Pen or a Computer?

When you are writing, do you prefer to use a pen or a computer?

After last night I think my answer to this question might be changing. I'm not a morning person. Eyes don't open even though my body gets up. Finding a pencil or a computer would would be an overwhelming challenge much less trying to use either item. So, I do my writing in the evening. Yesterday was no different. Finally got my blog typed and the internet went down. At midnight it was still down. I gave up.

I don't find a lot of difference in the writing process with a pen (or in my case a pencil) or the computer except that I haven't found a pen or a pencil with spell check. There are other things, of course. If I am going to transfer my writing to the computer anyway, I would much rather write once. Also, I type faster than I write and sometimes faster than I think which makes for some interesting reading at times. (Okay, that was stream of consciousness.) However, a pen is much more portable and if I forget mine there's likely one close by, and if not, I can find one at the nearest Dollar Tree.

I don't think I've given any overwhelming evidence for one or the other except for the spell check (which might be a weighted response) and the fact that I only want to write once. So I guess I'll go with the computer. Now that I think about it, as fast as my memory is going I might need to get my thoughts down quick before I forget something.

Well, I'm boring even myself. Have a great night. See you tomorrow.

Can You Listen To Music and Write?

Can you listen to music and write? Hmmm. Interesting question. No, not an interesting question, just interesting that someone would ask that as a prompt for writing. I decided to use the NaBloPoMo/BlogHer prompt since, again, today I am too tired to think of one of my own. Now that I'm thinking though, maybe I could have come up with something a little more creative. Was someone else tired as well? Nevertheless, I'll bite.
My husband often accuses (oh, he would not call it "accusing") me of over-thinking. You be the judge. He might be correct.
As a teenager my friends would turn on the radio just until the walls vibrated to do homework. I didn't even try to open my books. Maybe it was the music or maybe it was just the fact that I couldn't concentrate because all I could think about was how to turn it down, I'm not really sure. Obviously, I was not the typical teenager. Still, what type of music are we talking about, how loud is the music, and does it have words or words I want to pay attention to? So many variables. Over thinking?
Point of interest...I can read a book and listen to and follow a television movie at the same time. Richard, my husband, is often confused by my comments on a movie when he thought I was absorbed in my book. It's really not a choice. I'm not all that interested in television, but it seems to seep into my head if it is on regardless of other things that are already occupying that space.
Writing does not seem to follow the same pathway. The creative process is most likely the variable that makes the difference. If music is playing in the background I can write. In fact, some music inspires me. There is research that proves that this is a fact, but a topic for another day. However, if there are words to the music, invariably I either want to sing along or listen to them for the meaning, neither of which leaves room in my head for creative writing. Possibly, my space is just too small.

After several hours of trying to post this yesterday, I gave up. So this is actually the post from November 3rd.

Writing for Writing's Sake

What do you do when you've committed to writing everyday, but don't feel like writing? My answer is that I will write. Most of the time words and ideas come easily, but today I'm still recovering from having strep throat, went to work when I didn't feel like it, and came home to multiple little problems that just seem to drain any physical energy that I might have left and all of my creative energy. Feeling drained just completes the circle...adding another little problem to those that cause the feeling to begin with. So, the words just don't want to flow.

My oldest grandson turned 9 today. Can't possibly be! He's growing up almost as fast as my children did and that's way too fast. But it's a good age. He's so fun to be with. We can "play" and also have conversations. He joined Boy Scouts and loves to go camping. School is okay, but would be better without all the work. The best part is that he still thinks Grandma is "the best" and will give me hugs without making faces. I love being a grandma and being Seth's grandma is wonderful.

Just Thinking...

I called my blog My Stream of Consciousness for a couple of reasons. The first was that the other five hundred names I thought of were taken, but like many decisions in my life it might have taken five hundred to find the most appropriate choice. The second reason is that my first attempt at blogging is going to be whatever comes to mind. After reading a few you may think, as I suspect some of my friends do, I should change the name to, My Stream of Unconsciousness.

November brings a major change in my thinking. I don't like cold weather or darkness so the temperature and time change are not a plus. However, the thought of family and holidays and memories of both make me smile.I love looking through the pictures of holidays when the kids were little and now looking at pictures and watching the grand kids as they enjoy holidays so new to them.So much like their parents were, but adding their own flair. Every phase of being a parent has it's blessings and the holidays just seem to make those blessings shine.

 I'd love to hear about your favorite winter/holiday memories!