Friday, September 15, 2006

Each Life Has its Place

"Each life has its place." - Indigo Girls' song - "Virginia Woolf"

I have had the most unusual day. Usually I get up early, do some exercise and have some breakfast with Mark and then I go off to work. On my days off we try to sleep in a little and then we either work here or we go off and have an adventure. This week, though, Mark is stewarding his show and I am on my own on my day off. So today I got up, had breakfast and went for a walk. I walked to work and back. I think I walked more than 10 miles.

It was a stunning day. No matter what mood I am in when I begin walking along the cliffs I am usually shaken into one of gentle awe. When I started walking it was still becoming morning. As I moved farther up away from the sea the clouds began to shift and break up until it seemed like it was just me under a vast expanse of sky. The beginning of a walk like that always starts out well. I felt strong and virtuous and healthy. By the last three miles I was feeling sore and tired and finished. The miles in between were a combination of all of those feelings filled in with a soundtrack provided by my trusty Shuffle.

When I got home I stumbled into the shower and then to the couch where I set up camp with a big glass of water, a fried egg sandwich, my pillow and the movie 'The Hours.' I hadn't seen it before and for two hours I allowed myself to feel drained and moved and inspired. If you haven't seen it it's sort-of about Virginia Woolf but it is basically about women's lives. Sigh. A very estrogen filled day. Any time spent with Virginia Woolf creates the need in me to write. So I am writing.

It's been a crazy week. I was so up and then so down and then so lifted back up again. I have been overwhelmed with my life and disappointed in myself. Finally when I was walking today I felt back in control again. I know what the problem is. I haven't been writing. I haven't been listening. I haven't been recording things as they go by. It took a day off and time alone to let me hear that voice again. Why do I keep forgetting the answer when it is so simple? I'm off now to show up at the page. I'm off now to write. I'll let you know how it goes.

10 comments:

M said...

Sounds magical, where you live. I know that nature inspires me too, the fresh air, the hugeness of it all. Good luck with the writing and I am glad you are feeling better.
I handed in my notice at work today! I got that job at the art school after all...the woman they gave it to has taken another job, so its mine! Funny how the universe does that, isn't it?!!

Anonymous said...

You have inspired me to go for a walk today - but not quite as long ... ! :)
I have enjoyed catching up on your posts. I think the person who made that remark to you ought to be slapped! How rude and insensitive. She mustn't have a very high opinion of herself, otherwise she wouldn't need to make remarks like that. You are worth a hundred of her - remember that and sing!

Kim G. said...

Your day sounds wonderful - the walk and the movie (one of my favorites). Hope the writing time was filled with joy, peace and lots of wonderful ideas! :)

Claudia said...

Where you live sounds like some place right out of a novel, I can understand why you´re feeling so inspired.

Jamie said...

I'm so glad you get this time to yourself, some space and time to commune with your spirit.

Your description of your walk along the cliffs made me think of another Indigo Girls line, "All the beauty just keeps shaking me," World Falls.

Enjoy!

SC said...

I've often asked myself why it is so darn difficult to take care of myself (exercise, eating right, sleep, etc) when it feels so good when I'm doing it. Why is it so easy then to slip and stop taking care??? Glad you're back on track. That's the important thing.

Anonymous said...

that sounds like a lovely day. i love the hours...perhaps i should go out and rent it again...

tara dawn said...

Sorry for my absence...I have been missing your words and I am so glad I stopped by here today to read them. The recordings of your day have lifted my spirit, taken me to those cliffs with you, reminded me of beauty and inspiration. What an incredible writer you are! I am thinking of you and missing you sweet one!
Love to you!

Nippon said...

It's nice when you see such a great work! Continue writing

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