A Pledge to Myself
December has been a fascinating month–so fascinating that I’ve gotten almost no writing accomplished. I had some health challenges, followed by fairly minor-ish surgery, followed by some more health stuff, all of which resolved beautifully and I am well, or as well as someone with Rheumatoid Arthritis can be. Then the holiday preparations hit. The first few weeks of December had already demolished my writing schedule and as Christmas approached, I gave into the season and stopped feeling guilty about not working. Now, though, it’s time to pay the piper, and I’m psyched and a little nervous.
We came down to our beach condo late this afternoon. It was in the fifties when we arrived and the pups and I had a great walk on the beach. Then I left John, Keeper and Jet at the condo while I drove to the store. This is my first time to the beach in winter, and I already love it. It’s extremely quiet and the roads are nearly empty. It was dark as I drove home from the store. Hanging from some of the telephone poles were lights in a variety of shapes: anchors, starfish, sea gulls, swordfish, snowflakes, sailboats, lighthouses, and this turtle, a bit blurry since I caught him on my cell phone. It was so lovely to drive through the darkness with these happy lights to guide me home.
I’m not here for the fun, though. One of the joys of writing–of working for yourself in any capacity, actually–is the ability to make one’s own schedule, but it’s so easy to let other things take precedence when there’s no supervisor looking over your shoulder. Sometimes things must take precedence, as is the case when it comes to health issues, but no matter what drives us off course, it’s hard to get back on. This is my week to catch up, to get back in the groove. The Midwife’s Confession is due May 1st and I have a ton to do. So this is my pledge to myself this week: No more goofing off. We’re here for five days and I’ll post my progress each day to keep myself honest. I have my outline spread out on the dining room table, my work-in-progress copied to my new laptop, and after breakfast tomorrow morning, I’ll begin.
Right after a walk on the beach…
I KNEW you would love the beach in the winter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This was a timely post for me. I’ve allowed myself to just enjoy the holidays for the past couple of weeks and while I’ve kept up with the basics, I haven’t really accomplished much actual writing. It’s time to get back into the swing of things, starting today. Thanks for this motivating post, and enjoy your stay at the beach.
It IS gorgeous, Ann, and the sea seems to spread out its shells on the beach right in front of our condo and nowhere else. It’s a bounty.
Okay, Ingrid, we’re in this together! Let’s get crackin’.
I too have had many things to deal with lately…I am giving into the holiday and enjoying family. The little ones were here the weekend before Christmas, but I am still enjoying my son and his girl. They leave the 30th…we have had a fantastic time-shopping, eating, reading, movies…I needed this so much. I am so glad you are feeling better, Diane…as much as we can with the things that plague us…good luck working at the beach…my favorite place…Enjoy the New Year…
Diane, like Ann I KNEW YOU WOULD LOVE THE SEA/BEACH in Winter!!…we’ve been to the ocean in Oregon many December’s and love it more than any other time of the year…the peace and solitude is transforming isn’t it? I love the turtle!…the lights must be incredible!
I’m sorry you’ve had some health issues but glad your ok now…the beach house is perfect for you right now and you will do well this week on your work…I’m so glad you’re going to share your daily progress…it gives us another WIP to look forward to!
Brenda, I know how happy you are right now with your kids…I’m thrilled for you that you’ve had this quality time with all of them.
Diane, those seashells are there to welcome you…(-O:
Relax and enjoy, Diane! You certainly deserve it. 🙂