Process

Just read Frances' of Island Threads post on process and the comments in response. I love discussion on process and the different approaches each individual has.

My attempts at planning fall by the wayside, and whatever emerges is almost organic, kind of layer by layer. Because I don't have much of a knowledge base, I am learning by doing, by making mistakes. Nor does thinking too hard appeal to me...seems like work. On the other hand, there is thinking going on even when I'm away from the piece, I just call it daydreaming.

All of which reminds me of Roethke's villanelle:

The Waking

I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.

We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.

Light takes the Tree; but who can tell us how?
The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair;
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Great Nature has another thing to do
To you and me; so take the lively air,
And, lovely, learn by going where to go.

This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.
What falls away is always. And is near.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I learn by going where I have to go.