And it’s a good thing!
I think best in the morning, which means I usually write best in the morning–especially if I’ve jotted down some notes the night before. Today isn’t that day. It is practically high noon (7:24 a.m.), the laundry is already working, I’ve eaten breakfast twice, and I sense a headache coming on. My “to-do” list is in the works, making me feel overwhelmed, especially because of what I have yet to add to it. And I didn’t jot down any thoughts last night and, thus, have no real plan for writing today. But it is NaBloPoMo and so I write.
But I usually can blame blogging on my bladder—for that is what wakes me up in the morning. Sometimes 2 a.m., sometimes 3 a.m., sometimes 4 or 5 or 6. It doesn’t seem to matter how tired I am or how early it is, that tiny trip to the bathroom is enough to get my brain whirling, and I can’t go back to sleep.
Not that I don’t try, of course. I lay down and will myself to think of anything but blogging—which focuses me all the more. So I get up and allow myself until my 4:30 wake-up time to blog… and it seems a gift (to me, if not you).
(Although I must say when I see those commercials for catheters, I consider buying one just to get to a full night’s rest. But I’m not that desperate yet. And, no, I am not considering dehydration, either.)
This morning I didn’t even set my alarm. The weekend of working in mother’s house and all the emotions I boxed up with her life collection of belongings, the interactions with her and her confused mind, and the long drive have just plain worn me out. My eyes are just tiny dots in a pale face. I woke up at 5:11, did my usual chores, skipped my usual workout, sent my dear husband off to work, and then sat down to write. First a grocery list, then a to-do list, and, finally, a blog post.
This is my second draft of the day. The first draft is titled “Close your eyes and drink deeply…” It is still a draft. If I close my eyes at this moment, I may snore deeply. I am that tired. Emotionally. Physically. Mentally. (Clearly.)
Though Steven Covey is famous for the saying “Sharpen your saw,” the idea is really biblical. King Solomon said:
If the axe is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed” … (Ecclesiastes 10:10).
The idea is that a sharp saw or a sharp axe makes cutting easier and faster. Abraham Lincoln, too, has a related saying: “If I had six hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend the first four hours sharpening the axe.” Today is a day for axe sharpening. Today is a day for taking a little time for myself and my family, to regroup, to replenish supplies, and to re-clean! For tomorrow I go back to work…
When I got back from my mother’s late yesterday, my husband had me read an article in the local newspaper about a local writer who has published a couple e-novels through Amazon. It makes me wonder what a pleasure it must be to have only writing on my “to-do” list. Perhaps one day that will be me—although I definitely want to write novels grand enough to require paper as well as digital versions.
But today, Â that is not my pleasure. I have laundry to do, groceries to buy, a house to clean, meetings and lessons to plan for the upcoming week. My bladder let me sleep a little longer today; my blog probably paid the price.
Let the sharpening begin!
Sara,
What a joy your blog is! I’ve read just the most recent ones and am truly enjoying it. Your thoughts are deep enough to write a book. And I’m getting free reading here.
Kat
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Oh! Thanks so much, Kat! My heart’s desire IS to write a book one day, and your comment blesses and encourages me! Thanks for sharing. So glad you are enjoying the posts–and I’m happy to provide your free reading.
Bless you!
Sara
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I love this! Sometimes when I am out and about looking at NaBloPoMo I read a post like this and think…I have those same thoughts. And by the way, you are writing. I get stuck in that “I’m not really a writer” modes but just because I only have a handful of people reading my stuff means I am not a writer? No, you write, you have a blog, you are a writer. And a good one.
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Thanks so much! Posts like today feel so “non” worthy of publishing… and it is so nice to get positive, encouraging feedback such as yours. Writing blog posts has become such a part of the way I am thinking that I can’t not write… .although NaBloPoMo is definitely challenging me to write much more than I do usually! Thank you for your kind words!
Sara
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lol found you on Blogher and I came here thinking you were gonna blame blogging for a weak bladder LOL…for me…I am like a camel, I will put off going pee until I “just finish this lat little paragraph…” hahahahaha great post.
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Hahahaha! Love that! (And WISH I had a bladder like a camel–or I could simply cross my legs in my sleep! đŸ™‚
Thanks!
Sara
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LOL, no you don’t wish it….I think I will pay for it down the road!!!
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Hmmmm…..something to think about. Pay now? or pay later? đŸ™‚
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You sound a lot like me. Once I wake up, that’s it, but I love writing in that sweet, peaceful time. đŸ™‚
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Amen to that! It is good…. just have to get to bed early enough that it doesn’t matter so much. đŸ™‚
Thanks for commenting!
Sara
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I usually do go to bed early, because I’m such an early riser. I enjoyed your post and will be visiting again soon. đŸ™‚
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Great! See you there! đŸ™‚ I must go visit you at yours, too.
Thanks,
Sara
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I guffawed at the earlier post where your students did not have the courtesy to read Spark Notes. Today I giggled many times at the thought of purchasing a catheter to extend sleeping. While I am inspired that you are sharpening your saw as I currently am seeking my pen knife…maybe tomorrow
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Ha! Thanks so much for getting my humor… I worry some will take me seriously. Can’t say my saw is completely sharpened… but to work I go! These long weekends sap my motivation for the real world. Get that pen knife working!
Thanks for commenting!
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have been enjoying your writings as of late. have attempted to answer them, but they always come back. that’s ok, just happy you are doing so well. love you tons…..B.J.
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Thanks, Betty Jo! This one appeared, and I am so glad. I love you, too. I need to call you!
Love,
Sara
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