Dangers of writer's block
Question: What does a writer do when she can't think of anything to write about?
Answer: Write a column like this one.
Just because I make a living writing doesn't mean I always know what to write about.
People sometimes ask me, "How you come up with something to write about every week?" I don't know how — I just do.
But not this week! The proof is right in front of your face: I've written five paragraphs and not said a single thing of substance.
It's a talent I mastered in high school English.
So venture on, brave reader, and see what weird things can come from the mind of a woman with writer's block.
— g g
It's a strange thing, this transition in my life. I'm out of the "just graduated from college" stage and into the "real life" stage. And with real life comes the experience of living completely on my own. I'm by no means "Mrs. Fix It," but I enjoy having my own place.
Example: If you'd have asked me 10 years ago what I wanted for Christmas, I probably wouldn't have asked for kitchen appliances or some other practical item. But last year, when I got a Kitchen Aid mixer, I was ecstatic.
Ladies, if you've got one of these, you know what I'm talking about.
So this year, when I got a nice hand-held vacuum from my mom and dad, I was grateful. Then I felt kind of pathetic for getting excited about a vacuum cleaner.
Guess that means I'm growing up.
— g g
Speaking of household stuff, who out there watches "Trading Spaces"? If you've not yet discovered this awesome show, turn on The Learning Channel and watch it immediately.
In a nutshell, two couples change rooms for two days and redecorate one room in each other's homes — without the other couple knowing what's going on.
Wow, I just realized that I sound like host Paige Davis.
Here at the office, Sara Hill and I have probably seen nearly every episode between the two of us. We agree that Hildi has got some pretty bizarre rooms. Hay on the wall, anyone?
But I would never, ever let a designer from that show touch my house. Unless the designer was Genevive or Laurie — then I might go for it.
— g g
On a much more serious note — I recently finished watching an amazing TV series on DVD. It's called "Band of Brothers," and it follows a company of Army paratroopers through their journeys in World War II. The series is based on the book by Stephen Ambrose.
Whatever your views on war, you can't help but come away from that book with a deep sense of respect and gratitude for the men and women who went through such horrible circumstances.
How any of those people moved beyond the psychological trauma of war to go on to lead normal lives is beyond my comprehension. It must have taken an incredible amount of strength. All I can say is this: Thank you.
— g g
Amazing: I start out claiming "writer's block," and now I've hit 500 words. Not that any of them are especially profound — but then again, who among us always has something worthwhile to say?
— JENNIFER WILSON
