Has anyone seen my Muse?

I’ve probably taken one too many classes recently because I’m feeling overwhelmed with information and new techniques. OTOH, I long ago discovered that, for me, the muse only shows up when I’ve done my homework. That is, put in the time and effort to hone my skills.

Way back when I was trying to muddle my way along with stained glass I finally put aside a teacher’s admonition to NEVER use someone else’s pattern. I decided that I need to put in some time actually working with the materials and gaining confidence before I started trying to design anything.

The surprising thing was that as I slowly gained a small measure of mastery over the medium (and I DO mean small!) it was like a floodgate opened in my mind. I literally could not keep up with the flow of ideas for everything from table lamps to windows to metal sculptures made with junk yard parts (and don’t ask me where THAT one came from because I have NO idea! LOL).

Which brings me to my current state of ennui. I mean, here I’ve had the great good fortune to take two separate 2-day workshops with two of the most creative people in the lampworking field. Kate Fowle Meleney and Michael Barley both gave standout classes and shared so much information I feel my brain is about to implode. Yet here I am again, dragging my feet when it’s time to get to work.

I’m starting to feel like the writer who first needs to clean off her desk, or clean the refrigerator or walk the cat before she can begin her novel. What IS it that stalls me out so? Is it fear? Fatigue? Sheer laziness?

And then I sit here wondering if I even belong on this blog since all I’m doing is whining while others are actually creating.