I sent my column for this week off this afternoon after much struggling, whining, fretting, and saying wordy-durds (kind of a pig latin thang). I often get my ideas over the weekend and write the column on Monday or Tuesday. If I don't have it by then, I feel the deadline noose tightening around my throat.
The times when I run out of fresh ideas I get to questioning my creativity and abilities. I sometimes wonder if I should throw in the towel.
The ideas didn't come over the weekend and I started and trashed four different ideas on Monday.
Yesterday I had an appointment and I was gone until late yesterday afternoon and when I got home, I didn't want to look at a computer, much less try to think of a decent idea for a column.
But later in the evening when I went out to feed the deer, Caillou went with me.
When I dumped out the scoop of corn, I tossed the plastic cup like I do every day. Caillou bolted after it and brought it back to me. I threw the cup until my arm got tired.
It was then, during this play with my dog that the idea came. I won't say much here, but I'll post it next Monday evening.
As I typed the final edit this afternoon and sent the column to all the newspapers I write for it occurred to me that what I say all the time is actually true and not just words on paper.
When you set out on any journey, sometimes it rains, sometimes the heat is brutal, there will always be rough patches along the way, but you should always remember, the road is long.
Shot through the windshield yesterday south of Montgomery. |
I guess that's the magic of a long road: the variety of terrain along the way.
ReplyDeleteSo true...
ReplyDeleteThankful that the words and thoughts came.
ReplyDeleteCalliou was a source of inspiration for you today.
Makes me smile....
Very poignant. The road of life is harder than I thought it was going to be. Somehow by the grace of God you get through it.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait till Monday to read the article!
We should be grateful for our long roads; many get a shorter highway, and few know when they start which they are on.
ReplyDeleteOur road would be pretty dull without bumps - both good and bad - along the way. I'm glad that you found your inspiration and look forward to reading your article
ReplyDeleteThe road can't possibly be as long as this Winter has been! I'll look forward to your words of wisdom...I love your column! I don't think you should throw in the towel either!
ReplyDelete