Philosophy | Cathy C. Hall Writes

Well, yes. But there’s a perfectly good reason for me bringing up the latest thing over my writing desk.

It’s a birthday letter to yours truly from the Juniorest Hall. And no, it’s not my birthday. It’s another perfectly good reason.

This Juniorest Hall is NOT the English major. And yet, he’s very big on writing letters. I suspect it’s because letters are so very, very…what’s the word? Oh, yeah. Cheap.

Anyway, this particular letter holds a place of honor over the writing desk. And not just because of the eloquent lines pointing out the attributes that make me a super mom (though that’s swell). What makes this letter so extra special is that Juniorest Hall mentions writing. To wit:

“I appreciate everything you do for yourself from your writing, to your blogs, to watching football like a crazy person (Um, I think I missed that the first time) and even Cathy-on-a-Stick. As much as I detest that stupid piece of paper glued onto a popsicle stick, I also enjoy it because I know it makes you happy and that makes me happy.”

Sometimes, like on a day when a rejection lands in the inbox, or finding the right words or a brilliant idea seems like an impossible task, I look up and read those few lines of the letter.
I need to remind myself that writing makes me happy. And that I’m lucky enough to have the love and support of the Wild Bunch. Right down to the Juniorest Hall.

(P.S. I bet you thought I forgot all about the reason I brought up the letter (I sorta did). Cathy-on-a-Stick has finally returned. You can see what she’s been up to if you zip over here. Won’t Juniorest Hall be thrilled?)

My writing spot happens to be a desk.

Oh, I might open my laptop while sitting at the kitchen table, or outside on the deck, or even in my HUGE comfy chair when the Braves are on TV. But serious creative thinking and/or writing goes on at my desk (despite what the Beneficent Mr. Hall may say). So, it’s there, above and around my desk, where I’ve posted stuff to inspire, amuse, prod or cajole me into writing brilliance.

As I just posted my latest calendar sheet of the month, I thought I’d share. Because this simple tool (courtesy of The Verb ezine, from the genius of ReadingWriters) has made me even more brilliant (again, despite what the Beneficent Mr. Hall may say).

What I love about the calendar is that I can see, at a glance, the entire month. I can map out projects I want to tackle, making a workable time table. I check off a goal as I go-or circle a project I didn’t get to and add it to the next month. By the end of the month, my pretty little calendar sheet might be a mess. But I’m always surprised at how much I’ve accomplished. What can I say? There’s just something about goals staring me in the face every day that motivates and/or guilts me .

Plus, I always get a kick out of those monthly quotes. So, if you’re having trouble organizing your writing goals, you might want to try this simple (and did I mention totally free?) calendar, still available here for download.

I’ll share more “stuff over my writing spot” soon, and I’d love to hear about something over YOUR writing spot. Hahahaha! (Sorry-I just noticed one of my comic strips up there. Those Pearls Before Swine guys always make me laugh.)