One of the chickens is cackling up a storm right now. They do that after they lay an egg, announce to the world that a new egg has entered the scene, rejoice and be happy!
It’s kind of cute, but at the same time it can be annoying as hell. This one chicken has been cackling, non-stop, like a record stuck in one groove, for over ten minutes, and she just left “cute” behind and is now in danger of me throwing a rock at her to shut her up. LOL They always seem to gain great pleasure from doing their cackling right outside my door when I’m trying to write, and that tests my patience on some days . . . like today!
Some writers are like that. Hell, a lot of people are like that, cackling about their latest accomplishment. It’s cute at first but after awhile it is just plain annoying. Especially on social media . . . my good Lord, Facebook is overrun at times with people who fluff up their plumage like peacocks, strutting around showing off their latest colors, crowing about their latest accomplishments, and generally being a nuisance.
My dad used to say that if you have to brag about your accomplishments you really aren’t very confident in who you are.
Of course that opens up a whole new discussion: what is bragging and what is just casual conversation? It’s natural to want to share with friends what you have done. It’s natural to be proud of writing a new book. So when do we leave “natural” in the rearview mirror and say hello to annoying boasting?
I know a guy who is clinically-depressed. For him, getting out of bed in the morning is a huge accomplishment, and yet he doesn’t cackle when he does it.
Random musings!
Anyway, the chicken is done cackling now, so all is well in the backyard for the time being.
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
I know what you mean. Until my house is built, I am living in my RV, parked in the back forty of a friend’s property in the country. The first day and night was wonderful. The sounds of being in the country with all the animals (cows, sheep, chickens, horses, dogs) and the birds was relaxing. Then, one day (six weeks later), it became annoying, especially when I was trying to do a little recording. Now, all of a sudden (like you), I want to throw something at them.
Too funny, Marlene, and I know exactly what you are talking about. Imagine our son’s farm; they have peacocks there. Have you ever heard a peacock crow? It would drive you nuts!
This is one of the many reasons why I try to limit my Facebook use. It isn’t just work accomplishments. But also I find many people will post a million times a day just tell me what they are doing now. I honestly am all for updates here and there. But I don’t need an hourly update from anyone to be honest. I hope that doesn’t sound rude. But still a pet peeve of mine on Facebook I suppose. That said thanks for your two cents and hoping you are having a great week so far, Bill! 🙂
I’m glad I’m not the only one, Janine! I am so tired of people who take selfies daily. Like I really care what they look like every single day. lol
Happy Tuesday to you!
You know Bill, chicken cooks real well right after it lays an egg too!!! LOL
Now I have to cackle…
Look at me! Look what I just did!
I told Bill to cook the chicken…
But don’t look at Bill…. Look at me!
Look at what I did!
Look at me!
OUCH…. That was a big rock Bill! You could have put my eye out. Why’d you throw the rock at me?
Look at Bill. Look at what he did!
He threw a rock at me!
Have a great day Bill!! Love ya man!
Howling I am, Greg…or was that a cackle? LOL Thanks for the laugh. Sorry about the rock. Make sure to duck next time.
Hi Bill – It was one damn picture. Just one picture. Man, I guy can’t even post on social media anymore. (I don’t see a smiley emoji button.)
One picture too many, Mike! lol Actually it was nice to see you “in the flesh” the other day. You’re an old fart just like me. 🙂
Cackling chickens just conjures up the funniest images in my mind. lol.
I hope she was quiet (even though you said she was getting quieter) for the rest of your writing time and didn’t start back up.
You’re right about that Facebook feed. You know, I check it (I’m on it for work – I’m on their page a lot) and I like it for the connection, but sometimes those connections get so disturbing – for political, personal, or bragging reasons. I get sharing about an accomplishment once or twice. We all do that. But “hey, buy my book. Get my product!” Or whatever twenty times? Lawd! I have trained myself to ignore those. LOL. Just scroll on by.
In any case, you’re working on a new novel, yes? How’s THAT going? I haven’t heard you talk about it much (which…you haven’t bragged about it?) HA!
Sending you hugs, Big Bro. Happy Tuesday.
Lil Sis, it would be a gross exaggeration to say I’m working on a new novel. I haven’t touche it in six months. Life got in the way. But I’m taking steps to get back on track with my writing. That probably won’t happen until the farmers market season ends in September, but I’m getting closer to returning to creative writing, and that’s a good thing. 🙂
Hugs coming your way!
I can totally relate to the chicken. I have laid some pretty cool eggs, lol.
Too funny, Donna! I can relate!
Your dad was correct, Bill.
My mom also used to say the same thing. She would say accomplish for yourself not for the world!
I love that saying of your mother’s, Ruchira!
Bill,
I rarely use it. It’s time consuming and full of things that affect ones morale and confidence. It is a necessary tool and I was persuaded to go there to promote my work.
Still, even the pop-ups are undesirable and they seem to follow you. More importantly, many of us humans use it. We want to so much, but lack the skills for face-to-face conversations or lack confidence. Same difference. So we are there. No hastles, but we forget to pull away and fill the site with junk.
I’m not expecting any great change. Shows where we are as humans. Peace!
Great insight, Manatita, and completely true. Thank you for sharing, and peace to you always.
I love the idea of the chickens announcing their eggs! I don’t mind people sharing their accomplishments when they make them as long as that isn’t all they talk about.
I agree, Andrea! My main wish on Social Media is to get to know people, so if they share more than just their work I am satisfied.
Now, Bill, be fair. If she’s laying eggs for you to sell, then she’s like your employee. And what employee doesn’t appreciate acknowledgement of a job well done. 😀
Great point, Zulma! I’ll have to tell all the girls I appreciate them this afternoon at feeding time.
Thanks for always being here, my friend.
I’m not too taken with social media just now. Everywhere I go, I see ridiculous people clicking away on their stupid phones. I would rather hear some chickens cackling, because at least it means they’re alive, being creative, and not acting like mesmerised zombies at the beck an call of electronic gadgets. …Yes, that was a rant of sorts!
Now I’ve got that over with, I will now say that I find selling my writing very hard and have come to the conclusion that it’s easier to sell to anonymous strangers than friends and family. At least if you don’t know the people who are buying your book, then their lack of interest, rejection, or criticisms are less painful.
Back to your cackling chickens — chickens are so cool. I love the sound of them so much more than people cackling on about their achievements. Let the product speak for itself, just as the wonderful large free-range egg I ate for lunch today did, and it was all thanks to a cackling chicken 🙂
Sarah, you are a hoot! It is amazing, isn’t it, how many people can be seen walking down the road clicking on their phones? They miss everything around them because they simply must type in another message…what a ridiculous waste of time. 🙂 Good to hear from you again, dear friend. Take care!