Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Little Lambs and I-me

I've been tossing and turning. You'd think I'd sleep the sleep of innocent lambs who know they won't be lambchops and will romp around fields of clover baa-ing and kicking up their tiny little hooves (I'm running with this lamb thing, ain't I? laughing...).

Instead, my mind will not be still (see below--at least the trombones song is gone...oops...or was gone...Dang it! Help me think of something else...quick!).

The night before last I thought of something I hadn't done, or should do, or it would be cool to do, and of course, being a writer who is always on the ball (ahem) I do not have paper and pen by my bed. Actually, I rarely have paper and pen, for if I do write down any scribbles of something, it languishes in a black hole somewhere. Still, when something hits me upside the head in the middle of the night that may or may not be Important (because after dark, way after dark, weird things become "important"), I should write them down. I didn't; so I lost the thought.

So, last night, I thought of something, and forced myself to get up, go into the living/kitchen/dining area, in the dark, scrabble for a pencil and scrap of paper, and jot it down - just the act of writing it down and seeing the nocturnal paper sitting on the counter reminded me.

All this tossing and turning is getting on my nerves. However, it's "good" tossing and turning. I mean, I wake up Grinning for gawd's sake. Of course, I have my terrified moments -moments where the negative thoughts creep in, and I have to force them away. You just replace a good thought with the creepy or negative thought. You do it until the bad goes away. You do not take any crap from Negative Thought- Negative Thought must be dealt with severely and quickly. Being grateful is a good way to chase away the NT's. I guarantee it.

Bags under the eyes of a 51 year old woman is not purty. When a 51 year old woman loses sleep, it shows. When a 21 year old woman loses sleep, no one knows until she lets out a long yawn and says, "I couldn't sleep a wink!" A 31 year old woman may have a few little darkling circles. A 41 year old woman will show the fatique but a little concealing and Voila! But, darlings, a 51 year old woman just looks TIRED when she's tired *laugh*...however, I notice that if I'm smiling, or feeling upbeat, or having that gratitude feeling, well, no one notices I am tired and no one cares what age I am (and neither do I) and no one knows my age--not even me.

This is an exciting time. But it's also very surreal. I walk around feeling the same; yet different. I sometimes want to shout, "GUESS WHAT? My novel...." etc etc etc. I can't wait to hold TENDER GRACES in my hands - I know I will weep. Oh yes, I'll cry. This tough woman's gonna cry (Right, Angie?....)

I hope I sleep tonight. I hope the ocean's waves of thought after thought after thought will calm so I can just get some rest. But, what a problem to have right now, huh?

Maybe if I count those little lambs.

10 comments:

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

Hi, first time here from Suburb Sanity. I enjoyed this post because I'm a pseudo-writer. I just posted today about not sleeping due to two deadlines this week!

Angie Ledbetter said...

Good grief, lady! You're determined to infect me with these trombone songs and nursery rhyme ditties. hehe And you bet your sweet bippy you gonna cry! All your goils will.
*waving to 2nd Cup whose writing I really enjoy*

Debbie said...

Well look, 2nd Cup of Coffee popped over from me! She was my first commenter when I started blogging!
Anyway, I hate sleepless times. And yes, they sure do show all over my face. But you have so much to be excited about. No wonder you can't sleep. When will I be able to buy the book?

Kathryn Magendie said...

I need to find out all the "pre order" details and "regular old order" details and where and when and how and -- good god, my haids spinnin'

They probably told me all this and I let it drain out my head and onto my pounded upon sleepless nights piller! *laugh*

Thank y'all for stopping by *smiling*

Terri Tiffany said...

SOOOO very happy for you when I heard the news over at Angie's!! Congrats! And a good fun cry!

stephenrowepainter said...

Dear Kathryn, Love the cover! I am damn near crying good tears just thinking about you. As ever be well, Stephen

Anonymous said...

Congrats! Followed you from Angie's world, and if you want another song...I woke up with "Rhinestone Cowboy" for some horrid, beat-me-with-a-stick reason. Aghghhhhhh!

I'm adding you to my followings! Actually I've heard from you before...in a rejection for a short story to R&T :) But that's okay! Nature of the business! Glad to meet you and congrats again on getting the book deal!

t i m said...

you don't look anywhere near 51, honest :)

all the best with your book - do you want me to put in a good word with Oprah to get on her bookclub? I don't know her but I've a feeling I'll meet her one day. ;)

Kathryn Magendie said...

I've been visiting 'all yallses' blogs - I tell you what: there is some talent in these here blogways -- and I've had more fun laughing...so glad I came over to blogspot *smiling*

Anonymous said...

Kat, I had the same kind of night last night and finally got up and started my day in a total daze, as if I was deep in meditation, trying to bring myself back. I started my work, then had to heed the calling - and wrote about it. Now, if anyone can make sense of it. It'll be published in OCEAN Magazine's Summer 2009 issue. May the mist creep over your tossings and turnings . . .