It’s been raining here since yesterday. Very unusual for May, practically unheard of. With the warmer temperatures and the rain we are really losing snow, shifting the routes the snowmobiles take by the House. One more thing to chalk up to that non-existant climate change. I can’t tell you how many conversations I’ve had recently when people dismiss it as "well weather goes through these cycles"…
But despite it being wet outside I’m drying up. I’m struggling to find things that I want to write about, and struggling to try and write well. Hopefully this is just one of those cycles… maybe I just need a break.
Comments
7 responses
I often feel that way too, Clare. Dry spells with nothing to say. Then, something happens. I see something beautiful, or I remember a story, or someone says something that ignites a creative spark. The words always come back.
Clare,
I too know about the dried up feeling and the need to take a vacation from writing once in a while. I really like your posts under the category “family,” about the aspects of police work that a lot of people don’t think about—especially the relationships you develop with your coworkers, and why police work might bring people closer than other vocations. I’ve been interested in your writing for more personal reasons, too. My husband is from Saskatchewan, a landscape so different from where I grew up (Seattle). His father was from Whitehorse, not too far from where you are. There is a wonderful Canadian sensibility about those cold, northern places, which fascinates me. When I was in university, I took several Canadian literature courses, one focused specifically on the North, and I just loved that course—I can’t remember everything we read, but Robertson Davies, Alice Monroe, and Atwood’s Surfacing stand out. Anyway, I so much enjoyed your description of the midnight sun, both the scientific explanation and the domestic reality of being able to stay up around the clock because it’s still light.
Debbie
Clare, like your other commenters, this happens to me too–and as one of them said, then something happens that sparks up the desire to tell about it. Relax, I can wait if I have too–and your posts are well worth it.
I need breaks quite often Clare- but listen up, your posts are always a treat to read my friend.
Clare–I know well that feeling of having nothing to say–when both ideas and words seem to dry-up. I, too, like those commenting above greatly enjoy both the common every-day observations you make about your family, house, and community as well as the RCMP stories and the pieces that reach out to other topics. I appreciate your sensibility and humor–whatever the topic–and look forward to reading your thoughts. Take breaks when you feel the need–we all take them–and we’ll be here when you return.
Larry
Well, you might consider going back to your first principles. Why did you first want to write a blog? What was it you wanted to say then, and are you still saying that kind of thing now? That’s how I keep myself on track.
Honestly, though, your blog is so diverse that I am surprised you have any dry spells. Nature, history, Canada, police work, family news, even the BnB. Seems like you’d be tripping over topics just walking to the kitchen for coffee each morning.
RA, Debbie, Pamela, Cindy, larry & Pablo, thanks for the words of encouragement they are greatly appreciated. Perhaps I’m just feeling like I’ve nothing to write that anyone would find interesting and it is nice to see that you all do.
I was wondering what the Canadian connection was Debbie, I could see from the visits to your blog that there was one. Where abouts in Saskatchewan is your husband from? I spent several years posted in Saskatchewan and grew up just outside the border in Manitoba. And the north is a big place, for although we’re both north of 60 Whitehorse is quite aways from us, the other side of the country.
Why did I first want to blog? Well I wanted to be nuthatch, truth be told. Erudite, interesting, and informative. So when I realized that that was beyond my grasp I wanted to write about building the house. I know there’s more to write here, I just can’t seem to find it right at this moment. As far as tripping walking to the kitchen, it is usually over my feet, not topics. Like this morning for instance, in bed at 2:00, up with Hilary at 04:00, who instead of falling back asleep decided she’d much rather smile and gurgle at her dad until 5:15, and seeing as I had to get up at 5:30 anyway as I had a client leaving for the airport at 7:00… well…
I think I could write everyday about the kids, but I’ve resisted that ’cause I see it as the blog equivilant of the dad that has a thousand pictures of his children in his wallet and who wants to share nothing else but his children. I did want to write about how Hilary can roll over on her stomach and back again, and how Travis came in all excited yesterday because he found a spider, while helping some guys throw our pile of scrap lumber on the garbage truck (I guess I just did).
Anyhoo thanks again all. Who needs a muse when I have you guys.