I expected a stormy afternoon. Instead, blue skies and a brisk wind greeted me when I stepped outside after work...invigorating weather that makes you want to forget about to-do lists and go hiking in the woods. So that's what I did when I got home - I joined Tom and the boys for a walk down to the damn dam (another several tons of dirt have collapsed into our pond and a big chunk is breaking away, ready to fall.)
Next, we headed across our own dam and down to our little pond and waterfall. I love watching the water rush over the rock ledge into the pool...love the rushing, cleansing sound of it. We spent some time down there, peering downstream at the overgrown brush. I could tell Tom's brain-wheels were turning - he has decided to focus on the creek, clear out the brush, build some little paths so we can enjoy that part of our property, rather than the big pond, to take our eyes and minds off of the damn dam.
We wandered back to the house, ate dinner, cleaned up the kitchen. He headed up to work on his car and then down to exercise and watch television. I started some laundry then headed to the computer to find information for a new post on our Jobs4Autism website, check emails and catch up on Facebook. I took a break to watch the Office, move laundry around, load the dishwasher and now here I am again, at 9pm trying to toss my loose thoughts onto this blog so I can work on my book. About the time I finally get going on it and start losing myself in the story, bedtime taps me on the shoulder. A few years ago I would have ignored it and kept writing, but that's getting harder and harder to do the older I get.
I know, I know....there are a few ways I could squeeze in more time for writing. Perhaps ignore Facebook or skip The Office. But really...I don't watch much television to begin with, and keeping in touch with people on Facebook has been a real blessing. And my blog not only clears my head and serves as warm-up writing, but it's therapeutic. Ain't touching that!
Well, I'll just keep chipping away in 30 to 40 minute increments every night and hope for more time down the road. Eventually, a book will emerge.
It helps that I have friends who believe in my writing. My friend Rae gave me this pencil box and it sits on my desk in front of me as I write...a reminder (thank you, sweet Rae!)
