Writing’s a funny thing. Sometimes you think you know what you’re going to write, but then something else happens in the process. Here’s a case in point–this month I’ve been writing to prompts in a group, and yesterday, Linda Baie shared a photo of this painting by Susan Sadler.
Summer Breeze, Susan Sadler
Isn’t it fabulous? I was immediately enchanted, delighted by the color and whimsy. The painting captures that light-hearted, warm sense of a beach escape. Ahhh…I could practically feel the warmth of the sun, the sand beneath by toes, and the sweet, salty breeze. I imagined the fun, rollicking rhyming poem I’d write. I thought I’d title it “Invitation.”
Apparently, my brain had different ideas.
During the past week of winter break at home in Maine, I’ve seen more than a few Facebook photos from friends traveling to Barbados, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, California, Florida. Sigh. The vibrant colors in their photos contrasted mightily with the whites and greys outside my window. It’s been lovely here, and I’m glad they’ve been having fun, but still….
The long and short of it is that when I sat down to write, the light-hearted poem I thought I was going to write was rudely pushed aside by a slightly bitter one that I didn’t even know was there!
Winter Break in Maine
From winter’s depths
with icy winds,
I glower at the screen.
A beach house view
with surf and sand—
relaxed, enchanting scene.
My so-called friends
keep posting pics
from climates warm and green.
While I’m at home
digging through snow—-
Who thought they’d turn so mean?
Molly Hogan ©2020
Nix the comfort zone 
Wonderful!
I love the surprises writing brings
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I would still like to write the bouncy, happy poem that this lovely painting deserves! 🙂
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My right brain takes over more times than not when I am writing, but therein lies the magic. Or the meanness, it’s all a matter of which direction it takes. Wishing you more warmth and sunny skies.
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Thanks, Margaret. I’m starting to long for a bit of greenery!
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I’m glad you got that one out! Facebook posters would have us think the world is all rosy and valentines for some. I’m sure it has contributed to more than one case of depression. We look forward to the little signs of spring. Cheryl
On Tue, Feb 25, 2020 at 6:13 AM Nix the comfort zone wrote:
> mbhmaine posted: “Writing’s a funny thing. Sometimes you think you know > what you’re going to write, but then something else happens in the process. > Here’s a case in point–this month I’ve been writing to prompts in a group, > and yesterday, Linda Baie shared a photo of this ” >
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I love seeing the photos that others share, but wow! I know way too many people who are traveling to very fun, warm places right now! lol
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Hahaha! I love the embittered tone with the playful rhythm and rhyme scheme. It’s like excited you met reality you and they got in a fight over the poem. Works like a charm!
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“It’s like excited you met reality you and they got in a fight over the poem.” ha! Love that!
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I love the contrast in views and the playfulness of the meanness! I have been experiencing those same cloudy, gray and rainy days myself.
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Luckily my benchmark is pretty low for lovely and 45˚F feels balmy and delightful!
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What a great example to share with kids in writing class how ideas can change. Love the painting, too! 🙂
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Isn’t the painting wonderful? I feel like I did it a bit of a disservice! lol
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The writing went in its own direction but the painting is still there for your appreciation. 🙂
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Zing! Great last line. I feel a little sheepish writing to you from the sunny central coast of California. Your time will come!
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[…] on what I might write sometimes shift and change dramatically. I posted about this in my SOL post on Tuesday. It happened again when Alice Tabor-Nine posted some beautiful photos of Crater […]
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