Monday 10 November 2008

Boundaries


In the last two-and-a-half weeks, life has gone topsy-turvy. Not in a dramatic way (though you wouldn’t guess it from the picture), but more that it has become too amorphous in shape, too flowing in form.

Flow is good in the sense it is vital to the creative process. But if flow means one’s life is more like a flooded pond seeping down a partially blocked drain than a powerful running river, then it is time to build a damn or a channel. Time to switch off the phones, lock all the doors, and reclaim time for writing and reading.

And this is the perfect time of year. Although I’m not doing NaNo, it is helpful to grab hold of its spirit and, hopefully, hang on to the coat tails well past the end of November.

To reinforce this serious phase, I will wear my glasses from dawn till way beyond dusk -- with a tweed skirt and sensible shoes. REWIND: Second thoughts on the sensible shoes. Serious is one thing... frumpy quite another!

7 comments:

Fox Lee said...

But you're still reading all of our novel updates religiously right? Right??

Mary said...

Natalie - absolutely right! That falls under the serious category of reading. :)

Whirlochre said...

So that's where they film SOKO Labyrinth Challenge.

Cate Gardner said...

Oh dear, I like my shoes to be comfortable and I need to be able to run in them. :)

Mary said...

Whirl - yes. But they rent out the rear attic to reclusive writers. Fabulous views.

Cate - good point! If wearing heels, one should keep Nikes and Mace near the desk. One never knows... ;)

Carrie Harris said...

Comfortable shoes are fine. But I'm with you; sensible shoes are totally out. I used to work in a shoe store. Sold sensible shoes. Wanted to jump out the window. Seriously.

Mary said...

Carrie - you’re right; comfortable and sensible are not the same thing. It is a dull world that celebrates the sensible. Glad you survived!