Pulled From The Brink

I was soooo close.

My creativity had all dried up and I was no longer feeling inspired to write. Originally it was me sitting in front of my laptop prepared to write, but my mind would betray me and completely wipe itself clean like some kind of odd science fiction movie. Even trying to comment on other blogs wouldn't help - as it seemed all I could get out was, "Nice post" or "Funny stuff", not my normal incoherent rant.

I am sure most of you have been there - sitting with a blank stare on your face as drool slowly escaped your mouth.

I couldn't shake it. I couldn't get past it.

I even had things planned. Joeprah and myself had planned on doing a Duel of the Decades - Movies edition, but my lack of motivation has put that jeopardy. I had agreed to a side blog with the wonderwife to cover American Idol this year, but that too has been put on hold. It seems that my writing issues has caused all of my plans to go into a state of stasis.

I had swore before that I wouldn't let myself get to the point where I would only post once a week and that if I had to write about the lint accumulating in my belly button to keep writing daily, I would. Unfortunately, by this point I had so psychologically messed myself up over this blogger's block, I had began to think nobody was reading my posts and nobody really cared if I posted.

I had pretty much conceded defeat.

I'm not sure, but the upcoming birth of the newest addition to our family may have contributed to my quandary. It hit me last week when the wonderwife began purchasing more of our necessary baby items - bedding, blankets and diapers. I think it was seeing the diapers is when it really connected with me, that this next year is going to fly by at an immeasurable speed.

That scared the hell out of me.

But leave it to a good friend to knock me back to my senses. With one simple post, he made me remember why I began writing it the first place. That while writing was a kind of therapy for me, ultimately I wanted people to enjoy what I wrote - even if it is just one person. The fact that people still read my ramblings and posted comments even though I have not returned the favor in about two weeks (I will be fixing that, I promise) should have been enough realization that people enjoyed what I wrote, it took his post to quit my little freaked out pity party and get back to writing.

So Michael, (or ~m to his homies), I thank you for getting me out of my funk and making writing fun again. I am so glad I stumbled upon your blog and I am kicking myself for not spending the time reading your posts over the last few weeks. While I know you are going through a somewhat similar void in the writing department, I hope that you will return full of vigor and creativity.

Aside from his kind words, he also gave me an award, my second as a blogger. While there is a part of me that makes me wonder how anyone could give me any award, let alone this one.

I urge all of you to add Smoke & Mirrors to their blogroll - now. You won't regret it.

I am supposed to pass this award on to another blogger that I deem "worthy". Personally, I think all of you are worthy for putting up with my crap at times, but for this particular award, I am going with Laurie from I Can Leave My Hat On. She was one of the very first members of my blogroll and I haven't given her as much props for the enjoyment she has provided over the years. Here you go girl, you deserve it!

So while I was sooooo close to quitting blogging altogether, Michael and my other blogging buds made me remember how much fun it is to write. Every so often, I need that kick in the butt - and you guys provide that.

To the following people, I offer the most gracious of thanks from the bottom of my heart. You guys are truly awesome and I hope I can give you guys the kind of inspiration you guys have given me.

Jen of A2eatwrite
Laurie from I Can Leave My Hat On
MackeyDoodle
Zanthera from Northern Bound
Joe from Joeprah

You guys have continued to comment during this period, even though I hadn't returned the favor - I truly appreciate that and I hope to make it up to you.