Earlier this week, as the sun was dropping into the trees, I went snowshoeing through the woods near my house.  There is no marked trail but an old fence (mostly buried in snow) marks the property line. I've snowshoed beside it once before so I felt confident that I could follow it until I reached the river on the other end of the property. The snow was heavy and it was slow going as I stopped every few steps to shake off the snowshoes.  I noticed there were snowshoe hare tracks everywhere and was lucky enough to spot a hare directly in front of me.  It ran a little farther ahead and immediately "disappeared" again, so I followed its fresh tracks for a while hoping to see it once more.  I had completely forgotten about the fence.  When I looked around to determine when I might reach the river, I realized I had no idea where I was in relation to my intended route.  

By then the sunset was lovely - casting pale pink hues onto low lying clouds.  I stood there in its glow before checking my phone's GPS to see how far I was from a groomed trail. It indicated that I was two properties over, in the "wrong" direction.  I hoped to get home before dark, so I removed the snowshoes and lumbered through the deep snow.  The little blue dot of me on my map moved slowly but I finally reached the river and a recognizable trail. 

I go through these same stages with my art - I get spurts of energy, feel unstoppable, and follow my gut desires in creating whatever I am inspired to make.  Then, I suddenly feel as though I am lost.  There are so many directions I could go.  Do I work on my poetry, edit a print-in-progress or start the new piece that is so clearly completed in my mind?  Self-doubt arises and I wonder if anything I am doing is worthwhile.  

So I remind myself to check my map - to keep goals in sight and plan my work.  I don't believe that I always need to travel on the easiest path, but knowing where I'm at (checking in with my goals and daily plans to achieve them) can keep me moving in the right direction. 

If I get lost once in a while, I'll look around and appreciate the experience of something new - perhaps get a clearer view of an elusive idea for a new print, painting or poem.   Wherever I am,  I can stop and appreciate the many wonderful things in my life.

Happy Trails Everyone

Shelley