leaning towards an answer

I'm not certain, but getting a MFA in Creative Writing seems like something I might need to do. My parents suggested that I determine what my career goals are and how a Masters would assist me in obtaining these goals. Well, my goal of getting paid to travel and be creative? A little vague, yes. But I can't help but believe that this extra certificate/education/time to write would give me more credibility in the writing field. Duh?

Besides natural talent/writing abilities, as it stands now, I am unqualified to write for large magazines that would put up my expenses for travel. Why? I'm not actively writing and have no portfolio (well not much of one). Even if I begin to write, to whom will I turn to get criticism? Family members don't count and I'm only available to attend a writing group but twice a month. Sure, I could TRY to be self-taught, but I'm not THAT egotistical. As my life currently is, I rarely have my evenings in solitude anymore. Sure, I get free time in swells and it could change, and Yes, my life will be crazy if I have to work to pay my way through grad school, meaning that this "free time" I speak of is nothing more than a figurative unicorn.

What would I get if I was accepted into the Masters program? A lot of time reading and writing. A lot of much-needed criticism on my writing. Contacts with very well-educated and well-connected people. Support for my sometimes underestimated and under-used intelligence. A timeline. Getting back into the groove of being an intelligent woman. And I can't help but daydream about my possible adventures with friends that might possibly be in L-town. (I've all but ruled out the Uni in my town b/c the website is terribly unprofessional-looking and not detailed enough for the investment I might be making).

What if I don't even try? Well, considering the application isn't due until January and the classes wouldn't start for more than a year from now.... I still have time to change my mind a few times. And truly, I can be 40 and decide to get my Masters. It's never too late.

I'm trying not to put any undo pressure on myself, but having an idea of my destination helps to know how I'll get there. If I were to somehow be free of rent payments for the next year, I could pay for a good chunk of the schooling myself (maybe half?). But then, that begs the question, where would I live? I have a few places in mind. None gives me the happiness and solitude that living on my own does, that's for darn sure. But we all need to sacrifice no?

I'm going to hold off on making decisions of course. Because sometimes the Universe has it's own way of working things out better than our measly selves can plan. So I'll continue to be creative and try to use my time to the best of my abilities.