We are selling our house. That means people come through almost daily to look at it, and I have to leave the house. I work at home, and I’ve always prided myself on being able to write just about anywhere–during orchestral concerts, at theme parks, in coffee shops, etc. And that skill is being tested now! Actually, it’s not the writing elsewhere that’s the issue. It’s trying to keep the house pristine. I don’t eat at home. The toaster oven is tucked away. Our regular kitchen trash can has been replaced by one the size of a Kleenex box, one that fits under the sink. Cooking leaves smells. Just making my hot cocoa or tea now takes 5 extra steps to retrieve the electric tea kettle out of the cupboard and then dry it out and hide it again. Ack!
You know those times of year when you get so frazzled you have no idea if you’re accomplishing anything worthwhile with your work? This is one of those times. But, I made a typo on a post a few minutes ago and thought, “that would make a hysterical picture book!” So, the brain is still working (sort of), even as it feels overwhelmed.
But if I sound even more scattered on the blog over the next few months, you’ll know why:>)
Permission to be scattered granted! It’s hard to keep things in order to sell a house and still carry on a daily life. We will soon be doing that ourselves. Starbucks is my “other home”. I imagine I’ll be there a lot. Good luck on your move!
Thank you, Donna, and good luck as you approach this yourself!
Good luck with the sale! Harrowing! But change leads to growth; once you’re re-settled, you’ll feel so fresh and revitalized.
Yes! Thanks, Nancy. I am so excited about moving–just looking forward to being on the other side of the process:>)
Laura,
I hope the house sells quickly and you move to an ever more special home. Hang in there through it all!
Thanks, Linda!
Knowing some of your wonderful books & poems & your deliteful posts & your website, I’m thinking your house is a delite to see & am sending housesale charms thru the airwaves, for a speedy end to the visitors, that one family keeps returning, to claim their new nest
Aw, thank you, Jan, for the lovely thoughts!
I don’t envy your situation at all! Hope the house sells quick and you can get back to “normal”? 🙂
Thanks, Cindyb! Me. Too. :>)
Sounds like you have the opposite problem I have. With a 6-year-old and two-year-old, EVERYTHING is left out, and I never have time to put away ANYTHING! And when I DO manage put things away – dishes, clothes, toys – they manage to mysteriously reappear in the oddest of places within minutes, if not seconds. >sigh!<
I remember those days well! Hmmm. I guess writing in the real world, having a life full of people we love, and making changes (even for the better) is always going to present challenges to writers–but we wouldn’t want our lives any other way. Thanks for the reminder, Matt!
Deep breaths, Laura! That’s the only way through it. Sending a virtual hug to you today!
Yes. Thank you for the reminder, Jane. One day, hour, minute, moment at a time:>)
Oh, LAURA. I’ve been through this too, too many times. Ugh, it wreaks havoc on the writing life! But, yes, your brain is still observing, absorbing, and functioning. Be gentle with yourself.
And you’ve kept novels somehow progressing! I can’t even begin to imagine writing something as big and immersive and consuming as a novel during this time. It’s hard enough with my smaller projects, which are at least a bit easier to stop and start. Thanks, Tanita!
Sometimes it’s worth being frazzled just to have an excuse to use the word frazzled! Funny how our writer brains pick up on things even in the most frazzly moments. Good luck with the move!
It IS a fun word, isn’t it? Thanks, Rebecca!
We understand having people in and out your home especially for a writer. I hope it sells easily and you are allowed 3 months to leave it so you can enjoy writing at home again.
All the best for sales and words on Paper.
Thank you, Jane! Oooh, that sounds ideal:>)