Imaginary Lives
I make no secret that Julia Cameron is one of my favorite writers. She is die-hard in her straightforward encouragment of people to embrace their own creativity. My copies of all of her books, especially "The Artist's Way," have curled pages, bent covers and coffee stains--they are well worn because they are well read. My favorite? "The Right to Write," where I learned that anyone who writes has the prerogative to call him or herself a writer.
There are a bunch of people who are participating in an online group, Blogging The Artist's Way, led by the inspirational
Kat. Some of the folks who are doing this have posted their responses to the prompt "Imaginary Lives: If you had five other lives to lead, what would you do in each of them?" I love reading what people are saying. I love all of the people who have dreamt of being anchor people, covert operatives, gallery owners, wedding coordinators, poets, etc.
It reminds me of possibility.
So, that's my question to you, if you'd like to play along. If you could do it all over again, if anything were possible, what would you choose to be when you grew up?
You get five choices.
Here are mine:
1. food critic
2. singer (like Gwen Stefani, equipped with head-set microphone thing; love that)
3. event caterer (where you get to put together cool theme parties, with theme menus)
4. architect of custom homes and luxury hotels
5. reporter for The Weather Channel
Now, it's your turn.
What are the lives that you would choose to lead?
There are a bunch of people who are participating in an online group, Blogging The Artist's Way, led by the inspirational
Kat. Some of the folks who are doing this have posted their responses to the prompt "Imaginary Lives: If you had five other lives to lead, what would you do in each of them?" I love reading what people are saying. I love all of the people who have dreamt of being anchor people, covert operatives, gallery owners, wedding coordinators, poets, etc.
It reminds me of possibility.
So, that's my question to you, if you'd like to play along. If you could do it all over again, if anything were possible, what would you choose to be when you grew up?
You get five choices.
Here are mine:
1. food critic
2. singer (like Gwen Stefani, equipped with head-set microphone thing; love that)
3. event caterer (where you get to put together cool theme parties, with theme menus)
4. architect of custom homes and luxury hotels
5. reporter for The Weather Channel
Now, it's your turn.
What are the lives that you would choose to lead?
posted by Cate at 11:17 AM
22 Comments:
I seriously do not think I'd want any other life than the one I have had and what I have laying before me for the fact that I write, therefore I'm living the dream of being a writer, I want to serve God more, and I can do that through the kids I work with and eventually finishing my education. I've gotten to try a lot of the things I've always wanted to do (stand up comedy, changing careers, attending various artistic events), and am working on doing the things I want to try.
CR,
I think that that's great. To have tried the things that you've been interested in, weeded through, figured out what makes you happy, and continued to pursue that course. Good for you.
lol, it's been a mixed bag. Made for some interesting stories, but when you go for a job interview and they ask, "What do you want to do with your life.' Makes for interesting conversation.
Dave
Would you mind terribly if I referred to this post in something I'm working on, it's nothing negative nor attacking anything you've written, it just brings some things to mind that I want to comment on and piggy back upon in light of another person's posts as well. I'll be glad to share with you first what I've written if you like.
I'll play!
Here are mine:
1. forensic artist
2. archeologist (sp?)
3. singer
4. actor
5. fashion designer
I have no true regrets about not pursing any of those things. I love my life! But those would be some of my "roads not traveled".
no particular order
history professor
chef
tour guide
professional fly fisherman
photographer
there's probably more. anything that would allow me to work at home that paid enough where i didn't have to worry. what's that type of person do?
JC
CR,
Refer away. And you don't need to run it by me first, though thanks for the offer.
Deb,
Ohh, I love the forensic artist and fashion designer ones. I'm the same as you--no regrets, but it's nice to fantasize a bit. And by the way, I loved your Santino picture! Brilliant.
Justin,
"Person of leisure" appeals to me. Why work? Why not just get paid to stay home and be?
I know someone who is a professional fly fisherman. Or maybe it's river guide? Regardless, he loves his job.
I enjoyed your list. Thanks for playing!
well cath, i couldn't just not do any work. i guess i'd have a lot of hobbies though, so yeah, switch that to "Professional Me"
there's a big difference between professional fly fisherman (paid to fish) and river guide (paid to help others catch fish). i'll take the former!! :)
Justin,
I figured there was a pretty big difference between the two. Whoops. I can see why you'd pick the former!
And I love the concept of "Professional Me!"
That sort of reminds me of how, when I was a kid, I wanted to be an "executive." I didn't know exactly what an executive did, but I thought that it would be fun to have clients. I know this doesn't relate, but for some reason, I just thought of that.
You're changing your opinion of me, Justin, aren't you? I can feel it :)
how could i?
i wanted to be a policeman when i was a kid. does that change your opinion of me? now hold on a minute. what if i told you i wanted to be like a starsky and hutch policeman? i thought that might change things.
JC
1.Artist
2.artist
3.ARTIST
4.writer
5.Artist/Writer
So I'm boring:))))
Cate,
Those are some cool jobs.
Although I am quite happy with my current job, other jobs that would interest me are:
FBI Profiler/Secret Agent
Auto/Home Audio Consultant
Custom Car Designer
Cartoonist
Porn Star
I think any of those would make me enjoy getting up in the morning and going to work. And if you were wondering, I think you can tell what gender I am now. ;-)
Read ya' later!
dang, i wish i'd thought of porn star.
I was given that book last year for my birthday and I haven't gotten around to reading it! I am going to make it a top priority!
I need to think about this list!
xoxo
1. Writer--okay, I'm already a writer, but in another life I'd have started much, much sooner.
2. Professional basketball player (power forward).
3. Race car driver--Indy or Formula One, none of that NASCAR stuff for me.
4. Guitar-playing folk singer.
5. University president.
Oh, I love all of the lists. "Porn star" seems to be a popular choice.
Justin,
So, now, I'm dying to know: Starsky OR Hutch?
Ldahl,
I love the modifications you made for artist/writer (some caps, some all caps, the slash). You're livin' the dream, baby, livin' the dream!
Baylor,
It's a great book--I hope you like it. I can't wait to see your list (unless you don't feel like doing it--then, fuck it--hahahahaha!).
Cliff,
LOVE this list--it's eclectic!University president? Now, that's one I hadn't thought of . . . Dean Garstang. Sounds pretty damn good.
Cate,
I love this list so much, I'm going to do it on my blog.
Okay...this could change on a whim, but:
1)radio AM talk show host (like Kidd Kraddick)
2)owner of a posh nightclub in a major city
3)anything involving travel
4)literary critic
5)singer
5)
Baylor,
I'm slapping myself on the head. Owner of posh nightclub is perfect! I would LOVE that. You always have the best ideas.
I'm part of the online aw group you mentioned (first time I've read The Artist's Way). Here's my dreamy imaginary lives:
1. photographer
2. furniture designer
3. talk show host
4. magazine editor
5. founder of a non-profit
Melanie,
I'm glad you're doing AW! I love Julia Cameron. And I can see you as any of those things, esp. photographer.
Thanks for commenting!
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