Begin Again by Sharon Heagy

Some of the hills on my walk with Norman the dog.

"There once was a man named Michael Finnegan

He grew whiskers on his chin-egan

The wind came up and blew them in again.

Poor old Michael Finnegan. Begin again.

(public domain)

This is the tune that popped into my head when I read the prompt and began to think about writing this piece. That lead to making sure the song was under public domain, which somehow led me to listen to some new worship songs, which led me to thinking about the song my friend wanted to have played at her funeral, which led me to text her and ask her for the name of said song because I was drawing a blank, which led her to ask me if I knew something she didn't. I said no. Then I took the dog for a walk.

Then I came home and avoided sitting down to write this post, doing menial tasks and cleaning up loose ends I'd left undone for a while. Then I sat down and began again, out of excuses, and here we are.

The last eight and half months to a year have been a lot like that. Off and on, stop and go, up and down. Yet sitting in my favourite writing spot with pen and paper or keyboard and screen, remains one of the happiest places on earth to me. I am examining why I tend to avoid it.

Often writing seems like a decadent indulgence due to the immense joy I find while scribbling down the ideas, phrases and words that swirl around in that wrinkled walnut looking part of my brain. Even the more challenging parts of the writing process bring me joy. The joy, true joy, has a single Source yet it is twofold. The One who created me gave me the gift, and, He writes with me. No decadence there, only sacredness. And it's all grace.

The scrutiny of my avoidance will continue and perhaps provide fodder for a future post.

One thing I have accomplished this year was to write down some concrete goals. For a while I had more goals than a famous NHL hockey player. They needed to be narrowed down and attainable. I'm not going to write the great American novel. I'm not even American! Maybe a great Canadian novel, someday, but that's not one of the current objectives.

Some goals on the list have been accomplished. One was to continue monthly submissions to this blog as it fuels my fire. The realization that this December will be my 60th blog post kind of blew me away. I still feel like such a rookie!

Two writer's groups, both InScribe inspired, have kindly accepted me into their folds. Both help me to keep trying and to never give up. They give me accountability as well as encouragement.

The guardians of FellowScript have graciously published several columns I have submitted. I would encourage all members to submit their work. It is a wonderful venue for publishing experience and the folks that read it are writers just like you. It's been very good for me and I highly recommend it. My thanks to all who work to make each issue a reality and special thanks to Tracy Krauss for her steadfast encouragement.

Then I did a thing. A scary thing. It's not pretty but it's out there. I started a blog of my own. For others to read if they happen to stumble across it, but more for experience and discipline. Both are lacking in my writing life lately. The process has left me a little lost as I am befuddled on how to navigate the site. Next goal is to find a tutorial. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks.

There seems to be some forward motion in my writing life that I didn't even realize was there until I started reflecting on this month's prompt. Thanks, Lorrie and Brenda. This is a good thing. A God thing. Praying He will continue to lead me and to lead you as we forge ahead together.

Sharon Heagy writes from the small but vibrant town of Rockglen, Saskatchewan which is nestled in the valley near the Burning Hills. She writes to inspire and give hope with a chuckle or two along the way.