“The ARHtistic License Creative Goals Challenge for 2017” is quite a mouthful. I’ve created a shorthand nickname for it. Let’s use the Twitter hashtag #ALCGC2017 to tweet about our goals.

Another month down. How are you doing on your creative goals?

I’ve made a slight change in my daily structure. I used to do my scripture reading (I read a chapter a day and journal my insights–currently reading 1 Kings) when I sat down after lunch to write. If my writing time got delayed because life intervened, I was tempted to skip my Bible time–and often did. So I decided I would move my devotions up to breakfast time. Reading scripture early in the morning can set the tone for the whole day–and I want to be aligned with God’s purpose for me. For years I’ve been doing the sudoku puzzle in the newspaper every morning while I eat breakfast. But you know what–I can do it while I eat lunch! Problem solved. Since I started my new regimen, I haven’t missed my Bible time once.

I still have stacks of boxes in my study, but a couple of weeks ago we had new windows installed throughout the house, and I had to clear space for the workmen. So I consolidated some boxes and restacked them neatly, reducing their footprint. The room looks more organized, even though it’s just an illusion.

I am twenty-four days ahead on my blog, though my goal is to be a month ahead. I’m getting closer.

I haven’t written any poetry this month, but I’ve tried to, when I’ve found myself waiting and not wanting to waste the time.

The only art I’ve made is one more page in my coloring journal, but that will change shortly. During June and July I’ll be participating in the Index-Card-a-Day challenge and World Watercolor Month. Last year I posted my creations every day; this year my Tuesday posts will be a compilation of the previous days’ cards. I’ve bought some watercolor postcards, and I have a new technique I’m planning to try, so be sure to stop by ARHtistic License every Tuesday for the next couple of months.

I’ve finished rewriting another old story that I hope will become a picture book. I will be submitting it to agents in June.

I’m close to finishing what I think is my final run-through of The Unicornologist. I hope to send it on agent rounds in June.

I’m up to page 47 in Essential Elements for Guitar and the ensembles in the back of The Sweet Pipes Recorder Book 1. I purchased The Sweet Pipes Recorder Book 2. I think I’m farther along on recorder than I’ve ever been. 🙂

I’m continuing to practice piano, but my arthritic hands are preventing me from progressing. Three fingertips on my left hand are numb from playing guitar (Guitarists, is that supposed to happen?), and my fingers lock up sometimes, refusing to bend after I’ve stretched them to play very full chords. I can’t play as fast as I’d like.

Now it’s your turn. ARHtistic License was created to help encourage the creative community. I’d love to know how all of you are doing so far in 2017, so I (and ARHtistic License readers) can encourage you. Don’t be shy! If you’re keeping accountable on your blog, paste a link into the comments below. Or if you don’t have a blog, just tell us your successes and your challenges this past month. Check in on July 1, 2017 to share your progress during June.