New

I met Sarah at The Cornerstone and updated her on my progress this week. I had a few observations from a week of practising the 6 Changes Method:

1. When enthusiasm strikes, I habitually try to change too many things (I think this happens because I'm trying to make my life perfect all at once—whatever that means!) and end up running out of energy and focus a few weeks down the road, then I backslide. This time I am trying to concentrate on establishing the planned changes, and using thoughtful discrimination about other whims that comes to mind, saying no to all but the ones that seem most worthwhile. I hope to keep it simple, adopt one change at a time, and see whether the outcome is more sustainable. It's important to maintain certain non-productive but relaxing activities.
2. I kept my alarm set for the same time over the weekend and got up around 7:05 both days. By Saturday and Sunday evenings I was exhausted and went to bed early. My sleep was unsettled. It feels like layers of energy are rearranging themselves.
3. As mentioned yesterday, my writing yesterday morning was stuck in a familiar, tiresome holding pattern. It will be a challenge to break out of that, but for now I will just concentrate on establishing the 200-word habit and avoid criticizing the results.

I've already talked to Danny about keeping the clock radio set so I can continue to get up early this weekend while he is here. To avoid disturbing him, I will get up immediately and turn the radio off. (Very much looking forward to seeing him tonight.)

I was successful with the routine again this morning (day 2), and the results were more satisfying. I got up and made breakfast and tea at once, arriving at my desk by 6:30. So I dug into the routine earlier, with less anxiety about time. I was also able to break away from old writing habits and explore an entirely fresh idea for the novel. I won't say whether it was good or bad; it's just new, and that's what matters.

Mark Sirett

Last spring I mentioned that Rainbow Chorus of Waterloo-Wellington was commissioning an original piece of choral music to perform at Unison Festival in Winnipeg in May. They offered as text one of my poems, "Starlight", which friends only can read here.

I found out in August who the composer would be, but had to keep it under wraps. Now it is safe now to say the commission went to Mark Sirett. Performances of his works are easily found on Youtube, but the best audio I could find was his arrangement of Carrickfergus performed by Primus Amabile Men's Ensemble. His setting of "Starlight" will be soprano-alto-tenor-bass with piano accompaniment (the text will be slightly revised).

Mark told the commissioning committee from the outset that he wished to publish the work. Yesterday he emailed me to say he is doing the final edit, that it will be ready in a week, and could I please email formal permission for him to use the text when he sends it to publishers. He also mentioned any royalties would be shared between us. I was not expecting that.

Is it also safe to say I am excited?

By the way, RCWW will hold its 15th anniversary concert on Jan. 23 including 19 of our favourite pieces from the past 10 years. Among them is my choral arrangement of Rufus Wainwright's Pretty Things. If you missed the performance in May 2008, now is your chance.