Confessions of an absentee blogger
I sat down to write a confession and explain to you my lack of posting, so, of course, checked my email one more time. It wasn’t procrastination this time, it was a gift. Two authors I subscribe to had written – and sent – similar confessions! They both wrote honestly about being knocked around by life and this quarantine. They were mentally and emotionally exhausted.
It had been a while since I’d opened something from them, but time isn’t measuring the same these days. Routines are irregular at best. Maybe I just didn’t notice.
Their stories gave me the courage to go ahead with mine.
In my writing world there’s a motivational quote from Seth Godin that says, “Real artists ship.” I’m not an artist, but I am definitely a writer. Writers ship. I can develop all sorts of ideas, organize a bunch of essays, produce short and long poems and reveries, but if I don’t ship, I’m not a practicing writer.
I hadn’t published on my blog for a month. Instead of posting I’ve done other stuff. I’ve replaced a sliding glass door, baked bread, and attended a BUNCH of Zoom workshops. I planted a fall garden, fed the deer, squirrels, cats and birds. Even watched Hamilton – twice.
However, none of that is writing. I resonated with these other two confessors, and agree quarantine living is a bit stifling. But as I started thinking through my own block, I realize that my being stuck has to do with what I’m holding on to.
I hold onto things. I’m not a hoarder, just want to do the best I can in alignment with my core values. I hold onto old clothes because fabric is nice and I can sew and re-purpose some of them. I value the earth and believe we should reduce, reuse, and recycle; I live that as best I can. Last fall, I repurposed wood and windows around here to build my little greenhouse.
I do hold things for a while, but then, I get crazy and start tossing. This morning, before the recycle truck got to my street, I let loose! It was time to toss!