This First Wednesday of July I’m answering the question of the month on the IWSG Website. Here, I’m just going to ramble on a bit about what’s happening in my little part of the world.
I finished up my Covid-19 Challenge last week on Day 95 with a total of 341 miles. That means I averaged 3.58 miles a day, so I’m rounding up and saying I met my challenge of 4 miles a day. Out of all that mileage came some interesting lessons for me as a writer.
At first, I really didn’t think I could make it 4 miles. That’s a ways and at my advance age it takes some time, so I’d have to cut out other activities, leave some jobs undone. And I was right. I had to adjust my routine, and guess what? That’s exactly what I needed to do–put a freshness into my days.
I discovered I enjoyed those regular tasks more or they really weren’t that necessary after all. They definitely didn’t seem so boring. Some days the dishes waited until late at night, the bed wasn’t made until I climbed back into it, I made do with leftovers for dinner. The world hadn’t ended, and I’d racked up 4 more miles. Translated into my writer’s world…I can write anytime or not at all, and somehow all will be well.
After the first week, 4 miles didn’t seem very far anymore, and there were some days I did more. My longest walk was 9 miles, and I didn’t know I’d gone that far until I checked my phone. I thought about that and realized that I should apply that to my writing. I needed to stop thinking “I can’t write that next book” and just do it. Nothing’s impossible if I’m determined enough.
There’s a lot to see out there when you’re not rushing. Since I tried to take a different route everyday, I discovered so many places in the town where I’ve lived many years. Things look different when you’re on foot and not driving. Even familiar trails held some surprises for me because I wasn’t on my way anywhere; I was just out for a hike. So why not just enjoy the process of setting down a story? I did that when I first started writing, and I realized I needed to recapture that joy and stop pushing to get that next book finished.
I miss getting up and heading out first thing in the morning, but now stores are opening up, trails and sidewalks are more crowded, traffic has swelled to almost pre-Covid levels, so I’ve decided to only take those long walks once in a while. I may even hook up with some friends again and see how walking with others feels. It has been a while since I’ve had conversations with people face-to-face, and I’m missing that kind of interaction. Zoom has helped, but it can’t replace sharing real, physical time with people I like. Another writer lesson: you have to write alone, but you can’t isolate yourself forever without losing some of the inspiration others bring into your life.
On the Reading Front
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Reading has–as always–been a bit part of my daily routine, and I didn’t change that while I’ve been distancing from the rest of the world. I loved this book. What an intricate plotter this writer is. I have a lion’s head knocker exactly like the one on the cover, and it opens a gate into a garden. I had to read this book because of the intrigue that lion’s head and that gate offered. I wasn’t disappointed. |
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From the sublime to the wacky, or in this case Wonky. I bought this book for one of my little ones. Well, I was laughing so hard while reading it that I had a tough time getting through the story. The kids didn’t find the book half as entertaining as I did, but they thought I was hilarious with tears rolling down my cheeks. They’ll get what’s so funny once they’ve matured. |
Quote of the Month: “Life is inherently risky. There is only one big risk you should avoid at all costs, and this the risk of doing nothing.” Anonymous
Congratulations on achieving your walking goal and on enjoying all the extra exercise. We are currently “living” in a city and it is difficult to find uncrowded areas. It seems like everyone has been out all the time, using the sidewalks and rail trails, since Covid started. People must be so much healthier now. 🙂
Like you say, it’s all about determination – the walking and the writing. I love how you draw parallels between the two and how you learn from one experience to enhance the other. Have a wonderful week, C. Lee!
Hi Liesbet. Thanks for the wonderful comment. I’ve been out walking, so I’ve fallen behind in other commitments. At least, I have a healthy excuse, right?
Congratulations Lee on your accomplishment and making all those new synapses in your brain. Fantastic way to keep fit in mind and body.
Grasping at what I can as I’m sure others are as well.
Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Congratulations on your increased miles and discovering new things about yourself and your writing.
There are some great videos on Youtube of adults trying to read Wonky Donkey while holding it together. They are so funny.
Thanks for such an inspiring post.
That book must have been written for the older reader. It is a perfect one to read now and cheer yourself up.
Four miles a day is pretty good, but I could see how that would cut into the time of your other tasks. You’re right, the traffic is returning, which makes the walking harder. Sometimes I almost wish things were the way there were a couple of months ago when the streets were empty. But I also wish that no one else dies from the virus either. I’m sure you’ll find a way to keep those miles going.
I understand what you mean, Ken. I’d like fewer people clogging the streets with cars, but I don’t want that to be at the expense of lives. I’m still chalking up the miles; I’m just not making it a challenge anymore. Actually, that has made the walks even more enjoyable.
Congrats on finishing the challenge. Writing is great for clearing the head and it sounds like you’ve refocused on what’s important. If we get caught up in the publication and marketing rush, we can lose all the enjoyment.
Exactly. What writer said something like if you write with joy it’s an artistic creation. If you write without joy, it’s just writing? That’s a very loose re-statement.
Good job on the writing! And I like how you parlayed that into lessons about writing. I walk for forty minutes three times a week and jog four times a week. I often find the best story ideas come while I’m out exercising!
What is about those endorphins? They are creative engines. Great job with the walks and the jogging!
I really like how you translated your physical exercise into writing-related lessons.
Walking? Does walking up and down the stairs, four times a day at school, count at all?
Everything counts, and stairs count double. You can quote me on that. 🙂
Stairs count double? Ha! *fist pump* Then I’m not doing too bad… 😜
I’ve been walking too (only about 2 mi a trip), and it lightens my mood so much. There’s something about getting out that gets you out of your own head.
That is true, Liz. And studies prove that exercise reduces stress and depression. I rely on moving this old carcass to keep sane. Congrats on those miles!
You always have the best quotes. I live in a country neighborhood with long distances between houses. The stay at home orders actually meant I saw more people when I walk or jog instead of less. LOL I’m ready for them to go back to work. I love getting that exercise and having all that time inside my own mind. Four miles per day is awesome.
Time inside your own mind! Yes. That’s exactly how it is when you’re out for a solitary walk…even if you do run into people along the way. You’re lucky to have that space to explore, Susan.
That is a lot of walking. Good for you. It’s nice to know that we are capable of doing so much more when we let the little things go. Of course, I feel bad about the mess about the house. Pretty soon, it won’t be a little thing to straighten up anymore.
You’re right about the accumulated mess. I finally stop everything and clean up before I start to work again or take off on a walk. It’s nice to return to a place that’s clean.
Walking is such a wonderful way to decompress and get in touch with the world around us. I take a three mile trek from my house up to a wooded park and back, and take alternate routes to go through different neighborhoods. And the risk of doing nothing is, indeed, the biggest risk of all.
I so agree about doing nothing. If I don’t get out and work my body, my mind turns to slush. Your walk sounds delicious.
Good for you! Walking is never a bad habit to get into. I can’t wait to get back at it. There’s a particular spot, off the canyon trail, where it suddenly becomes so quiet you can practically hear a bug sneeze, and curious birds strike up conversations. Mountain lions like that area too, so it pays to be aware. But how can you not be aware of nature?
Sounds like you’ll have coffee with friends before I do. We just shut down – again. No matter, I guess. I’m finishing up a long over-due project 😉
Happy walks and writing!
Hearing a bug sneeze! Now that is funny and a great way to describe the silence in nature. We have those big cats here, too, so I never hike at dawn or dusk. Of course, even during the day, they say they see you a lot while you might never see them.
Sorry about the re-shut down. It’s worse the second time around, and who knows, but that we’ll be doing the same.
I love the idea of challenging yourself to walk. I agree when you walk you see so many things that you miss when you drive by. Very inspiring.
What’s wonderful is that my kids love to walk, so when we can be together, we take off on a trail and enjoy the experience together.
Four miles a day – that’s quite impressive. And I like your motto: “Nothing is impossible.”
I’ll keep walking, but probably not every day. I’m back to mixing it up with yoga and cardio. I’m ready for variety now. I’m glad you liked the motto. It’s good to have something like that in your head when times are difficult.
Way to go, C. Lee! Your posts on Facebook inspired me to get out there and keep going on my humdrum days. I’ve had a goal for the past year to walk 10,000 steps or more a day. That translates to around 4 miles, but I’m not necessarily trying to do it all at once. And for a long while, I could only do 1 mile at a time. These days I mix it up with 1,2,3, and 4 mile walks, and some occasional hikes. It definitely invigorates my writing life. Now, if I would just stop eating the same amount of calories I’m burning …
It’s interesting isn’t it how at first a mile seems so far, and then it isn’t. So glad you set a reasonable goal and are enjoying it. I’m chuckling about your calorie comment.
Wow, nine miles in one walk? That’s impressive! I love that you took different routes and were able to discover things you’d never noticed before.
That was a long day, but for some reason, it was easy. I’ve had other days when 2 miles was about all I felt like doing.
I’m averaging about 55 miles a week now. Some weeks it’s higher, but that’s hard to maintain, like your 9-mile day. Besides, I have work to do!
Work and chores and time to take care of yourself need to be a big part of the day, so like I’ve said before, any walking or any exercise in this busy time of 2020 should be applauded. 55 miles/week is darned good!
Walking brings so many ‘new’ things into focus doesn’t it? The tasks it displaces can always be done later. Much later.
That said, while washing up one night I discovered a mathematical marvel which was totally new to me.
If you add the digits of any multiple of nine together the result is nine (eg 2 x 9 =18. 1 +8 = 9). Goodness only knows why that popped into my head. Mathematics and I have never got along.
Wow! I’ll have to pass that along to my kids. One is math sharpie, so I’ll ask her if she’s ever heard of this. I’m not good with numbers, but they fascinate me.
I’d love to live in an area with lots of picturesque hikes and walks nearby. I always hated being dragged on them when I was younger, but it’s different when you’re on your own timetable and going to places you choose, when you choose. I miss living right next to a pond and small woods.
I’m happier when I’m in open areas, too. However, I did walk a lot of neighborhoods these past few months and I found it interesting to at least see people and say hello once in a while, even if it was from a distance.
I’m impressed!!! I’m lucky to manage walking 1 mile a day. I have to admit, those walks help greatly to clear the cobwebs. Here in Buffalo, NY we’re in phase 4. Everything is supposed to be opening with social distancing. But since other states are seeing a rise in covid, Cuomo might push the phasing backward, which infuriates me. In WNY, no covid deaths in 4 consecutive days, and few admissions into hospitals. I will wear a mask to protect those around me and myself.
Let’s hope next month we’ll see more progress and a healthier America!
I’m with you on wishing for things to open up and for us to be in healthier places. This is so stressful!
As to the mile…I think any distance is commendable. Keep it up.
Awesome that you met your goal. Maybe you can just walk in your neighborhood. I do it for my mental health as well as exercise. And I know what you mean about being alone so much of the time. Even with seeing my boyfriend a few nights, my daughter and her boyfriend every few weeks, it’s hard sometimes being so alone so much of the time.
We humans are generally tribal, so isolation from others has always been punitive. I’m glad you have some contact with your boyfriend and your daughter.
Great thoughts on both walking and writing! I work out daily, walking, sometimes jogging some, biking, or (in non-COVID times) swimming, and I feel pretty awful if I can’t do it. Sometimes lately it’s looked a it obsessive, as I struggle to keep it all together, but I figure that’s better than obsessively eating chocolate (not saying no chocolate has happened, you understand).
I hear exactly what you’re saying, Rebecca. Any time I don’t exercise I’m prone to being very down, but since I’ve been living alone, it’s a necessity that I get out and move. It may be obsessive, but I prefer it to pills as I know you do as well. Keep going and chocolate is absolutely permissible. 🙂
Good for you, Lee. You sound so enthusiastic and excited. Walking is good, though I don’t do nearly enough. Hoping for cooler temperatures to get back outside.
It is harder to walk in the heat, so hope you have a cool down. I notice that I’m not in a very good mood if I don’t get outside and move these days.
Good on you! Four miles–I do 2.1 on my really good days. Honestly, it’s the dog’s fault. He gets tired.
And two nice books!
That’s right, Jacqui. Blame it on the dog. 🙂 Actually, any walking is a good idea, so I applaud you for getting out there.
Hi Lee – it’s a matter of mind over matter … to get on out there – congratulations on grasping the mettle and getting out and doing it – walking it … and 9 miles is some distance … yes a couple of walks/hikes with friends will be great to add in more often. We need to shake up the changes occasionally … go well and look after yourself – all the best – Hilary
Shaking things up is always a good idea, but I often forget and stay in my rutted routine. Something good came from this terrible virus, so I’m grateful for that. Hope you’re doing well on the other side of The Pond. I miss not being able to pop over and get my Great Britain fix.
Hi,
It sounds like things have taken a turn for the best in your area. However, the USA is still on our don’t fly list over here where I lived. The announcement came out last Thursday on the news that the USA had percentage had risen and were now worse than the first surge.
I hope that the numbers go down because I would like to visit my family next year.
Take care.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
We’re on a roller coaster here, Pat. Some counties are open. Some are closed. Some are sort of open. We don’t know what to expect from day to day, and neither does our leadership. What a mess.
I heard we are persona non grata in Europe, so you guys are free of the annoying U.S. tourist for a while.
Hope you get to visit your family when you plan. Fingers crossed for all of us.
Sounds like some good lessons we all should learn. =)
I’m not alone. That’s for sure.
A 9-mile walk. Wow! You’re doing great!
“the bed wasn’t made until I climbed back into it” Sounds like me. HAHA
Hi Chrys. Yes, that 9 miles was a bit of a surprise. I didn’t set out to go that far, but it just happened. As to beds…unmade works when more important things need attending to.
Hi, Cheryl-Lee!
I have praised you before and I must praise you again for logging all those miles on foot. All of my best writing ideas come to me when I am alone with plenty of time for my mind to drift. It makes sense that you gained writing insights on your daily solo treks. I find that if you want something badly enough you make time for it. That’s exactly what you did with your walks, and the rest of your daily life fell into place much better than you expected. You trimmed the fat in more ways than one. The same lesson applies to writing your next book or any other goal. Get started, make time, build momentum and see it through to completion. You might miss a few reruns of I Love Lucy, but which was ultimately more important?
I also agree that you gain a much greater appreciation of the natural beauty around you by walking past it rather than whizzing down the interstate in your car. In fact if you drive at a speed of 50 or 55 mph even when the limit allows 70, you will see more of the countryside and enjoy the ride a lot more. I guarantee it.
You are in a good place, Cheryl-Lee, and that makes me happy. Enjoy the rest of your week and month. If you were planning to visit Shady’s Place, I ask that you wait until I publish tomorrow’s post, because it is one that I very much want you to see. Thank you, dear friend, C-Lee!
Your visits are always such a treat, Shady. I’ll be sure to wait until tomorrow and then come by to say hello. You’ve piqued my interest.
Great that you got to see more and just take the time to do it. Shows that some things don’t matter much like making the bed. Just getting back to enjoying writing is the way to be.
It’s all a matter of perspective, isn’t it? Cats already have it nailed, but we humans have always lagged behind them.
LOVE the Wonky Donkey – it’s a favourite read around here!!
You did an amazing job with your challenge – 4 miles a day is incredible! I loved the pictures you posted 🙂
Yay! Another Wonky Donkey fan. I can’t think about the story without at least smiling. Thanks for following my challenge, Jemi. And another congratulations on your short story. I enjoyed reading it and discovering who the girl really was.
I’ve been taking two walks a day for years and really enjoy it. Gives one’s mind a chance to clear. Just getting out and walking proves we can get on with the writing.
And you don’t have any equipment to buy and haul around.
Hi Lee
Well what an inspiring post for this month. You did great and yes, we don’t always have to prioritize the mundane tasks. I enjoyed reading you. Keep safe!
I’m pleased you enjoyed the post, and doubly pleased that you took the time to read and comment. Always a pleasure to have your visits.