Yes, I know it’s April Fool’s Day, but I don’t have any jokes, pranks or hoaxes to offer. My brain has been chugging along at half speed for a whole month. All through March I took part in ‘March Madness’, challenged to set goals for my writing, and work toward achieving them. I plugged away but didn’t succeed, at least not completely.
I set reasonable goals – in fact, they were rather wimpy compared to those of several other participants – but I let myself get sidetracked with a church history project, a recuperating hubby, various family visits, the arrival of Spring, and a week’s focus on Easter. I’m not using them as excuses because I still had hours available for my writing. I’m just sayin’….
Now that April is here I’d like to grab hold of the sense of renewal that has permeated this past week. On the way home from the Easter church service yesterday my hubby stopped the car so I could take photos of the new spring blossoms. They look the same every year, but every year I marvel anew at the emerging beauty. My senses tingle at the annual reappearance of sweet fragrance and delicate colour after months of bland.
That’s the feeling I want to experience as I pursue my writing activities this month – a swell of optimism that comes with committing to a fresh start. There are no specific goals for this month, no deadlines or must-do’s, but many things I hope to accomplish by diving in with renewed enthusiasm.
What new challenges does this month bring for you? Anything you’d like to commit to here? What’s on your to-do list?
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MUSINGS 
I love your blog, it has such a sense of calm. It is Autumn here in Australia so I miss those blossoms, lovely pics. I am hoping to dive deeper into my novel this month. Writing, always writing. Loved your post.
Welcome, and thanks for your kind comment, Kath. I’ll have to take a jaunt your way and see what you’re up to as you write in Australia. 🙂
Hope your hubby’s health is improving daily. Lovely pictures (as always). I’m always amazed at the number of things that can preclude writing in any given day.
He’s doing very well, thanks, Judith… even working at power-washing the house and de-thatching the lawns now, although just doing a bit at a time. And yes, too many things easily distract me (not the least of which is the internet!).
Honestly, you take the most beautiful photos, Carol. Never fail to inspire me. And frankly, I need inspiration. I’m working on my WIP, but it’s not going fast enough. LOL. I know, if I stayed away from surfing, I’d probably be much further along. I’m addicted to surfing. Okay, maybe not. Discipline–I need discipline!
Hope Bob’s doing better and better and better!
I think it’s been the time of year, Joylene… although we’ve had nice weather this past week, March is always a little bleak. Now that the days are getting longer and the calendar page is turned, surely we’ll both begin accomplishing more.
The cherry blossoms do look lovely every year. I am also inspired by them and the wonderful weather we have been having. Looking after a recuperating hubby, visiting family and Easter preparations are important as well. The writing will happen when it happens. I feel April will bring the creativity out of all of us. So glad to hear your dear husband is doing well.
I’m already getting antzy about getting back to my w.i.p. but am staying with another project for a bit longer. I put in a good day’s work on it today which bodes well for tomorrow. (Mind you, the garden isn’t beckoning now that the rain has started again, so it’s easier to focus.)
Oh, my goodness those blossoms are marvelous! Thanks for these pictures – and best wishes with your writing challenge. I think, once this spell of working is past, it is time for me to rethink and set goals about writing, too.
For everything a season. You have much to keep you preoccupied right now. I’ve accepted that certain things take priority at certain times. As mentioned to Darlene above, I had a productive day on one project today, and that makes me content.