New Experiment

OK, so today starts a new experiment. I got the idea from a blogger (forgot which one now) who got the idea from Jerry Seinfeld. Yes, THAT Jerry Seinfeld.

Seems Seinfeld uses a calendar to make sure he writes an hour every day. The idea is to mark off the day after he gets at least that hour of writing done on a calendar that hangs where he can see it. When you see it like that, the X's start connecting and making a chain. Instinctively, you don't want to break that chain, so you are more likely to keep going.

The blog I read was about doing the same thing, only the writer had four things he wanted to do every day, so set up four calendars with a goal of doing those things for at least 15 minutes each. His items were cleaning, writing, exercising and IT stuff (he was some sort of computer/internet/IT person).

Starting today, I'm taking his idea and running with it, although I only have three calendars: cleaning, exercising and writing. That's at least 45 minutes a day, 15 minutes devoted to each. I'm sure I'll think of a fourth thing at some point, but for now, three is fine. The exercising at least 15 minutes will hopefully not only help me get into some semblance of shape (besides round that is), but will also help to bring my BP down.

The cleaning....well...the past couple years have been tough around here, and I've been so down about so much, I've let this place go BIG TIME. It's way past time to get on top of that, which means cleaning out, throwing out and/or selling lots of stuff that has piled up.

As for the writing, you'd think that since I run the local writers' group, I'd be writing like crazy. Not the case. Maybe it's the aforementioned tough times we've been going through, but my writing has really slacked off. So now the idea is to write for at least 15 minutes every day, and it doesn't matter what I write. I can jot an entry in my journal, work on a poem, write a blog post (this counts), etc. As long as I write SOMETHING for at least 15 minute every day, I'm good.

So, it has started. Let's see how it goes.

Just Keep Writing

OK, so here I am. Sitting in front of the computer as usual. Writing a bit, which is not too usual lately.

Most days I kick myself for not spending more time on my writing. But then, I recently read something that made me think more about the writing I do manage to get to. Can't remember who said it, but they said to spend a set amount of time writing every day, NO MATTER WHAT THAT WRITING IS. Basically, it could be journal writing, blogging, letter writing, etc. Anything counts. Just spend that time writing.

I've never really thought of it that way. I always felt like I had to make sure I was sitting here working on my novel (yeah, still working) or a story or poem of some kind. I do write in a journal, but I've never counted that as part of my writing in general. I also have this blog and a couple others, but again, never really counted that. I wonder why. It's writing. It's putting my ideas down on paper or on the net.

From now on, no more kicking myself. From now on, I'm going to make sure I sit down and write something, but it doesn't have to be a BIG something. As long as a spend time writing; in my journal, my ratty notebook, on one of my blogs, etc. It all counts.

Smoky Mountain Inspiration

I went up to the Parkway this morning and stopped off at an overlook above The Orchard at Altapass. I love this view. The clouds were passing over the mountains in the distance, then this line of clouds/mist started gliding down the mountain. It was so neat looking, and even inspired the start of a poem.



Clouds like smoke
pouring over the mountain.
A thick white mist
enveloping in its chill.
I watch it come
creeping ever closer to me.
It surrounds me
closing me off from the world.

Not much I know, but like I said, it's the start of a poem. It'll be way different once I get it done. Especially since on the way home I heard the song Big Country (Remember that from the 80's?) and that inspired more lines to add in and work on. Oh how I miss the days when I could write a poem in one sitting and be satisfied that it was finished "as is." Now they seem to take so much work. If I again ever hear anyone say writing isn't hard work...

Dreams

I don't usually remember my dreams. I sometimes remember that I did dream, but the details are fuzzy or nonexistent. This morning was different. I woke up at 5am and fed the cats, then decided to go back to bed. (I'm fighting a cold and just couldn't stay awake.) Between then and when I did get up at 8:30, I had a very detailed and vivid dream. Even grabbed my journal and wrote it down. I'm hoping it will turn into a story or novel maybe. I won't go into all the details here, except to say that it involved Kevin Spacey.

OK, stop the smiling and winking. It wasn't that type of dream. Just like it wasn't really Kevin Spacey and it wasn't really me. We were different people. Kind of like characters in a book or movie I reckon. He looked a bit like he does in the picture above - a little less unshaven though, with a slightly thicker moustache. We were friends...yes, that's it. What a waste of a dream, right?

Anyway, I'd like to take the details of the dream and try to "run with it" as it were. I think I can get a really great story out of it. A bit more serious than I usually write, but maybe that's what I need to do. And I've always been a fan of Kevin Spacey. He can play so many different parts, and play them all convincingly as well. So, I will keep him in mind as I write. Maybe that will help.

Love These Mountains

My husband and I moved to Western NC from Georgia in 1993, and we have never regretted the move. It is beautiful up here; and inspirational as well. My writing is really taking off and no small amount of credit goes to the wonderful scenery around me.

I have also made some great friends since we moved here. I've met some strong women who have become great role-models and helped me become a strong woman as well.



When I was a child, my mother and I moved around quite a bit. She was a restless soul and just couldn't seem to stay in one place for long. She used to say that if God had meant for us to stay in one place, he would have given us roots. This is the longest I've lived in one area. I think I have finally found my roots.