Orange Parker Pen
I got into my car at16.00 precisely tonight. Traffic was light and I arrived home at 16.11. After allowing myself to dwell on the years 1600 – 1611, where the reign of Elizabeth I gave way to the reign of James I (or James VI if you prefer the Scottish version). Our recent change from Elizabeth II to Charles III has shown little change, but the earlier change was more dramatic. We had witch trials thanks to James, the Gunpowder Plot and attempts to unite England and Scotland. As usual, there is a lot of history, and not enough time to do it justice. In an ideal world I would have taken to my book-lined study and immersed myself in Jacobean history.
Instead, I had tea and banana bread and chatted to Julia, which was an excellent substitute.
We had chickpea and sweet potato curry for tea, as planned, and practiced being retired – sitting round the fire making dull conversation about our day and watching TV. I think we are getting the hang of it and will probably enjoy it.
In the next two weeks I have to write twenty seven tanka, 10 haiku and 13 Haibun/Tanka Prose. Fortunately I have fifteen Haibun/Tanka Prose that are almost finished. I’m trying to do bit on them each night. The tanka are not as far advanced, but I’m getting through them. I really need to get out and get some inspiration. That is planned for Monday. Under the new arrangements I have Mondays off. It’s just that every time I am ill, I seem to stop writing and it takes a while to get things moving again.
I think I’m back on the right track again, but it takes a surprising time to turn things round. I keep thinking of the effort of manoeuvring a large modern ship.
February will be quite a light month, so if I can get January out of the way it looks like all will be well. It’ quite way from the inspiration/art/creativity model, but without this sort of planning nd framework I would find it har to do anything. Inspiration rarely strikes – it’s hard work that produces the goods.
My Orange Parker Pen
Hard work always, for the win
That is true. 🙂
I am sure you will love being retired! Richard retired just over eight years ago and the time has sped past. We haven’t done half the things we thought we’d do but Covid, caring for my elderly mother and caring for our younger daughter whose mental health hasn’t been good have all had an impact. We hardly ever sit together in the evening these days – I’m at the kitchen table using my laptop/repairing clothes/reading and/or listening to music and Richard is in the living room using his tablet/scrolling through all the TV programmes endlessly/sleeping etc. We do spend some time together each day drinking tea/coffee, eating meals etc. It’s fine.
It’s a difficult balancing act. In the evenings i often complain that Julia is always on her phone or tablet and she replies by pointing out I am often asleep or engrossed in TV. It’s whatever works. We’ve been married 34 years and it’s too late to change my mind now . . . 🙂
A quote about genius, inspiration and perspiration came to mind as I read your post.
At present, perspiration is several months away, even with the gas fire on. 😉
Yes, hard work is essential. I expect you are going to have a very creative retirement.
I would like to think so. No more excuses now there is no work to interfere. 🙂
Keep up the hard work
I will. 🙂
I think retirement will suit you well, Simon, and you will enjoy it. I look forward to reading more of your poetry.
I am planning . . .