Golds need structure. I make lists, both written and mental, and follow them with a precision that can be quite scary. An unplanned event? My list is toast and it throws my emotional equilibrium into a tailspin. Trying to squish "unplanned event" between the groceries and laundry is akin to adding a step to a ladder. Not in this lifetime! Vacation without an itinerary? Not on my watch! Left my grocery list at home? Instant panic-that's why cell phones were invented, I'm sure. Sudden changes cause the "gold" part of me to short-circuit.
I can't control what other people do even though that stubborn "gold" part of me wants to. It's a horrible trait to try to put to bed, but sometimes a little distraction is what I need. Enter Arlene--my writer buddy who had the selfless idea to drive two hours to take me away--just for the day--to get back on track, at least with my writing. We wrote together, went to lunch, chatted and saw a movie she had already seen. For a few hours I was able to forget the world and break the writing barrier. Arlene was my savior.
A few days before we celebrated the birth of this great country, another tragedy struck. All of Arizona fell to her knees. Nineteen Hot Shot firefighters lost their lives battling the Yarnell fire near Wickenburg, Arizona. It made national news, but my brother in Canada hadn't heard of the tragedy. Nineteen lives lost, yet it wasn't newsworthy enough to breach the international lines. I suppose one could justify it by saying fire isn't a terrorist. Or a crazed shooter. But it is a killer nonetheless. And again, I was numb.
I doubt if I'll ever stop making "lists". And I doubt if I'll ever stop trying to control things in my life. That's just me. But sometimes a little shove is all it takes to keep going in the right direction. I have Arlene to thank for that. Thanks, kiddo. Cheers.
The unexpected will continue to weasel its way into my lists and send me into a tailspin. Oh--did I mention our master bathroom sustained several thousand dollars worth of water damage and there is now a gaping hole where the shower used to be? And our son brought home a new puppy? (Breathe, Susie, breathe!) If I swear all is "golden" would you believe me? I thought not. I have several wadded up lists lining the trash can.
So, here we go again...my head feels like a rogue carousel on steroids. I was perfectly happy with two bathrooms that worked and one dog who doesn't poop on the floor. Did I mention golds don't like change?
If I can squeeze it between items three and four on my list, you won't want to miss my next blog.
Until then,
Happy Reading, Happy Writing!
Susie
Gold Word photo courtesy of Stuart Miles
Valentine's Day gold hearts photo courtesy of africa
Paper Texture With Roses photo courtesy of thaikrit
Photos available at www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net