community

Perhaps it was childhood memories of the choir's voice lifted in beautific song, while we- the congregation- joined in.  It could also have been the sense of safety, the way I felt protected holding hands while we recited the Our Father.  There's no way to pinpoint exactly what instilled a lifelong love of community in me, but I do think my earliest experiences at our church deeply shaped my values.  Though I am no longer religious in the traditional sense, I know that connection is what makes my life meaningful. 

risk

I've been in a creative slump for most of the past year.  I could blame the fact that most of my energy is spent simply trying to survive.  It's also true that I've become a bit lazy and undisciplined with my writing schedule.  Fear is another factor.  The house.  The kids.  Work.  I'm tired, stressed, and out of time.

Sound familiar?  I know I'm not alone.  Many talented women I know struggle to meet the demands of motherhood while also trying to fulfil their creative lives.