Tally the Barn Cat (Currently NOT murdering something.)
"But you have your summers off?!" I hear so often as a teacher when I happen to have a weak moment and accidentally let it slip that I am tired, exhausted, pooped. But the truth is, I actually think I work harder throughout the summer than I do any other months of the year.
And I LOVE it!
On a farm, something is always hungry, dirty, empty, broken, sick, too long, too short, too dry, too wet, not quite done, or needs redoing. Plus, as I get older, at the end of each summer day, my back hurts, my hands are sore, my shoulders ache, and my brain is mush.
And I LOVE it!
No need for a gym membership here.
Sometimes, however, I find it hard to balance my inside time with my outside time. Like today, though it's an absolutely beautiful, sunny 79 degrees out, I am inside writing for the morning. I've tried taking my laptop outside to write on the front or back porch, but my brain feels too pulled toward distractions whenever I try that. Not to mention the glare on my screen. My solution has been to think of my day in chunks of work/reward time.
I just put in a load of laundry and steam-cleaned the living room carpet. Now I get to revise a chapter of Nokota Voices 2 (working title).
I just filled bird feeders, mowed the lawn, and scooped poop. Now I get to write my blog.
I just cleaned the chicken coop and swept the barn. Now I get to read a friend's pdf book so I can give them a review.
It works in reverse, too.
I just finished my blog. Now I get to trim a pasture tree and go make some junk art.
I just wrote 5 pages. Now I get to weed my vegetable garden and eat all the sugar snap peas.
I just did a bunch of research for my book. Now I get to enjoy a drink with my husband on the porch and watch a thunderstorm roll in.
See what I mean? It's just my weird little way of finding balance as I blaze through the summer. Then, I'll be on to autumn!
Make hay while the sun shines! Then enjoy a homemade slushy reward.
Echoes of the Nokota, Nokota Voices, and Sparkslingers nestled on local bookstore shelves.
Frank Kuntz and I will be in Medora, ND,
signing books on
August 16 and 17th!
"Sisters" Rock Art (Thanks, Pinterest.)
National Sisters Day was August 3! My four sisters and I finally found a day to spend together.
We laughed and talked and even cried a little on our special day out.
"Happy Place"
98 Degrees.
RainyDay and I often stand in front of the barn fan, enjoying the scenery.
Interesting way to schedule writing with life.
ReplyDeleteGreat to balance your days. Love the pictures. Nature and fresh air. Here, in Phoenix, Arizona, we hide inside for the summer, dreaming of rain... and sleeveless winters in shorts and sandals.
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