My two children - 19mo and 4yo - spent nearly two weeks with my parents and in-laws in Nashville, TN. Now they are back and their warm skin and smiling faces light my house with joy and wonder. Their voices are the sweetest songs in my ears.But it also means the return of chaos.
For nearly two weeks I wrote in silence, or the music of my choosing. I had freedom of movement, freedom of choice. I could write when the mood hit me, or force myself to work through tough periods of dull inspiration.
Now I have to learn to function in chaos again. The noise is an astounding! The constant "Mommeeeeeeee!"
But I love it, as I love them. I loved my peace, but I missed them greatly. I write this as I watch them devour silver dollar pancakes. Their little mouths stretch around the tiny circles, beads of syrup line their lips.And I wonder how this will impact my work. How will the characters change as chaos reigns again? How will I handle the chaos as the characters change me?
Good luck with the chaos! Hope you had a good Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteI've gotten so used to writing in chaos that I've found I have a really hard time writing in a quiet house! If the house is too quiet or still, I go to the coffee house or library.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
You must have missed them! I can't even imagine 2 weeks - the longest I've been away from both my kids at the same time is a day and a half - and they're teens :) Enjoy the chaos!
ReplyDeleteI am not usually one of those mother's who weeps when they're away. I truly enjoy my time to myself, and appreciate them more when they return. But this time it was a little long. It was really closer to a week a and a half, but I missed them greatly. I managed to get a lot of writing done and a ton of doctors' appointments packed in! Now it's nothing but holiday festivities and normal routine - yay!
ReplyDeleteMichele
Two weeks must have been torture. As hard as it is writing with the Pea hollering in the background, he's become a sweet little muse for me as well.
ReplyDelete:) you must be the strongest in the times when the tempest strikes :)) like a brave knight. You'll have to lead battle at two fronts - against cute little pests and against your own inspiration and creativity :) Good luck with that.
ReplyDeleteOh you won't get cuteness from me, Dezmond. I watch neither chic flicks nor cartoons, and read neither romances nor chick lit. When my children are not around, I want full adult time! This is MY place. Prepare to join my wandering mind...
ReplyDeleteMichele
you misunderstood me :) Under "cute pests" I meant your kids :) who are bothering you while you work ;)
ReplyDelete