I think I’ve reached that point where I need to take a break again. I haven’t driven around very much lately, and I’ve been struggling to write. I’ve even been putting off working on this article.
You ever have a project you know you should get done… and yet you have a very hard time making yourself do it? Sometimes I sit down at the computer to get to work… and then pull up a game of solitaire or start to surf. But I suspect many of you already know what that is like. I also suspect you are much better at self-discipline than I.
I have a good idea how it’s going to work for me. Just as soon as I ban myself from writing for a few days to clear my head, my fingers are going to want to work this stupid keyboard. Life is funny that way, isn’t it?
So I’m going to try to take a few days off (emphasis on the word “try”). I should get in the vehicle and take a little drive somewhere just to enjoy the scenery. I should also take pictures to show mom where I’ve been. I don’t think I’ve done that in months; I wonder if I can even locate my camera.
As for this weekend? I strained my back a little so I’ve been resting it by watching movies. And so far I’ve watched two World War II movies as well as a Civil War epic. And it’s gotten me to thinking.
As a writer we sometimes like to imagine “what ifs” in our stories. For the last couple of days I’ve been imagining the “what ifs” in life that may have prevented me from even existing. For instance, what if the Civil War would have turned out differently? What about the Revolutionary War… or the First or Second World Wars? What could have happened that would have ultimately resulted in me not being born… or one of my parents… or one of my grand-parents or great grand-parents?
How many lives were sacrificed in so many different ways leading to the freedoms which resulted in my birth and this particular moment in time? It’s like a chain reaction… this has to happen in order for that to happen in order for this other thing to happen. We see it in books and movies all the time where any one of a dozen points in time could have drastically changed the course of someone’s life.
Ok, now I think I’m getting a headache. But I’m beginning to fathom a lot of stuff had to happen in order for me to even be here. And that means a lot of brave men and women sacrificed themselves in so many of these wars for me to even be here to write this. I’d like to think it makes me a little more appreciative… at least I hope so.
I’m also appreciative of you coming to visit and reading a story here and there and reading my ramblings. My opinion in the grand scheme of things is not all that important or critical. But sometimes a little something a person reads somewhere might get them to thinking… and thinking is usually a good thing, right?
Now I’d better start thinking about climbing into the vehicle mom calls “Travelor” and doing a little traveling to get out and about. I need to recharge my batteries and enjoy the sights and sounds around here. But I suspect I’ll have to make myself. Besides, it’s a good idea to get out and about so I can get fresh ideas for the future stories I want to write for you.
I hope you had a good weekend. Other than my back which is already getting better, I did enjoy a little barbecue. I hope you are enjoying the beginning of summer. And thanks for stopping by…