A brag—and some thoughts on writing

You know what a bad thing it is when a bridesmaid outshines the bride? Well, I think these two ushers outshone the groom last night (with apologies to Gavin Hudgeons). My Austin grandsons, Sawyer (curly hair) and Ford, were ushers at their uncle’s wedding and, according to reports, did a great job. No, they’re not twins—just real close in age.

Do you ever get a phrase or saying stuck in your mind like an earworm? The one that’s stuck in my mind is so silly I almost hesitate to admit it. “Writing floats my boat.” Of course, there’s a story behind it. I’ve been sort of hibernating while my face heals, and, frankly, I’m getting cabin fever and feeling a bit sorry for myself. And there’s another factor in this mix—I can now see the end of the project I’m working on. Whereas before I knew where it had to go each day, I’ve now gotten to the end and am fitting in odd bits of information where they’ll work best. There’s no way finishing this—even with a photo search—will take until the May deadline. For years my big fear as I finish a project has been, “What will I do next?” And that’s where I am now.

I find myself procrastinating, fiddling the day away without any substantial work—there is still work to be done. But I read or I spend too long on email and Facebook or I cook (my great distraction). And then I’m not happy with myself and don’t feel good. (Didn’t know you were going to get armchair psychanalysis, did you?)

Anyway that’s how I felt the other night when I suddenly sat down and wrote a blog that I think was one of my better ones. The words came fast, and I was pleased with what I produced—and all of a sudden, I felt much better about myself. And that’s when the phrase came to me: Writing floats my boat. I am a much better, happier person when I have a project I can dig into. If I didn't write, I'd wake every morning wondering what I was going to do with the day. 

So I’ll pay attention to business, finish this book and send it off to be edited, and move on to a new project. I have a couple of ideas.

Happy start of a new week, everyone!