from the city: st jude
The patron saint of lost causes worked wonders for my writer’s block.
I needed a few hours alone; to gather my intentions and put pen to paper. When your art becomes your profession it’s easy to fall out of love. Mundane editorial puts food on the table but it also steals the very last of my words. Every single day I sit at my desk and type. Clickety clack with a Poet at my feet and a little boy close by. It’s rare for me to handwrite my stories but I always come back to the pen when I seek inspiration.
St Jude sits lonesome on a corner of Bourke Street; the Redfern end. With its white-washed exterior and timber-framed cafe windows, it lures the locals who linger on the step, chatting about the sun and the blossoms and the new baby next door.
I was the out-of-towner with a rare hour of solitude. I found a seat by the window, ordered coffee and brunch and began to scrawl a who we are across a new white notebook. Within twenty minutes the blue cup was empty, the page covered in ink. As it should be.
Luisa turned up soon after and between sips of coffee and excitable exclamations she took shots of cafe details….and portraits of a writer who can’t wait to share her project with the world.
The ever-lovely Mandy, who regularly meanders the streets of Surrey Hills, recommended St Jude. Thank you!
I can totally understand the "falling out of love" part when something you love becomes your job. But at the same time it's so rewarding. Glad to hear you had a nice inspirational time to yourself =)
– Sarah
agirlintransit.blogspot.com
What a quiet and quaint place to seek inspiration!
I have a quiet and dark little coffee spot that really helps me focus when I can't get my editing done. It's hard with the littles always at your feet during the day, I definitely am no stranger to that feeling. Glad you were able to kick your writer's block! 🙂
love such places!
An hour of solitude and a good coffee. Sounds like bliss!
Being photographed trying to have some 'solitude' probably doesn't help!
so beautiful- words & images.
writer's block. you? your words seem to be flowing out of you so beautifully.
those turquoise cups…sigh.
x
I loved this post Jodi thank you for thinking to share your writing process. Being a writer and mama too, I am fascinated by the way others work, and could relate to every aspect of your post. I am suffering 'writer's paralysis' today more like stage fright than having no words. I am working on something that I want to be, dare I say…perfect! Crippling. Anyway, nothing like a looming deadline to kick me into gear. How long will you make us wait before revealing your project?…not too long I hope! x
When I'm emotionally invested in a piece of writing it takes a lot longer – and the process isn't always pretty. There's a lot of head in the hands, frustrated groans and then the sigh when I write a good sentence and it all fits into place. Give me eight weeks to announce….I think x
Eight weeks?! I will wait ever-so patiently 🙂 Good luck with your project Jodi, it sounds very exciting! x
Just beautiful. I have no doubt that words of inspiration would flow freely in such a place. My favourite shade of blue.
Looking forward to you sharing! I always turn to pen and paper too when I need to think, and wait for inspiration to hit. My words flow better this way, especially when I'm writing from my heart x
i've often turned to st. jude 😉 and, my joshua was very close to being a jude.
there is nothing better than the feeling of ink filling empty space on a crispy piece of white paper.
Your words are always delightful to read. Am so looking forward to knowing your project Jodi….wishing you many more delightful sentences xx
Just beautiful. It is hard when your art becomes your work, sometimes. I know! But i know and you know we wouldn't have it any other way 🙂
I call Jude my 'St Jude' because he really really is. Did you think of him when you saw the name? That beautiful little bubba you helped bring into the world so peacefully with your beautiful yoga teachings echoing in my mind.
x
I did think of him (and you!) Saz….I do when I hear/sing the song too. x
Can't wait to hear all about the new project…so intriguing!
It looks like a lovely cafe. You've certainly relaxed in some pretty establishments recently. We need to do some more cafe-hopping… xx
So glad you liked it Jodi ….
we are planning on having lunch their tomorrow !!!
Love love love these photos X
Jodi!
I absolutely can not WAIT to see what it is you have planned 🙂
Yours is a beautiful & creative mind, but I can imagine your art would feel less like art when it's something that also needs to put food on the table.
That's exactly how I fell out of love with nursing. And that's exactly why I resigned from my job this week. And I begin a writer's course on Monday, & I just can't wait!
I hope that cafe sesh' delivered all forms of creativity to you, in order for you to follow your dreams 🙂
We're all behind you, naturally!
x
Simply stunning, Jodi