Jax's Artistic Journey...

I've spent a lot of time away from writing this year. Not intentionally, but because there's been so much happening in my life. I feel like I can't even catch my breath! Now that I'm temporarily settled in the sunshine state, I'll be able to meet up with my writing pals again :)

In fact, I've got a lunch writing date set up tomorrow and then on Saturday, I've got plans to meet a small group for some writing and gossip fun. It's going to be good for me because I've been isolated for so long. I'm looking forward to this and glad that my passion for writing can finally be unleashed. I had periods of total unproductivity but the tides are changing, I can feel the shift, and I'm ready to jump back in the game. I know a lot of my writer pals have been trudging alongside me but I'm proud they've met their deadlines and goals. In fact, several of my friends have recently scored some juicy multi-book contracts--but I can't disclose any of the details (but I'm dying to tell). At least I get to scream with them via the phone or through the email. It's exciting to see their hard work pay off and equally awesome that they shared the news with me while their projects were undergoing negotiations...it's like living vicariously through them!

See that saying "Passion propels your dreams"? I totally agree with that statement. Why? Because when you're a writer you need that fire, that passion to propel you. You need that passion to drive you forward even when the going gets tough. I know I sound like a broken record but once you lose that passion, you lose that confidence and you lose the desire to write. I may go through those writing slumps, however, the passion has never burned out and I'm lucky for it. In fact, my love for the written word grows stronger because of those unforeseen breaks in writing. It's like a prisoner being starved so long that their appetite becomes voracious when they're freed. I love that exhilarating rush, I love the passion that overtakes me when I'm working on my story. I can feel the electricity flowing through my fingertips. Maybe it's a small sprinkle of magic, but it just reiterates my belief that passion does indeed propels your dreams in more ways than one.

Well, I've got a handful of hours left to enjoy my time off...even though technically it's not really time off...but tomorrow I'm back on my writing schedule and then I'll be biting my nails all through the holiday season and new year to see if NY will love my latest project. Hopefully my readers will too if I get a 2010 slot!

When I think of passion, beyond the pages of my novels, I think of other creative-types and what drives them to make their dreams a reality. Being such an art lover, in all forms, it's always nice to be able to share things in common with your partner. Lately, Mr. Right and I have really been enjoying documentaries, especially fashion ones. We've talked about the 'Valentino' documentary for a long while and decided to pick it up at Blockbusters last night. I have to say, it was one of the most beautifully made movies I've seen in a long while...

The movie VALENTINO, THE LAST EMPEROR gives insight into one of the most beloved designers of our time. It showcased his passion for life, his art, his gorgeous creations. The story didn't just focus on his fashion empire, but also about his love affair that spanned 50+ years with his partner, Giancarlo Giammetti. I was pulled into the story from the beginning and was engaged to the end.

There was so many interesting facets of the movie, especially seeing Valentino's seamstresses hand-stitch every gown just from his renderings. I was deeply inspired. I could imagine how amazing it would feel to put so much love and detail into each piece. Although Valentino was the face of the documentary, without Giancarlo, there would not have been an air of intimacy to the film. Without seeing both points-of-view, we would not see that the brand is spectacular because of both of them working side by side. They poured their passions into building the empire...and they poured their hearts into their relationship.

The highlight of the movie for me was seeing Valentino do all the hand-sketches of the designs. He was the sole creator and he didn't use assistants like other fashion houses who have a team to create their designs under their umbrella. I totally adored Giancarlo's business savvy tactics and the behind-the-scenes drama in order to make sure everything ran smoothly. Most of the time Valentino was oblivious to the inner workings of the company and the couple's bantering was hilarious and endearing.

What did I take from the movie? I totally related to Valentino because he was so passionate about his designs that he often neglected the responsibilities that lay beyond the fashion. He walked among the clouds when it came to his vision and his art...which I most definitely do. I could see Mr. Right being my Giancarlo. He always walks alongside me in every facet of my life and is the one who brings me back to reality.

This movie was a reminder that sometimes achieving success doesn't have to be a sole venture. Success comes quicker when you have that support system, when you allow someone you totally trust--who is your other brain, your conscience, and your anchor--to help you along. I've always been a stubborn person but it's not so bad when you can share your space with someone who completes you. In the past, when I felt like there was no one around that understood me...there is now...and that's when I see the passion and the force behind what drives a person to make things happen.

I was thinking about all those things I used to be most passionate about and I realized that, although I'm a proactive individual, I allowed some of those passions to fall to the wayside. Which brings me to the present. Lately I've been thinking about what I want to do and even though I move forward and continue to be proactive, I must follow my passion because if I don't, I'll have another moment like this in which I ask myself why I had not done it. I'm sure plenty of us go through life saying "I wish I had done things differently."

I don't regret the things I've done or hadn't pursued in life because someday I'll come full circle, back to those things I've wanted to do...and I will have that chance to do. So I've decided that I will do one profound thing every year until I am fully satisfied that I have done everything I've wanted to do in this lifetime.

So, if you could do one profound thing? What would it be?

I can't help but love the musical arrangement and song...c'mon, you know you love Coldplay too!