It’s that time: Time to look at where we’ve been and where we’re going.
I love this process, but I’m weird that way. January 1st feels like all is possibility, a chance to wipe my scratched, smeared slate clean and start fresh. Get back on track, or get on a whole new track altogether. Redemption, every 365 days.
(Photo courtesy Dimitris Petridis)
This year was a big one for me (finishing grad school, moving cross country, buying a trailer), and maybe for you, too. But I don’t sit still for long, and I’m thinking about what I want in 2011. And, okay, panicking a little. Some days, a lot.
I’m a woefully underemployed writer. I’ve had a few paid gigs since summer, but not enough to stop the savings drain. I have a blog with a loyal, brilliant bunch of readers, and I have this crazy idea of building it up so it pays the bills, but no concrete idea how to do that.
I haven’t been in love in more than five years, and worry that my long-term relationship window has slammed shut.
I’ve been trying to get back into the great shape I was in before New York, and I not only haven’t been able to do that, but my eating and exercise habits swing so wildly it feels like I’m not even maintaining my health – I’m losing ground.
In other words, here’s what’s keeping me up nights: money, relationships, and health. The holy trinity for self-help gurus everywhere.
On top of all that, I’m starting to feel the itch for a bigger project. Having endless scampabouts is fine, and I plan to keep them up, but I want a bigger challenge. Something tough, but doable. So I remind myself I’ve done this before. Over and over again.
Every daunting thing I’ve accomplished started by asking myself one question: Wouldn’t it be fun to…?
- Wouldn’t it be fun to learn guitar, write songs, start a band, and put out a CD?
- Wouldn’t it be fun to ditch my boss and become a consultant?
- Wouldn’t it be fun to do that again, and create and run my own workshops?
- Wouldn’t it be fun to be a freelance writer?
- Wouldn’t it be fun to put on a women’s fair in Berkeley?
- Wouldn’t it be fun to move to Taos? And Manhattan?
- Wouldn’t it be fun to get an MFA?
- Wouldn’t it be fun to teach creative writing to undergrads?
- Wouldn’t it be fun to buy a trailer and drive around the U.S. by myself?
So I’m back to that question. Wouldn’t it be fun to… what? Framing it that way makes it seem like a lark, a no-pressure experiment, instead of some harrowing, this-is-serious-and-by-God-you-better-not-screw-it-up situation. Because if I look at it that way, I’ll just crawl back to bed with a bottle of Malbec and the X-Files on endless loop. And wonder why David Duchovny never calls me.
Despite all the panicking, my gut tells me I’m on the right track. Buying Sadie was a long-time dream fulfilled. I’m a decent writer and love to do it, and firmly believe talent and passion win out eventually. Lastly, the reason I write this blog is to share my adventures and experiments with you, and maybe inspire you to go after your own Wouldn’t-it-be-fun-to’s. In fact, it would make me very, very happy if you did.
What do we want in 2011? And what do we need to do to get it?
“The holy trinity for self-help gurus everywhere.” Haha! Fantastic. Wouldn’t it be fun to be a self help guru?
Ok, probably not.
I like the “wouldn’t it be fun?” question. It does make life seem a bit more exciting than terrifying. I hear you on the panicking, though. I’m still trying to figure out what the last half of that question is for me. Other than “wouldn’t it be fun to not worry about what would be the most fun!?” or something like that.
Lov your blogs but since you are excellent writer, how ’bout putting a short story or history of the areas you visit. Tioga george sells advertising on his blog. I think you could do as well or better writting short stories for the internet . If you could spin it right, you could have advertising up the gazang!!! Regards, jack
You might want to check out http://www.publishing4profit.com/ which includes http://www.publishing4profit.com/blogging_for_bucks.htm as steps to going freelance.
Margosita – It’s good to have company when you’re panicking (ha). In terms of making more money, I keep cycling back to the idea that if I can grow this community, I can make a living from it. (Not necessarily from the readers directly, though maybe.) More to come on that.
Jack – I think you’re right, that stories are where it’s at. Thanks for the feedback!
Linda – Great resource, thank you!
The long-term relationship window may be closed at the moment, but it doesn’t have to be permanently closed. I believe the trick is being open to the relationship but not actively CHASING it because love can’t be forced. Last year Bill’s cousin married one of the ushers from our wedding. Bill set them up. They were both 50, neither had been married before, and he’d never even had a DATE before meeting her. The year before that, Bill’s BFF married one of our son’s teachers. (I take credit for that setup.) He was 49, she was 42. He’d never been married or lived with anyone – his longest relationship after high school was about six months, and there was only one other post-high-school relationship which really was more like a couple-of-nights stand. She’d been married and had two teen sons and hadn’t dated at all in the seven years she’d been divorced (except, again, for a single one-night stand). She was convinced she would never have another relationship.
Okay, I’ll get off my soapbox now. LOL
Go see Kathleen Brennan in Taos for a head shot that will turn some heads. It will brighten your day and dates. Your beautiful, acomplished and a lot of fun to be around. Love will find a way.
New years is really tommorrow with the solstice and the return of light. Don’t miss the full lunar eclipse tonight. You have a lot of friends that you can howl at the moon with, coyotes notwithstanding. Unless science radically changes our current longevity we most likely wont be around for the next full lunar eclipse happening on the solstice. The last one was 1636 a.d. and the next is at the end of this century.
Hey, do you really have an MFA? OMGosh, that’s wonderful! Besides being a truly wonderful writer you’re also a fine artist? What’s your medium of choice? Or, is it in art history? I hope you keep writing no matter what because I love your sense of humor and life wisdom/insights.
It’s comforting to know that you are worried about your future and are human as from out here it seems that you have so much going for you. Intelligence, good looks, killer sense of humor, serious writing ability/talent, zest for life, enjoyment of beer, fine wine and camping, love of adventure – geeze, I could go on and on. Apparently it’s easier for us to see all of your fine qualities from outside, you’re too close to yourself.
Also, I have no doubt that if love is what you really want it is sure to come your way. Somehow, at least for me, I’ve found that the answer to life’s questions always seem to be the exact opposite of what I’d expect – it’s a bizarro world. 
Just relax, don’t worry, be happy and keep telling the Universe how grateful you are for all that you have – that way the Universe will know to keep giving you more and your life will get better and better – everything you want will find it’s way to you. Actually you must be pretty good at doing just that because you have so much already.
I love the “wouldn’t it be fun…” question, so much less intimidating than New Year’s Resolutions. Here’s mine: Wouldn’t it be fun to be a serious artist with gallery representation? Wouldn’t it be fun to live in northern New Mexico full time? Wouldn’t it be fun to be independently wealthy so I could focuse solely on my art? Wouldn’t it be fun to be a free-lance writer? Wouldn’t it be fun to be wildly successful – beyond my wildest dreams? Wow, this is addictive.
Chris Bundy recently posted..The Sunflower
One more thing…I used to love the blog and Twitter called “Shit My Dad Says.” I’m sure you know the story, the guy who wrote about his dad’s funny sayings got a TV deal and it’s now a hit show. I see a wonderful new show, maybe called “Girl Gone Scamping,” all about the adventures of a young woman trying to find her place in the world. She buys a small trailer and hits the road…I’m sure you get the idea.
You write the scripts/screenplays – who is that woman that wrote Sex in the City? You go girl, I can’t wait to see your show on TV or in the movies. 
Chris Bundy recently posted..The Sunflower
I was listening to your CD all last week (fav song: “Reckless Beauty”).
You’re still rockin’ it; Deonne!
I’m going to write down as many “Wouldn’t it be Fun to…” questions as I can!
Deonne: I forgot to mention “jennifer” ++
livinginmycar +++ is talking about a gathering of women (and men) who travel as you (we) do only with a new twist. There will be classes etc on Rving. You may want to check with her. Happy Holidays
Well, just look at all these people giving you advice! No offense to the posters but the last thing a writer needs is ideas for topics.
I won’t give any advice but I’ll take some – love the “wouldn’t it be fun to…” question! That’s a great way to crystalize one’s goals. Mine would be to drive all the routes in “Road Trip USA”.
Kim recently posted..Doin The Math
Deborah – Those are inspiring stories! Thanks.
Scooter – “Love will find a way.” Perfect. And yes, I’m staying up for the eclipse. I can see the moon rising as I type.
Chris – Sorry to disappoint, but I’ve got an MFA in creative writing. Recognizable stick figures are a stretch for me. I’m hugely grateful for this life, but don’t express it often enough, and I think you’re right, there’s value in that expression. I love your “fun” list! I don’t know you well, but it seems like you’re already on your way, so now you just need to figure out the steps that will get you all the way there. And make them baby steps, which are much easier to manage, but still as effective. Love “Girl Gone Scamping.” I’m cooking up a potentially insane/great travel idea, which might lead to a bigger audience. I’ll let you know when I get closer.
kb – Sweet of you to say! Reckless is my favorite, too, but then I’ve always been a sucker for the rock epic. I hope you’ll share your fun list with me/us!
Jack – I’ve been in touch with Jennifer about the AZ gathering, is that what you mean? Will you be there?
Kim – I love that goal! And it’s totally doable.
Okay. Deonne, you asked for it. Here goes nothin’ (and everything!)…
My first draft of “Wouldn’t It Be Fun To…” (sounds like a game show):
Wouldn’t it be fun to live on Kauai (HI) for six months (or longer IF I HAD to)?
Wouldn’t it be fun to learn how to blow glass?
Wouldn’t it be fun to learn spanish in Mexico?
Wouldn’t it be fun to travel to Chile and Brazil?
Wouldn’t it be fun to learn how to race a car (legally)?
Wouldn’t it be fun to take a whole day and paint whatever images come to mind?
Wouldn’t it be fun to write an e-book (or coffee table book; i’m not picky!) about witty church signs and get paid for it?
Wouldn’t it be fun to become a digital entrepreneur, travel and get paid to do it?
Who’s next?!
Hi KB – already posted this, but I’ll do it again to match your format:
Wouldn’t it be fun to be a recognized artist with gallery representation?
Wouldn’t it be fun to live in northern New Mexico on a full time basis?
Wouldn’t it be fun to be part of a comedy writing team?
Wouldn’t it be fun to be a free-lance writer?
Wouldn’t it be fun to be wildly successful – by my definition of success?
Wouldn’t it be fun to meet Deonne in person on the patio of the Taos Inn over Fire on the Mountain margaritas?
Chris Bundy recently posted..The Sunflower
Oh no, I certainly showed my ignorance! I didn’t know you could get an MFA in writing.
Sorry for misunderstanding – I fully believe that writing is an art – clearly, my mind defaults to painting and it seems to be one-track. 
Chris Bundy recently posted..The Sunflower
Your post is so timely for my situation! Tomorrow I am kicking my ass 20 miles up Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu to help at a homeless children’s Christmas party. Plenty of reasons to stay off PCH in the pouring rain, certainly. But imagine being a small child caught up in O.P.S. (other people’s shit) and thus not having your own house, apt., trailer or room, and trying to feel like a family, go to school, have friends, and some semblance of a Christmas? WOULDN’T IT BE FUN IF … I could help a child enjoy one carefree day at the beach! Nonprofits, like the amazing School on Wheel, are a wonderful arena to express your creativity while helping others and networking with the marvelously creative, giving, talented, trendsetting people whom you find giving and working there. The getting is in the giving! Happy Scamping Holidays! Love your wit, energy and zest for life!
Wouldn’t it be fun to train seeing eye dogs?
Wouldn’t it be fun to deep-sea dive?
Wouldn’t it be fun to stay in all weekend and watch Almodovar movies?
Wouldn’t it be fun to learn to sing?
Wouldn’t it be fun to see Prince in concert?
Wouldn’t it be fun to do nothing for a little while, with intention?
Thanks for the idea. It IS fun to brainstorm with you. Keep up the good work.
Oh, Deonne. Wouldn’t it be fun to Scamp around with you? Keep the faith, girl. BIG things are coming your way. I know it.
D, yes near Quartszite! great parking but Im not a big fan of the town. Going to try but will have to see how things shake out! Jack
Oh, I love these lists! You all are such an inspiration to me, and I’m so grateful for this community.
(Pause to grab for Kleenex.)
Like I said, the thing that strikes me is not only what awesome lists these are, but just how doable they are. Do any of you have first steps for your Wouldn’t-it-be-fun-to’s? Even if it’s finding a website about race car driving for those of us not named Andretti? (kb, love that.) I want you to get all your wishes, and would like to continue this conversation as time goes by to make sure you do.
Gayle – Thank you for the kind words and inspiring idea! Welcome.
Kayleen – You’re a sweetheart. Thank you.
Jack – I’m going to try, too. Seems like a truly unique experience.
Have you read this? It might be up your alley: http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2010/12/forget-journalism-school-and-enroll-in-groupon-academy/68257/
It is interesting in and of itself, too.
Wouldn’t it be fun to live in an Egg?
http://www.mnn.com/your-home/green-building-remodeling/blogs/beijings-incredible-inedible-egg-house
O, wait. You already do.
Bob
Bob Giddings recently posted..Fall
Chris – Thanks for the article! That’s some snappy prose they’re writing, and you’re right, I should check it out. Regular income would be a good thing.
Bob – I’m fascinated by tiny homes (duh), so this was a good story – and talk about a proactive response to a bad situation. Too bad he had to take his little egg down, though.