Saturday, July 27, 2013

Wait. Walk. Write...Part II



TO WAIT. To become still. To hear my own heart, to hear His. To pay attention. To listen.


As promised in yesterday's post, I came to the page this morning with no agenda or topic in mind, with no specific idea what I'd be writing. I'm sorry to say what started out as an exciting little adventure seems to have turned out to be a bit of a dud writing exercise. (At least that's how I felt, till my sister gave me a good talking to... she said I'd accomplished what I'd set out to do, even if the results weren't as I'd hoped.)

You see, I thought I'd have a leisurely morning to wait, walk and write. And then see what comes up.

But, then dearest hubby (and he really is) came up with the lovely idea of an outing to the Italian Centre for a nice coffee and then get some olive oil for the pantry.  Oh yes, that would be lovely, indeed, but what about my writing time?  Take your time to write and then we'll go after.

Ah, yes, I thought it was possible. But as soon as my heart realized there was a deadline, even a generous take-your-time deadline, we knew we were in trouble. For Misses Creativity and Inspiration, at the slightest provocation, will oft pack up their little artsy bags and move back to Vienna (or wherever they came from).  And they did.

So we didn't feel able to sit and just wait... unhurriedly and with no pressure. Thoughts were buzzing around. Because as much as I endeavoured to remain calm inside, I did feel the pressure. Okay then, let's go for a wee walk...see if that helps the serenity and creative spark come back.  To step Two:


TO WALK. This was about setting my feet on a path outside to catch glimpses and fragrances of something lovely. To connect to the beauty of nature.

Shoes on. Out the front door. A deep breath.  Mmmm..... cool and overcast this morning. Fresh and invigorating.

Down the step past the patch of bright orange self-invited calendula flowers which make their home year after year in the drier-than-Sahara corner that never gets rain for the overhang (now that's what I call perseverance). Past a row of deeply pink bell-shaped lavetera and a quick peek at the blush rose's newest offerings.

At first my thoughts are jumbled and agitated. I'm supposed to get this post up. I promised I'd be here. What am I doing going for a walk, and who said I needed to, mmm?

If you're asking this too, I'm heeding the advice of two well-known and respected writers who consider it vital for artists, writers, and yes, any and everyone, to draw near to the wonder and beauty offered us in our natural world, and to get out in it every day as a necessary part of our writing ritual (and, of course, for the health of our own being).

Of course, we knew that to be true, but sometimes it takes someone else to point it out and refresh one's memory. I used to go often for walks in the mornings and come back rejuvenated and alive to the possibilities of a new day. But that was before I started working at our part-time cleaning job; getting up at three in the morning sets that whole wondrous habit on its ear and I've never recovered it...till this morning.  

So there I was... walking... talking out my heart's momentary frustration. And then...I felt a becalming settle around me. I started to look around.  I felt my legs moving beneath me. It felt good. I noticed a front garden, beautifully manicured with its lush green lawn, with mower marks still fresh.

A friendly smile and greeting from a couple crossing the street to join a van load of friends. All dressed up, and from their faces, going somewhere nice. Then there was a nod from a young fellow roller blading past me. And, a few moments later I was standing in front of the storm pond (we call it our lake) all set about with fever trees...ahem...water-loving willow trees and bulrushes, looking at the greyish-blue water dappled with a few ducks.

Sigh.  Delightful.  I'd lost sight of just how pleasant an early morning walk is for the body and soul.  It was just a short 10-minute outing...to allow my senses to drink in and allow them time to gather new images, sights and sounds.  To slow down and pay attention.


TO WRITE. Well, this is the place where ideas and words should meld and create post-worthy thoughts.


And so when I came back and sat down, I felt good, except now the vacuum cleaner was roaring (isn't he sweet?) and...and...and...

I finally gave up trying to write at that point. The vacuuming and now the mopping complete, I decided that the writing part would have to wait till after our Italian Centre adventure.  Yes, we had our special coffee, and the surprise was that we went for lunch at a new Italian place nearby. Homemade gnocchi with a tomato lobster sauce, shrimp in their own garlicy sauce, green salad and, oh, don't forget the crusty Italian slices of fresh bread. Yum! Surely there would be something to write about such a meal!



 
Sorry...what was that, you ask?  Oh, I didn't mention those famous writers' names?  Julia Cameron (The Right to Write) and Natalie Goldberg (I'm just reading her newest book, The True Secret of Writing).

And that's my writing exercise for the day. I guess it's a post. Maybe it wasn't such a dud after all.  But you can be the judge.Thanks for your patience -- we'll see what writing adventures show up next time.


Wishing you glimpses of heaven in unexpected places,
Brenda
xox



14 comments:

  1. You did exactly what you said you would, wait, walk, write,so the outcome must be the right thing!

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  2. I'm so happy that my internet is fast enough tonight to be able to visit here! My youngest daughter came out to see why I was chuckling...I was chuckling because I so enjoyed and related to your words! Nothing kills the muse like PRESSURE! and oh, I love how nature inspires again and again and again! Your write was worth the wait! I enjoyed strolling with you, hearing your thoughts. Nature is such a wonderful teacher too.

    Often in the morning I sit and wait...asking, 'anything today, Lord?'
    I need to look up those authors! I'm off to open a new book tonight. Hubby has been working week-ends of late.

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  3. Your sincerity is so appealing...I so like that about you. :) And thanks so much for your sweet comment to me just now. Brought tears to my eyes.

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  4. It is interesting how things become much more difficult when there is a deadline involved. I am very fortunate in that I don't usually have to do anything to a schedule, yet on days when I have one simple task to complete, it hangs over me like a heavy weight.

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  5. Hello Brenda. Yes, that was definitely a post and a good one, too!

    I think spending time in nature and spending time with our husbands are both imperative.

    We never know when life will change in the blink of an eye.

    Loved your description of walking----it's something I just never do but need to.

    Take care and have a blessed weekend! Susan

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  6. I loved this post. So often I plan on sitting down to something specific and my husband offers a little carrot dangling in front of me :-). So, off I go with him to do something fun, and then later feel bad that I never accomplished what I set out to do.

    It seems, you did accomplish your goal.

    Nice to see you visiting my blog today!
    Penny

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    1. Carrot dangling... I'm easily distracted by shiny objects...and carrots. LOL

      So good to see you here. I'll be 'round to see what next you're up to. You're always creating such lovely things in and around your home.

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  7. That is a challenging way to approach a post. It was fun to stroll with you though your day. I like the description of the calendula(s) in their dryer than desert location.....and what is up with "fever trees"? There must be a story in that...I never heard them called that before.

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    1. Sorry... I Just added the link about the fever trees... it's a throw back from the old story, The Elephant's Child, by Rudyard Kipling. If you click on the link in the posting, it'll take you now to the story... and you'll see where the fever trees fit in.

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  8. You had me chuckling...the interruptions to writing/blogging/emailing are legion. Hope that your beloved doesn't mind being fodder. He certainly can be forgiven as he does sound like a sweetheart.

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  9. i love your approach to "writer's blog" !!! we write about what's in our hearts. (the CUBS 'pitcher' TravisWood just hit a homerun!!! that was in my heart just now!!!) i always try to spend time in 'God's backyard'... everything is so beautiful and inspiring!! keep up the walks...they're good for your soul!!!
    ^)^ linda
    now, where are my 'sticks' & 'string'??!!!

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  10. I think you did just as you set out to do , as well! :) It sounds like it was a lovely day, Brenda.

    -Merry

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  11. I think you were "handed" some glimpses of heaven in unexpected places. I am glad you relaxed and enjoyed them. I DO understand the pressure that you experienced with "no pressure - take your time". It was
    a good read, Brenda. Pearl








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  12. Oh, how I identify with this post. Waiting, wondering what to write, walking - these are all part of my writing life. It's so hard to write under pressure, isn't it? Yet there are lessons to be learned in that, too.

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To My Beautiful Readers,

Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same. ~ Franz Peter Schubert

Thank you so much for leaving your 'footprint' here in my comment box. I do appreciate you taking a moment to share your thoughts today.

Brenda xo