This weekend, I housesat for a friend. She needed someone to take care of the pets and I needed solitude to finish my writing. It was a no-brainer to say “Yes.” That’s what you call a win-win situation.
Even though I kept hearing from the kids back home about soccer games, plays, and parties, I did what it was I needed to do to get a project I’ve been working on for a long time, completed. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with tiny houses (I’ll be attending a tiny house building workshop at the end of June) and this weekend has only enforced the need for me to have the ability to go off somewhere, where the interruptions are limited. That’s how writing really gets done.
Butt in chair with no distractions. (I really want more of a writer’s cabin, than a tiny house.)
However, like my chickens, I tend to rely on flock behavior. Even though I needed solitude, I didn’t necessarily *like* the solitude. It’s nice to share successes with others.
Which is why, on Friday, I went to a local thrift store and picked up a temporary flock. These guys sat by my computer all weekend and cheered me on when I thought I couldn’t write one more sentence.
I’d wake up in the morning, start the coffee, and then sit down at the table.
“Good morning sheep. Good morning pig. Cow,” I’d nod to them, and then I’d get started.
They never offered any criticism and didn’t tell anyone when I indulged in a small bowl of ice-cream. (shhh)
My flock was silent as they watched me toil and listened when I talked out sections that didn’t quite have the flow I wanted. They were the best kind of flock members, there when I needed them, respectfully quiet when I didn’t, and always ready to give me an encouraging nudge.
My project is done, it’s a manuscript based on the lessons learned in this blog, but just like any newly pregnant woman knows, it’s bad luck to talk about the baby too early. So for now, I’ll be quiet, but will be sure to let you know of any progress.
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Wendy Thomas writes about the lessons learned while raising children and chickens in New Hampshire. Contact her at [email protected]
Also, join me on Facebook to find out more about the flock (children and chickens) and see some pretty funny chicken jokes, photos of tiny houses, and even a recipe or two.
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