The Art & Poetry of Mary Coleman

Here is a poem I wrote yesterday. I am currently working on an illustration today that I started yesterday and will post that tomorrow. Getting lots of work done on my book. I nearly 2/3 done writing it (62 more poems and I’m finished with the writing portion) and I’ve gotten 3 illustrations so far (47 more of those to go). I’d ideally like to have 150 poems and 50 illustrations. It’s probably going to take me about 6 more months give or take. That is if I continue to make about 2 illustrations a week and about 2 to 3 poems a week. That might slow down a lot when I get a job, so I guess my realistic goal is to have it done by January 2027. While I’m completing the book, I would like to continue getting published in journals.

I am going to outline my goals for this week as I would ideally like it to go. I did well last week until the weekend, which is my usual downfall. Got to really work on maintaining routines and healthy eating on Saturday and Sunday.

1. Really focus on core value #2 (taking care of my body and mind) and try to avoid UPF Monday through Saturday and only have two servings of UPF on Sunday as a treat. Jog 5 days this week. Avoid sugar.
2. Avoid spending money except on necessities Monday through Saturday.
3. Follow my core values as closely as I can through routine to help form a habit.

Here is yesterday’s habit formation diary:

Day 6 of 60 (Sept 7) –

Morning Routine – Had a hard time again getting started again. Had a reasonably healthy breakfast. Took the day off of running (I achieved my goal of 5 days of exercise so I didn’t need to do it today), but did get my chores done. Painted and wrote a poem. 

Mid-day Routine – Had a healthy lunch and went for a 20 minute mindful walk. Had some unhealthy snacks in the afternoon.

Evening Routine – Didn’t have the healthiest dinner, but it was homemade at least. Had way too much of it. Didn’t read or meditate after dinner. Core values #1 (creativity) was achieved, but #3 (self compassion and kindness) and #4 (routine) were only partially achieved and core values #2 (taking care of my body and mind) wasn’t achieved at all.

No hip pain today but leg was swollen.