Midweek Moment #47: In need of clarity

What do you do when you’re in need of clarity? When you want to write – or relax – and can’t settle?

I’m working on a number of writing projects at the moment, from editing an anthology to proofreading a book on “home staging”, from writing book reviews to scribbling down scenes for my novel whenever I can snatch a moment. It’s no surprise to me, that by the end of the week, my mind is now starting to feel somewhat foggy and need of a declutter (I might have to take some advice from the author of the “home staging” book and sort my thoughts into Move, Keep, Discard and Sell). I certainly apply those principles to my house, because I hate clutter! My mind … it’s always cluttered.

I’m sharing this landscape, shot on a rainy afternoon along the Blackwood River, for two reasons. One, the misty world of the river reminds me of my mind this week. And two, my novel’s setting is inspired by a town along this river. Just after I took this photo, I had an amusing (in hindsight) encounter with the local geese and this event has made its way in the novel. You’ll have to wait to read it – no spoilers!

Here’s another photo, taken while sheltering from rain. You can see the rain speckling the water on an otherwise still day. Even when I try to relax, my mind is still speckled with thought-rain. Case in point: while showering this morning, my mind was jumping with must-write-down-now sentences for my novel. Can’t even shower in peace!

Louise also finds water soothing. She spent an hour down at the lake near her house yesterday, photographing the birdlife. To her, the place is soothing not just for what she sees, but also what she hears – the bird calls and the sound of flapping wings on water as they take off.

As she says: “Yesterday was especially so, as I went without the dogs and the surface of the lake was like glass. The reflections of the ducks were almost as distinct as the birds themselves. I sat very still, hoping the birds might forget I was there and come closer. But they never forgot there was a stranger watching.”

Look how clear the water is! That’s the clarity I feel I need right (and write) now. You can see more of her bird images at her Midweek Moment post.

About Midweek Moment:
Louise Allan and I are writers who share a passion for photography. As a creative digression from the written word, we share our favourite photos each week in ‘Midweek Moment’. Please click over to Louise’s website to view more of her photography and to read her writing. We hope you enjoy!