Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Day 130 or Don't you hate it when....

Don't you hate it when, you had your entire blog written in your head but you were in some way unable to act upon it, e.g. driving, showering, and later in a moment of seeming ease, you were unable to recover those same words that flowed so beautifully in the inopportune time? When you are merely taunted by the memory of writing the post not the post in itself? Oh, yeah? Me too.

It happens to me all the time. Whether it is my blog, an idea for a story, or a scene in a screenplay. Without any effort at all, it will flow over me like a wave. But just like a wave, it will often pull back when I'm trying to capture it.I never seem to have the words when I need them. It's like when I am insulted or teased. I am the one who stares back at the offender and come up with nothing more pithy than "Oh, Yeah?" hoping that my eyes are effectively withering. Later that night, however, I will wake up from a dead sleep with the perfect comeback. I have never been brave enough to call in that moment so you see how the interruption to my sleep is not helpful.

Words and I have a dysfunctional relationship. If he was my boyfriend, I might require a Dr. Phil style intervention (can't do Oprah, she doesn't do that kind of show anymore). Words is an inconstant lover. He is the boyfriend who comes over for a booty call at 2:00 a.m. after "Last Call" but won't meet your parents. I love him or hate him. Basically, we are either Air Supply's "Even the Nights are Better" or Neil Diamond's "Love on the Rocks".

And tonight, love is on the rocks. The cursor blinks. I am sure that at some point today, I had words of insight and beauty to share. But as the Neil man said, "not much you can do, when the feeling is gone". So that's where we stand tonight. Hopefully tomorrow I will be back doodling hearts over Words' name and writing Mrs. Traci Words over and over on my notebook but for tonight, I'll just have to say goodnight.

13 comments:

Nikia, May and da kids said...

You should keep a little writing journal next to you at all times and immediately jot down your thoughts. I draw blanks the way you do, but usually it's because I am overwhelmed with other projects than I really start forgetting everything. It happens.

May

chitra said...

It happens to me also. At night nice ideas flood the mind and when I wake up it's gone :(

Anonymous said...

Well I think you said all that wonderfully..you actually said what I think many times..I never can have the word I need when I need it..or its right there in sight but I cant say it. I also think of so much to write about..at the wrong time...very frustrating..usually I will write it down on scrap of paper or napkin..and then throw it out..??

Felicity Grace Terry said...

I know just what you mean though my ideas generally pop into my head in the middle of the night when, much to the annoyance and disturbed sleep of Husband dearest, I am able to do something about it which brings me to the journal mentioned by Nikia.

AudreyO said...

Call yourself and leave yourself a message. Or text yourself or email yourself. With me, I come up with ideas at night and then I either have to hope I'll remember or turn on my bedroom light to write it down. Such choices LOL.

Keri said...

Love this analagy. You're good. Great read. So glad I stopped in to say hello and get some of this good stuff. If words were a man, I'd tell him to take a hike, but I know he'll be back and you'll be a fool for him once again.

Keri

Betty Manousos said...

Traci, I know exactly what you mean.
I loved the way you related the words with you!! ...words and I have a dysfunctional relationship. If it was a boy.... priceless, sweetie!
love and hugs!

Nancy C said...

You write this so beautifully. I second the idea to call or text yourself ideas.

Tracie said...

I thought I was the only one with that problem. Happens to me ALL. THE. TIME.

Life Laugh Latte said...

Love the way your worded this post. Really it is true, and beautifully written. Enjoyed it very much. Happy New Year...looking forward to more posts. Holly

Nancy@ifevolutionworks.com said...

I've hada writers block too for a few weeks now. My brain can't retain anything for more than 5 solid minutes. I sit down to write.......and nothing happens.

I know it will come back to you again!

Traci said...

Thanks everyone for the warm thoughts and the suggestions. I will definitely be getting a journal and start carrying it with me. I also like Audrey's idea of calling myself and leaving a message.
You guys rock my world!
:-)

ChiaLynn said...

Have you seen Elizabeth Gilbert's TED talk on creativity? (http://www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius.html)

The whole thing is excellent, but she's got a great story about Tom Waits. He was driving down the 101 (here in LA), when he got AN IDEA. And rather than pull over (which I've actually done - on the 101, no less), he looked up and said, "Can't you see I'm driving now?" And he's gotten along rather better with his muse ever since.