Friday, January 15, 2016

Timing, Luck, and a Cabin Fever Poem

For a little while, it seemed that all my online friends were posting about this book. So I reserved it, waited for my chance to check it out, and read it several times. It landed in my library pile when I was looking for a little pep talk, and I found one.

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear is full of common-sense reminders about courage, trust, and persistence, along with anecdotes that illustrate the concepts. In a friendly, conversational tone, Elizabeth Gilbert describes how fear can hold us back, details the value of good ideas, and suggests working with “stubborn gladness.”

Every once in a while, something comes along to remind me that I’m lucky to be doing work that I love. I appreciate the nudge.

Esther started this series on helpful writing books or tools with Shaun Levin’s My Writing Life.

April continued with a fun video poetry prompt.

Bobbi wrote about mentors and inspirational writers.

April gave us a writing workout via video tips.

Here in Wisconsin, we’re enjoying our second day of above-freezing temperatures after our first blast of seriously cold weather in the New Year. Here’s a poem I wrote during that cold spell.

Cabin Fever 
Is cabin fever an actual thing?
You don’t have to tell me. I know.
I’m looking out at the world outside:
Ice. Wind. Snow. 
A medical diagnosis
would probably not help a lot.
I have all the symptoms, so I’m pretty sure
that’s exactly what I’ve got. 
I’m antsy. I need to be moving,
but I don’t know where I could go.
Fleece and down won’t keep me warm
when the wind chill is thirty below. 
A walk inside a busy mall
or a yoga class might bring
a bit of relief for a little while,
but I’m thinking, Come on, spring!


The Poetry Friday Roundup is at Keri Recommends. Enjoy!

JoAnn Early Macken




10 comments:

Linda B said...

I wrote earlier in the week about a "real" need for being outside, JoAnn, love that you included all about the 'symptoms' of 'cabin fever'. We have cold, occasionally like yours, but rare is the day I can't get out. Glad you made it through! And, I have the Gilbert book, need to start reading! Have a cozy weekend, but fun outside, too!

JoAnn Early Macken said...

Thanks, Linda! Yesterday & today were good days for walking outside, but the bitter cold returns tomorrow. I'm looking forward to reading time this weekend! Enjoy yours!

Ruth said...

I reserved the Elizabeth Gilbert book at the library (I download books on my Kindle from the library now) but there are sixteen people ahead of me! Oh well, someday... :-)

Mary Lee said...

A message from the universe to see this book at the beginning and then again at the end of the roundup???

Keri said...

I love that we both posted about Big Magic today, JoAnn! I found it, like you, a shot in the arm, a little boost. I love your poem though in Mississippi I can't imagine 30 below! I hope spring knocks on your door soon.

JoAnn Early Macken said...

Ruth, I waited a while for the library copy, too. Then I noticed that several large print copies were available, so I borrowed one of those. It came in at a good time for me. I hope you enjoy it whenever it appears!

Mary Lee, it could be. I believe in those occasional reminders. The universe is helpful that way--when I pay attention!

Keri, yes. Mississippi sounds lovely right now. But we did our grocery shopping this afternoon, I'm well stocked with reading material, & I'm hoping for a nice, quiet weekend at home.

Michelle Heidenrich Barnes said...

I'm afraid you may have a bit of a wait until spring, JoAnn, but I'm glad you've been able to get out the past couple days anyway. I lived with snow for the first 25 years of my life, but then came New Mexico, Sydney, and Florida and now I am a complete wimp when it comes to cold!

GatheringBooks said...

Hi there JoAnn, I sympathize with the cabin fever bit - while we don't have snow in our tropical world here in Singapore, I did experience being 'snowed-in' when we visit family in the US - and it's not always as romantic or glamorous as it sounds/looks. But yoga seems like a great way to overcome the cabin fever, indeed.

JoAnn Early Macken said...

Haha, Michelle, I'm still a wimp about cold, & I've lived in Wisconsin for most of my life! Wiggle your toes in some sand for me, please!

Myra, I can imagine being snowed in as romantic or glamorous only with a lot of preparation--heat, food, and books! I'd love to see Singapore someday.

Carmela Martino said...

I'm late to reading this, but can truly relate to your poem, JA. Funny how 30 degrees can feel balmy after the frigid spell we had recently here in Illinois. My one consolation: despite the cold, the days are slowly getting longer. :-)