Blog: Artist Dates

Day for Myself

2024-08-24 by Pablo Morales

This post was written in en

Cruising board at the beach

I don't remember the last time I spent time with myself. Moving to San Francisco, starting a new job, and getting settled busy has been an understatement. It's just been go, go, go!

I finally got a mattress to sleep on. I was sleeping on a yoga mat that was quite comfy when you added some thick blankets. It was time to start sleeping on a mattress. The bed frame is coming soon. Oh wait, I also need a couch! Baby steps! Oh gosh, I need lots of things. I need to get rid of stuff.

Focus!!

Today, I hopped on the bus to Golden Gate Park. The urge to leave my neighborhood for the day has been on my mind for a while. When I got off the bus, right off the bat I started riding my board. I haven't been on a board in a long time so subtle movements had me on edge. I became more comfortable with it. The breeze hit my face so nicely. I felt like heaven.

People were having picnics, riding their bikes, playing games, and simply just hanging out. This made me extremely happy.

After a while, I took a break and found a quiet area to journal. It's been a while since I've done this. Writing down my thoughts on paper brought me at ease with the anxiousness I felt when I left my apartment. Writing it down sucked it out of me.

I forgot that Golden Gate Park is next to Ocean Beach. So I figured I might as well ride my board to the beach! I love the beach! I zipped through the park to get there and man did it not disappoint.

I enjoyed having time for myself. I don't regret it today. Today was an artist date.

The day concluded with me hanging out at Noisebridge.

This blog post was written at Noisebridge. Thank you for this beautiful space you offer so many people.

Reply to Artist Dates by Tracy Durnell

2023-12-16 by Pablo Morales

This post was written in en

In reply to Artist Dates by Tracy Durnell

I wrote a post on taking myself out on a date where I go do various activities by myself. This is something I don't do often and it seems important for self-care. I have a habit of staying at home and not venturing off as much as I used to. Not often do I get to enjoy myself out and about.

What is an Artist Date?

Tracy responded to my post and shared something really cool. She introduced to me the idea of Artist Dates. She provides some great insight on how she's done Artist Dates. First, I had no idea that Artist Dates were a thing. Secondly, have I been going on Artist Dates and not knowing it? I'm mind blown right now.

The idea is going somewhere inspiring or exciting on your own regularly once a week. This seems to be the general consensus based on what I read. I really enjoyed Tracy's approach on Artist Days as she "framed solo activities more as Adventure Days". Carpe that Diem! That is such a positive way of seeing them. I like adventure and it motivates me to just do them! Adventure Awaits!

I really love photography. It's a thrill! You know what isn't? Taking photos in my apartment. It isn't ideal and I have to go beyond the walls. I plan on continuing to improve my hobby. What better way than to walk around the streets of Sacramento or taking shots from a tall building in New York City to capture moments in time.

I like spontaneously getting tickets for events. Sometimes when a colleague at works offers tickets to a free game or show, I attempt to snag them to attend an event I normally wouldn't attend or forget that exists. Whether it's a soccer match or a broadway show, I know I'm happy. I'd probably not be doing anything anyways.

Not all Artist Dates need to be planned. Honestly some of the best ones I've done were unplanned. Simply get up and leave. I also need to find out what things are happening in my city. Planning ahead for one event would lead to me discovering more things about the city I live in.

I found this blog post from 2010 called, 101 Artist’s Date Ideas that has such a great list of Artist Dates that I could go on! I love how simple or complex the suggestions could be! The possibilities are endless.

A Few Stand Out to Me:

  • Spend some time outdoors with your journal, sketchbook, craft supplies, etc
  • Write a letter to your parents. Tell them what you are grateful to them for. Send it
  • Make a list of thirty things you’d like to do before your next birthday

2024 will be the year for Artist Dates and more time to appreciate myself and break out of my comfort cycle. I am looking to find more joy in my life. This will be the year to just do it!

For now, I'm back at my hometown in Nebraska, so I will see what Artist Date I can find. I will start in a familiar place. I have a bad habit of staying at home and not showing my face in public. On Monday, I will ride my longboard or go on a run, depending on the weather. Either way, Nebraska.

Tracy, a risograph printing class sounds so tight! Please share what you've created.