I MEANT TO....BUT....

"It is not good enough for things to be planned - they still have to be done; for the intention to become a reality, energy has to be launched into operation."  Walt Kelly (cartoonist most known for his comic strip, POGO"

I read this quote, and my immediate response was, "Well, Duh!"  There is certainly nothing profound in these words.  Still, it seems to be the place where I am prone to slip up.  I am great at making lists...at scheduling things that need to be done.  But sometimes, I fall victim to procrastination (a particularly attractive temptation to me) and my best intentions fizzle.

One of the most repeated pieces of advice given to writers is to be sure and write something everyday.  I can certainly see the value in this - and I have known many would-be writers who talk about writing, but never get around to actually doing it.  But, I think placing such a unyielding requirement on writers can backfire...especially if they are like me, and prone to self-flagellation when they miss the mark...or miss a day or two....or four.  If I am honor bound to write everyday, and life interferes and I don't write for several days, I feel guilty and my motivation dissipates.  Then I have to jump-start the writing rhythm again, laboriously wading through the thick sludge of inactivity to uncover a single creative thought. 

So, instead I tell myself that I will TRY and write everyday.  I know this is not a particularly noble ambition.  Actually, I heard someone say once that to say you will "try" means that you intend to fail with honor.  That sounds harsh - but I can see that there are times that would be true.  Like when someone invites you to an event that you have no intention of attending, but instead you say that you will "try."  Oh come on!  I know that I am not the only person who has done that! 

With my writing, the "try" method works best for me.  I would love to say that I will write a blog everyday...but I know, especially now with the move, it is unrealistic.  So, I write as often as I can.  Tomorrow I already have a list of things to do:

1. Go to the Social Security office and apply for a replacement Social Security card. (Lost mine years ago and suddenly I realize that I am going to need it for a PA driver's license.)
2. Pick up change of address cards at the Post Office and an application for a passport. (Marilyn is insisting that I do this in case we want to go to Canada for Christmas shopping.  Hmmmmm....oh well.)
3. Call and make appointments with the vet for Sophie and Bizy
4. Go to the bank
5. Take boxes in the back of my van to Goodwill
6. "TRY" to write a blog.

I found another quote that I will include here, simply because it is by someone that I NEVER thought I would quote!  "Good Intentions are not good enough"  George W. Bush

I guess he ought to know!