It’s been a busy time. The sun came out and that drew blossoms, bees and foxgloves into it’s light. Then, against all the odds, it came out the next day too, and the day after that. And the sun is still shining as I write this. It is unusually fabulous weather in Ireland. Himself and myself keep ooohing and aaahing at the summer we are having. The lake has warmed up, the sky is blue…..it’s hard to get used to…….
While the summer was happening, a number of creative challenges came to my door. During May I was part of a Group Exhibition called Lens Flare at Central Arts (still on), I opened an exhibition for inspirational photographer Kate Quinn as part of the Waterford Healing Arts Project, my photographs were used as part of an online creative writing programme from the Inky Path, and I was asked to write a guest piece for our local newspaper The Waterford New and Star. Now as all of you know I like to keep a fairly low profile. It’s not that I am hiding exactly, it’s just that I am very clear that it’s the creative side of the process that I am loving, not the public profile.
It seems the Waterford News and Star liked my guest piece because they have now asked me to write a fortnightly column of my very own until the end of the year!!! First thing out of my mouth to the Editor was “but I’m not a writer” (That impostor syndrome voice in my head is in the habit of pointing out my short comings.) I even got to announce that “I am not a writer” again at the Words group, although I read my own writing there every month!! “I’m not a writer” I hear myself say “I’m a photographer”
I read a very amusing account of how the writer Elizabeth Gilbert deals with her somewhat similar impostor voice. She says to her, you may come along on the adventure, you may even be there at all times as part of the adventure, but you can never ever speak or have an opinion on any of what is happening. Or words to that effect. This is my version anyway.
Although writing an 800 word fortnightly column is going to be a stretch, haven’t I already developed a muscle for 500 words? For the newspaper I will have to range a little further than is comfortable so I am fully expecting good old spooky “But are you good enough” to turn up for the party too. Why not says you……
I am thrilled and excited though, and I am jumping in and determined to get well and truly soaked. More about that next week, meanwhile enjoy the wild Foxgloves. They never fail to lift my heart with their cheerful and exotic stature as they come into flower all through June and July. Once they appear summer is really ours……
You can find even more in the Foxglove Gallery here.
Good for you, all very exciting news! We are feeling the exact same way about Summer around here and thinking it’s about time … keep enjoying, my friend.
O it’s so beautiful and precious to have proper summer Susan, thanks for all your support x
All of this is just so wonderful. Congratulations. You are all of it.
Thank you so much Kim and for being a wonderful inspiration in all that you do, both as a photographer and as a writer.
Oh many congrats Catherine…a column of your own. I would love to read your guest piece and column….is it online? Those foxgloves are one of my favorite views in Ireland. When I visited in early August a few were still blooming…what a sight!
Thank you so much Donna!! This is very much a print thing which is a big change. Now that it will be ongoing I think I will open up a new section here on my own site. Magical foxglove time here on the lane…..precious. Thank you Donna for being a courageous creative and meandering along our path!!
How exciting for you! Wonderful opportunities all. Tell that inner naysayer to pipe down. 800 words every 2 weeks is very doable. Congratulations!
Thank you so much! It is doable isn’t it? Weird how those doubts still pop up…..even at my age!! Habit of a lifetime from the scary Irish school system then……
When I look back at my blog posts which I have been doing a lot lately, taking stock of my life, I’ve been taking note of where I have come from and where I am now six years later I see such a difference in my writing ability and yet that voice persists in saying ‘you are not really a writer’ but the evidence is there in black and white. You have put in the time and served your writing apprenticeship, the years, the posts the creativity, ‘you are worth it’, we all are!
Yes Susan the evidence is there. Every week for 5 years! It has helped so much mainly in facing up to the fear of it. I now at least understand that writing is a “doing” occupation. You can’t just sit on the fence…..wondering…..if you work at it you get it done. Your blog is so beautiful btw…..a breath of fresh air…
Always love seeing the foxgloves and can only imagine how blue your skies are right now! How wonderful that you’re having such nice days! Congrats on the writing and I hope you’ll also share your writings for your newspaper. Love the idea of a new section on your blog!
Thank you Robin, and for all your support over these last years! Immediately after the “I’m not a writer” blurt, came, holy cow….what have I done!! As you can imagine the bit of excitement has done me no harm what so ever….haha! Not only do I need to get out more, I think I need to up my risk level…..so here I go…..no heart attacks yet anyway :~))
Aspettavo questo post da un anno, da quando per caso ho scoperto il tuo bellissimo blog!
Adoro da sempre le digitalis!
Ho anche fondato un gruppo su facebook!
Grazie per queste foto che trasmettono poesia!
Happy spring! Enjoy!
Titty
That is so great! Yes we call them digitalis too when we are using their botanical name. Nice to meet you and on Instagram too:~))
Congratulations Catherine – exciting times 🙂
Thank you so much Elizabeth. Too exciting if the truth be known “winkwink” x
More congratulations from over here. We’ll all be googling the publication. When that Impostor Voice raises itself just point out that you are starting this new venture with a fan base already in place.
I love the foxgloves.
Ah that’s a good thought! The trick I have found is to be so busy doing the creative stuff that your brain hasn’t time to listen to anything! So I’m pretty busy for sure, so no one is getting a look in this week!! And thank you so much for being there:~))
Yes, yes yes….you can do it Catherine and congratulations!! We’re all behind you and can’t wait to hear more. PS foxglove photos exquisite. xx
Thanks Jane! On top of all my other roles in life I will squeeze it in because it’s a little bit of a dream isn’t it to have a little newspaper column of your own? Could not resist, even though the two biddies had so many opinions about it. Thank you for your support #kindredspirit
Great to see your exquisite work, Catherine, worlds away from Parnell Square! Thank you for your good wishes about the book, which Melissa passed on tome. I’ll cal in next time I’m in the area.
Michael
Such a nice surprise to see your name here Michael, definitely a long way from Parnell Square! Yes drop in, we are ensconced beside the a little lake you probably know well. Love to see you anytime!
You’re not just a writer, Catherine – you write beautifully. You inspire and you enrich people’s lives with the marriage of your words and photographs; they enhance each other, and that’s a true skill. (Oh, that bee!) I hope the column brings you magical times!
Congratulations!
Perhaps you can do the polite agreement to publish the column on your blog whatever weeks later? Which I have seen other Writers do.