Sandra Heska King

daring to open doors

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Window on Writing: Stuttering

January 19, 2011 By Sandra Heska King

Baby toys litter the living room floor. Along with the rolled and taped diaper I forgot to didn’t bother to toss.

Wait. There are two of them.

Kitchen floor crumbs crunch underfoot.

Last night’s dinner dishes teeter on the counter–along with with those from today’s breakfast and lunch.

We could eat off the dining room table.

I mean really.

I think this spot is macaroni and cheese. This looks like lasagna. Here’s a stray piece of lettuce. A sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar. A crust of toast. Some dried oatmeal. An apple core. A half glass of unswallowed milk.

It’s a well-balanced meal.

Winter footprints of mud and salt spatter the back kitchen floor.

Wood shavings, bark, and dirt grind their way into the carpet downstairs.

Clean folded clothes cover the sofa.

At least they’re clean.

I’d like to think this mess is a symptom of inspired writer-at-work syndrome.

Maybe a little.

Because here I am writing.

But mostly it’s a symptom of hourglass runout as I tend to more critical family needs following my daughter’s surgery and hospitalization and now during her recovery.

And my writing stutters.

This, too, shall pass.

In time.

I will not be frustrated.

I will not be moved.

I will go with the flow.

I planned my way.

But He directs my path.

And I will be on track again.

In time.

Meanwhile, I’ve learned we now have a Great Lakes Chapter of ACFW right here in Michigan. I’m excited. And a little apprehensive. Because I feel more pressure to make progress on my fiction WIP.

Trusting He will redeem the time.

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Filed Under: stories and reflections, writing

Comments

  1. Kenda says

    January 19, 2011 at 8:21 pm

    Clutter and expanded mess gets put in perspective at such critical times, doesn’t it? Sending get-well wishes to your daughter and writing moments for you as you go…

    • Sandra says

      January 22, 2011 at 6:05 pm

      Thank you, Kenda. Lots of grist–along with the grit. 😉

  2. L.L. Barkat says

    January 19, 2011 at 9:21 pm

    You are writing, yes. And there is poetry in the words. 🙂

    • Sandra says

      January 22, 2011 at 6:06 pm

      I’ve even cleaned up some of the mess. 😉

  3. laura says

    January 19, 2011 at 9:39 pm

    Hey, I’m impressed to find you here! After the time you’ve had…I sure have been praying for you and yours. Thanks for keeping us updated on FB. That was a blessing! Praying all good things!

    • Sandra says

      January 22, 2011 at 6:07 pm

      Can’t keep me down for long. 🙂 Thank you for your prayers, sweet friend. They are what keep me going.

  4. Michael says

    January 19, 2011 at 10:53 pm

    He will redeem the time. I can’t wait to see the finished product.

    • Sandra says

      January 22, 2011 at 6:08 pm

      Me, too! Or is that me, either?

  5. S. Etole says

    January 20, 2011 at 12:28 am

    If I find a housekeeper we can share … but you’ll have to read my post to understand.

    • Sandra says

      January 22, 2011 at 6:13 pm

      I don’t know. If you had a housekeeper, would you have seen the magic?

      http://susan-moment.blogspot.com/2011/01/everyday-magic.html

  6. Dustin says

    January 20, 2011 at 8:23 am

    I’m with ya re: the clutter at times. 🙂 By the way, that Frederick Buechner is a great quote on your sidebar!

    • Sandra says

      January 22, 2011 at 6:14 pm

      🙂 Thanks. I love that quote. Just about sums it all up.

  7. Cassandra Frear says

    January 20, 2011 at 8:44 am

    Bless you, my writing friend. My heart is with you. Very.

    • Sandra says

      January 22, 2011 at 6:15 pm

      Receiving that and passing it back tenfold.

  8. katdish says

    January 20, 2011 at 10:18 am

    But in the midst of the mess, we write. Not always on paper or keyboard, but we’re always writing, aren’t we?

    • Sandra says

      January 22, 2011 at 6:15 pm

      Indeed. Curse or gift?

  9. seekingpastor says

    January 20, 2011 at 1:19 pm

    “I planned my way / But He directs my path.” Nice, simple, and so true.

    • Sandra says

      January 22, 2011 at 6:15 pm

      His plan. So. Much. Better.

  10. Melinda Lancaster says

    January 20, 2011 at 3:04 pm

    His path is better than our plan. All things in His time.
    Healing & refreshing prayers!

    • Sandra says

      January 22, 2011 at 6:16 pm

      Always better. Thanks, my sticky sock sister.

  11. Susan J. Reinhardt says

    January 20, 2011 at 4:15 pm

    Hi Sandy –

    Hope your daughter is doing well.

    We’re on the same wavelength. When I’m heavy into writing and family obligations, my house fits your description.

    Blessings,
    Susan 🙂

    • Sandra says

      January 22, 2011 at 6:18 pm

      She is, Susan. Thanks.

      As long as the ants don’t take over and the health department doesn’t show up at the door, I’m good. 😉

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