Here I am, back to my blog—a week later than planned. It was hard to dig myself out of the house, but I also welcomed the chance to get away. A writer can only do so much before needing to refresh one’s creative spark.
Flying out on the first leg of my journey to visit my daughter, I looked over a long-neglected verse novel that requires revision. I re-read the first pages and made notes; then took a further step back, and considered how to reorganize the entire first third of the manuscript to bring it into alignment with the remainder.
No further work happened during the week away. Never before having been on the big island of Hawaii, there was too much new to admire and enjoy. Think papaya for breakfast and acai bowls and fish dinners. And waterfalls and botanical gardens.
Even so, it was really good to get home to Sophie. Somehow, I need a way to take more frequent breaks from routine that don’t require me to leave my dog—at least not for days and nights.
Gimme a second break!
Last fall, everyone I knew who traveled had gotten sick—either during their time away or on their return. My neighbor even got sick before she left; she cancelled her whole journey. So when I made my own quick trip at the end of September to visit family, I masked up for airports and planes. And all went well.
I did the same this time. But where I’d traveled alone before, this time I traveled with my son. We don’t know where it came from, but midway through our visit, he came down with a “cold.” He masked up again, but somehow I picked up the virus and incubated it until arriving home. The next morning, I tested positive for Covid.
It’s been years since I had a cold. Having Covid was one big miserable head cold. And for three evenings I grew chilled as my temperature rose, only for it to dissipate in the morning. I’m sure that’s how colds got their name—but I don’t remember having a fever with one in like forever. Probably not since I was a kid.
But, you know? Having Covid was also a second break in routine. I had to cancel my schedule, which left me free to pursue that verse novel revision that inspired me on the flight out. The focused time for the remainder of the week was so rewarding, I decided I need to give myself a break every week.
I’ve got an idea. More on that topic next week.
Be well, all!
And if you can’t be well, make the most of your breaks from routine. It helps slow down time itself!
Kate Harrington 