Splashing around in the mud
Well my friends, I am sitting here waiting for the words to start coming as they usually do, but I’m getting nowhere. At the moment the well is dry.
Most weeks I open up my computer on a Monday to write this newsletter. I don’t know what I’m going to write, I just let myself start on whatever train of thought comes. I follow the train until I hit on something that feels like more than a passing idea. Somewhere along the way, after maybe fifteen or twenty minutes, it becomes obvious to me what my letter is about. I find the thread, I write what feels right, then I put it away. Most weeks this takes about an hour. Then on Tuesday morning I open up my laptop again to re-read the previous day’s writing. If it still speaks to me I give it a quick edit, then hit send. Some weeks this is a Sunday-Monday effort, and sometimes it all happens in one fell swoop on a Monday. It is almost always deeply pleasurable and I don’t take it very seriously or spend too much time on it.
This week nothing is coming but a jumble. I have been writing, but to put it mildly, nothing coming out of this brain at this moment is entertaining nor enlightening. It’s a muddy puddle and in trying to swim around in it I’m just making a mess.
I know better than to force it, so I’m going to leave it alone for this week. The act of sitting down to write was still worth it, even if it’s frustrating to get stalled out. Next Monday I’ll come back to this laptop and give it another go.
All we can do is all we can do.
xo
Shannon
Upcoming Shows
June 22, 3-5pm - Song and Spoken Word Circle
We’re back at Dwellissimo (Walton St., Port Hope) with another song/poetry/story/spoken word circle. Last time a dozen of us enjoyed a cozy, candlelit afternoon during an ice storm, but there’s certainly room for more folks to join the fun. Completely unplugged, bring your guitar, djembe, chapbook or whatever you need to join in. There’s also plenty of space and comfy chairs for folks who just want to watch. I’d love to know if you’re planning to come!
July 16 from 3-6pm
Come find me making music at the Cobourg Public Library Book and Bake Sale. Then buy some goodies to support our local library!
July 19
I am hosting a Campfire Songcircle at Westben. It’s a free event prior to Matt Andersen’s show. For details and to RSVP click here.
Featured Song - Close Your Eyes
REMINDER (to me): “For now, what you can do, you’ve done.” Let yourself off the hook and rest.