Creativity needs room to breathe. But for people like me, creativity needs boundaries and structure too. A desk with a straight-backed chair and a strict teacher.
Over the winter I decided that enrolling in a class, with deadlines and a syllabus, would be just the tonic for my creative inertia. Stanford has a drool-worthy catalog of Continuing Studies courses, and I confess I lost my head, signing up for two classes in the same term. Darn shiny objects.
Two classes. Two volunteer commitments. One marathon training schedule. One full-time job. One lonely dog. One sleep-starved intern-doctor husband. Friends and family who undoubtedly wonder what rock I’m hiding beneath.
I’m afraid I’ve said yes to too many things.
I boarded the late train home after my photography class on Thursday feeling like week-old laundry, stale with excuses. My assignment had been lackluster, a hurried attempt to check a box on the to-do list. Chips and salsa were my dinner; I haven’t cooked a proper meal in nearly two weeks. Mike arrived at the hospital for the emergency room shift at precisely the moment I walked through the front door, the two of us passing like ships in the night.
When will I learn?
13 comments
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February 13, 2011 at 7:37 am
Valerie Gilliam
It took me over 20 years to figure it out and I’m still not sure I get it. Don’t worry, Katie, it’s good to have many interests.
Love from Jim and Valerie
February 13, 2011 at 9:24 pm
Katie Githens
Miss you guys. I think we’re going to get a real internet connection soon that works for things like Skype. Then the four of us we can all catch up face to face.
February 13, 2011 at 8:42 am
Rorschach
Love the photos, especially the mildly disturbing one of your glance at the abyss. And never underestimate the power of chips and salsa, as long as the chips aren’t from a plastic bag, and the salsa’s not from a jar; and even if they are, you’re only an egg and a few minutes from chilaquiles.
February 13, 2011 at 9:18 am
sharilynns
What a lovely gesture of support from one cook to another!
February 13, 2011 at 9:20 pm
Katie Githens
Hmm…. I suppose Tostitos Hint of Lime doesn’t count then? Do you have a recipe for chilaquiles? My mom introduced me to them last summer, but I’ve never tried cooking them.
February 15, 2011 at 10:50 am
Rorschach
Honestly, I’ve never used a recipe – just fry tortilla strips (never used chips, but so what?) in whatever fat I’ve got to hand (olive oil? sure. rendered chorizo? so much better.), scramble in some eggs, grate in some cheese (hard Mexican white queso, ideally, but Tillamook cheddar still won’t suck) and dump some salsa over the top. Or just a sliced avocado and diced up tomatoes, anything w/ some acid, and preferably some heat. Recent piece over at Matt Bites, http://mattbites.com/2011/01/31/chipotle-chilaquiles/, just by way of what I’m sure are nearly infinite examples.
February 20, 2011 at 10:44 pm
Katie Githens
Yum. I’ll have to try this.
February 13, 2011 at 9:24 am
sharilynns
I am empathetic to your overambitious schedule and am envious of your ability to express your state of mind so poetically. Beautiful photos and post!
February 13, 2011 at 9:22 pm
Katie Githens
@sharilynns, thanks for your kind words!
February 13, 2011 at 9:34 am
Stephie
I can’t wait to see more of your photos from class. Praying for you, friend.
February 13, 2011 at 9:31 pm
Katie Githens
Thanks Stephie. I’m really just silly and possibly addicted to being busy. You’d think I was in grad school the way I’m carrying on– it’s all self-inflicted.
Now, pretend I’m in D.C. and planning to take you to the National Museum of American History and out to Teaism for your birthday. I can wish.
February 15, 2011 at 10:55 am
japandelish
Great photos. I agree that creativity needs room to breathe, but the “room” does not necessarily mean some time blocked in your schedule. For example, your train ride can be a good chance to tune out.
I also used to say yes to too many things. I remember writing a philosophy paper on Heidegger while waiting for the answer to my client’s offer on a San Jose house. Then I learned to meditate, and after a couple of years of practice, I came to be able to tell which activity supports my well-being and which one does not. Chips and salsa dinner is fine. Stop beating yourself on that. Then you have a space in your heart and mind to choose something healthy for your next meal.
February 20, 2011 at 10:44 pm
Katie Githens
@japandelish, I’ve been pondering this nugget of wisdom all week. Thank you!