Right in the middle of the season, professional football players get a bye week. On injured reserve or not, they kick up their feet that Sunday and watch everyone else mix it up on the turf, cut across the field, get chased by antagonists. We should all be so lucky.
I’m taking a bye week, sort of. I’m not kicking my feet up, but my daughter has been on injured reserve for the past few days, in the asthmatic way, and needed some extra TLC. If you’re a parent, you know that multiple days with a sick kid at home means you lose track of time, you wander in circles. You eat smorgasbord for dinner, because nobody’s in the mood for a full-on dinner. And when I get loopy after walking in circles, I turn to knitting, not writing. I’m on dishcloth number three (simple and square are good for loopy). Knit, purl, knit, purl, knit knit knit.
Despite the sick and crazy, little bouts of creativity popped up here and there. One day, I settled my daughter into bed and she drew pictures while I read to her. Amazing pictures in between coughing fits: a colorful parrot, an American flag surrounded by a crowd of cheering patriots, and Ariel (from The Little Mermaid) all Picasso-style.
The next day, we baked up a batch of pumpkin bread that begged to be eaten right out of the oven. Pumpkin bread makes for a good afternoon snack, and may even be the cure-all. When I heard the little girlie singing in the shower and caught her getting all gussied up in front of the mirror, I knew she was on the mend.
The writing fairies haven’t totally ditched me either, despite my neglect of pen and paper. My flash fiction piece, “Iron Shadows,” hit the digital presses. You can read it here, in the Fall/Winter issue of Rose & Thorn Journal (Thanks to editors Kathryn Magendie and Angie Ledbetter!).
What would you do on a bye week?
Christi, loved the stories and enjoyed the images of the iron forming different images as he worked, the texture of the light and the play of the Iron Shadows. Beatifully done 🙂
Lately, on my “bye” weeks … stretching into six … I’ve been unpacking from my recent move and starting my on-line craft and collectibles shop. In short, quick spurts I also finished a book and query. I use my archive posts to fill in the times I take blog breaks … or simply do not post. Some of the most productive times can be our “bye” weeks.
Florence,
I’m so glad you enjoyed the story. Thanks for reading!
It does sound you have a lot going on. I forget about blog archives. I need to fish back through mine. I’ve thought about not posting once in a while, but I’m deadlines are critical in keeping me writing. I worry that skipping one week, for me, would lead to two weeks, and so on.
Your comment is a good reminder, too, on recognizing all that does get done during a bye week, even if it’s a week of recuperation (or dishcloths!).
Love your daughter’s drawing – so creative! I think pumpkin bread is quite healing.
Glad everyone is on the mend and that the writing fairies didn’t abandon you. Congrats on your flash fiction being published!
Thanks, Lynn. We have enjoyed every bite of that pumpkin bread, for sure 🙂
Walking in circles, around and around. I may take up that pumpkin bread baking myself. Great picture, kiddo! And congrats to Mama on the recent publication 🙂
Thanks, V. I hope everyone at your house is feeling better. Should I send you that recipe?…. 🙂
Sounds like a great “bye” week, I’m taking a “bye” five days and can’t wait.
Congratulations on your story publication!
Thanks, Cathryn. I hope you enjoy your five days!
Sometimes those bye weeks are the most productive and regenerating.
I’m learning, Christine, and I’m definitely appreciative of the regenerative aspect 🙂
I just had to take two days from work, during our busiest period by FAR, because both of my children were ill… Not easy, is it! Thanks for sharing, Christi!
It’s that time of year, Johan. Hope your kids are feeling better!