I last posted a blog entry here in August 2009, a few months short of two years. About three months after that blog entry, my dear Luke passed away and I posted his picture. Since then, nada. Yes, sometimes I've thought about blogging and sometimes I've felt bad about not blogging. I'd say guilty, but I was too out of time and energy to blog and I knew somewhere deep inside that one of the things that had to go was the blog. I had a long commute, 70 miles each way, to work from Bowling Green to Nashville. I'd had an apartment in the city, but being gone from home three to four nights a week proved to be too much--especially after Luke died. I wanted to be with Jordan (Luke's sister) and knew she needed me near her. Plus I desired to use the rent and utility money for tuition. So, the apartment went bye-bye.
A year ago, I started my first residency in a brief-residency MFA in writing program. Near the end of that first residency, we heard a fabulous lecture about social media, especially as it pertained to writers. I wanted to get back to my blog then--but alas, I was soon buried by short critical essays, original writing, reading for a literary journal--things I loved--and one thing I grew to dislike: the ongoing commute. The only redeeming qualities for the time I spent on the road were that I had a good job that I enjoyed (once I arrived at my office) and audio books that melted the miles under my wheels, at least on most days. In the end, even the written word couldn't save the situation. My last day in that job was nearly a month ago.
My second residency with the MFA program started two days after the last day at the former job. It was a time of great blessing, a chance to immerse myself in my craft in the few days I had between the end of one job and the beginning of another, which started the day after I came home. Five days later I flew to NYC for four days of soaking up the city's energy. A week after that, I sit at a Mac in Nashville, editing this blog I started during my second MFA residency. I'm in a blogging class at Watkins, a class that I signed up for weeks ago, just before my last day at my old job. I knew if I didn't, I would be worn out and would not come to the class, but here I am and I'm glad to be back to my blog.
Though this blog entry may be unspectacular, it nevertheless has a certain shine: it's a new beginning and a promise to blog fulfilled--albeit late. Since I started writing this entry, there have been lectures and workshops and readings attended, reports written, assignments and evaluations completed. There were friends to see, both at the residency and at home. There were miles on planes and on the road.
Tomorrow, I begin my new life, focusing on writing and reading photography, health and family and friends, travel and cooking, all the things I love. Actually today I begin, with this blog entry. Wonder and wander with me.
