GRAPEMO

GRAPEMO: An opportunity to lift ourselves up collectively, and for each of us to move closer to our own dreams. For the as-yet-unitiated, this brainchild of Jeannine Garsee (aka onegrapeshy) is an annual event. It runs from February 1st through February 28th, which means we start today!

I’ve established an ambitious goal, at least by my own standards. And if past is prologue, you might think I’m setting myself up for disappointment. But I’m seeing this as yet another opportunity to teach myself new lessons–patience, acceptance, and persistence among them. Tomorrow will take care of itself. March 1st will come soon enough. I’m learning to focus my energies on the here and now.

With that in mind, I hereby give myself permission to observe without judgment, to honor my potential, and to stretch and breathe my way into a deeper writing practice. It’s not about win or lose or compromises. It’s about living each moment in JOY.  

P.S. I’m in awe of those who’ve taken a vow of Internet abstinence for the month of February. I can see how it might inspire you to be more productive, and I wish you all the best. But as for me…well, I’d be lonely without my online friends. I thrive on our connections, and I count on your writerly wisdom. Again, it’s all about seeking balance, and I love that we help each other stay upright. xo

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  1. memoir

    Hi, Melodye!
    I remember you asked about any tidbits I could share about Kathi Appelt’s lecture on memoir. Here are two…
    **Read Sue Silverman’s article “The Meandering River: An Overview of the Subgenres of Creative Nonfiction”– it’s an excellent overview of the various types of voice and approaches a writer can take. It’s available right on Sue’s website; I thought it was wonderful.
    **Kathi also highly recommended Ben Yagoda’s book MEMOIR: A HISTORY.
    I hope this helps!
    Take care,
    Mary

    • Re: memoir

      Thanks so much for remembering, Mary! I’m going to read Sue Silverman’s article when I take a break from writing. I’ve read Yagoda’s book before–a bit academic, but it’s chock-full of useful information for memoirists.

  5. As I scrolled down the page, bits of your page were revealed to me slowly. The colors were so pretty, the textures on the papers so rich (I detect pastel chalks at work!). My eye was captivated by the bird…just stunning! And such a perfect expression of YOU.

    And then the ink bottle came into focus. It looked familiar. Was it…? Yes it was! The exact same ink bottle I used on the journal page I finished yesterday! I kid you not. I guess we both know a striking image when we see it, huh? I’ll have to scan and post mine later.

    Good luck meeting your goals this month. You know I’ll be cheering you on!

    • Thanks, Stace. I knew I could count on you. xo

      I *love* those pastels and am having fun learning how to use them. Oh, and too funny about the ink bottle! I guess we’re reading the same magazines. 🙂

    • Thanks, Stace. I knew I could count on you. xo

      I *love* those pastels and am having fun learning how to use them. Oh, and too funny about the ink bottle! I guess we’re reading the same magazines. 🙂

  7. I am motivated and….curious! What is GRAPEMO? I’ve never heard of this one.

    And I am also with you. I couldn’t abstain from my online peeps! I’d just go stir-crazy from loneliness/boredom. 😉

    • Thanks, Tracy. I know you realize what a challenge this is for me. I’ve disappointed myself in the past–not for want of trying, and not for lack progress, but because I didn’t honor my own process. So here I am again, ready to learn the lessons anew…

  11. What a beautiful page! I scrolled down slowly and just had to smile at all of it especially the joie de vivre and grape expectations. Good luck with your Grapemo goals! I’ll be here on LJ cheering you on and writing with you.

    • Thanks, Lorraine. It’s good to see you here…and am taking it as a sign you’re feeling better, yay!

      Namaste, my friend. I honor the expressive soul within you.

    • Thanks, Lorraine. It’s good to see you here…and am taking it as a sign you’re feeling better, yay!

      Namaste, my friend. I honor the expressive soul within you.

  12. Oh this is a beautiful page. Simply stunning! I will cheer you grapers on from the sidelines as I am still in the midst of too much teaching to be able to focus.

    Where did you find your ink bottle? I’m having trouble finding more good focals.

  13. Oh this is a beautiful page. Simply stunning! I will cheer you grapers on from the sidelines as I am still in the midst of too much teaching to be able to focus.

    Where did you find your ink bottle? I’m having trouble finding more good focals.

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