO much work into the loft and now you're thinking of giving it up? Are you really sure about this? How sure are you?
Maybe you need to stick around...give the place a chance before you make that final decision to let go.
(((Ubuntu Hugs)))
The loft is amazing. You really should just move places, fix them up, and sell them for crazy money, eh?
I just want to reach through the screen and hug you. I totally understand the life thing. Life just seems to be expecting too much from me this past six months or so. Thus, I'm with you. The loft is beyond spectacular! Great job!
Hi Michael, I never tire of seeing photos of your gorgeous loft. May it all work out for you with such perfection that you'll be amazed.
I adore this stark contrast!! Definitely NIGHT AND DAY. Whoa. I also love your description of being "fogged with life." Yeah, I can relate these days! Here's to the sale of your loft and a more inspired and creative rest of the year (or at least 2017).
Hi Micheal,
Before I set out and instead of being six time zones ahead and find myself two time zones behind you, I will state WOW to your loft. However, more importantly, good sir, keep embracing your passion for the magic of the written word.
I do endeavour to, much like you, despite the stressful, moving times, literally and figuratively, to focus on the positive possibilities.
With than, I'm about to take off, eh. Well, the plane will.
Kudos, dude!
Gary :)
OH MY GOSH, Michael. The pictures are phenomenal!!!!!! You.... as always, are so sickly talented. :)
I'm so sorry you're stuck in a rut like me. Writing is nearly impossible right now. Which is thoroughly depressing. Trying to find the passion again.
Thank you, as always, for your friendship. You're such a wonderful person. :)
Oooh. *happy sigh* I know you must look at it and see all the work you did and how much you want to sell it, but I just see clean lines and spare decor that matches seamlessly, and that gorgeous pile of cushions on the bed, and I feel calm...
Hope the next move goes smoothly and you find more writing inspiration soon! Hmm, views, eh? Come visit Geneva! :-)
Your design is truly stunning and the work is beautiful. I am sure the remodeling road has felt very long- but boy- those results are worth it. :) Congrats on work completed!
~Jess
You may not be inspired, but I am. That is a gorgeous transformation. I love it!! I hope you find the perfect place to land that suits your soul. Until then, maybe try a picture and just get writing. I kept telling myself I needed inspired, but what I really needed to do was just open a file and get to work.
Open the file, Michael, and the words will come. :)
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