You know what’s interesting? To me, anyway, and since you’re reading, come along. I’ll tell you.
I hadn’t been reading fiction when I wasn’t writing. For the last few months, I’ve been reading mostly non-fiction, things like writing manuals and biographies and the New Yorker. This is totally unlike me, the fiction queen. I’ve always sneered a little at non-fiction, thinking it dry and dull. Shows me. The non-fiction I’ve been reading has been fascinating and wonderful and witty and smart and so fine.
But it wasn’t fiction. Down south, over the weekend, I picked up a novel that Mom had just finished, A Certain Slant of Light. Not only was it gorgeous, lyrical writing (with some great references to spinning and wool and fiber – the author obviously knows her sheep), but it started filling something that I didn’t know was empty. That first night, lying in bed, reading her words, I felt as if I were drinking water after being in the hot sun all day. Every word tasted good.
While I was reading, my brain turned on. It started to think again as a writer. In between paragraphs I thought of my own characters. It was like they were standing up and waving to me. “Hey! Over here! Remember us?”
Seriously, it was weird. But really, really good.
I have eggs on the boil (is there anything as good as a hard-boiled egg, still warm?) and I’m ready to make my coffee. It’s windy as hell outside, and I feel sorry for the little plant-lets I put out last week. Some of the flowers have just broken right off and over. And I just decided right here and now that I don’t like my garden plan. I hadn’t been sure, but now I know. I also I know it isn’t going to be changed until after my vacation, so I won’t worry about it now.
Do you know that with work and prior obligations and being out of town, my next free no-plans night is MAY SEVENTEETH? That, friends, is ridiculous. But short of canceling my trip (HELL, no), there’s nothing else I can change. Yipes. I’ve scheduled a couple of do-nothing afternoons, though.
Can’t figure out how to end this entry. So: Good bye. Mwah.
Reading your entry just now really cheered me up. I don’t exactly know why, but it did. Thanks. Bye. Mwah!
I had a do-nothing afternoon today and it was great. I went to the library and got a few books and videos. I watched the video and knit. It was fabulous and I didn’t feel a bit of guilt. I hope you have yours very soon.
Read novels! Do you stop wearing store-bought sweaters just because you’re knitting one of your own?
Well, based on the LAST fabuloous book that you and little mama recommended, I shall be RUNNING to my local purveyor of books tomorrow to get a certain slant of light. Warm up reading for being with actual SHEEP, dontcha know.
You never cease to amaze me with these blog entries….like the secret door to some fabulous world where I’m privy to some actual alchemy.
The reason you can’t figure out how to end it? None of us WANT it to end!
Hi Rachael, no worries on your plantlings. Just trim off the flowers, and thier stems that have broken off. They will set more flowers, just take care of the plants.
Peace
Where are you going on vacation Rachael? I hope that where ever you go you have a wonderful relaxing time – and are able to post to your blog !
Kristen
I don’t often read non-fiction, I recently started. I love it. I like warm hard boiled eggs and coffee is a singular joy, and my garden plan is…well,a work in progress. The difference between us? May 16th is my next *do something* day.. Live vicariously will you?
I need a do nothing day… or week… maybe even month… I spent all day wrangling with the internet provider… and going email-less! Zoiks! Glad you’re feeling writerly again, Rach!
I know how you feel about the – no free day until the year 2026. It’s exhausting – but it’s still better than the alternative.
Cheers on jammed packed social life!
Damn, girl. You got lots o’ stuff going on. I’m glad you’ve planned some do-nothing afternoons in there. Keep reading novels and writing…it obviously makes ya happy! 🙂
Reading novels is good for the soul. I am a fiction girl myself although I am being inspired by a non-fiction book this week.
Take care of yourself, even on those busy days!
A Cup of Coffee, bowl of fruit, few rows done on my first pair of sox, and reading your “pearls” ..can’t start my day without ’em! Rachael, you are something else! Thanks for being part of my day!
Thank you Rachael, for some very very inspiring posts this week… I am right in the heart of seminar-paper writing and I am losing my flow, not feeling the words coming out the way that I want them to. And academic writing is something that I *like* to do, if you can believe it 🙂 The last couple of weeks, I’ve been putting off & putting off & every bit is a struggle. Reading your post about procrastinating/ doing it 1st thing made me feel like I’m not alone, & inspired by how well it seems to be working… Thanks again! Can’t wait for the semester to be over so I can go back to fiction reading & some do-nothing days! 🙂
I just had a weird parallel universe moment, as I am boiling eggs right now, and I can’t remember the last time I boiled eggs. Just thought I’d share. 🙂
You made it sound so good I ran over to amazon and bought a copy (for $1.24 no less -costs more to ship than to buy). I only dream of raising sheep in Maine. Fiction can really keep you going and escaping from reality for a little while is ok. I hope your day goes well. By the way … what happened to Cromarty?
Funny, I don’t read much of anything when I’m writing. I’m too tired after reading academic stuff and writing to want to read a book. I do read magazines (trashy ones) and the odd pulp novel (like a Grisham) but I think it’s only to give me something to do while eating my lunch.
I can’t wait until this thesis is done and I can read a bunch of novels that are piling up (my husband is an avid reader).
I never let academic responsibilities get in the way of a good novel. Dude, why else did I become an English major? I didn’t get into non-fiction until recently, either. I wonder what that’s about?
Now that I have a humongous amazon gift certificate to spend, I’ll put A Certain Slant of Light on my list. Reading about fiber is always good.
Wait, you’re going on vacation?!? Hope it’s somewhere cool! Hope I get to hear about it and live vicariously!
hey! check it out!
I must read that book. The title is from a poem that comes to me often (winter is long in Minnesota).
There’s a certain Slant of light,
Winter Afternoons—
That oppresses, like the Heft
Of Cathedral Tunes—
Heavenly Hurt, it gives us—
We can find no scar,
But internal difference,
Where the Meanings, are—
None may teach it—Any—
‘Tis the Seal Despair—
An imperial affliction
Sent us of the Air—
When it comes, the Landscape listens—
Shadows—hold their breath—
When it goes, ’tis like the Distance
On the look of Death—
– Emily Dickinson
That book sounds heavenly! I just checked my library and they have it – yeah! Thanks for blogging about it.