how/when to work?

sooo.. in thinking about, how does one get artistic work done when one is a stay-at-home mom? well... there are the times the child is sleeping (this would be much harder with multiple children), the times the husband is able to hang out with the child, and the babysitting time, much of which (for me) has been good friends.

here is a trajectory in the 3 1/2 years since my daughter was born:

- ages 0-2 - LOTS of naps - i snagged every moment i could to write. i couldn't get out and do much but i could write. i took advantage of this. also, my husband works nights so i would work from the moment my daughter would fall asleep until he got home.

- age 2-3 - shot a film that included my daughter - didn't need to find a babysitter because of this - during editing process there wasn't much sleep and many late nights and a very understanding husband of me not having a lot of time to hang out. also, a regular babysitting trade with a good friend allowed for time for working on the feature script.

- age 3-4 (this year) - have finally hired a babysitter about once a week. we can't really afford this but now that our daughter rarely naps it has been necessary to get work done. only for three hours, but it is helpful. of course, evening work continues. daughter sometimes goes to bed very late so i am therefore up even later.

a couple of months ago i attended an amazing 5-day workshop (artists summer institute). didn't know how i was going to accomplish this, as it is sometimes difficult to even schedule time to see a friend, but it worked out.. husband with M two days (now he is working FULL time so it would've been impossible).. in-laws with her two days.. good friend with her one afternoon.. another good friend with her an entire day. it was strange to be away from her all day, but she was well taken care of, and the workshop was invaluable.

next steps will be shooting a short film in south carolina in march, fundraising for feature i want to shoot in sc next summer, beginning a production company (this/next month), and several other things on the horizon... will need to think of excellent childcare options while shooting in sc.. have family down there so perhaps they will have ideas.. or perhaps i can bring a good friend along and pay them from the budget..

i have always believed that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. some things seem impossible, but they aren't. your will can carry you a long way. as can your imagination. as can help from friends, but sometimes you have to ask. thanks for the help, friends (you know who you are).