Summer is definitely over, and fall has come at last. And at last I am moving on, too. I feel it inside, but the evidence is real this morning, as I move automatically into cleaning my desk, preparing for writing projects. Tip: when you are stuck, in writing and in life, clean the most important things to you. (I mean close to your heart. A bathroom is most important to all of us, but I’m speaking of heart here. )
I found treasures on my desk. Scraps of paper with possible book titles– cool, creativity sparks! Piece of information I was supposed to act on a long time ago. But the world didn’t end, and I’ll give it another go. Another opportunity!
And then there is this, buried beneath papers that I can throw away, a familiar quote jotted on yellow lined paper, so long ago the paper is rumpled:
“If one sets aside time for a business appointment, a trip to the hairdresser, a social engagement, or a shopping expedition, that time is accepted as inviolable. But if one says: ‘I cannot come because that is my hour to be alone,’ one is considered rude, egotistical or strange. What a commentary on our civilization, when being alone is considered suspect; when one has to apologize for it, make excuses, hide the fact that one practices it–like a secret vice!” ~Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Gift from the Sea.
I’m taping that quote on my bathroom mirror, where I can see it daily.
Make it a great day, friends!
Curtiss Ann Matlock 
7 responses to “Treasures Found: Writer Cleaning Her Desk”
Yes. Yes. Thank you for that quote. Makes me think about reading, Gift From the Sea, again. 🙂
LikeLike
I love that quote. We need to be more understanding of those who need alone time. Thank you for sharing it!
LikeLike
Yes, more understanding of those who need alone time— raising my hand— and more understanding of ourselves. Thanks for visiting. So glad to ‘see’ you!
>
LikeLike
It’s one of the joyous things about being retired from the day job–virtually everyone recognizes your time as your own and lets you relish it for whatever reason you give when you say, “No, I can’t do that.” Even when they’re mired down with jealousy because you have it. 🙂
LikeLike
I’m learning to say, “I can’t do that.” Sometimes very hard! But necessary. We are in charge of our own lives. Thanks for stopping by, and giving me the reminder. 🙂
>
LikeLike
I ALWAYS liked that passage from the first time I read it. I’ve been a bit stuck myself, with not as much reason as you. I am halfway through clearing out my creative room,leaving only essential, “move forward” (also in the message of the Pope, which I grabbed onto) writing projects, intended for 2016. i am even starting up some therapy later this month with a therapist, nearby, who specializes in the arts as well. I am needing to move forward, and my quiet time just gave me my 3 hour time slot for writing daily; it will be a challenge to meet.
LikeLike
Good for you, Sue! It is a challenge, but we can do it—and better when we tell ourselves we can do it. I have a friend who keeps texting me: “We can do it.” I do find that I get here when I’m ready. I can feel myself moving on, and I try not to anticipate it, but stay directly in the flow and do the next right thing. Sending hugs—we pray for each other. 🙂
CurtissAnn
>
LikeLike