While some hours, days, or even weeks can be absolute bummers (we’ve all been there), other periods of time overflow with activities and events we love to do. Like a perfect storm. Recently, several of mine clustered together within a few weeks time. Things like writing and book related events and art shows.
First was the Desert Writers Expo, sponsored by the Palm Springs Writers Guild and the Rancho Mirage Library. The one day event brings together 40 authors of short stories, novels, nonfiction, the culinary arts, and poetry. It’s an active and busy show. My husband, a chocolatier, does the event every year.
Assisting my best friend (and husband) at the Desert Writers Expo
Tony with his book – Anthony’s Chocolates On-the- Go, “Done My Way”
Watercolorist Lynn Centeno
Next was a Trunk Show featuring two local artists, watercolorist Lynn Centeno and jewelry designer Nettie Roberts. I found this watercolor called “Wild Horses” as soon as I walked into the event. It now hangs in our living room. What attracted me was the color, the power, and the energy. Plus the wonderful majesty of these animals.
“Wild Horses” by Lynn Centeno
Each month The Palm Springs Writers Guild offers its 278 members an ongoing contest called the Monthly Writing Challenge. The challenge has a different emphasis with a different set of criteria each month. Periodically, I’m invited to read the winning story at the monthly meeting. Below, I’m reading “Spirit Point,” a tension filled flash fiction piece by writer Larry Lauritzen.
February’s Challenge “The Pursuit Plot”
The Winning Story
Photos courtesy of Cheryl McFadden
A twelve week class on writing the personal essay also started, taught by Author/Journalist Maggie Downs and sponsored by the Palm Springs Writers Guild. The class goal is to have each writer produce a body of work which can then be further developed. One of the these writings will be workshopped and polished. There’s the possibility of a publication and a public reading at the conclusion of the class.
Author/Journalist Maggie Downs
Then there was a show by glass artist Don Dietz. Couldn’t resist this bowl.
Art Glass
Glass Artist Don Dietz
Lastly, I’m working on a draft of a new story.
Hope your days are filled with creative things that make you happy … in your artistic life and your daily living. Love to hear about them.
Written Beneath the Palms 
I always have to laugh at people who say, “Whaddia do all day? Don’t get you bored?”
You are such a fine example of the full life of a creative person!
Agree. Boredom isn’t in the lexicon. Too much to do, see, and experience. Thank you from one “not bored” person to another!
Carol, you are a busy lady participating in and attending some cool functions. Are you writing with pen and paper rather than keyboard?
During “season” in the desert, activities and events multiply. Much going on. Something for everyone. Re: the writing. I pen and paper it when I’m brainstorming with myself, sentence outlining, playing with titles, or at that moment don’t have access to a computer. Once past that, I’m a computer writer.