I have been dealing with the dreaded “writer’s block” since we rang in the new year.  But you post almost every day here at DFB (the little voice in my head screams).  I know, I know.  But I’m talking about a block when it comes to writing fiction- which I haven’t posted much of.  

‘Cause I was stuck.

And then last week I had a “moment” (actually, I had several during the course of the week- on top of being sick) because it feels like things aren’t  going the way I think they should. When this happens,  I usually go off by myself and have a full on pity party until I feel better, and that was totally my plan for dealing.   

But sometimes I end up on a friend’s radar and they call me to talk me off the ledge.  I had two of those calls last week.  One from Suzanne and one from Lindsey.  

They both listened to my whine/rant with the patience it takes to deal with a tantrum throwing toddler.  And then Suzanne gave me a homework assignment ( to read a book- as if I don’t do that enough already) and later that day, Lindsey told me that I needed to unplug (uh- yeah- right).  

But both of them were right. (Damn it!)

I needed  a reminder that obstacles are just to show you how bad you really want something, and I needed to unplug from all of the economic, political, local news that I was imbibing because it was just making me nuts.  

I’ve got a masters degree in counseling. I know how to do this stuff. And yet, I still need a reminder every now and then.

So I read the book, and skipped the local, cable, and Internet news for a few days.  I hung out with my family- we talked, we ate, we saw movies, we got on each other’s nerves.  It was great.  

And I started becoming unblocked.  Ideas started flowing for the consulting gig and the writing.  I’m feeling more focused.  I’m lining up my projects and moving on in spite of the uncertainty. 

But it’s the writing that’s made me the happiest.  I finally started working out an idea for a series for DFB and will post the first installment on Saturday.  I’m excited about the character and the folks that  populate her world.  They are southern, eccentric, and some are just plain funny.  

So there is less news in my house right now (I didn’t say I was NEVER going to watch again), more music, and more creating and doing.  

Hmm- maybe some optimism is breaking through.  

Just in time for spring.