It happens. Not very often but when it does, I can feel the sense of dread for a few days which only makes it worse. Writer’s block. I’ve shared this dilemma with my readers before, but usually by the end of the column, I have pulled together something at least slightly entertaining. Maybe not my best work, but nonetheless words on paper. Not having an idea of what to talk about has never stopped me from talking. A few months ago, I told you about my inability to shut up during any kind of personal interaction I have during the day. Whether it is going to CVS or just standing in line, I feel the need to talk. But what happens to a writer, on a deadline, who has nothing to write? Is that a sign that it is time for me to stop writing or just a sign I am boring?
I have this habit of writing things down in six different notebooks with random words, comments and ideas. So, come with me on a journey through my brain as I try to entertain. And no, the rhyming was not intentional.
First up is the notebook my son gave me. It makes me feel like a real writer when I whip it out. Perhaps, it has a gem or two. Okay, this one is not exciting. It has a list of all my paid subscriptions from Netflix to Audible. Every month, I swear I am going to cancel some of these services, but alas, I can’t remember any of my passwords so I never do. Do I alert my credit card company and pretend like I didn’t sign up for the services so they deal with it? Hmm. I think that might be fraud. Bad idea.
Oh, this is interesting: ‘Margaret Fitzgerald married Benjamin Cody.’ My desire to search my family’s tree continues, but why is this important? No other notes on that topic. Hmm. Did I tell you I did a DNA test? It came back that I am 48% Irish and 13% Scottish. No surprise though I was happy to see I had a little Swiss blood in my veins. I’ve always thought Switzerland sounded like a great place to visit. Should I be going there instead of Ireland this spring and find my Swiss relatives?
Uh oh, my favorite pink notebook has nothing. I ripped pages out. WTF? Why would I do that? What if there was a good story! My next notebook is a bit better, I found the list of all the things I plan to do during my ‘Year of Yes.’ Hmm. I’ve done none of them. These are all good story ideas, but of course, I can’t conjure up what it was like skeet shooting with my brother if it didn’t happen, can I? There is also a list of missing tax forms I need to send to my CPA. Weird combo of items in one notebook.
This last notebook is all the reminders for an upcoming trip to Alaska. Though again, the trip hasn’t happened so nothing to report, but once I go, I’ve got a great column! Oh, there is another list of all of my monthly subscriptions.
Should my column name be changed to Patty Leashed since it looks like I don’t do much? This is ridiculous. I am going to actually do something meaningful next month. Maybe cancel some of my subscriptions. Peace my Peeps.