I'd say it is me, but I'm noticing that more than one of us is struggling for posts these days. Maybe it's the weather. Maybe it's the time of year. Maybe we all just get writer's block at the same time. Either way, I'd swear about half the of the blogs I read and enjoy are closed or are closing up shop. What gives?
As I head into my fourth year of The Duck and Wheel, I begin to wonder if I have run the course. Do I have any more stories or is this just a dry spell? Do I really need to go back and join the pool for stories? Are the adventures of my Orange Stripey cat all that exciting? Do people really care about my toe? Do I mail order tadpoles this summer or do we just quit raising frogs? I dunno. These are big questions for a gloomy winter day.
And while I ponder these and other big questions, like "Do I really have too much acid in my stomach or is it a matter of too little stomach acid?", I begin to realize that winter doldrums have set in--and we still have March to get through.
I was flipping through old blog posts the other day and I found one from last year that just seemed fitting--it was called "February is Stupid". And yes, I believe it is. Nothing is going on. There is no nice weather or things blooming in the yard. The cats and I are hunkered down, still hibernating and not doing much of anything. Work is work....and boring. We see friends and do fun stuff--but who wants to see the report of that on the Duck and Wheel? It's just sort of a "blah" month--you know, it's kinda "stupid" according to that wise person on the radio whom I quote.
And as I ponder everything from "Is that frog really dead?" to "How am I gonna survive without updates on Brownie the Wonder Dog and Spike the Hotness Monster?", I take a deep breath and know that I DO have more stories. I'm just in that time of year when nothing is going on--well, nothing to write about anyway. I just have to get out there and find the stories in my every day life.
In the meantime, stay tuned for that appliance post....
23 comments:
Hmn....if you're running out of non-fiction, what about some fiction???
I hear you love to dabble in writing:) OR...what about make a quilt?!?
I think most of us fans will agree that dry spell or not, Duck and Wheel is a staple of my daily life and I'd be sad if you went away. Very sad. (I know you won't, just sayin). And I do care about your toe.
My problem with blogging is that there are things/ideas I would like to explore but I know several of my regular readers would be offended and I like them too much to do that. I know where they stand on certain issues and I stand in opposition...so I guess it's just cat videos...
Toaster oven? Try a Breville. I have one they are super I do almost all my cooking in it as well as toast. (Wow a toaster oven that really toasts!) They have a few different models, a larger one that is also a convection oven and so on. Check it out!
You spun a good blog post here, with little material to go on. Well done.
I just want to know the answer to the acid question as I wonder about that myself. That reminds me I'm almost out of pepcid. February is slow here too, as is the blogging. On a good note, the weather here has been wonderful this winter so far :)
I think it's why I got married in February - so there'd be something to do.
Erm, try writing for three years about goats. Goats who do nothing but eat and poop. I sometimes wonder how I've lasted so long.
It'll be tough to follow Pricilla's comment! This time of year I'm so dang tired I don't know which end is up so coming up with blog posts is a huge chore but I always enjoy reading yours! They never fail to add a smile or two to my day! Even if it's about your toe!
I think it's cyclical. I've just had that period.
Nancy--Nancy, half the time the true stories I tell sound like fiction! Hahaha! Thanks for the ideas and the kind words. I feel the same way about the pallies--I hate when they close up their blogs. :( And my toe thanks for your concern.
Grace--I have that too! There are too many subjects I stay away from for fear of hurting/offending the pallies. It's the toaster part of the toaster oven that sucks. Long story. It might have to be a 2-part post!
Terra--Who knew you could write 3 paragraphs about nothing??
DJ--I'm currently pursuing that thought and am having some success. Now to find a doctor who supports me and is willing to think outside of the Prilosec box. Ugh. Western medicine.
Pricilla--Hahaha! I love the February wedding idea! :P I happen to love your goat posts--and I don't remember a single one about poop. But I am guilty of writing about opossum poop.
Beaded Tail--I don't know how you post during tax season! You are my blogging hero this time of year!
Tracy--Gees, it's tough. How are you doing these days??? I was meaning to check in on you.
I'm always amazed that even though I've been writing some pretty pitiful posts people still keep coming back and leaving comments....lol
I think you did just great for having nothing and I'm looking forward to the appliance story :)
When I get stuck for ideas, I borrow stuff from meme's people do, especially Sunday Stealing. I'll just find a question that seems worthy of a blog post and away I go.
I'm afraid I have something more serious than writer's blog. I've been averaging only a post a week for some months. Life's getting in the way, I guess. Also have some family issues going on, so that takes away from both my creativity and my time to write. AFter five years of blogging, is this is for me? I don't know. I do know that I'd read a post about your Frankentoe any day of the week.
Of course you have stories to tell. Now I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the good cop/bad cop appliance story.
You are so amazing. You have made a complete and cogent post starting from your inability to post. Don't go away!
OMG. I just noticed I said "writer's blog." That's either a good thing or a bad thing.
I've been thinking the SAME THING lately. I think it's the season. I have several "February is stupid" type posts, too.
I'm languishing because I got laid off from two online writing jobs. Yeah, a person can get laid off even from a home job. And it stinks. So I am a little low about it right now. Mix that with all the other "winter blues" stuff and it's a downright lousy month.
Ann--Here's the funny thing--sometimes I think something is a great post and I get no reaction. Then, something stupid like my toe story gets a big reaction. So, who's to judge? We just keep posting, keep reading other blogs, and commenting. What I think is funny on your post, may be you scrambling for something...anything to post. It's all a gamble.
Silver--I agree. Some of my best posts are from ideas from reading other blogs. Sometimes thoughts just click.
Kathy--I'm with you--when I'm busy at work, the last thing I want to do is come home and write a post. I'm usually brain dead and exhausted and don't want to try. That is when we need to stop and notice things--silly things--and begin to write again. You need another Windy-type thing going. Me--I've got my toe. :) Or it may be that you are scarred from that PB&J sammich. ;)
Anne--Oh, yeah. I'm waiting for a photo op with those two. Hey, did you see my comment on your blog the other day? We need to talk about the possibility that Joanna may not have ENOUGH acid in her stomach. I'm finding out lots about that whole thought. We need to talk.
Vanilla--Well, I'm not sure it is "amazing", but I try. Thanks for the encouragement. :)
Kathy--We don't do spell check here, Kath. You were safe....and I got it. ;)
Rebecca--Heck, I was downsized from my SAHM job, so I know completely how you feel. You think those "at home" jobs are safe. Hah! Yeah, it's a dullsville kinda time of year, isn't it? Maybe we need themes or something to spark some thinking amongst the pallies.
we all have stories within us if we just remain silent enough to hear them. I often get into phases where i 'think' I don't have anything to write about but that's when I'm avoiding what I NEED to write about...
And that's why many people never write at all. Days are same old same old, but people like you can find the unique event or reason, and some of us will keep reading you because of that!
I happen to think February is one terrific month! Groundhog Day! Super Bowl! Valentines Day! Mardi Gras! Ash Wednesday! : ) Leap Year to name just a few. Actually, reviewing these it does become apparent they were designed to pump some life into our life. Fran's Dad
Sometimes my tummy clenches and I worry I will not be able to think of even one more thing to write about, too!
I know what you mean, it happens to me too smooches and hugs
Tracy--But I need to be able to still myself. Work and life gets in the way of that sometimes, but I agree with you--there are stories in that silence.
Sharkey--I like to think there are stories in the mundane--we just have to look for it. I credit this entire blog on my minuscule backyard--and it never lets me down. :)
Fran's Dad--You forgot Paczki Day. That alone is what February is about! ;)
Daisy--I never grow tired of your adventures, Daisy. Especially now that you have Harley, Bert, and Ernie to add to the fun!
Katherine--Don't we all?? :)
It appears there is a lot of us in this slump. I am going to blame it on the winter months. Certainly we all still have lots inside us to 'put out there'.
Pricilla ~ oh my stars ~ too funny!
xo Catherine
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