Lazy Day Links

During my time off from the blog, I had what my friend Marion calls an IFI, an incredible fucking insight. An epiphany. It has to do with my writing life. Before I got sick I was starting to become aware that I needed to find balance between writing and having a life. When you have no boss other than yourself, there's no one to blame for forcing you to sit at the computer all day. When you enjoy what you do, there seems to be no reason not to do it until you drop. But even as my own boss, doing a "job" I love, there needs to be limits.


For example. I used to write in the evenings or reread what I wrote earlier in the day or conduct research right before bed with the hope that I'd dream about my book in my sleep. My IFI is that I was programming myself to work in my sleep. Now, occasionally, to solve a particular problem in your work, this isn't a problem, but every night? My IFI is that sleep is for sleeping. Same with my "writing walks." Sometimes, ok. But every time, not good. I was really trying to live every moment of my life in service to writing. That is not in balance.


In the name of balance, I'm learning to not equate rest with laziness and laziness as a crime.


Here are a few enjoyable sites and/or interesting posts I've run across lately. Peruse at your leisure.


John Hershey is a garden-humor writer. His dandelion manifesto caught my eye in a local mag.
This blogger writes with humor about losing half her body weight (and of course got a book deal).
Speaking of humor, Bernie Mac, Rest in Peace. What About our Daughters has a brief, but powerful note that reminds us to live fully.
Condi hearts Denzel (wonder what Denzel thinks about that?). And approves of Thandie Newton playing her in a movie (who wouldn't?).
Sign up at Steven Barnes' website for daily tips on writing, publishing and living in balance.
July was hell on the yard, so I don't have any new garden porn. But go over to A Wrung Sponge for some easy-on-the-eyes garden pics and links to more!