The Empty Bucket

I have mentioned it before but I face it again.  My creative bucket is nearing empty.  I find myself  craving alone time so I can fill my creative bucket.

The problem is simple.  It is summertime.  The children are home.  I have a great relationship with them.  I want to spend with them.  They want to spend with me.  So I am talking with one of them. or all of them, all the time.  There is never quiet, alone time.  Without alone time, my bucket never fills up.

Which wouldn't be a problem except for the promises I made to others and myself.  I promised to work on publishing my memoir.  I promised to start writing my new teen fiction novel.  I promised to write the curriculum for next years vacation bible school.  Where I will find the inspiration, I don't know.

The other side of the problem is this -- the added stress of the cancer and fibro pain and worry for children - scoops out any creativity in my bucket.  I do find time to meditate, blog or pray and little bits of creativity creep in and leak into my bucket.  I cling to those beads of creative moisture.

I need to work on a method of instantly filling my bucket.  I need a method or idea that will generate creative thought and energy with simplicity.  Perhaps one of those beads moisture will yield a good idea. 

To Whom It May Concern

I pray that this post does not come across as whining but here goes . . .

To Whom It May Concern,

When I was young in the olden days 'common courtesies' was preached in the classroom.  The nuns emphasized manners in every aspect of our day.  Elders were address as Mr, Mrs or Miss.  There was no Miss Ann only Mrs. Schlosser.  This was indication of respect for the older person's age and wisdom.

Now this post isn't about using Mr or Mrs but simple courtesies like Thank You or Excuse Me.  For example, when you bump into someone, you say I'm sorry or Excuse Me.  Even if it wasn't your fault.  It is an acknowledgement that you and the other person invaded space and you saw them even if after the fact.  It is saying simply, "I see you and I know that we touched so I am sorry."

I find myself sometimes just wanting someone to say Thank You.  I see you.  I see you holding the door, standing there and smiling.  I see that you are a person who unintentionally bumped into me in this crowded place.  Yes, you are a person.

That is what common courtesy means.  A simple acknowledgement of the person's humanity.  And a simple nod to our own.

A Riddle

If you don't know by now, my son is special.  So when he totally stumped me, his english teacher of a mom, I was totally surprised!  Here is his riddle:

What seven letter word existed before God and is greater than the devil; poor people have it and rich people don't?

Do you get it?

I didn't.

I know he got off the computer but you have to realize that he first read it, comprehended it and then retold it in such a way that he didn't give away the answer.

That's my boy.