How I’ve been feeling lately…sans the big brass bed, white negligee and dark hair. (Liz from Cat on a Hot Tin Roof feeling wanton, jumpy and anxious). Sigh.
Not sure if anyone’s noticed, but I’ve not posted in awhile. I’ve been feeling out of sorts lately. Anxious. Jumpy. Surely, there must be some of you that understand that.
I’ve read one should NEVER post if they’re having a bad day. Or feeling blue, sad. Pissed off. “Don’t get on your blog and whine, complain, rant, rave,” the “experts” say. I agree with that to a certain extent.
Reading Between the Lines
I follow several blogs and try my best to comment, to read the whole thing. I figure I want people to do the same for me and when I begin to read, I realize that every one of you — my friends — in the sense that we communicate this strange way — have those same kind of days. I can tell much from the subjects you write about when you’re feeling a bit despondent, mad, happy, funny, inspired. I read between the lines — dig out those underlying messages. Oh, maybe I’m reading way too much into stuff.
Then, I begin to enjoy what you have to say and think, why didn’t I think of that?? I feel as if I know you very well at times and I get an inkling of an idea, a niggling little something in my gray matter that gives me the push I need to write, something, anything. Other times (and lately), I just read and accept that right now, I’ve got nothing to say. Nada. I lost my mojo.
It’s maddening. My muse (who I picture as male, short and kind of mean — maybe I’ll draw a picture of him for some future post) just doesn’t want to cooperate. That’s where the anxious, jumpy thing comes in and so I have to do something to get OVER the writer’s block. I have conversations with him to try and coax him out and this is me — my normal brain. Scary, huh?
No Rants, No Raves….Just *sigh* whatever….
Press below to hear me and how I’ve been feeling (forgive the echo):
So, this post is really much ado about nothing. It’s more about spouting off about well, not being able to write. But look it, here’s a post.
One thing that did help was a very kind blogger, Lisa at Carr Party of Five. She was having trouble learning how to upload a song, so we emailed back and forth several times this morning and by golly, she did it. Go visit her, please. She’s good people and there’s a really great Van Morrison song on her latest post. It made me feel good. She told me I “restored her faith in humanity.” Doesn’t get much better than that.
Anyway, I said to my muse earlier: I feel all the time like a cat on a hot tin roof!
And he said: Then jump off the roof, Brigitte, Jump off it. Cats jump off roofs and land uninjured. Do it. Jump.
That’s what this post is. Me, jumping off.
Brigitte's Banter 
Good girl! Do you have any books of writing prompts or anything like that? I’m tired today so I’m not posting. Sometimes I’m just too lazy and then tomorrow is Friday so probably no point to that. Next week? 😉
I’m sorry you’re feeling anxious. I had some nasty anxiety yesterday, no idea why and um hello the prozac is supposed to take care of that!
Posted by Maggie O'C | July 5, 2012, 5:43 pmYes, I do. I should drag those out! Maybe it’s something going around. The anxiety thing — think it’s a woman thing? Hormones? Probably coffee would just spark it up. I’m feeling better now. Got some work I have to take care of and I think then I’ll start to settle down. Does the P take care of that? ummm. Thanks, Maggie — nice to commiserate. 😉
Posted by Brigitte | July 5, 2012, 5:48 pmyour muse sounds a little mean – telling you to jump off a roof – though us writers have to jump off cliffs all the time, and then use strange sentences that have “us writers” in it, so that eveyone wonders just what kind of writer you are
I have to write a column every week for my newspaper, and I am convinced that people sit in their lunch rooms, read my column and laugh at (not with) me. This is when I am feeling paranoid; then when I am really paranoid–I think that nobody is reading me at all
so do not despair – I love your blog – and if you need a little rest, take it – but not for long, because we, out here in cyberworld, miss you
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | July 5, 2012, 5:53 pmHa! Lou Ann, what a nice thing to say! I’m sure people don’t laugh at you! I think writers are an insecure bunch. Do you ever write something and think — wow, that’s really great and the next thought is, How will I ever do it again?? Thank you so much — that’s really nice of you to say. :).
Posted by Brigitte | July 5, 2012, 6:00 pmyes we are an insecure bunch aren’t we – we are only as good as our last column, or post, or hopefully someday, book
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | July 5, 2012, 6:15 pmYour muse sounds like an NYC super for some reason. I hope you soon shake your ‘Whatever (with accompanying sigh)” doldrums. Maybe it’ll help to know you gave people a laugh. And you helped someone with her blog. Karma!
Posted by Smaktakula | July 5, 2012, 5:56 pmOMG. A NYC super. YOU ARE funny and I did write it as humorous and hopefully, peeps like you, get that. I think we all get those doldrums and doubts. It’s nice to know that “us writers” have something in common. And yes, that karma — I strongly believe in that. I do. :).
Posted by Brigitte | July 5, 2012, 6:02 pmGlad you decided to jump, Cousin Janet. Until I listened to the video clip I did not realize that you were blogging under the alias Brigitte 🙂
Nikki
Posted by i mayfly | July 5, 2012, 6:03 pmummm. Nikki this isn’t your cousin Janet…am I missing something here? ;). Forgive me, I’m slow on the uptake lately….
Posted by Brigitte | July 5, 2012, 6:07 pmI’m sure it’s not you, but my paltry attempt at humor 😦 The sigh and “whatever” reminded me of my cousin… whom I’m sure Jerry Seinfeld used as his inspiration for his sitcom. As Emily Litella would say, “Never mind…”
Posted by i mayfly | July 5, 2012, 8:22 pmSee??? I told you I was slow on the uptake. :). You funny lady.
Posted by Brigitte | July 5, 2012, 8:26 pmLoved the audio addition. Even your sigh sounds lovely. 🙂 Sorry you’re out of sorts. We all know the feeling, I’m sure.
Posted by crubin | July 5, 2012, 6:06 pmThanks, Carrie. It’s the Garage Band thing on my laptop. I’ve just started to explore and I love figuring out this stuff out. You’re so nice to say that — much appreciated!
Posted by Brigitte | July 5, 2012, 6:08 pmDear Brigitte,
🙂
Thank you.
🙂
Love, Lis
xoxoxoxo
Posted by Carr Party of Five | July 5, 2012, 6:12 pmMost welcome, Lise! xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | July 5, 2012, 6:14 pmI can relate! It’s 104 degrees here in the Chicago suburbs and I feel completely out of sorts. My posts have slowed to a fraction of what they once were, not to mention they’re the most moany and groany things I’ve ever written. But hey, it’s how I’m feeling and why should any of us present just the good stuff? I like what you just wrote because it’s honest and it doesn’t pretend to be something other than a nice slice o’ Brigitte on this insufferably hot day. I’ll take mine A la mode!
Posted by A Gripping Life | July 5, 2012, 6:24 pmAh, Grippy your words are a balm for my out-of-sorts soul — thank you!! Maybe it is the heat. We’re having that here as well and I think it does something to people. I think your posts are great, honest and I do believe that if one speaks their truth, their essence comes out. Yours is a good one and thanks for the understanding. xxoo :).
Posted by Brigitte | July 5, 2012, 6:34 pmYou are certainly not alone that is for sure:)
Posted by cravesadventure | July 5, 2012, 6:30 pmThanks, Craves. Nice to know others have those days as well…hope your day goes wonderfully (and the days to come) as well. :).
Posted by Brigitte | July 5, 2012, 6:35 pmOooooooo sister, can I relate. 🙂 Having just come out of the doldrums myself, I know that leaden feeling. Here’s to hoping it passes soon. *hugs* Go read Speaker7’s 50 Shades of Grey reenactments. You will laugh like there’s no tomorrow.
Posted by Fish Out of Water | July 5, 2012, 6:41 pmHey Fish! Thank you…it is passing — all these wonderful peeps stopping in (you included) and being able to relate and giving me a boost! Thanks so much. I will go there now, and get me some funny. 😉 xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | July 5, 2012, 6:51 pmhaha! I love your recording! sigh…whatever…and love this post too!
Posted by dianasschwenk | July 5, 2012, 6:51 pmThanks, D. Your nice comment is uplifting!
Posted by Brigitte | July 5, 2012, 6:52 pmThis post makes me want to invite you over for a nice glass of iced tea and a hug, Brigitte. Of course you are not alone, and you know I think the world of you and your writing. We all have days like the one you’re having. It happens to me not infrequently. I get anxious, jumpy, more pissy than usual, and my brain is all over the place, even more than usual. I suspect it’s a sign of creative genius. 😉
I think about it like baseball: even great players have slumps. Doesn’t mean they’re crappy players all of a sudden, they’re just not getting hits for a bunch of reasons. But then they grind it out and eventually after having a dismal time, they come back. So maybe you’re just in a slump. Doesn’t mean you’re not still an All Star.
Tell your muse to stuff it. Or, tell him to make himself useful and bring you some chocolate or something.
Posted by Madame Weebles | July 5, 2012, 7:02 pmMadame Weebs, you are divine. I like that — a sign of creative genius. I’m gonna go with that and thanks for the hugs. And you, well your writing always, always makes me smile or laugh or just feel freakin’ good. I will tell him to stuff it or at least stop ducking behind corners teasing me. Crafty little shite that he is. :). xo
Posted by Brigitte | July 5, 2012, 7:07 pmBrigitte, you took the words right out of my “head”! I’ve been feeling the same way this week. I have nothing to write, nothing to post, just nothing! Blah! Your post on the other hand was just what I needed! I don’t feel so alone now in my despair 🙂
Posted by Life and all things love | July 5, 2012, 7:08 pmWell, that’s something! Thank you so much for that!! Who knows why we feel our fingers flying across the keyboard one day and then next — nothing, crickets. But it comes back and it’s so nice to know that so many great bloggers out there GET IT and have those same fears, doubts and blahs. You’re not alone — obviously we creative geniuses suffer from this time to time. ;).
Posted by Brigitte | July 5, 2012, 7:12 pmSometimes my muse says things like “why did you write that? nobody’s gonna read it, if they start reading it they won’t finish reading it, if they finish reading it they won’t like it, if they say they like it they’re just being polite, they really think you’re daft.” (my muse has a British accent, I don’t know why.)
Then I say to my muse, “are you sure? I thought it was funny, or insightful, or honest, or interesting,” why do we listen to those muses? Is it crazy to talk to your muse? I say we mute the muses! I liked this post. Muse mutiny! Down with muses!
Posted by Honie Briggs | July 5, 2012, 7:26 pmHey Honie, I know exactly what you mean. So you do that too, huh? Mine has more of raspy-like voice (similar to Rod Stewart) and a low heh-heh laugh when he’s making fun of me. I don’t think it’s crazy. I think the muse is crazy. There he goes again… ;).
Posted by Brigitte | July 5, 2012, 7:32 pmLOL really LOL I’ve been in a weird sort of mind set lately. Over thinking, trying to percolate content for one more chapter of book II….not happening though. On hold momentarily, I guess.
Posted by Honie Briggs | July 5, 2012, 7:38 pmI did notice, thought you were on holiday 🙂
Posted by jensine | July 5, 2012, 7:35 pmnope, just here wearing this. Maybe some Manolo Blaniks are in order. ;). Thanks, J.
Posted by Brigitte | July 5, 2012, 7:37 pmyes they always help … well if I had any I am sure they would 🙂
Posted by jensine | July 5, 2012, 7:38 pmI think I may have done the whole jumping off the roof with my latest post too! Hopefully we’ll both get back to “normal” soon! 🙂 I wish you luck my friend!
Posted by Emi | July 5, 2012, 7:57 pmThanks, Emi. I read your post and realize we’re of the same mindset. I wish the same for you. :).
Posted by Brigitte | July 5, 2012, 11:52 pmThis is one of the great things about blogging—knowing that others out there feel the same way we do sometimes. There are some serious summer doldrums going around and it’s only early July. Hopefully thing will get better! Heat stress/fatigue and basic writer insecurity are not a good combination!
Posted by jmmcdowell | July 5, 2012, 8:25 pmHey JM, you get me. Thanks! I know, I agree. It is the darn heat but my forecast is saying low 80s by Monday. I hope, I hope, I hope. Stay cool and thanks for your nice comment. :).
Posted by Brigitte | July 5, 2012, 8:27 pmWe are so on the same page. I’ve gone 2 weeks without writing. I attempt at a humor blog and sometimes, I just have nothing funny there to give. And then other times I write anyway. I agree to write when you’re in the mood, and then wing it otherwise. I’m also wondering how you link the music. Is it a widget?
Still good to hear from ya’.
Posted by SzaboInSlowMo | July 5, 2012, 11:50 pmHey you! Thanks for the understanding. Nope, no widget, you gotta do the upgrade thing to upload songs and make ’em work. Lemme know if you need help once you do, happy to provide assistance. :).
Posted by Brigitte | July 5, 2012, 11:56 pmLeap away! But I disagree about writing while angry. It’s a bit of a waste to just channel rage blindly into a post, but if you can channel it into a good idea, I think it could come across as something authentic… unless of course, it’s just another “I hate the world rah rah rah” post.
Posted by drewpan | July 6, 2012, 1:03 amHi Drewpan, I agree with you. I don’t like those rant/raves post either, but sharing hurdles among fellow bloggers/writers is a good thing I think. Thank you for your comment and I will, leap away, that is. ;).
Posted by Brigitte | July 6, 2012, 12:24 pmSome days I really have to force myself to write, and then when I do it’s utter rubbish lol 🙂
But, even the rubbish can be useful at a later date 😉
(((((hugs)))))
It’ll come back honey, I promise 🙂
Xx
Posted by Vikki (The View Outside) | July 6, 2012, 3:04 amVikki, I know you know. Thanks so much! Btw, I’ve been meaning to stop by your latest post about agents. Some great advice there — thank you!! I glanced at it, but this one I want to take my time with. Your sharing that is a great thing for writers. Thank you.
Posted by Brigitte | July 6, 2012, 12:26 pmAwwww, thanks hon, you’re very welcome 🙂
Xx
Posted by Vikki (The View Outside) | July 6, 2012, 12:41 pmYou still managed to entertain even on a rough day. Keep writing Brigitte. You’ve always got something interesting to say and your posts would be missed. 🙂
Posted by floatingwiththebreeze | July 6, 2012, 3:41 amHi Teresa, what a nice thing to say. Thanks so much. I will keep on… :).
Posted by Brigitte | July 6, 2012, 12:26 pmPS. Take a look at this post. http://cauldronsandcupcakes.com/2012/07/05/a-powerful-time-for-clearing-and-change/ 🙂
Posted by floatingwiththebreeze | July 6, 2012, 3:51 amThis looks so inviting and just the ticket. Thank you, Teresa. I’ll give it my full attention! :).
Posted by Brigitte | July 6, 2012, 12:28 pmQuite an inspiring blog. Enjoy. 🙂
Posted by floatingwiththebreeze | July 6, 2012, 12:32 pmThanks so much, Teresa.
Posted by Brigitte | July 7, 2012, 3:06 pmToday’s posts have something in common : you’re the second one I read that talks about writer’s block… Is the beginning of summer a down day before all inspiration will sprout anew for all writers?
No worries there, summer will bring you a bunch of subjects to talk about and if not… well, people will just have to wait, because they like reading you!
😉
Have a great day!
Jul’
Posted by Les Petits Pas de Juls | July 6, 2012, 10:52 amHi Jul, I know what you mean. I think it’s the heat! Thanks so much for your kindness and for stopping by. You have a great day too.
Posted by Brigitte | July 6, 2012, 12:56 pmHey Brigitte! it might definitely be the heat! the other blogger I talked to you about thought about taking a break to the beach… we should all go, we might all need the break this week-end and we’ll start anew and fresh on monday!
Keep smiling! 😀
Posted by Les Petits Pas de Juls | July 6, 2012, 4:59 pmI love it. I love that you jumped, and I am guessing you landed uninjured?
I love that your muse is short and mean, I pictured bald too, but I am weird like that.
Do what it takes, jump if you must, just write.
Posted by Reptile Sadie | July 6, 2012, 11:20 amHi Sadie, sometimes you just gotta and land where you land, right? :). He is a little shite sometimes but I think when we get those emotions stirred up is oftentimes when we write our best stuff, know what I mean? Thanks so much! :).
Posted by Brigitte | July 6, 2012, 12:59 pmI can so relate to this, Brigitte! I think there’s a way to rant/complain that can be entertaining, but if it’s not done skillfully, it can just turn into a downer of a post. I’ve only ever done a couple of serious posts; sometimes it’s a bit stuffling having a ‘humor’ blog.
It seems to me that you’re making good choices, and basing them on your connection with readers, which you have in spades! 🙂
(And BTW I was tickled to read on your About page that you live in NY! We’re neighbors!)
Posted by Go Jules Go | July 6, 2012, 12:53 pmHey Jules! I love your blog!!! I think many bloggers relate to this. And I agree with you. Being funny all the time is difficult. (I’ve always said comedy is way more difficult than drama although comedies never win those awards), but I think if one talks about a universal subject (like feeling blue, anxious, the words not coming) most everyone can relate. I didn’t want this post to be a pity party, just a sharing of human-ness, ya know? Oh my, neighbors, huh? It’s too freakin’ hot for here don’t you think??!!! Thanks so much, Jules.
Posted by Brigitte | July 6, 2012, 1:03 pmhaha I just realized I said “stuffling” instead of “stlfling.” What the heck, Jules? Stuffling could be a pretty adorable word, though. It sounds like the stuffing you’d put in a cornish hen.
And thank you so much for your kind words – right back at’cha!! I DEFINITELY think it’s so important to write about universal topics, from light to serious, that allow people to relate – which you certainly did here!
It’s going to be, like, 105 tomorrow! What the dog days. (I’m in Jersey.)
Posted by Go Jules Go | July 6, 2012, 1:08 pmI like stuffling. You should blog about it. :). Thank you, Jules. I’m on the Island of Long (wink, wink) near Manhattan. It’s too hot. I could get this in the South, for gawk’s sake. Have lived down that-away as well. Supposed to be 81 on Monday. eagerly awaiting that. Stay cool. :).
(don’t you hate when you make a comment and you’ve spelled something wrong? I do that too and want to edit, but I can’t. I type words twice, like “I looked at him and and he looked at me.” I don’t see the double word until after it’s flown out there for the world to see. I think it’s an ailment. It happens alot alot.
Posted by Brigitte | July 6, 2012, 1:16 pmOKAY. What is wrong with me?! Stifling. Stifling!
LOL!! I must find the cure for this!
Posted by Go Jules Go | July 6, 2012, 1:25 pmblog away no matter what mood! Why only post the good stuff? Then you make me feel REALLY abnormal..
Posted by unfetteredbs | July 6, 2012, 6:10 pmWhat’s normal anyway, right? :).
Posted by Brigitte | July 6, 2012, 6:11 pmit is all relative baby 🙂
Posted by unfetteredbs | July 6, 2012, 6:12 pmI know they say you shouldn’t post when you are having a bad day…but doesn’t having a bad day make us human? Doesn’t it give us dimension to our personalities? I am a very enthusiastic, positive person but even I have my quiet, sad days. Sometimes I come up with my best stuff on those days. Thanks for posting, I appreciate your honesty.
Posted by emahadeo | July 7, 2012, 11:10 amI agree with you. I’m much the same as you describe yourself and strive to be, most of the time, but you are so right. Sometimes those emotions make all sorts of inspirations come out. Thank you so much for your nice comment.
Posted by Brigitte | July 7, 2012, 2:43 pmI thought there was a touch of melancholy about you lately, Brigitte. I don’t think that little bastard is your muse. Muses kick our asses, but not in a mean way. And if he is your muse, well, he’s not been doing his job, now, has he?! The most difficult about writing is our own self-judgment. Be in the present moment, however that may be, and suspend judgment. You have no control over how your work is received, you can only control what you offer. And what you offer is funny, helpful, sage, insightful, kind, compassionate, and always well-crafted. Just sayin’! xoM
Posted by Margarita | July 7, 2012, 11:09 pmMargarita, funny how you realize my writing and what I have to say. That’s so nice and you’re right; I have been feeling that way lately. Thanks so much for recognizing what I always strive to offer: funny, helpful, kind compassionate — that is it! And thank you for understanding that. I’lll also take well-crafted — that’s a bonus for any writer. You inspire, thank you. 🙂
Posted by Brigitte | July 7, 2012, 11:59 pmYou’re welcome, Brigitte. You inspire, too! xoM 😉
Posted by Margarita | July 8, 2012, 12:05 amSigh…. yeah, I get it. I made that sound seven times in twenty minutes in work the other day (my colleague was counting). Days when you want to rant and moan are good days to write poetry 😉
Posted by hannah meiklejohn | July 8, 2012, 9:25 amHi Hannah, I heard somewhere that signing relieves stress and we do it unconsciously in order to get it out. Thanks for stopping by and your nice comment — glad (but sorry too!) you can relate. :).
Posted by Brigitte | July 8, 2012, 2:11 pm