I think I realised once school started (as warned by those that have gone before me) that the sea of time available for work was in fact somewhat limited, more like a medium sized lake. Yes, I have more time to write - which is excellent. So far I have finished two substantial compositions which have been happily sent off to their commissioners. I am already way ahead of where I was this time last year. I have two more pieces in the 'starting to work on' pile and I am hoping to delve into my work book of 'pieces I want to make' and actually make some of them. I have set up a website - something I have been meaning to do for AGES. And I've done some teaching, joined the school council, started doing yoga again, almost cracked couch-to-5K, built a new garden bed or two and even planted some veggies. Not bad going. But back to the composing...
In the lead up to this year I made a commitment to myself that this year I would resist the temptation to accept every bit of paid work on offer and give myself permission to refocus on writing music. Part of me felt guilty about this - would I be pulling my weight, was it an indulgence, or at worst, a kind of laziness? Of course I know of this is just the crazy ravings of my 'inner critic' - I KNOW that writing music is what I do and is a worthwhile pursuit and something to be nurtured and protected. But, it is actually quite confronting to let go of some of those security blankets (like a reasonable income) and step out into that sea (or lake) of creative possibility and re-discovery of self. I wonder if I will keep my nerve? Will I be able to keep focussed on what I need to do and not be distracted by what I think other people think I should be doing? I'm going to give it a red hot go.
And my website, surprisingly, is christinemccombe.com. Have a look.
