Sunday, January 17, 2010

Moss and the Brain



I'm in North Carolina right now, immersed in writing the newest book. The photo above is from nearby Orton Plantation, and I've chosen it today because it reflects the state of my mind as I trek through this first draft. I can only see a little way ahead each day; I wish I knew what was at the end of the path, but I don't. All around is a sea of mossy strands, threatening to overtake. Enticing red flowers tempt me off the path. Do I go there?  Or stay on the path?

Or lie down and take a nap?  Mm?

10 comments:

  1. I was wondering where you'd ventured off to. I was thinking maybe you'd jumped ship. ;o)

    I'm a big fan of lying down and taking a nap. :o)

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  2. I may have to report this post to my fellow moss appreciators. Please do not think of moss as threatening! -- President and Founder of the Moss Appreciation Society on Facebook.

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  3. Perfect little metaphor for the writing process. The Moss Appreciation Society might try writing a novel before they get too defensive.

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  4. Ah! So green and mossy. What a lovely contemplation.

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  5. Beautiful! But I think I'd find myself wanting to go out and lie on my back in the grass and stare up at the trees and moss, instead of writing.

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  6. Were your ears burning or was you nose itching while you were in the Cape Fear, NC area? You have been the talk of my classroom for quite a while. My students were amazed when I shared this blog with them today! It helped them see that authors can exist in Wilmington and they may be one of them. Thank you!

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  7. Katherine--
    So THAT'S what is wrong w/my ears/nose. I'm in NC for a few more weeks. Hi to your students!

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  8. Thanks so much for Love That Dog and Hate That Cat! My fourth and fifth graders have just finished them both. My fourth graders really enjoyed Jack's voice, and my fifth graders have not only studied the poems included in the books, but have gone on to read other great poems by Frost, Poe (they love "The Raven"), Dickenson, and Nikki Giovanni. Thank you for escorting them into the world of "grown up" poetry. I wish you could have heard their discussions. I don't think they even needed me in the room! Thanks again.

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  9. Katherine,
    Thank you for the update and please say a special 'hi' to your students.

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  10. Wow. I didn't know you were in NC right now. It is wonderful to find a fellow writer/author writing in NC especially since I know very few who are here. I moved recently from FL. Wonderful! Have fun with all your progress here!

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