Somewhere between planning for the Ireland workshop , editing my vessel-building video, preparing for a fall neo-santos class in Taos, and working toward a major four-person exhibition there in February 2026, I caught myself staring at the wall, paralyzed—not with lack of inspiration, but with too much of it.
It’s all good. But. Too many irons in the fire. Too many deadlines, ideas, and “just one more thing” lists. And then I remembered Anne Lamott’s wise, warm advice from Bird by Bird. It’s my favorite ever book on writing and creativity.
Her brother, overwhelmed by a massive school report on birds, sat frozen at the kitchen table. Their father told him, “Just take it bird by bird, buddy. Bird by bird.”
That phrase has become a lifeline.
When your artistic life feels like a wildfire of overlapping projects, or a loud chorus of too many ideas that you really want to try, the answer isn’t to douse the flame—it’s to focus on one small, manageable ember at a time.
One vessel. One section of the video. One set of supplies to pack. One mess at a time.
Outside Mess – the Rust Pile
Anne Lamott reminds us that it’s okay to start messy. That a “shitty first draft” is still a beginning. For artists, that might look like a rough sketch, an experimental glaze, or 20 minutes in the studio moving things around until something clicks.
Inside Mess
We may have heard this before, but it is eternally relevant to all of us—artists, writers, makers, dreamers—anyone facing a mountain of creative intention and wondering where to begin.
So today, I’m reminding myself to take it bird by bird. Not exhibition by exhibition or continent by continent. Just one clay figure. One image. One class prep file. And trust that the path will form under my feet, as it always does, step by tiny step.
Lately, I’ve been using the Merlin app to identify the birds I hear outside on my morning walks. It listens, patiently, and tells me, “That’s a Carolina wren… now a mockingbird.” One bird at a time. That feels like the most gentle and poetic kind of reminder.
Carolina Wren – photo from CornellLab
This morning, the first bird I heard was a Carolina wren. Bright, insistent, full of song. It felt like a sign.
Maybe art is the same. You don’t need to name the whole chorus. Just listen for the one song calling you right now. One bird.
BUT WHICH BIRD COMES FIRST??
Once we accept we can’t do it all at once, the question becomes: which bird do I start with?
Here are a few ways I’m learning to decide:
The Loudest Bird
The one with a deadline or a time-sensitive need. Sometimes you have to answer the squawking first—travel bookings, material orders, or a class outline.(For me, this is getting my Ireland ducks in a row – speaking of birds.)
The Most Fragile Bird
This might be a quiet idea, a piece of inner work, or a soulful art project that could be lost if neglected. Tend to what feels precious and easily forgotten. (This is the bird I’m paying attention to this morning).
The Bird That Frees the Others
It could be a small task that clears mental clutter—like organizing files or answering that email you’ve been avoiding. Finishing this can unlock energy for everything else.
The Bird That Sings to You
If you’re feeling burned out, start with the thing that sparks joy. Let one moment of delight carry you into motion.
In the end, the “right” bird is the one you notice—and respond to—with care.
I recommend both the book, Bird by Bird, and the Merlin app (which is free). Take a deep breath – quiet your thoughts, and listen. There’s a bird out there calling your name. Just begin.♥
What a wonderful post, especially for those of us with so many thoughts spinning in our heads. Thank you, Lyn!
Gaye, I love hearing frm you – are you still teaching in NB?
Love this! Have both the app and the book, tho still need to start the book. Maybe next on my list. BTW – Birdsall is my maiden name. My nickname when I coached was “Bird” – birds have always been special to me and a part of my art.
Love knowing that, Sue!
That made me smile!! What great connections! If you were a bird, you would be a Painted Bunting 🙂
I love this blog post just like I love Anne Lamott’s book “Bird by Bird”. Such a simple but important reminder to calm myself, breathe and listen before taking that very next [single] step. Thank you for the reminder, Lyn.
Thank you so much, Joy – you seem to be able to keep your ideas from running away in every direction. I admire your focus!
Love your wisdom, Lynn! I have recently purchased your Spirit Doll class ( not my first class from you… ) and am pretty much in heaven creating these small wonders! They speak so much to me…..and I was just watching the birds at my little platter of seeds and was wondering how I could learn more about each one….hmmm! Perfect timing!
Izzy, yay!! It’s a world of magic, and I think your spirit creatures are a part of all of that – hmmmm, wonder if we should make some bird spirit dolls!
Yes! You beautiful writing is a prose poem for the soul. Peace, my friend.
And back to you 🙂
I love that book too. I enjoyed looking at your luscious photos: the rusted yummies, the little hand, half-finished icons, papers waiting to be waxed, small bird, and finished mixed-media piece. Thank you.
Thank you, Darlene. It’s funny, as I was taking those photos for the blog thinking what a mess it all was, I started seeing the possibilities in each one of them!!
I love this! So thought provoking and applicable to anyone’s journey through life! Thank you!!
Thank you, Marilyn – I keep thinking of your leaves and what you said about them the last time we sat together – beautiful!
As always, wise words, support and inspiration from you. Thanks!
Thank you, Sunnee – it is always wonderful to hear from you.
Great reminder!!! Many thanks!!
Thanks, Joy!! ♥
Love knowing that, Sue!
I love this, Lynn! Thank you for the reminder, my friend.
You have always taken time to listen to birdsong, dear Karen – xoxoxo
Absolutely beautiful composition! Loved the random red lines.
Barbie, thanks! That red is new for me – I’m glad yo like it!
Lyn, As always your emails seem to speak to me at just the right time.
Thank you for all of your great insights and guiding to more peaceful endeavors.
Thank you, Pamela – it’s tough sometimes – I need the reminder as much as anyone, and maybe more!
You got this-
The best outcomes happen when you’re hair is on fire,, you been in same clothes for days other than changing underwear, l
you crave potato chips and endless coffee-
I know what you can do-
LOLOLOL – Shannon, you know me so well and you are so smart!! What would I do without you!??? Miss you.
Thanks for a timely reminder that the art of blogging is not dead … I’m glad writing a post made your cut list (and yes, Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird is a treasure!)
Keep writing your great blog, Liz!! ♥
Thank you, Lyn. Your words are ALWAYS helpful & inspiring. Quoting Anne this morning was just what I needed & also remind me refill the bird feeder.
Best of everything to you & your creative & inspiring soul.
Miss you.
Thanks for another clarifying read. I have found myself holding my breath and thinking just throw it all away! But then I settle on the noisiest bird. Thank you.
Wonderful way to listen to your creativity and move forward with it.
Thank you for sharing.
I find inspiration in your work!
What’s the workshop in Taos?
Beautiful place to create!