Doldrums
Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at 07:13PM I can imagine why the sailors of old dreaded the places on the high seas where the winds fail and the ship's mainsails slacken. The doldrums: the equatorial region of the Atlantic Ocean where winds are light, unpredictable and even non-existing at times.
With their tall ship bobbing gently on calm waters, the sun searing their flesh, and absolutely nothing that could be done about it except wait for the proverbial winds of change, the sailors must have gone bonkers.
I use this nautical reference as a round about way of commenting on what it feels like to try to write sometimes. As a nature writer, I find no lack of topics that could be formed into blog posts, essays, or books. However, most of these won't go anywhere if their is no wind in their sails. That is to say that without a connection to what I write, there would only be some sort of generic, sputtering drivel coughed up.
So, dear fans, I am in the doldrums at the moment. While I have begun writing at least five pieces, they seem to have taken on a life of their own, and refuse to resolve into short, blog-friendly entries. Since I must honor the process – to write what is meaningful to me (and hopefully interesting and inspiring to you) – I have only this flimsy post to offer at the moment.
With anticipation, I await the wind.
Reader Comments (5)
I love this one too-- honest, accurate and a great photo to illustrate the post!
Whether internal or outside distractions are the culprit, we all face these moments - Thanks for the humble directness & clarity used in sharing this.
The terminal problem-solver, I'm compelled to offer a suggestion. It's a book directed to the art of public speaking, but it's great guidance for writing also: "More Than Words Can Say" by Saskia Shakin.
WOW! You[ve been busy! Can't wait to thoroughly to thru this site! Kudos!!
OK, I too am in the doldrums....... it must be the time of the seasons.......check your e-mail
Enjoyed this post and can relate. As a musician and - at times - songwriter, I know there are moments when inspiration and new ideas flow more consistently. Other times, I feel it's a dry spell for writing. I try to honor that and look at it as a time to experience other aspects of life more - whether that's more walk in nature time, or explore other people's music time or more road-trips / simple pleasures or adventures with kids. Then, I go back to playing, and when least expected - there it is! A new wave or even a few new drops - not always in our time - but in spirit's time. Smiles! and thanks for post!