You know the drill by now. Joyce provides Hodgepodge questions, I answer my way. I encourage you to respond too!
1. This week's Hodgepodge is number 123. What's something you've done recently that was as easy as 1 - 2 - 3?
I think I have to answer this with the baby layette basket program I started for the local hospital almost two years ago. I was looking for something I could do to make a difference; something I could do that I would enjoy; something that wasn't about a lot of paperwork. I wanted something "hands on." Once I decided to start a baby layette basket program for young & needy moms everything just fell into place, and it was as easy as 1 - 2 - 3! I have not considered it a burden in anyway. I continue to receive lots of donations, and I put together 4 to 5 baskets each week and deliver them to the hospital. I don't see the look on the new mothers' faces when they receive one, but the nurses have told me that they are thrilled and these moms "need" the onesies, blankets, bath items, diapers, etc. It's a joy when things fall in place so well! Easy as 1 - 2 -3!
2. This Hodgepodge also happens to fall at the beginning of May...what is something you may do this month?
I have lots of things I plan to do, but I'm still waiting to see if I will make a trip to Ohio. I may go there if needed. My sister fell Sunday before last and broke her leg. She lives alone and may need help. Right now she is in re-hab so I will know more once she finishes that up.
3. The Englishman Horace Walpole is credited as saying "The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think." How do you see it?
Sometimes it IS very hard to "feel" because there is so much pain in this world. There are so many evil actions, and natural disasters. It hurts to the core sometimes. But, that being said, I really don't agree with Mr. Walpole because I think the world also has amazing, beautiful people and things to enjoy...and without the emotions and feelings they would be lost. Oh - yes, sometimes this world is a comedy too. Funny things happen. But thankfully we can feel that too - and laugh!
4. May is National Hamburger month...how often do you eat a burger? What are your must-haves when it comes to burgers?
Hamburgers are very seasonal for me. I rarely eat them in the cold weather months. But, once we light up the grill and have summertime get-togethers then burgers become part of my diet! So, in cold months I rarely eat a hamburger. In warm weather months I probably eat one a week. I like mayo, and a slice of tomato on it...maybe some ketchup & mustard.
5. Pansies, petunias, geraniums, impatiens... of the four mentioned, which is your favorite in a patio pot? Will there be pots on your patio this spring? Who does the gardening at your house?
Okay, I'll make you jealous: I ALREADY have flower pots on my patio (and deck). Spring comes early here...thankfully. I have geraniums in a couple of pots that sit where the sun hits. I have impatiens (and other shade-loving flowers) in pots that don't get direct sun. They are two of my favorite flowers. I will plant pansies...but petunias get too long stem-y and stringy for me over time. I am the gardener and I LOVE it!!!
6. When did you last (literally or figuratively) shout "Mayday, mayday!" ?
I think Joyce means as a way of announcing you are giving up. Right? I can't think of a time of shouting it, or thinking it... literally or figuratively. But over the years I suppose I have had moments where I have thrown my hands up in the air and said I can't do anything about a situation (or person) and just give up.
7. Say farewell to April in ten words or less.
Unseasonable, but still beautiful with Springtime flowers and longer days.
8. My random thought.
As most know, I am a country music lover - and therefore, this time of year gets me VERY excited about some events coming soon. This Friday I am going with my daughter to see Tim McGraw in concert (again...he's one I never get tired of seeing over and over.) We are doing a "first" though! As a member of the fan club (I joined because you get unique opportunities) I bought the VIP package - and that includes going backstage prior to the concert, and attending a pre-concert cocktail party. Tim and a couple of his band members will come out and do a short acoustic set - so we will be "up-close and personal"! We get food, drink, some special merchandise too. To say I'm excited is an understatement! (April: jealous?)
The other BIG event coming up is the CMA Music Festival in Nashville in early June. I'm taking my other daughter and her boyfriend. It's my third time attending but their first time so I am really excited to share the four days of non-stop music and fun with them! (Katie: you going this year?) I highly recommend this event if you are a country music fan. Check it out on Facebook - or google it.
Have a GREAT first week of May everyone!!
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
The letter Y
I'm a day behind on my A to Z Challenge. It is supposed to finish up today, the last day of April. But, tomorrow I'll finish up with the letter Z. (It's a tough letter so I better start thinking about it already.)
But, now, on with the letter Y. My word is young. I can remember like it was yesterday: oh, being young! I mean it SEEMS like just yesterday. I was just a kid starting out on my life, finishing college, joining the adult world, working, and having my own apartment. I was young and a bit foolish, and excited, and unsure of my future. That's what is so great about being young - all of life awaits you and it is still a lovely mystery.
When I was young I had some expectations about how I wanted my life to go. They weren't detailed, but I wanted to have a family and be happy. I wanted to be involved with music, and I wanted to make a difference in the world. I remember thinking as a young person that after I died I wanted to be remembered - in a good way. I didn't want my time on earth to be forgotten.
Somewhere along my life path I stopped being young. Age wise. Consumer wise. I moved into a different demographic. I'm not sure when it happened... was it when I first had children? I wasn't the youngest mom in my group but I wasn't old...yet. Maybe I stopped being young when I had to attend business events, and go on work trips with my husband. I remember those days, getting dressed up to "look" older to try and fit in with the business associates and their wives. I never really liked it. It was stuffy, had expectations, felt phony a lot.
Did I stop being young when my daughters finished school and went off to live on their own? Well, hum, first I'm in denial about that and still keep their bedrooms here at home. But, no, if anything I felt more young inside because the burden of raising my daughters was done. Mission accomplished - and well done if I say so myself! I loved those school years with them but was also happy that we made it through, and then moved to a warmer climate - with more activities for me. I finally took the opportunity to pursue more of "my" interests...music, gardening, new volunteering efforts.
So... when did I stop being young?
What do you know! I don't think I have! In my mind and heart I still feel young, and active, and I am very interested in all that happens around me. Oh yes, the body has aged. There's no denying it. As I sit here and type my lower back is aching, and I have my regular appointment this week for my hair to be put back to it's "natural" color. But me, the inside me, is still very much young at heart! And...guess what? I intend to stay young!
But, now, on with the letter Y. My word is young. I can remember like it was yesterday: oh, being young! I mean it SEEMS like just yesterday. I was just a kid starting out on my life, finishing college, joining the adult world, working, and having my own apartment. I was young and a bit foolish, and excited, and unsure of my future. That's what is so great about being young - all of life awaits you and it is still a lovely mystery.
When I was young I had some expectations about how I wanted my life to go. They weren't detailed, but I wanted to have a family and be happy. I wanted to be involved with music, and I wanted to make a difference in the world. I remember thinking as a young person that after I died I wanted to be remembered - in a good way. I didn't want my time on earth to be forgotten.
Somewhere along my life path I stopped being young. Age wise. Consumer wise. I moved into a different demographic. I'm not sure when it happened... was it when I first had children? I wasn't the youngest mom in my group but I wasn't old...yet. Maybe I stopped being young when I had to attend business events, and go on work trips with my husband. I remember those days, getting dressed up to "look" older to try and fit in with the business associates and their wives. I never really liked it. It was stuffy, had expectations, felt phony a lot.
Did I stop being young when my daughters finished school and went off to live on their own? Well, hum, first I'm in denial about that and still keep their bedrooms here at home. But, no, if anything I felt more young inside because the burden of raising my daughters was done. Mission accomplished - and well done if I say so myself! I loved those school years with them but was also happy that we made it through, and then moved to a warmer climate - with more activities for me. I finally took the opportunity to pursue more of "my" interests...music, gardening, new volunteering efforts.
So... when did I stop being young?
What do you know! I don't think I have! In my mind and heart I still feel young, and active, and I am very interested in all that happens around me. Oh yes, the body has aged. There's no denying it. As I sit here and type my lower back is aching, and I have my regular appointment this week for my hair to be put back to it's "natural" color. But me, the inside me, is still very much young at heart! And...guess what? I intend to stay young!
Monday, April 29, 2013
The letter X
"X marks the spot."
I think we all have heard that expression. I think back to childhood days and watching cartoons with characters looking for hidden treasures. The map they used would always show a big bold X on it to show where the treasure was to be found.
So today my X blog is about maps... and the fact that they are becoming obsolete. (I know it's a stretch on the X letter. It's a tough letter. I don't think I will write about xylaphones.)
Until the invention of the GPS, maps were essential for everyone. Whether you were on a road or interstate, or walking around a new city, or even visiting an amusement park... we all had maps. Rand-McNally was the king of maps back then. I wonder how they are doing now. Before any vacation our family would buy maps to get us there, and we would plan the trip ahead of time with it. We studied them for the quickest route or for a way to detour a big city.
Until about 5 years ago I still relied on them. But, as it often happens, my daughter (a part of the younger generation) asked for a Garmin GPS for Christmas. Santa obliged - and I discovered how wonderful they were!! Very easy to program - and that nice lady talked my daughter through the way, giving ample warning of a turn ahead, and telling her to the minute when she would arrive at her destination!
So, I bought one. I plugged it into my car for every long trip I made. It gave me choices: Only interstates? Fastest route? Alternate ways? Gas stations & fast food? Thankfully I didn't need it for trips around town! Then I got an Iphone - and downloaded a GPS app right on to it.
I still carry a couple of old-time maps in my car. I haven't been able to go completely paper-free. What if the GPS failed? And, to tell you the truth., I still like the idea of unfolding one, and looking at the "whole picture" - and putting my X on my destination.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
The letter V
I just looked at my A to Z Challenge blog posts and realized I forgot the letter V! I went right from U to W. Oops! So, here is my word for the letter V: violin.
I grew up learning music. I took piano lessons and played the flute all through school. But, I never got the opportunity to learn about string instruments until my younger daughter decided in 2nd grade that she wanted to learn to play the violin.
I was happy she was interested in any instrument - so off we went to rent a violin, and I researched the best person in our area to give her lessons. That pursuit turned out to be a very important part of all our lives for many years. My daughter started taking suzuki lessons from Mrs. T, a retired teacher and violinist, who with her husband (a high school band director) had started the Sussex County Youth Orchestra. Our school system had two strings programs in it - which was rare and truly awesome. So, children in the county were learning strings. The county orchestra gave those children another opportunity to play and to develop their skills to a higher level.
To make a long story short, my daughter was in the orchestra all the way through high school. My other daughter got involved too, and I was a volunteer mom for many activities. We had some amazing experiences as part of this group. The orchestra got to play at Carnegie Hall - a real thrill! And, we went to Europe twice as "NJ Ambassadors of Music" and the orchestra performed in old churches and lovely park settings - in France, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. We met wonderful people, did some great sight-seeing, and shared the gift of music. Those years were wonderful!
My daughter and a few friends from the orchestra even used their talent and played together as a small strings combo at wedding receptions, cocktail parties, etc. Their name was were "In Rare Form"... and they were!
Back to the V word: I remember sitting in the room outside where my daughter took her lessons and listening... and the sound of the violin was so, so beautiful! Granted in the very beginning I heard some screeching and "Twinkle Twinkle" many times over and over. But, sometimes I sat in the waiting area in awe of the music coming out of the next room. As the years went by, my daughter and her teacher played duets together. It was lovely!!
A violin is such an expressive instrument. It "sings". It is an intricate part of classical music, but is played in every genre of music. These days I listen to a lot of country music, and again it's there: as a fiddle! It's very important to country music!!
So, I thank my daughter for choosing the violin. She brought a love of the instrument to me too.
I grew up learning music. I took piano lessons and played the flute all through school. But, I never got the opportunity to learn about string instruments until my younger daughter decided in 2nd grade that she wanted to learn to play the violin.
I was happy she was interested in any instrument - so off we went to rent a violin, and I researched the best person in our area to give her lessons. That pursuit turned out to be a very important part of all our lives for many years. My daughter started taking suzuki lessons from Mrs. T, a retired teacher and violinist, who with her husband (a high school band director) had started the Sussex County Youth Orchestra. Our school system had two strings programs in it - which was rare and truly awesome. So, children in the county were learning strings. The county orchestra gave those children another opportunity to play and to develop their skills to a higher level.
To make a long story short, my daughter was in the orchestra all the way through high school. My other daughter got involved too, and I was a volunteer mom for many activities. We had some amazing experiences as part of this group. The orchestra got to play at Carnegie Hall - a real thrill! And, we went to Europe twice as "NJ Ambassadors of Music" and the orchestra performed in old churches and lovely park settings - in France, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. We met wonderful people, did some great sight-seeing, and shared the gift of music. Those years were wonderful!
My daughter and a few friends from the orchestra even used their talent and played together as a small strings combo at wedding receptions, cocktail parties, etc. Their name was were "In Rare Form"... and they were!
Back to the V word: I remember sitting in the room outside where my daughter took her lessons and listening... and the sound of the violin was so, so beautiful! Granted in the very beginning I heard some screeching and "Twinkle Twinkle" many times over and over. But, sometimes I sat in the waiting area in awe of the music coming out of the next room. As the years went by, my daughter and her teacher played duets together. It was lovely!!
A violin is such an expressive instrument. It "sings". It is an intricate part of classical music, but is played in every genre of music. These days I listen to a lot of country music, and again it's there: as a fiddle! It's very important to country music!!
So, I thank my daughter for choosing the violin. She brought a love of the instrument to me too.
Friday, April 26, 2013
The letter W in the "A to Z challenge"
My word for the letter W is weather.
Just yesterday I checked our local forecast and it said there was a small chance of rain in the morning and then turning sunny in the afternoon with highs in the low 70's. I had a 12:30pm tee time with my lady friends so I thought it would be a perfect day to be out there on the links. It started out that way. But, after 9 holes the skies got grey and we heard some thunder. We turned our golf carts around and got back to the parking lot just as the torrential rains started to come down. It rained...then the sun came out, and then it stormed again about an hour later.
It's one example of how we still try to plan our day totally on what forecasters say, but it's just too unpredictable, especially living in this area, by the ocean.
Weather. There's certainly nothing we can do about it. But, I know that I am one of those people who's mood and well-being is effected by the weather each day. I have that disorder (I know it has a medical name) where I need sunshine, and I need to be outdoors. I am not a happy person in cold temperatures, stuck indoors, and I hate snow. Yes, I HATE snow. I don't find it pretty. Sorry.
I have lived in areas where cold and snowy days made for a very long winter. It was emotionally challenging to me. I dreaded shoveling, and bundling up to go anywhere, and I feared driving and other drivers on the road. I have the type of body that feels the cold "to the bone" and when I'm that cold I just don't even want to move.
So, after years of cold winters I finally live in a place with mild winter months. Here, we still can dip into the 30's at night but most days reach into the 50's. And, we have been known to have warm spells even in January. Days that give a reprieve, to help make it feel like springtime is around the corner.
Now Mother Nature can still do some scary things here. Our biggest concern is a hurricane coming this way. A few have come through and caused serious damage. But, every region has some form of weather that makes us realize how powerful it can be. Right? We can't escape bad weather completely. I guess there are a few areas that seem pretty safe. San Diego is one. Where else?
Today's weather: The local paper this morning says a cool morning, plenty of sunshine with a mild afternoon. High 72. Sounds delightful!
Just yesterday I checked our local forecast and it said there was a small chance of rain in the morning and then turning sunny in the afternoon with highs in the low 70's. I had a 12:30pm tee time with my lady friends so I thought it would be a perfect day to be out there on the links. It started out that way. But, after 9 holes the skies got grey and we heard some thunder. We turned our golf carts around and got back to the parking lot just as the torrential rains started to come down. It rained...then the sun came out, and then it stormed again about an hour later.
It's one example of how we still try to plan our day totally on what forecasters say, but it's just too unpredictable, especially living in this area, by the ocean.
Weather. There's certainly nothing we can do about it. But, I know that I am one of those people who's mood and well-being is effected by the weather each day. I have that disorder (I know it has a medical name) where I need sunshine, and I need to be outdoors. I am not a happy person in cold temperatures, stuck indoors, and I hate snow. Yes, I HATE snow. I don't find it pretty. Sorry.
I have lived in areas where cold and snowy days made for a very long winter. It was emotionally challenging to me. I dreaded shoveling, and bundling up to go anywhere, and I feared driving and other drivers on the road. I have the type of body that feels the cold "to the bone" and when I'm that cold I just don't even want to move.
So, after years of cold winters I finally live in a place with mild winter months. Here, we still can dip into the 30's at night but most days reach into the 50's. And, we have been known to have warm spells even in January. Days that give a reprieve, to help make it feel like springtime is around the corner.
Now Mother Nature can still do some scary things here. Our biggest concern is a hurricane coming this way. A few have come through and caused serious damage. But, every region has some form of weather that makes us realize how powerful it can be. Right? We can't escape bad weather completely. I guess there are a few areas that seem pretty safe. San Diego is one. Where else?
Today's weather: The local paper this morning says a cool morning, plenty of sunshine with a mild afternoon. High 72. Sounds delightful!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
The letter U - in the A to Z Challenge
Yesterday I wrote how I have not been able to be as creative during this challenge as I had originally hoped. So, today I find myself with the letter U!! Oh my. It's a toughie. I have written some U words on a piece of paper to help me think of what to write about...undercover, underwear, upwards, understanding, up to date, and utmost.
Hmmmm.....
I think I will write today about being up to date.
This world is spinning pretty fast, and changes occur daily. It's really hard to try and stay "up to date" with the technology out there. The advances amaze me at times!
I'm reminded of this because a few months ago I cleaned out a spare closet and much of it was filled with old VHS movies. Many of them were childrens' videos. We owned most of the Disney collection, and had lots of Sesame Street movies, and G-rated films for our daughters when they were little. My hubby loved to buy VHS - because it was the first time anyone could buy a movie and watch it at any time, and as many times as we wanted. He bought a bunch of "action movies" too - his favorite.
So, I boxed up all the tapes to make room in the closet, and I figured I would bite the bullet and donate them to my church's garage sale, for charity. It was hard to do because I had memories attached to many of the children's movies. I remember how my younger daughter loved the Disney version of "Cinderella" and watched it over and over...her eyes glued to the TV with her favorite stuffed toy in her hand. I remember both girls enjoying VHS videos while I tried to get household work done. I knew if I put one on, the girls would be happy, watching for a good 50 minutes or so. Enough time to get something done!
Anyway, I took the VHS videos in to the garage sale. And, most of them went UNbought, even at just $1 each. Nobody has a VCR player anymore! Nobody buys VHS movies anymore! So, at the end of the day, they were boxed up again - and taken to the Salvation Army and one only knows what they decided to do with them all.
Yes, it's hard to stay "up to date" anymore. So many upgrades with smart-phones, and new apps. Cars have new gadgets too. Cameras to view behind the back before going in reverse. My car has that feature now, and it still confuses me as to wear to look. I'm so used to putting my arm over the passenger seat and turning my head and looking behind me as I back up. I glance at the camera's picture but I don't rely on it to tell me it's safe to move. I have Blue Tooth in my car now too. I often end up disconnecting people when they call because I hit the wrong button!
I know as I age, my "learning ability" gets tougher. My brain doesn't pick up on new concepts as fast as it used to do, and I find myself questioning WHY we have all these changes. I sometimes can't imagine our world in another 50 years. Will we just sit and say everything we want...and a computer goes and gets it, or does it for us?
Now, please understand MANY of the changes have been wonderful! I am glad I have been alive for "up to date" medical procedures that I might one day need, and I'm glad safety features have been upgraded. I love my Facebook and I tweet. I blog! I intend to try my darndest to keep "up to date" with this ever-changing world we live in, and to thank God for the positive progress made.
Sometimes, it's just hard to do. Sometimes a "simpler life" seems less stressful (even though I know history shows it really wasn't.) One thing I do know - is all the new technology has made it easier to "be up to date" with family and friends.... and that is a very good thing!
Hmmmm.....
I think I will write today about being up to date.
This world is spinning pretty fast, and changes occur daily. It's really hard to try and stay "up to date" with the technology out there. The advances amaze me at times!
I'm reminded of this because a few months ago I cleaned out a spare closet and much of it was filled with old VHS movies. Many of them were childrens' videos. We owned most of the Disney collection, and had lots of Sesame Street movies, and G-rated films for our daughters when they were little. My hubby loved to buy VHS - because it was the first time anyone could buy a movie and watch it at any time, and as many times as we wanted. He bought a bunch of "action movies" too - his favorite.
So, I boxed up all the tapes to make room in the closet, and I figured I would bite the bullet and donate them to my church's garage sale, for charity. It was hard to do because I had memories attached to many of the children's movies. I remember how my younger daughter loved the Disney version of "Cinderella" and watched it over and over...her eyes glued to the TV with her favorite stuffed toy in her hand. I remember both girls enjoying VHS videos while I tried to get household work done. I knew if I put one on, the girls would be happy, watching for a good 50 minutes or so. Enough time to get something done!
Anyway, I took the VHS videos in to the garage sale. And, most of them went UNbought, even at just $1 each. Nobody has a VCR player anymore! Nobody buys VHS movies anymore! So, at the end of the day, they were boxed up again - and taken to the Salvation Army and one only knows what they decided to do with them all.
Yes, it's hard to stay "up to date" anymore. So many upgrades with smart-phones, and new apps. Cars have new gadgets too. Cameras to view behind the back before going in reverse. My car has that feature now, and it still confuses me as to wear to look. I'm so used to putting my arm over the passenger seat and turning my head and looking behind me as I back up. I glance at the camera's picture but I don't rely on it to tell me it's safe to move. I have Blue Tooth in my car now too. I often end up disconnecting people when they call because I hit the wrong button!
I know as I age, my "learning ability" gets tougher. My brain doesn't pick up on new concepts as fast as it used to do, and I find myself questioning WHY we have all these changes. I sometimes can't imagine our world in another 50 years. Will we just sit and say everything we want...and a computer goes and gets it, or does it for us?
Now, please understand MANY of the changes have been wonderful! I am glad I have been alive for "up to date" medical procedures that I might one day need, and I'm glad safety features have been upgraded. I love my Facebook and I tweet. I blog! I intend to try my darndest to keep "up to date" with this ever-changing world we live in, and to thank God for the positive progress made.
Sometimes, it's just hard to do. Sometimes a "simpler life" seems less stressful (even though I know history shows it really wasn't.) One thing I do know - is all the new technology has made it easier to "be up to date" with family and friends.... and that is a very good thing!
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
T is for time
For my Hodgepodge readers, today's quuestions & answers are right below this new A to Z Challenge blog.
Today's A to Z Challenge letter is the letter T so I must go with the word time. When I started this challenge at the beginning of April I thought it would be a great way for me to "make time" each day to blog, and to have a purpose to blog. Some days this has been true...but most days I am finding little time to blog in the way I would like. I want to be creative, to be funny at times - to be challenged each day. I don't think it's happened.
why? time!!
Now, I am not a person working away from home full-time, or commuting long hours, or anything like that which would take me away from the computer. So, I have the availability of my keyboard. In fact it sits on my kitchen table all the time. It's part of my morning routine - coffee, newspaper, computer! And, I jump on and off the computer all day long, checking emails and Facebook.
So, I have to think that time has been the culprit. I think I now understand why writers need to lock themselves up in an attic office or go somewhere to devote a scheduled amount of time to the task. No interruptions, no excuses.
Here's the thing about me and time. When I do something, I do it "in a timely manner" BUT I do not rush through anything, nor do I like the feeling of being under pressure to make a time commitment. People who know me know I never wait til the last minute, nor do I arrive anywhere late if I can at all help it. "Arriving early IS arriving on time!" That's my motto. No extra stress please!
I do not like going with a change in my routine either... when someone invites me to be spontaneous it's a challenge for me. It might even be for something I really want to do and know I will enjoy!! It doesn't matter. I like patterns, and set times, and I need "time" to adjust.
You all probably thing I'm crazy about now. But, it's a thing (problem??) I have. I live by a clock. But for me it's soothing - and predictable and allows me to pace myself. So, sometimes I may not do as much as other people in a day - but I'm okay with it. I have always loved the line from a Jackson Browne song that says "wasting time is not WASTED time." I need time to read, to relax, to "be".... and I need to plan what I do in my other times.
We all have a limited amount of time on earth...but thankfully, we don't know how long it is. I try and enjoy it, before I lose it!
Today's A to Z Challenge letter is the letter T so I must go with the word time. When I started this challenge at the beginning of April I thought it would be a great way for me to "make time" each day to blog, and to have a purpose to blog. Some days this has been true...but most days I am finding little time to blog in the way I would like. I want to be creative, to be funny at times - to be challenged each day. I don't think it's happened.
why? time!!
Now, I am not a person working away from home full-time, or commuting long hours, or anything like that which would take me away from the computer. So, I have the availability of my keyboard. In fact it sits on my kitchen table all the time. It's part of my morning routine - coffee, newspaper, computer! And, I jump on and off the computer all day long, checking emails and Facebook.
So, I have to think that time has been the culprit. I think I now understand why writers need to lock themselves up in an attic office or go somewhere to devote a scheduled amount of time to the task. No interruptions, no excuses.
Here's the thing about me and time. When I do something, I do it "in a timely manner" BUT I do not rush through anything, nor do I like the feeling of being under pressure to make a time commitment. People who know me know I never wait til the last minute, nor do I arrive anywhere late if I can at all help it. "Arriving early IS arriving on time!" That's my motto. No extra stress please!
I do not like going with a change in my routine either... when someone invites me to be spontaneous it's a challenge for me. It might even be for something I really want to do and know I will enjoy!! It doesn't matter. I like patterns, and set times, and I need "time" to adjust.
You all probably thing I'm crazy about now. But, it's a thing (problem??) I have. I live by a clock. But for me it's soothing - and predictable and allows me to pace myself. So, sometimes I may not do as much as other people in a day - but I'm okay with it. I have always loved the line from a Jackson Browne song that says "wasting time is not WASTED time." I need time to read, to relax, to "be".... and I need to plan what I do in my other times.
We all have a limited amount of time on earth...but thankfully, we don't know how long it is. I try and enjoy it, before I lose it!
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