Facing the day sometimes be like dis.
John Clark: I’ve never had particular difficulty coming up with an idea for a post at MCW…Until this month. I’m in a funk so massive that I could sell off 90% of it and still have more than the average bear. There are many contributors to this unfortunate situation.
Let’s start with the meh factor, when I sit down to write, either nothing comes to mind, or apathy dances naked on the keyboard with a rose in her mouth. Then, there’s the need for ongoing distraction due to the crappy reality we live in. H. Ross Perot was way ahead of his time in 1992 when he coined the phrase ‘giant sucking sound’ regarding where we were headed. Well kiddos, unless you’re living in a condo on the dark side of the moon, you have to admit that our current situation goes well beyond suck.
Then there are physical issues (I am certainly not unique in being afflicted by the slings and arrows that come with age-I’m 78). After 30+ years, I’m grudgingly accustomed to tinnitus, but increasing balance issues, aggravated by clown balloon-like feet (thanks to an anti-hypertension drug), and an energy level that would make a sloth envious, do not make for a great level of creativity.
Am I the only person who thinks the number of drivers who have been infected with Mad Max disease increases daily? Here in Waterville, it seems like there’s an invisible bonus for red light running and lane swerving.
Don’t get me started on cellphones. They’re a modern form of slavery. I shudder at how many shoppers seem to be paralyzed unless Brad or Muffy can instruct them to buy the right size and brand of pickles. Ditto with people in waiting rooms. My pet peeve is how many folks at my Tuesday night AA meeting spend more time sneaking looks at their phones than they do listening to whoever is sharing. The notable exception is Jolly Ollie who uses his to type out on the screen what is being said.
I do remain grateful for some things, notably the level of dark humor which sustains me most days. There are a few others like freshly brewed coffee, a new book to read, and my own brand of dumpster diving. I pick up returnables as well as losing lottery tickets. The money from the returnables goes in our grandkids’ college accounts and I enter the losing lottery tickets online to accumulate points. Every 4000 points nets me another $25 Amazon gift cart which in turn, buys books I read and pass along to the Waterville Public library.
One aspect of writing never flags-that of making out sweepstakes entries. After a dry spell of several months, I’m heating up with some decent wins.
Finally, I am pleased to report that Werb and Nar (remember them from last month?) have discovered the joy of going to grange suppers. Werb is especially happy when Wilma Throckmutton coaxes him to have just one more scrid of her rhubarb pie, while Nar is enamored of Lydia Piffletruffle’s secret coleslaw recipe.
I’ll see myself out.
This is KNOT what I planned to write, but you know, life.
These be tough times, indeed, John. But (1) it’s summer (2) you live year-round in a beautiful state that so many people save up all their dimes to visit for a week or two each year (3) you have a beautiful family and (4) I’m sure I’m not the only one who looks forward to your posts whether they’re cheery or not.
Sorry about the aches and pains. I have ’em too.
Thank you for succinctly summarizing the summer so far.
Nice save, John!
The drivers are absolutely insane this summer. 295 between Portland and Brunswick is obvious a race track and there are traffic jams everywhere. I’m with you on the void in the ideas suit, but I believe that, as we are writers, this will cure itself in time. At least the weather is gorgeous right now, which makes me feel guilty that I’m hoping for rain. But the plants are drooping as much as your imagination. Just so you know: you’re way too talented and witty to stop.
Kate
John, I agree with you on the cell phones and peoples driving abilities (or lack thereof). However, be thankful you live in Maine and not Florida where the traffic and general construction is overwhelming. I grew up here in Brevard County after we moved from Maine and in the last 20 + years or so it has become a nightmare of construction, congestion and people. I see your sense of humor, dark tho it may be, is still intact so soldier on.
Ohio’s state flower is the orange barrel. We enjoy fall, winter, spring, and orange barrel season which usually overlaps the former and latter. Right now there is no road in our county that is not under construction where even detours have detours. Even the one-lane side roads we all use to get around will spontaneously sprout ROAD CLOSED signs.
Some idiot decided that round-a-bouts are the cure for what ails us. Sooo, the first semi truck to enter our first RAB took out the light poles and signage after running up over the inner curb because the circle was too tight for the commercial traffic entering a commerce park…sigh. The state has even posted future projects for several intersections on our 4-lane state highway. Imagine tootling along at 65+ and, holy crap, there’s a freaking RAB in the middle of the highway!
John, even when you think the tank is empty, your talent proves otherwise. Dark humor, doom and gloom, fantastical characters. You will always have it. Just open the faucets.
There’s a reason network TV runs reruns in the summer. We all need a break now and then to recharge our creative well. Good luck on the sweepstakes!