This week I have really been struggling with trying to find something to write about. It’s a classic case of writer’s block.
Usually, when I’m working on the weekly blog, I rely on a memory or an event that makes a good story.
But this week, nothing.
Nothing wants to take shape.
I usually like to work with music playing, so first I try the oldies station I love. Today, the familiar tunes I heard as a child do nothing.
I then switch to the soft rock station, the one my husband Joe has nicknamed, “WIMP — Wimp Radio.
Joe’s a Dead Head and a fan of Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix. He’ll tease me about my love of Celine Dion and The Carpenters.
How did two people who have such different likes and interests join and make a family?
When I first me Joe and he told me he spent the first two years after college following the Dead, I thought he was joking.
I actually laughed.
He wasn’t kidding.
How could this nice, mild-mannered guy in a suit be a Dead Head?
Obviously this relationship could never work. I thought of this as I listened to him tell me all the places he traveled just to attend concerts.
I was a choir nerd in high school. I like Frank Sinatra and Dan Fogelberg. I love Broadway show tunes. What would I have in common with a Dead Head?
Twenty two years and three children later, I guess we found a few things to talk about.
With no music on I can hear the incessant ticking of Joe’s alarm clock. Tick, tick, tick, that and the occasional tapping of my keyboard is not helping.
Nor is the noise my children are making trying to get my attention, while pretending to let me have time to work.
“No don’t do that Tom, Noooo. That’s silly Tom,” six-year-old Peter says to his older brother.
“Mommy, did you think of something to write about yet?” says Tom.
He is very sweet and is trying to entertain he brother and sister, but I also know he too wants my attention.
“No. Please guys, let me work.” I croak out, my throat still sore from the cold I can’t shake.
“Tom, you’re talking too loud. You’re hurting my ears,” continues Peter.
“Mommy. Tom is pretending to be a dog. He knows I hate dogs. Make him stop it.”
“Tom don’t pretend you’re a dog. You’re freaking Peter out,” I croak out in a louder voice.
“Please guys, knock it off, I have nothing to publish today. Please help me out. I help you when you have a problem,” I say as nicely as possible, hoping to employ a small amount of mommy guilt.
It’s not working.
I start thinking about the fact that I really don’t know why dogs freak out Peter so much. Poor thing. When we went trick-or-treating this year, a very small dog greeted us at one house and Peter ran down the driveway screaming.
He wouldn’t even take the candy from that house.
“Mom, I do not like dogs,” he said very loudly.
“Yes, Peter, I know that.”
“I love dogs.”
“Yes Lizzy, I know you love dogs.”
That was most of the conversation as we went house to house this Halloween. Now that Tom is an official teenager, he was way too cool to go out with his younger brother and sister. Forget about mom. He did his trick-or-treating with his friends.
It was just me and the comedy duo of Peter and Lizzy. They were so funny this year.
It will be so sad when even they no longer want to trick or treat.
I still have to think of something to write.
Who knows what the dishwasher will do if I don’t publish a post each week? Perish the thought.
Now I hear Lizzy pretending to be a frog. I probably should check on them and make sure the house is still standing. Having the door closed might not be such a good idea.
I look back at the screen.
I still can’t think of anything to write about.
The noise is getting a bit louder. Lizzy is now pretending to be a princess.
Peter is trying to get her back to reality.
“Lizzy… Lizzy… Lizzy… Car 54 where are you?”
I start laughing. This is the phrase that I have been using with Lizzy since she was a baby. For some reason whenever I say, “Car 54, where are you,” she will usually snap back and respond, “Right here.”
It’s funny and sweet to hear Peter employ the same technique to reach her.
Listening to the the three of them playing, I feel grateful that they are such good kids. And entertaining.
I think back to the times my own sisters and I would play and fight trying to occupy ourselves when my parents were busy.
I stare at the blank computer screen willing myself to write something.
The phone rings.
I think about not answering it, but I decided it may be a welcome break from looking at a blank screen.
Hearing my own dad’s voice on the other end of the phone is a nice surprise.
I can’t believe he’s going to be gone for three weeks.
I call for Tom because I know that as much as I may miss my dad, Tom is really missing him more.
My father is close to all his grandchildren, but he and Tom have a special bond. I’m glad that they both have each other. It’s sweet to see.
Tom has the biggest smile on his face.
I’m glad my dad’s escaped the New York cold for the Florida warmth and some fun with his two cousins, but I’m going to miss having him around.
Living only six blocks from my parents has turned out to be a real blessing. But my mother still works, so it’s my dad that I see most days and turn to in a crisis.
It will be a long three weeks without him.
I’m alone with my computer again.
Tom, Lizzy, and Peter have gone downstairs to watch a movie.
Okay, I’ve got about 15 minutes before they start bugging me again.
Back to looking at a blank screen.
I wish I could think of something to say.
Writer’s block is not fun.
You did a really great post for having The Dreaded Block!
Thanks so much!! This was my hardest one!! Thanks for stopping by!!
Kathy, I loved this post! It sure entertained me for you having block! 🙂
I laughed bc Steve and I have such different music taste too. He loves. Heavy metal/alternative mostly. And I love everthing…especially country!
I’m a closet Celine Dion fan! And my Mom loves The Carpenters and Dan Folgerberg!
I hope your throat feels better!! And the weeks with your Dad away go by quickly!!
Lots of love to you!!
Xoxoxo
Maria
I’m a huge Carpenters fan too! Thanks so much for stopping by and supporting me through my block!! Lot’s of love to you too!! xo
A great post for writer’s block.
When my kids were little we avoided trick or treating like the plague — took them to a harvest festival instead. When our youngest was five, we caved and let them all go (the oldest was 14 at the time) — they all continued to go until the youngest was probably 16 (okay that’s probably an exaggeration but you get the idea) , but I think the late start made them want to do it longer ..
Great how the kids want to help you.
Thanks so much for dropping by!! Trick or Treating has never been a favorite of mine, but with my comedy troop it does make me laugh!! xo
this happens to me ALL THE TIME!! so i usually have to force something, then i sound so fake… 🙁 makes me sad. BUT YOURS ARE FINE!! 😀 i’m sure you’ll come up with some good stuffs!
Thanks Jenny, usually I can work through it and something comes, but everything I wrote I hated!! I’m thinking positive thoughts for next week! Great to have you pop in!! Happy Monday!!
Wow! A day in the life of a mommy writer. I’m so familiar with it. Constant interruption, yet with each one we are reminded of how blessed we truly are. Your post was Awesome! :).
Thanks my dear friend!! It was like pulling teeth yesterday, or shall I say all week!! xo
Ha this seems to be me on a regular basis. From writing book reviews to actually working on my own book, things never seem to come and flow like I want when I want them. Loved the post and put a smile on my face early this morning (which is an amazing thing considering I only had a half cup of coffee so far) Loved it!
Thanks so much for dropping by! I wasn’t sure about this one so thanks so much for the great feedback! Coming up with something to write can sometimes be like pulling teeth!! I think it’s great you are working on a book, how exciting! Hope you got more coffee!! Thanks again!
For writers block I think you wrote a great post! 🙂 The day and the life of a mom. haha 🙂 It’s like how it is at my house when I write, although my kids are a bit younger.
I write mostly at night and my husband is home from work, he will be watching the kids, and I eventually get up to deal with the oldest at times, and get the kids entertained with something, then get back to writing. It’s easier when they are all in the playroom upstairs, completely out of my sight and I can’t hear them as well. 🙂 *Sigh* Never a dull moment, but who wants to miss those moments of playing dogs or.. as my son does “BIG whale” as he stands tall on the couch. 😉
There is never a dull moment when you have kids! It’s true! Writing can be tough enough but writing and being a mom can be impossible!! Thanks so much for popping by!!
You STILL wrote a wonderful post! I laughed over Peter’s words, “He knows I hate dogs. Make him stop it.” That is like a scene out of my house! Evie is scared to death of dogs and won’t even go outside if my neighbor’s dog is out.
And “Car 54…where are you?” made me laugh too. I love the way you all interact with each other!
Hope you have a fabulous writing inspired week my beautiful friend!
Thank you so much! I always love to read about your family because it reminds me of mine!! There is something great about the crazy, funny times. Though, it can make writing hard!! Thanks so much for visiting! You are such a great blogging friend!! xo
It’s so awesome how entertaining you can be, even when you have nothing to say! I have to say that it reminds me very much of my house.
Poor Peter, to be so afraid of dogs!
Take care my dear – I’m sure you will be inspired by the time next Sunday rolls around 🙂
Hey Missy! Let me know when you finally have something to say…It’s so annoying coming over here and seeing nothing but your blank screen!
Thanks Becky! Lets hope I can pull a rabbit out of my hat for next week!! xo
I agree with Becky Jane. I was waiting to see a few um’s and blank spaces, but lo’ and behold, simply writing what is going on in that very moment of the block, can be some of the most entertaining and real. Mission accomplished! And let me just say that the fact that you have the chops, muscles and discipline (which is what writing is about- in my humble opinion) to sit down at the computer in the first place, is a true testament to your dedication. Brava! xo
You are too kind my dear friend!! Thank you so much! xo
Saturday I was blank too and prayed, “Dear Lord…please help me to come up with SOMEthing to write about for Monday’s post!” Then I ran into the garage door. Funny how things come to you when you least expect it, isn’t it? 🙂
Diane, what we won’t do for something to write about!!! I thought your post about that was very funny, but it could not have been fun at all. Next time wouldn’t it be great if after your prayed for an idea to write about you won a million dollars or your husband came home with tickets to Hawaii? I’m sending out good thoughts that in the next week we both have fun and wonderful things to write about!! xo
My youngest is terrified of all animals while my oldest loves them all. haha. Don’t you love how the mommy guilt never works on them, but when they put the guilt on us it all but tears us up inside. LOL. Although sometimes when my oldest tries to guilt me into doing something for him I HAVE to laugh because even though I can clearly see what he is doing I have to give him credit for trying. haha
Great Post, and hopefully something will come to you. It’s terrible to have a wall in front of you when your trying to write.
It’s true Tori I’m much more prone to feel mommy guilt than I am to instill it in my kids!!! Lol! They were so funny it was a blessing to listen to them! I’m sending out good thoughts that the write piece will just come to me this week. You can only write a mommy blocked piece once!!! Take care and thanks so much for dropping by!
I agree with Rhonda! For someone with writer’s block, this is a great post 🙂 Wish I would get writer’s block too, maybe it will give me some wonderful ideas to write about.
You are a goof friend and too kind!! xo
Always entertaining Kathy, very clever !! xx
Thanks dear friend! xx
Hey Kathy, if you’re ever stumped for ideas, write from the perspective of one of your kids or even your dishwasher LOL.
Seriously though, the way I keep my ideas flowing is I jot them down at a moments notice. I’m always taking notes on my iPhone, on a paper, whatever. I may not write about them in the near future but I’m never stumped for ideas
Thanks Michelle. I had actually thought of writing from the perspective of the dishwasher and even then was coming up blank!! Thanks for the idea of constantly writing down ideas, I will use that!! Thanks!
Way to write through the block!
Your end product actually tells a pretty good story, but, hey, I wouldn’t expect anything less!
I agree with Michelle…I keep a notebook just for blog ideas. They tend to come at the most random times!
For whatever reason this week any idea I had just did not work. But I think you and Michelle are on to something, your right you never know when they are going to come up!! Thanks for visiting my love!! xo
Blog award just came your way from me. Good for writers block! I just went through the same thing. No pressures to accept. I just wanted to include you because I think you are versatile and love to read what you write about!
Kim thank you so much for the shout out! Always fun to get an award, especially from someone I like so much!! Thanks so much!! xo
You brought to mind all the sweet Carpenter songs that are played on the radio around the Holidays. Sometimes I have to change the station because I am reminded that Karen Carpenter is no longer with us. I still enjoyed your blog…even with the writer’s block!
You know my love of the Carpenter’s, and how much my boys make fun of me for it! It’s nice to have a friend to share it with!! Thanks for stopping by dear friend!! xo
LOL Kathy! I sooooo know what you mean. I’ve been there so many times. I think I wrote a whole post about bloggers block, I literally wrote a post about having nothing to write about! Sounds like your kids were your inspiration again. 🙂 Oh and I also love Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead, my parents were Hippies
Katherine I literally thought of writing a blog about nothing, a-la-Seinfeld! Desperate times call for desperate measures!! My kids love Bob Dylan and the Dead, but they also like Frank Sinatra so at least I’m in there a little!!! Thanks so much for stopping by!! Love you!!
what a beautiful expression you have!!! I loved your blog and you will be seeing me here quite often!!
Thanks so much for checking me and the dishwasher out!! We look forward to more visits from you!!
Kathy,
I really liked reading about your writer’s block! You’re so good at describing a scene and painting a picture, and bringing it all together. This post was so interesting!
Thank you!! You are way too kind!! I always appreciate the support you give me and my crazed appliance! xo
Thanks for making me laugh – I needed that today. Obviously you were able to come up with something wonderful to write – sometimes stream of consciousness is the best bet. Thanks for following me – I am following you back!!
Thanks! Some days are harder than others! It was great to find your site, thanks for following back! I look forward to reading more from you.
When I find myself facing a bad case of writers block I cheat somewhat and do a post over 3-5 interesting & current topics in the news. I just try to word them humorously and sometimes they turn out great!
I’ve also noticed that it realllllyyy helps me when I go read other blogs and take a break from trying to come up with something.
When neither of those things work I usually break something, which tends to make me feel a little better lol 😀
I will try the breaking of something next time!! Thanks Nate!! Lol!
I’m with Spilled Milkshake: you say ‘nothing’ BEAUTIFULLY! Our dishwasher stalled the entire time we were at church today. Pretty sure it’s possesed. I even found time to write a blog – then Hubs healed our appliance. Probably no blogs until March – all yours, baby!!
Kathy, for not having anything to say… well you had my attention… Loved your post!!
I don’t have writers block so much as ADD I cannot for the life of me focus on what I”m supposed to focus on sometimes maybe that’s just a mommy thing…idk =) My blog has gone long lengths of time with no posts not because I don’t know what to write about but because I can’t convince myself to actually write it. I’m actually on a bloggy roll lately!
my kiddos don’t leave me alone unless I “force” them to play with each other by taking them to their room to play with gasp Toys! I know I am so awful. And then if the baby actually stays asleep I get lucky enough to blog and write otherwise I’m up late after I send the kiddos to bed and daddy can entertain the baby.
Great story and peek into your daily life with the kids. So glad you follow my blog, as it sent me to YOUR lovely blog. I tried subscribing via email using your widget, but Feedburner gave me an error saying your blog doesn’t take email subscriptions. Just wanted you to know in case something was wonky. In the meantime, I’m following on Twitter, FB and GFC. I’m determined not to miss any crazy dishwasher stories!
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