Joy-producing stickers that I'm using as Valentines - shout out to Lisa Congdon's art!
When I'm not in the mood to write:
- Step outside in the snowy morning and take a big breath, letting the cold air fill my lungs ... then push that breath back out... again... and again
- Step inside and add the last bit of vanilla almond milk to my coffee and smell the sweetness in every sip
- (Gently) push the dog to the end of the couch then tuck my feet under him like a personal warming pillow for my toes
- Wrap my shoulders in a blanket even though it's a balmy 25 degrees today - I'm sitting by the drafty windows that let in so much sunshine, but also, winter's chill
- Skim your electronic note where you keep prompts, seeds, ideas for mornings just like this - read and reject the 40+ ideas there
THEN...
- Leave the couch and your computer; put on an upbeat playlist
- Handwrite notes on the back of bright, joyful stickers that exude love, care and hope
- Insert in envelope; add address; add stamp
- Head to mailbox, breathing in and out, humming a love song
And that is today's writing life.
I'm feeling the warmth of the dog as the personal foot warming pillow. These look groovy, and I think it's great to have a plan for the days when you just don't feel the writing vibe. You summoned it perfectly here.
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DeleteMy dog deserves more air time on this blog. He's the best! The stickers are truly EVERYTHING (I love that word - groovy - perfect description!), and somehow - not writing = writing today!
DeleteAh, Lisa, beautiful day of writing. Meaningful writing--promoting "love, care and hope" and a country without fascism. Yes! Thank you for this. It made me stop and breathe and have hope.
ReplyDeleteRemembering to stop and breathe is core work for me right now. And yes, yes to hope.
DeleteThis would make a great activity for students who struggle with what to write. I’ve done lessons where I have them write about how they can’t think about what to write. This is similar but has a slightly different focus. And, I enjoyed reading about all the steps to get ready as well as what you chose to write. I bet those getting the notes will appreciate them!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda - I love any time there is a "classroom connection" that makes sense, and I think there's a list just like this for kids, too. Hmmm, I'd put << Take a peppermint Lifesaver & smell it before you eat it. Pick a new pen from our pen cup. Do 5 toe touches and lift your hands way over you head each time. Read 3 quotes from our favorite quote books. >> We all, ALL need strategies to live writing lives!
DeleteThese are great tips for getting unstuck when we need the push to write.
ReplyDeleteBTW: I adore those stickers.
The stickers are really the best part of the post!
DeleteOh, this resonates with me! I really struggled to write tonight. I love how you listed what you did when stuck, and then your choice to handwrite notes on stickers. (I'd love to know more about that!) This is a wonderful slice of a writing life!
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