Finding a Good Writing Spot is a Little Like the Three Bears Story

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Since my move, I have been trying to find the “right” spot to write. Okay, so I haven’t tried really hard otherwise there would be more words published on this blog. But I haven’t given up, and I have been searching all right!

The couches in the family room are firm enough, but the southern exposure of floor-to-ceiling windows renders those couple of spots too hot. 

Distracting.

I can’t write propped up in bed because it is too soft.

Distracting.

Sitting on any chair at the kitchen table feels too erect and stiff, which is in-conducive to the process. 

Distracting.

And all the above mentioned seats offer a city view. 

Distracting.

I thought about taking my laptop over to Dollops (my current favorite coffee shop) because lots of people are there absorbed in whatever they are seeing on their computer screens. I know me, though. And I would most likely people watch, which is all right except I probably wouldn’t write much. It would be very much...

Distracting.

BUT, I think I’ve got it!!!

My back is to the windows as I type this post. I am sitting on a barstool at the kitchen island. It is the perfect height. The coffee pot and snacks are close. The balcony door is open. I can hear the streets of the city bustling if I concentrate. Otherwise the traffic and the jackhammers provide the perfect background of “white noise”.

The room temperature is not too hot, or too cold. The seat is not too hard, or too soft. The city is not too loud, or too deafeningly quiet.

It all seems to be just about right!

Am I the only one who squirms around looking for the “right spot” in which to write?

NaBloPoMo: I'm Lame 'Cause I Missed Four Days But I Have A Worthy Excuse!

I won’t admit to being a slacker for missing the entire weekend of NaBloPoMo. Or missing yesterday either. Last year, I didn't miss one day in November and I was really proud. This year, I'm cutting myself slack and not letting myself feel bad for missing a few days.

There are times when life knocks on your door and answering it is not an option especially when it's your out of town weekend guest with suitcase in hand. I wanted to devote my entire time and attention to her. That’s my excuse and I'm sticking with it. 

Backstory: I met Beth on my walk through northwest Spain this summer (the 500 mile Camino de Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage). Actually, she was the first person I saw after walking 6 miles virtually straight up the Pyrenees which border France and Spain. I'm sure I noticed her a moment before the frosty mug of bier in front of her. I was soaked with sweat, thirsty too, so I struck up a conversation.  

It’s not often, later in life that you meet someone and feel connected immediately. Like you’ve known them for years and it's incredibly easy. This was that and we became fast friends.

Her visit was a fabulous opportunity to show her the city of Chicago. The highlight was most definitely cruising the Chicago river on an architectural boat tour (yes, it was still running even for the cold November chill). If you are ever in the city, do it! Actually all the tours through the Chicago Architectural Foundation are awesome. Next time I'd like to take a tour via the "L"! 

We also messed around at The Bean taking "selfies" (because you can and it's probably the only place taking "selfies" should be allowed).

The Bean and Big Bags Under My Eyes!

A Backwards Look at the City Reflected Off The Bean

I also took my turn guest posting over at Yeah Write for NaBloPoMo. My post is about downsizing, which I am currently trying to do with my life. Please visit me and the other bloggers who are squatting at YW for the month of November and bleeding our hearts out!

I'd like to mention that someone said something very nice to me last night. I went to the gym to take a rope class (don’t usually workout at night) and told to a friend I was crabby.

He said, “Your crabby is like someone else’s good day.” I said, “Awwww! Frank that makes me feel better.” It really did. Even though my crabby is just the same as the next guy’s.

Day one of Bikram yoga under my belt (yet again). I’m back on it. It’s brutal. It’s sweaty. It’s mentally taxing. But there is nothing like the feeling of leaving that intensely hot room. I feel great, a shower will feel even better. I should probably do something really productive with my day.

But then this happens…

Also stop by tomorrow. Wednesday is book day and I’m reading some really great stuff!

I have a date tonight! I think we'll see a movie, either Dallas Buyer's Club with Matthew McConaughey or All is Lost with Robert Redford. I've heard both these movies will garner some award show attention. I'll review our choice in the next few days. 

It’s gorgeous in Chicago today. Get out in the fresh air at least for a little while.

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I'm a day late and a dollar short for Linda Roy's "I Hate Mondays" but I'm here now. Mondays have really sucked for me lately. You?

I haven't been random over at Stacy's place for a while! Thank you for hosting!