Learning

When The Writing Is Not Easy Because You Care Too Much

/ Ally Bean / 22 Comments

“You may tell a tale that takes up residence in someone’s soul, becomes their blood and self and purpose. That tale will move them and drive them and who knows what they might do because of it, because of your words. That is your role, your gift.”

~ Erin Morgenstern, Night Circus

• • •

Bloggers often talk about burnout, being unable to think of something to write about.  But for me, this week, has been something different from that.

My brain has been in 5th gear all week, going way too fast.

I’ve thought of many things to say here– and even gone so far as to compose a few posts.  In fact, I’ve written three lengthy ones that when completed I decided didn’t have the right subject matter or tone for this blog.

So I deleted them.

This has left me feeling mildly panicked about who I am and what to post here today.  Odd isn’t it?  Too much thinking, too much caring and I end up here today with nothing to say– as if I was burned out.

THE LESSON: Some weeks all roads lead to nothing.  And that’s okay.   

• • •

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{ Source: Dilbert by Scott Adams }

More Linky Love For Eggheads: Eat, Drink & Be Merry Edition

/ Ally Bean / 18 Comments

NOT MUCH GOING ON HERE TO TELL you about, my gentle readers.  It’s that time in August when everyone who I know is:

  • preparing for back-to-school;  &/OR
  • taking a last-minute vacay before Labor Day;  &/OR
  • hiding inside an air-conditioned building in a futile attempt to avoid ragweed, chenopods and nettle pollen*.

SO INSTEAD OF TWISTING MYSELF INTO KNOTS about not having anything to write about [or anyone around to read what I write], I’m going to share the following fun + informative links with you.

LIKE PIGS WHO FLY I SHALL RETURN in a week or two, presuming something blog-worthy happens in my life.  Until then, enjoy!

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::  Wishing you knew a way to open that darned wine bottle when you are without a corkscrew, but have your shoes?  Go here.

Filed under: “Things To Try… Maybe.”

::  Ever think that there might be a better, more scientific, way to go about cutting a birthday cake?  Go here.

I’m telling ‘ya, you’re doing it wrong.

::  Do you dislike pitchers of warm beer yet lack a simple way to keep the pitcher cold?  Go here.

Now this one seems useful.

::  Looking for ways to make all your pie crusts look pretty?  Go here.

Loving every one of them.

::  Thinking that an expertly mixed martini is what you need right now?  Go here.

Not bad: handsome man, perfect drink.

::  In the mood for a Jell-O ice cream pie prepared by Johnny Carson in 1957?  Go here.

None for me, thanks.

::  Ever wonder if there’s a more difficult, yet mathematically equal, way to slice a bagel in two?  Go here.

Cute, but too tricky for me.

* Find out what pollen is ruining your summer fun at Pollen.com.

A Bear Went Across The River To See Who He Could Court

/ Ally Bean / 16 Comments

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There’s a WHAT? WHERE?  

MOM!!!    

• • •

They tell us that this rarely happens.  That’s what they say.

I mean, I’ve lived in southern Ohio for 25+ years and it’s a first.

Rather like the nighttime burglars who scared us into turning our lights on & speaking with one another.

Shocking, really.

Of course, the human miscreants have been nabbed.  Put in the hoosegow.  Sent away for bothering us here in suburbia.

• • •

But this fellow…

is getting away with anything and everything that he can…

because the authorities don’t want to mess with him…

and because he’s cute.

Never underestimate cute.  Remember Smokey? And Yogi? And Fozzie?

But you have to wonder, did they manage to have 2 Twitter accounts: @ClermontCtyBear & @MiamiTwpBear?

• • •

Just observe him, they say.

He’s only looking for a mate. 

Bears are good swimmers, they tell us.

Isn’t it wonderful how he made it this far north into Ohio?

If you encounter him, they suggest that you do this:

“Speak in a firm voice and if necessary, raise your arms above your head and clap.”

• • •

Taking a differing point of view than the authorities, I am.

Waiting each day to learn that an 85 lbs male black bear has caught a ferry back to Kentucky and is looking for love in all the right places.

Hoping to go outside at night without fear.  Too much to ask?

Don’t care if it is.  Asking for it anyway.

June 2014 NaBloPoMo: I Posted, I Commented, I Made A List & Now I’m Finished

/ Ally Bean / 35 Comments

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The final writing prompt for June 2014 NaBloPoMo is:

“Leave your readers this month with commentary about their comments.”

My commentary is: 

You, my gentle readers, are the best.  I’m grateful for your kind interest, thought-filled comments and support.  I realize that you arrived here from all over the place:

I appreciate you making your way here, and as a way of saying thank you I’ve compiled the following list of everyone with a blog who commented on The Spectacled Bean during this month.

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My List Of Blogs Written By People Who Know How To Comment

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