It's 2017 - More or Less

First sourdough loaf of 2017. What kinds of things are on the rise for you this year?

I'm not a big fan of New Year's resolutions. But after the train wreck that was 2016, I thought I'd look at what I could be doing more of, and what I could be doing less of. So here is a kind of mash up of end of 2016 review and 2017 goals.

Do more of – writing, of course. Poetry is foremost on my mind, but it's been pointed out to me where I could strengthen my older fantasy novel, and in doing so, maybe generate some ideas for the all over the map middle of my second novel.

Do more of – submitting my work. I was a bit slack in 2016 about submitting poems, and was kind of happy when they were rejected so I could work on them some more. Thanks to some help from a stellar editor, I have a better grasp when something is done, or on the verge of abandonment. This is the year I also need to submit my now completed/edited/mostly finished poetry book. I did get work accepted by magazines I'm fond of, so that's a plus.

Do less of – worrying about said poetry book. If I let myself, I would fine tune word by word, comma by comma for the next 10 years. In that way lies madness. I need to let go, and go forth as is. Same with the fantasy novel. This year I vow to throw those children in a snowbank and get on with creating.

Do more – creating. Not just with the written word. I've been slack on my painting, drawing and printmaking. Even photography hasn't been as robust as in previous years. I signed up for a watercolor course, a digital photography course. I've been making jewelry. I need to work with my hands in order to let my brain get on with the writing planning.

Do less – hopping from project to project. I know, I know, the above sounds like that's all I do. But as in knitting, I am going to try and finish one project before I start another. It may not happen, but that's the goal.There's a satisfaction in finishing something that carries over into the next project.

Do more – knitting. I let myself slack off over the summer and it was hard to get going on Christmas knitting, but I struggled up out of the mire and did it. Same with weaving. The hardest part is warping on, and that can be done to music to make it go faster. Spinning might take a back burner this year until I figure out the long-draw. This is where videos aren't cutting it as teachers. I need a real person to position my hands and point out my mistake that I'm not seeing.

Do less – angsting about what 2017 will bring. Much of it is beyond my control.

Do more - outside. I need to take more hikes in the mountains, walks on the plains. Not only is it good for jump starting my overall creativity, it's great exercise. The gym can get boring – although it does put you in good shape for shoveling piles of snow off the driveway. Over and over again. (Anyone got a snowblower for sale?)  

So that is a quick list of my plans for 2017. How about you? Anything you'd like to do more or less of? Let me know in comments. Happy 2017! Go forth and conquer!