Inspiration from an Uninspired Tuesday

What do you say when you feel like you have nothing to say?
You sit at your desk or on your couch and stare seemingly
mindlessly at a computer screen void of characters or thoughts 
and wonder what to do next. I'm sitting here, you think, at least 
trying whip up some sort of literary delight, something inspiring, 
something thought provoking. Yet nothing comes. 


This describes me perfectly this week. I've sat down many times
to write this post, but currently I feel completely unoriginal and 
uninspired. I'd much rather curl up with my Boxer-Schnauzer mix,
Hobbes, and dream the afternoon away. The soft sounds of strings 
and piano from my son's lullaby CD only encourage my sleepy state. 


Yet a writer must write, right? Despite how we feel or what we
may think, we must write, even if we think we have nothing to say. 
It comes down to self discipline. We all have God-given talents,
and we must exercise them. I don't know if practice really makes
perfect, but is sure helps. Because blogging forces we who are
aspiring authors to accountability with ourselves and others, 
I consider it essential to those of us attempting to break into the
literary world. It's Tuesday, I think to myself, it's been a week.
I have to write something... . 


Beyond the dullness fogging my mind I know there is more. Colorful 
creativity and playful prose are waiting for me to break through walls 
of mediocrity and melancholy, walls otherwise known at writer's block.
Will I succumb to these walls that attempt to intimidate? Not a bit. After 
all, a writer must write. 


Does anyone else ever struggle with brainstorming fun and interesting 
topics to blog or write about? How do you combat non-inspired times?

Be Careful What You Say

I'm sure anyone who is a parent remembers saying words or phrases
around their children they regret. Ridiculous is one I regret. When
frustrated I tend to say someone or something is ridiculous. Mature,
I know. My almost four year old now says it more often than I would like,
and even worse, sometimes she says that her daddy or mommy are 
ridiculous. We give her a stern look and remind her that isn't nice to say,
and yes, Mommy was wrong to say it in the first place. Sometimes though,
it's really hard not to laugh when your children repeat, in context, things 
you have said.


Yesterday, while in our "play room," James (21 months) pushed an entire
pile of completed puzzles off a shelf. Avalon looked at him with a serious,
exasperated look and said, "Really, James... really?" I bit my lip to keep 
from busting out in a huge laugh. How many times have I said that to my
kids after devastating mess occurs? 


Because Avalon is already emulating my parenting style, for the sake of my
distant, distant future grandchildren, I need to be sure I continue to be 
an example of unconditional love and mercy, yet firm on disciplinary issues,
such as not giving into tantrums. She is already informing us of who she will
marry, how many children she will have, and what she will be when she
grows up. The number of children increases continually. We're up to seven.
As for an occupation, she currently has decided on "mommy and baby doctor"
who also is a "hair cutter." 


I know "ridiculous" and sarcastic phrases like "really?" aren't bad per say, but
I do want to be sure everything I say is uplifting and honors God. 


Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is 
helpful for the building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit
those who listen. Ephesians 4:29 NIV