Sixty-five degrees today.
I was thinking about writers’ block as I fed and watered the chickens today. I was thinking about it as Maggie and I took our walk down the country lane, birds joyously declaring to anyone willing to listen that life is for the living, to be embraced, smothered with kisses, and held so dearly until that last exhale. I was thinking about it as deer broke from the forest, saw us approaching, and darted back into the shade, now you see them, now you don’t, a magic act performed especially for us.
I was thinking about it as I began cleaning the back yard, the old muscles protesting, shaking off the winter rust, the first positive actions of Spring, capital “S,” thank you very much, protesting and yet rejoicing in the fact that there’s still some miles to go on this old body, and ain’t that the cat’s meow?
I was thinking about it as I looked at the countryside, six shades of green, emerald and Kelly, sage and absinthe, a touch of jade for good measure, nature’s paintbrush mixing and matching, always in search of the perfect hue, and again with the woods, browns never drab, coffee and dun, tawny and umber, such subtle differences by the Master Artist, should he exist.
And I thought about it at day’s end, a time for relaxation, for contemplation, a tally of the day, good acts and harmful, blessings and negativity, how did I score, what to improve, what to eradicate, and I thought about it as I reflected on lives gone, loved ones, lessons learned sitting at their feet, a continual classroom of love, free for the taking, the only requirement being to practice what was preached, do all things with love, never let a friend down, cherish the small and insignificant, all part of life, all to be valued.
My final thought, as I laid me down to sleep . . . how is writer’s block possible?
Wishing you peace and love, today and forever!
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
I’d agree with you today on how is writer’s block possible as the words won’t stop with me lately. However, I’ve had writer’s block many times.
Oh shoot, Susan, a lot of people have writer’s block, and it is real and I recognize it…it’s just that I haven’t had it. 🙂
I envy you 🙂
Oh blah, Susan. I’m just full of b.s….nothing special about that. lol Have a great day!
Bill, absolutely love the final message here today and now wishing you once again a wonderful Tuesday and week ahead 🙂
Janine, I will do exactly that. The farm is calling me and the temps are rising. Life is good, my friend.
Nice meandering. Maggie must be part muse.
She is a Wonder, Mike! Thanks for stopping by.
Bill, this post is so beautiful 🙂 Indeed, I’m surrounded by beautiful countryside, too, but unfortunately am suffering from writer’s block due to my continuing issues with that dratted thyroid of mine. It’s making me so foggy in the head and tired that I can only manage short walks rather than my usual hours of countryside adventuring. I did experience a moment of loveliness this morning, watching Mrs Blackbird doing her annual collecting of bits and pieces from my rockery for her nest. It always amazes me how much old plant matter and twigs she can stuff into her beak at a time. I must include her in my writing one day, when I’m not feeling so brain dead.
Wishing you a wonderful week, my dear friend.
That’s not writer’s block you have, Sarah. You have a medical condition, and I am very grateful that you have battled the fog long enough to comment on this…thank you very much, and get better quickly, dear friend.
I will do my best, Bill 🙂
That’s a lot of thinking on a topic you don’t struggle with. I hope it doesn’t come in handy for you someday. Isn’t this weather delicious?
Lori, I’ll run out of life before I run out of writing ideas and yes, this weather is the bestest!
I think writer’s block is only possible if you put pressure on the process. Like you, I have never had writer’s block, but I have helped others who have had it.
I totally agree with that, Donna! Pressure is a guaranteed way to shut down creativity.
Bill, my problem isn’t writers block. I have plenty of ideas stashed in my “Ideas” folder. Plus, I have “The Gifts of Faith” that I started years ago and need to get back to. My problem is not having the drive to get in front of the computer and start writing again.
I have, however, started going thru my HP articles and editing them to gain featured status and move them to niche sites, which is a slow process since we can only submit one article every two weeks to a niche site, now.
Any ideas on how I can combat this?
I honestly don’t, Sha! I went through something similar last year..it’s taken me a year to finish this latest “Shadow” book….and I just had to ride it out. Eventually I got the bug again and started writing, but it was a good month of writing lethargy on my part. Trust your muse and your love of writing. I’m sure you’ll return.
I think the fact that I’m paying attention to and editing what I’ve already written are baby steps to getting back in the swing. It’s tough to put myself in front of the computer after spending over eight hours a day, five days a week doing accounting work. When I’m off work, the last thing I want to do is fire up my computer. But I’m getting there. I won’t let my muse wander too far away!
You just made me smile, friend! I was agreeing with everything you said and enjoying the beauty right along with you and then you hit me with “the punchline.” Except that as I recall from the interview you did with me, it’s not a punchline for you because you don’t get writer’s block. Honestly, I can’t really say that I have either, though. It is mostly laziness or procrastination at play. A little of other life priorities getting in the way. Various fears and reasons in the back of my mind that it won’t be as good as I want or hope. . .but not really a block.
Sometimes, Shannon, we are our own block. Lack of creativity will never be your problem. That mind of yours is always on “high.”
Putting it into persective, writer’s block exists in the minds of those of us who are writing for a particular purpose but are bereft of inspiration to write on that thing. That is why we should be open to all things and write about all things to keep our juices flowing. Taking occasional breaks from writing about the normal things we write about or writing for the normal purpose may be the C-4 we need to remove a perceived blockage.
Great reflection, Rodric. Love the reference to the C-4. Perfect!
Dang, Big Bro. That’s some magical writing right there. **gives an admiring nod** You’re a talented writer, my friend. How you build the scene, how you make your words sparkle…and capture the imagination….
I’m glad to know you and the words you percolate to the world. I wish you a bountiful spring and summer, with plenty of friends to keep you waving at the farmers market, and may the words flow without cease. 🙂
Happy week to you. Thank you for sharing this beautiful piece.
Awww shoot, Lil Sis, thank you! Maybe I’m just full of bull,and it spills out in colorful ways. 🙂 Seriously, you are a jewel. Hugs coming your way.
Your is perfectly understandable.
Strange as It may be a block of writing … within
relationship between independent entities…(obscured to me )
Thank you Michael my friend! I always appreciate it when you stop by. Blessings always!
What a beautiful day you had, Bill. Speaking of writer’s block, I have to admit, sometimes my mind goes blank, but it unwinds completely when I go outside and take a walk. Even a short walk is refreshing. The fresh air breaks up the block surrounding my mind and suddenly I can think again. I think it is just a matter of getting out of a rut, forcing my mind to come back alive. Getting into the atmosphere of nature is not only relaxing, it is rejuvenating.
I totally agree, Marlene! Perhaps,instead of it being a block, it is simply a matter of moving from one frame of mind to another. 🙂
You used a lovely palette of words you used here. As the Master Artist painted the landscape, you painted it with words. This…this is true artistry with words.
I go through long periods when I don’t write, either because the right words just don’t come or I get distracted by other creative projects. At the moment, I’m working on a rainbow-coloured shawl. I promised myself something pretty as a reward for reaching a target weight. But recently, a story that I’ve been working on is calling to me so I’ll probably pull that out again and see what’s what. I don’t know it will ever make HP. I just enjoy losing myself in the world I created. Maybe that’s reward enough, the joy of creating.
Have I great day, Bill. Did I mention I envy your weather? It’s starting to warm up here, but the weather’s not stable yet. We might still get another cold blast before May.
Thank you Zulma, and congratulations on reaching your target weight. That’s a nice accomplishment to hang your hat on…or shawl, in this case. 🙂 Enjoy the rest of your week. Our weather is changing again…the lovely temps are about to say goodbye to us.
Thank you, Bill. It’s not my final target, but I find it easier to break it down into manageable chunks.
I find it interesting how similar your weather is to ours. Btw, I just finished ‘Shadows Over Innocence.’ Striker is an intriguing character and I like the subtle nuances you used to give his character more layers. Guess I’ll be ordering the next two (is it two?) books soon.
Enjoy your weekend. It’s our wedding anniversary this weekend and my husband promised a nice surprise.
Well for his sake, Zulma, I hope he follows through on that promise. 🙂 Happy Anniversary, and thank you so much for the nice words about my novel. Yes, two more at this moment….#5 will be published within two week….the next one in the series is Shadows Over A Hangman’s Noose…..thank you so much!
Two weeks!!! (eeeee!, yes, I squeed.) I better get the other two today then. (eeee) Can’t wait.
Excellent Bill, there is always something to write about while ever we have thoughts in our head.. 🙂
Sometimes I think we just worry too much about what we put down on paper or on the computer screen..
I recently just sat, and let my fingers do the the typing in my last post, and was amazed at the response it generated..
You see, we who are creating within our minds also appreciate the creation we witness every day..
My bones and muscles ache like anything today, for at last the weather allowed us to get into the allotment more, Hubby is planting potatoes, more to do tomorrow.. We are both resting up a little today..
Nature is indeed a wonderful classroom.. Always changing, always teaching, and never boring..
So we only have to look at Mother Nature and she will always give us plenty of subject matter to write about..
Take Care both of you and enjoy your weekend Bill,
The Sun has got its hat on today, 🙂
Thank you Sue! Rest up and don’t overdo it. I’m feeling a little sluggish today.Not sore, per se, but like I’m in need of a tune-up. lol Which, of course, I am. At least I’m not a junk heap on the side of the road yet.
Have a wonderfully restful weekend, my friend, and I’ll catch you down the road of life.
bill
Take care Bill, and look after yourself too 🙂
I love this lesson in how not to have writer’s block by paying attention to the world around you! I don’t have writer’s block, but I have fallow periods, when I may not be actually writing words down, but they’re working away beneath the fertile soil.
Fertile soil for sure, Andrea. You are one of the finest writers I know. I would say that soil has many fine years ahead of it.
Thank you Bill!
Bill
I just can’t find the time to get writer’s block! At least that’s what it feels like😁
Lawrence
Lawrence, the only thing blocking me is a lack of time and sadly, I can’t do anything about that.
bill
Bill, you are such a great teacher. You managed to encourage us just by sharing thoughts that inspire!
Aww, thanks Dee! I’m just tossing out thoughts and hope they stick somewhere.
I read this earlier and then had to run. I sometimes wonder why I struggle with writing at times. I’ve realized that my biggest “blocks” come when I am forcing myself to write about something when another topic is what’s on my heart. I’m finding that I am much more a from-the-heart writer than by-the-schedule.
I totally get it, Shell! I drag my feet on things I “have to do.” It’s like there’s some sub-conscious brake system inside of me.
Yes and it works better than my best car at stopping me!!! Lol
Truth! lol
Dear Mr B, I enjoyed reading your account but it pulled my heart strings a bit. Connecting with nature can be a powerful and inspiring thing. My way of breaking through was not to do it with an agenda in mind, just do it for the sake of doing it, like a bird sings if you like. My problem is after you get any past any block and do something interesting all you are doing is editing, spelling checking, going round in circles and not actually writing. I’d like to keep in touch. Cheers E
Eric Fisher author of ‘Compost Teas for the Organic Grower’ ericfisher.blog
Cheers, Eric! On any project of any lengthy, I don’t edit until the very last. I don’t want to interrupt the creative process with things such as spell checking.