Writing in the midst of a thick fog
An Australian Daisy
A long, long time
It has been a very long time since I have written a post on this site. While there still is steady traffic to the many articles I have written over the years, I feel a little embarrassed about the lack of new content here.
A Deep Fog
I am currently coming out of a deep fog regarding my writing. This has lasted for well over 18 months. Initially, it was because much of my energy was taken up with fulltime caring for my wife. Next, it was dealing with her passing in January 2018, followed by all of the official matters dealing with wrapping up all of her affairs, followed closely by adapting to single life again after 47 years of marriage. At times it was difficult, at times it as depressing, and at all times it was challenging. And sometimes the grieving process, something that I necessarily had to experience, was debilitating. It left me little energy to devote to my writing.
Family visit
Just over a week ago, I left home in Murray Bridge, South Australia (near Adelaide) to drive to Sydney to visit my son and his family. I love seeing my two grandchildren growing up – it is happening too quickly at times – and also experiencing a part of their lives for a short time.
A different route
On the way, I took four days to get to Sydney instead of the normal two days. I took a different route for a change, travelling on some roads I hadn’t used for many years, as well as other roads which were completely new to me. Along the way, I enjoyed plenty of birding and photography, two of my many interests. I write about the birds I see and share photos of some of them on Trevor’s Birding.
Books and more books
As I stated at the beginning of this post, I have been living through a fog regarding my writing. I have still been writing regularly in my personal journal and a few other minor things, but the energy for serious writing to share with the world has been elusive. During this time of readjusting my life, I have been reading a great deal. I have read a steady stream of excellent novels, many articles and some books about writing as well as some inspirational books which have ministered deeply to my Christian spiritual needs. Many of these books I hope to review here on this site. Some I have already given short reviews on Goodreads.
Callistemon
A new enthusiasm
Having a short break away from home has given me a new perspective, and, I hope, a new enthusiasm to go on with my writing. I hope that this short holiday will be just the tonic I need to get on with new writing projects – I have a long list of potential stories and novels – as well as get many old projects launched out into the big wide world.
Good writing. Good reading.
Trevor
Life is tough in the Aussie bush
Poor fellow
Life has certainly been tough in most parts of the Australian countryside for more than a decade now. Many rural people have experienced devastating droughts, overwhelming floods, unbelievable locust and mice plagues, raging bushfires, economic downturns and unsympathetic banks. Sadly, many have not coped with the stresses of these disasters and have ended their lives. Suicide is a serious issue in many rural communities, and all it does is solve the problem for the individual, leaving further tragedy and perhaps guilt for those left behind.
With typical laconic Aussie humour in the midst of all this angst, the poor fellow shown in the photo above couldn’t even get his last act right. Instead of leaping over the cliff to the rocks below, he stumbled into a boxthorn bush. What a harsh way to go!
Seriously, although we may laugh at this poor fellow’s tragic and misplaced end, suicide is no laughing matter. If you are experiencing stress, anxiety or depression, or know someone who is, please consult your family doctor ASAP. In the meantime, sites like Beyond Blue here in Australia can be a first step on the path to recovery. There is help available and professionals can show that there is hope in seemingly hopeless situations. This hasn’t always been the case. When I was young three close relatives needlessly took their own lives; they didn’t know where to turn for help.
Writers make up a group most at risk. We often work long hours alone, cloistered by necessity. Getting published can be depressingly difficult. Finances can be stretched to breaking point just as our spirits can also break. Be sure to get help if that’s where you’re at.
Good writing and good health.