It's more than just the title to a Jackson Brown song, it's also how I've been feeling of late.
I was a bit saddened to check the sidebar and notice that almost two months have gone by and I don't have one post to show for it.
Truth to tell, though, I've just felt.....drained. I guess that's the best word to describe everything. Like I'm, literally, running on empty. Not just in writing, but in everything. Not that my life is bad, or anything, it's just that I feel like I'm being pulled in a million directions at once.
It's not that I don't have the time to write/blog. Even though my new working dynamic doesn't afford me all the free time I used to have, I still have plenty of it. I guess I've just been opting for things that don't really force me to think.
I have been writing, though, but in short bursts, and have gone back to revising my original NaNo project, The T.E.M.P Agency. I've also been making it a priority to read more. Right now I'm in the middle of a book about Walt Disney (The Revised Vault of Walt) and have also started Gaiman's American Gods.
It's, sort of, like trying to climb out of quicksand or thick mud. You have to take things slow and easy or else you get sucked back down into the muck and mire.
If nothing else, this post is just a reaffirmation of my intentions to get back on the writing/blogging horse in some way, shape, or form. I know I've been a terrible blogging buddy as well. But, in time, I plan on making more effort to read/comment on all the great blogs I follow. I just need to get my boots out of the mud.
I hope everyone's having a great week and, depending on where you live, staying warm.
26 comments:
Grab the rope and let us pull you out!
Good to hear from you, Mark. You've been missed. Was thinking about you and your Challenge theme last year since this year's Challenge is approaching.
Sometimes it gets like that. Even when you have a good life you can get down. It's not one thing that gets things back in shape, just keep putting one foot in front of the other.
We're here on the sidewalk with some gatorade and food ;)
Is there something that's not being pulled in a million directions at once?
I've been there, specially with blogging and writing. It does pass.
I've missed seeing your posts. Hope you get back into it.
Good to see you again! Take the time you need to renew yourself. We'll be here when you're ready!
I had that mucky feeling this summer. The only thing I can think is that the brain sometimes get over loaded and shuts us down. Kind of like when too many cords are plugged in and it shorts the fuse. (Do houses even have fuses anymore...am I showing my age?!)
Well, you're back now. I'm sure the writing bug will get you!
I'm familiar with that quicksand feeling - it's all a bit of a struggle for me at the moment too. In my case, it's the lack of sunlight - when everything's dark, I just want to hide away. Good to see you back!
I have noted your absence and hoped that all was well. We all go through these periods in life. I know that you will come out the other side. Hang in there! Perhaps the affirmation you get from this post will remind you of how much you LOVE blogging and it will be easier to reinsert it into your routine!!!
so glad to hear from you! we all go through dry spells - whether from writing, blogging, reading, exercising... well, my dry spell with exercising is a desert...
we're here for ya, buddy!
I've been there so I know exactly what you're talking about. Know that you're missed. It is good that you managed to write this post, to let us know how're you doing. And it is great you still write if not as much as you would like. Eventually, you'll get to feel with more energy and inspiration. This too shall pass. :)
It's great to see you back again Mark even briefly. Just getting in there and doing it again will make it easier. I hope all is going well.
@Alex: Thank you, sir! I appreciate that and I'm still mulling over A to Z, at this point.
@Mark C: Ain't that the truth and thanks...I always appreciate the support.
@Andrew: Heh, very good point!
@Diane: That's good to know, I just wish it wouldn't stick around for son long.
@Susan: Thank you so much and I plan to :)
@S.P: Thanks and it's great to be seen :) That's one of the great things about this community, always there when you need them!
@Elizabeth: LOL...does it show my age that I know what you're talking about? :D Fitting analogy, though, and thank you!
@Annalisa: Nice to know that I'm not alone in that feeling, for sure.
@Robin: Thank you and I'm really appreciating all the support. I've been planning some future posts so, maybe, the batteries are recharging.
@Tara: Thank you and it' so true. I guess the main factor is whether we let those dry spells keep us down. Good point!
@Al: Thank you kind sir and, as always, you speak with the wisdom of the ancients :)
@Maurice: Just jumping back in -does- help, you're right about that and thank you!
Great to see a post from you, Mark. I can understand how you're feeling, I was totally drained through January and just started feeling like I had some energy again the past week or so. Take care and know we will all be here whenever you feel like getting back on the horse. :)
Do whatever you need to recharge. We'll still be here when you get back.
Hey Mark!
What's this? Have you not been blogging? Never noticed! I'm kidding! :)
We have priorities in life, my friend. There will be times when situations dictate that things such as blogging wait for the right time.
You are returning without pressure. Please remember that. Relax, have fun and go at your own pace. Your blogging buddies are here for you.
Gary :)
@Julie: Thank you and glad to see you're getting your writing juices flowing again :)
@LD: Much appreciated and thank you!
@Gary: As usual, you always give me a laugh, I appreciate that! Thanks for the support and I'll try to stay away from the bloghops for a while :D
Sometimes we just need that downtime. Hope your boots get out of the mud soon!
So good to hear from you again. Almost time for A-Z and I just recently rememberd how much I enjoyed yours last year. That year did really fly by or is it just me and aging?
I find it difficult to post as much as I used to, also. I have so many things going on right now and I want to get them all in. When one goes to work every day like you do, it takes a big chunk of time.
I was so happy to hear from you again.
Oh Mark, I hate these down times... and it's so very difficult to pull out of these periods. But I know (as I'm sure you do deep down) that it will end and energy and inspiration will flow again. It's coming... even if it takes a few more months. I just got out of a 6 month rut myself.
You're one of my favorite inspirational bloggers, so it's good to hear from you! Just take your time--really. The creative process is hard, but I've also learned it isn't something we can force. I try to embrace the down times, because it's all part of our "up" times. It'll benefit your writing in the long run too. :)
Hugs!
So sorry, Mark. But you did exactly the right thing. You disconnected and you wrote. That's perfect. Here's a cyber hug because I know how it is to run low.
@Elsie: Thank you! Slowly....yes, slowly... :)
@Manzanita: Hey, thanks and I'm glad you're still out there, doing your thing, as well :) Yes, real life does tend to block me in/out, at times, and I'm glad that I'll be getting more time to keep up with this great blogging community.
@Morgan: Thank you very much, I do appreciate that! Nice to hear that you've beat "The Rut", as well. Great advice on the whole "process" thing and I'm thinking, more and more, that you're right :)
@Lee: Thank you...cyber hugs are -always- appreciated :)
I'm late, but I'm with Alex on this one - just grab hold and we'll pull you out of the quicksand! I've missed visiting with you, and I know that's my fault - been slow and not visiting enough.
I hope to see you around the blosphere or google+ more often - keep writing! Keep moving! You can do it!
Hi Mark - it happens but it's good to see back on the edge ... and hope you'll be back in the centre again fairly soon.
Life is life ... but the advantage with blogging is - it stays here and the feed kicks in ...
Cheers and good luck easing your way back to join us .. Hilary
Oh this post is exactly how I've been feeling since the beginning of the year! I've been in a blog fog and can't seem to get myself motivated again. My writing has been sporadic as well. I don't know, maybe I need to spike my coffee in the mornings.... ;)
Sometimes it's hard to find the time to write, especially if you're busy! Good luck to you and your endeavours.
Thank you. Love love, Andrew. Bye.
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