I’ve been working on this week’s homework for two straight days, and I just can’t seem to get it done. I think it’s a combination of the subject matter (Narratology) and the weather. I’m not knocking Narratology, but this may very well be the most painful English course I have ever taken. We are studying Seymour Chatman‘s Story and Discourse, and I swear I have to read each sentence at least 3 times to make any sense of it.
This week, I have to take one of the theories of character Chatman discusses in Story and Discourse and summarize it in layman’s terms. I spent at least 4 hours on this yesterday and so far have only written 4 paragraphs of gibberish that I am quite certain don’t make a bit of sense.
Meanwhile, it’s 80 degrees in March (in Wisconsin!!) and my garden keeps calling me. My hyacinths are blooming, and their scent wafts through my open windows at regular intervals throughout the day. The weeds are already threatening to take over, and I want nothing more to be out there fighting them.
My two great loves — writing and gardening — are always at odds this time of year. I have to spend the majority of my work hours on my teaching and other paying endeavors. The remaining hours are devoted to writing in the wintertime, but come spring, the garden calls. If only I could knock out this homework quick, I could get out there, guilt-free. But it seems there’s always some project on my mind, calling me to get to work on it next. When did I become such a work-a-holic?
Does the weather ever interfere with your writing? How do you deal with it? Please comment below.
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Mandy, I like your blog! Thanks for including my post in your Related Articles. I totally agree about being torn between writing and gardening. It’s especially hard in the spring. – Jay
How I relate to this blog, Mandy, my problem is that I have so many hobbies. As well as writing, I too love the garden, painting, illustrating, knitting and crochet, sewing, stamp collecting, reading… I so remember a few years back when I did a degree and worked as I followed it up with my teaching degree… My advice? always stop for a moment to refresh yourself in garden… it’s like a mini holiday.. Thank you for adding me as a related article, you have jogged me and I really must get on and write some more.
Thanks for adding me to your related articles!
I can definitely sympathize. Like Wordangell said, my problem is that I have too many hobbies on top of a more-than-full-time job. Right now I am dedicating a lot of time to my garden and neglecting a few other hobbies/interests, because with the lovely spring it IS a time-sensitive thing. Is there anything you could cut out (besides school) that would give you more garden/writing time? For me it’s a season…when the heat and humidity both go up, I know I’ll be itching to get back into my indoor pursuits again. 🙂