Bobbing and Writing
So, as I sit day in and day out watching the surfers bob in the ocean, waiting for the next wave to come (which can be a pretty long time in FL), I marvel at their patience. Something I seriously lack, more and more by the day lately. Seems like it would be boring. They go with the swells, up and down, up and down. Then, finally, a wave will come. Surfer paddles fast, gets to his feet on the board, rides it sideways for about 10 feet (if they're lucky) and then squats back down to the board (told ya - small waves down here- unless there's a huricane and then you see hoards of surfers at the beach). Lots of tedium for a couple seconds of fun.
Wait a minute. Isn't that pretty much what I do day in and day out at the computer? My WiP's on the screen and I sit and stare at the blur of words. Hoping beyond hope for that burst of inspiration. When it hits, my little fingers type, type, type. Then the momentum dies down and I paddle back out and wait for the next wave.
Right about now, I think I could use a hurricane. Anyone else having a hard time catching a wave over the summer?
For those of you disgruntled with my non-love of the ocean, I forgot - I do like it sometimes. Especially when the water temp is 85 degrees and it looks like this.
Good thing I'm not a surfer ;-)
Catch ya later dudes.
Comments
I do have difficulty catching waves during the summer--too many distractions.
Reading with the sound of the ocean and gulls in the background is quite meditative and relaxing. So is walking the beach. (of course, you have two youngish children to keep an eye on, so you probably aren't getting the meditative effect.)
Well, surfing is like that..and much like floating on a raft: relaxing. Soaking in the sun, meditative, floaty, and then, when a wave worthy of motion comes along, you have a fun burst of energy. Then back to floating and chilling, until the next wave. It is a zen-like experience. But, for true, the east coast mostly has crap for waves, unless there's a storm.
And, there's always the Yum. ;)
I miss you.
Love,
Lola
Great way to explain those moments inbetween in writing. I need a hurricane (not a real one that would suck) in my WiP in a bad way. I'm lucky if I have lake style lap waves. Sigh. Hoping I will recharge while I have my folks in town and I can forget (as much as possible) my WiP and when I get back feel refreshed. Right now I'm the surfer just bobbing and getting motion sick ;)
Hope you are enjoying your trip and watching the surfers!
I'm more of a water skier myself. :)
Anne - How 'bout a cup of coffee in a couple months instead ;-)
Diane - Time off is usually a good recharger - I hope it worked for you!
Stina- Are you telling me I need to hope for a hurricane and a snowstorm?! Yikes.
Lola - ok, ok, the beachain't so bad after all - especially the yum ;)
SJS - I'm getting along, thanks.
Jemi - I hope those ideas escape quickly for you!
Erica - I had a few guys try to teach me the art of surfing, but I never made it to my feet - mostly I think because I was too busy making out with them in the water, lol.
DL - I hate waste!
Though i live in MN and we have lakes, so not a lot of surfing...
I think of writing more like sitting in a boat and rushing down river towards the ocean. There's no telling what I'll have to go through to get there but I hold on tight and hope.
Jai
Susan - Yeah, even my dirt-monger daughter is over the sand.
Karen - I have to agree. That's one of the most relaxing sounds ever.
Falen - I think because I grew up with the ocean, I can't do lakes. They freak me out - maybe it's the not being able to see clear to the bottom like here? Dunno, really.
Keep writing; you certainly demonstrate the right amount of introspection to be a great writer.