What I am "supposed" to be doing is giving my dog a bath and then cleaning the bathroom. But, I'm really not that keen on it (who is?). So, I'm sitting, sipping coffee, listening to the shooshing traffic, the rain, the wind and a few seagulls calling and...I'm writing.
Sure, maybe procrastination isn't something you want to have as part of your life on a permanent daily basis, but every-once-in-awhile, it's a wonderful tool to pull out and use. It's like a magic wand waved over time that changes it into something you hadn't expected. It's a great tool for writers or musicians or any other creative type in any field. And, it works both ways.
Today, procrastination in doing housework and a lazy-ish rainy day is creating the perfect setting for writing - something I haven't done much of lately. On another day, it might be exactly the opposite. Writer's block may be broken through or fingers that won't find notes on the piano may be re-infused with melody after a good long scrub in the kitchen (or making cookies or bread) or going for a walk. I find that sometimes it's in the moments of procrastination that I hear that small voice finally solving the character or plot issue. On a walk I might notice how the wind is playing through the trees and I will catch that moment that gives the perfect hint of notes or atmospheric quality I've been looking for in a new piece of music.
And housework? Nothing is going to fall down if I don't clean the bathroom right now. Our daily responsibilities are not always as huge and as critical as we think (outside of the obvious - children, our beloveds, living expenses, etc) and time can be taken now and again. In fact, time should be taken on a regular basis for procrastinating on the things we "should" do and taking delight in the things that make us sing inside. The places we really belong are the places that really need tending.
So, my secret delight is in procrastinating on puppy and bathroom cleaning (I can assure you Tavish is not complaining about missing his bath.... :) ) and basking in a perfect rainy day for writing.
Rain Song
Mists curl around air
Walking in the trees I dream
The song of the rain
Tavish, however, is not so sure about the rain.... :)
Thank you for the reminder, Kerry! And I absolutely LOVE your haiku! It's beautiful and I think it's one of my favorites. :)
ReplyDelete~Patrick
Kerry, this really is (as always) so wonderful, in every word, every moment and every way. This is the kind of reminder that everyone could do with reading when things become that bit frantic, to remind us to bring peace, tranquillity and balance into our world: so atmospheric, so thoughtful and just wonderful.
ReplyDeleteAnd "puddle people" - ever since I was a wee young lad, I saw those little racing bubbles as fairies dashing along with umbrellas (though I never gave them such a delightful name).
This is just lovely; and your Rain Song haiku; just perfect. Without such procrastination, this marvellous inspiration just wouldn't have come to be. One thing I often say: "Sometimes doing nothing is every bit as important as doing something", though your gentle procrastination today is far more than doing nothing: it's brought more magic into the world, and that's something pretty special.
Glad to see Tavish prepared for all eventualities, too: rain or bath, he's ready :)
As always, thanks for sharing such beautiful inspiration, in that tranquil place gazing out on that Monet-painted world of whispering tyres on wet roads.
Beautiful. Wow. Thanks :)
Ian :)