For me writing, contrary to a trend discussed in an article
in the summer edition of the Walrus, seems to be a solitary occupation. It is
something that I only feel the urge to do when I have spent a fair chunk of
time alone. I only write when I have had time to think about what I want to
write about. I also think I only write when I am a tiny bit bored.
In the past month or so, I have not been bored, I have spent
more time talking to people than I usually do and lord knows I have been busy.
It is the weaving that is at fault. I have had great three or four weeks at the
Duncan Market. I, at just halfway through the Market season, am close to
earning 2/3s of what I earned in my most lucrative year. Not only that but I
have had some great conversations with some folks who like what I do and want
to talk about it.
However, while it may be obvious to everyone, when one sells
a lot of stuff - one needs to make more. I have been working six days a week
trying to produce more work. Normally I would do three rugs at time - now I am
doing only one or two; when I have more time - I weave ten or so small bags -
now I am doing three. Just to replace what I have sold. Rather than spending a
whole day dyeing wool for a number of projects, I am just dyeing enough wool
for one. It is not efficient to work in such small lots, but it is what I need
to do to keep my booth look full. So in spite of the fact that I am working at
it almost full time, I am not getting a lot done. Perhaps most importantly, I
am not being as creative as I would like to be. I have a couple of projects
that I would like play with - both may not produce anything saleable but I want
to experiment anyway. It is time for a
change.
So after this weekend, I think I am going to take a few
weeks off. Hopefully I will get some time to do those things I need to do and
to get back on track. Hopefully the writing urge will get a chance to rise to
the surface and I can continue writing about my trip, politics and life.
