I'm Amy Cecil. What's my life about? At a gathering recently, a fascinating young artist asked me that question, saying she prefers it over the standard American, "What do you do?" A lovely approach.
So, what's my life about?
Raising children? Will, my younger son, moved to NYC several months ago to study acting—his big brother Jake wants to head to LA when he graduates from art school. I'm 46, and have an empty nest. I'll love and look after them forever, but they don't need me every day like they did for over two decades.
Advertising? That's the arena where I've fought and often won for over 25 years. But last month, I found out my job was being eliminated. I've already gone through a six-interview process with another ad agency, shooting for the job of a lifetime. I edged out 13 candidates and lost in the final round. Advertising, I love you, and I'm coming back. But surely you aren't what I'm "about."
Making jewelry? Love it. Did it for 10 years, and have decided to put down the soldering iron because of the saturated art/craft market.
Spending time with Brandon? Absolutely. He opened his home to me when Will moved out and I was ready to leave the 'burbs. Since meeting two years ago, we've already had some beautiful adventures together, and are planning many more. But a man is not a life, even though he's a very important part of mine.
What's my life about? I don't know, exactly.
I didn't get the job, I'll run away and just drive, on my own...
But I'll be disappointed if I don't use this time to advance my writing goals...
So I combined the two ideas.
I'm headed to a 1930s log cabin in the mountains to spend some time pondering what my life's about. While I'm at it, I plan to write the first draft of my screenplay about my family's year as Y2K survivalists. Back in the state where it all happened, Colorado.
And I've had several friends request that I start blogging. Usually it's when we've all had a few drinks and my interesting factor is magnified. But it sounds like fun. Ta-dah, Deer Creek Diary.
I'll keep up the job search. Still coach my kids on their continuing journey toward grown-upness. But I'll do it listening to a stream, and maybe finally figuring out how to quiet my busy brain enough to meditate.
There will also be Girl Scout Cookies and Netflix.
Oh, one more thought. While pondering a name for this website, I wrote down my goals for this time at the cabin. They are mostly inward-facing words, and I think this is a perfect time for that. Because I have a question to answer.
Think
Relax
Explore
Play
Share
Imagine
Dream
Create
I hope following this adventure inspires, or at least entertains you. You may wish you were here. Or you may be like my brother Zach who got cabin fever just looking at the AirBNB photos of my isolated home for the next few weeks.
Either way, if you're reading this, you're probably someone I love. So thank you for you.
-Amy
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