Still in the dark

I know that technically we've turned the corner. We're past the solstice, and the days are getting longer. But my body says it's time to hibernate. I don't remember being so tired so much of the time. Little energy for writing, blogging, asking questions.

I've been reading The Lacuna, by Barbara Kingsolver, and have learned that, according to at least one view of the world, we are just in the dark days and the sun will return on February 2. I'll hold out hope for that.

I've also started doing The Artist's Way again. I decided last year that it would be a good yearly practice. And instantly I fear that it will eat up all my writing time.

That was my New Year's Resolution this year: Write more. (I don't formally acknowledge the part about losing 15 pounds, although that would also be nice.) Usually the issue with writing is finding the time. But now it's finding the energy. Most of my free time is in the evening (never my best time of day), and it's hard to write if I'm starting to fall asleep at 8:30. Oh, and then there's that focus thing: I need time, energy, and focus—all at the same moment.

But tomorrow night, I'll need to stay awake, because I'll be reading at Gallery4Culture at 8:00, following the opening of their new photography show. Beautiful, mysterious black-and-white images. I'm looking forward to seeing the show.

How about you? How is your New Year going? Are you finding time—and energy—to write or draw or paint or play?