“If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all." That’s Thumper speaking in Walt Disney’s 1942 movie, Bambi. My three kids would bounce that sentiment across our dinner table while growing up. It’s also why I’ve been avoiding blog posts here for the last few months. Here’s another quote reflecting my winter: “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” That’s John Lennon, circa, 1980.
It was a dark, long and cold winter and it’s been a grey, windy, cold spring. And yet, new growth emerges and I’m itching to sprout new words and return to a more regular writing schedule. I admit to discouragement … into turning this long break into a forever break. After all, there are so many books out there, so many talented authors sharing their stories. My to-read pile keeps growing … and growing. Speaking of books ...I just finished the short bestseller, If Russia Wins: A Scenario by Carlo Masala. It's a good reminder of why history matters and why I'll keep researching the past.
The crazy thing is, though, as my to-read pile grows, so does my to-write pile. Like a compost pile—my imagination overflows with characters, landscapes and histories. New ideas keep sprouting. Some, unfortunately, are only weeds, some too sensitive to the elements … while others keep returning, insisting on my attention.
I’ll take Thumper’s advice and try to only speak nice things. And sometimes I’ll say nothing at all.
