Contemplating Excellence and the Stress ADFers Put Themselves Under to Get There

I just sent my Art Muse essay in.  I'm hopeful that it's okay but I'm always prepared to make revisions.  I know a lot of people in ADF get uptight about that, but I guess I got so used to having to do it in college (I was an English major) that I know it's just part of the writing process.  Nobody is perfect and it often takes another set of eyes to help us find the areas that need tweaking.  Sometimes it's grammatical and sometimes it's content-related.

"Why not excellence?" is a wonderful motto, but I think sometimes people lose sight of the necessary journey to get there.  Rarely is someone or something "excellent" in one go.  I can understand the feelings of frustration and despair when something you've worked hard on is ripped apart and you thought you had it all right to begin with.  I've been there.  I've also survived it and am better of for it.  I don't condone professors/tutors/reviewers/editors who belittle a writer - but I also think that people need to realize that writing essays is a process.  Having to revise is not equal to failure - it's just a necessary detour to your growth.

Whenever my essay is officially accepted, I'll be sure to add it to my website and post a link to it here.  :)

Now...  Off to continue working on Magic 1!



[ For my LJ friends, please visit me at: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ ]

Pagan To-Do List

1) Carrionmann got back to me about being a mentor for people working on their Dedicant Programs. I was informed that my DP was excellent and that I definitely qualify! Huzzah! I'm really excited about helping people and giving back to the religious community I love so dearly. I just need to complete the questionnaire.

2) Oak Leaves and Tribeways work - I have an article to edit for someone else and an article that I am writing to contribute. I was thrilled to contribute to the Solstice Tribeways podcast and I definitely want to think of something to contribute for that. Again - I am so excited to get more involved.

3) The artisan guild is working on making a gallery of member work. I need to get some photos of things in! On a related note, I want to start planning an entry for the guild competition at Wellspring!

4) I want to do another trance soon, if not tonight. I feel better and am ready to meet my teacher once more.