Monday, August 25, 2008

My Own Private Idaho


Okay, today was my four-year-old's first day of pre-k. Did you hear me screaming "Free at last!!" out of my car window after I dropped her off? If you didn't, then you must have been wearing your earbuds because I was a happy, screamin' gal.  

Now, don't get me wrong, I've loved being home with my youngest these last few weeks--her older sisters started school three weeks ago--but I've been itching to get back to my writing ever since the SCBWI-LA conference. Having a significant block of time to really focus is vital (and has been rare, if not nonexistent, these past few weeks).  I really need my "own private Idaho" in which to work and brainstorm and kick things around inside my muddled-up brain.

I'm thankful that my four-year-old was just as excited as I was--she goes to the ULTIMATE nursery school and has a wacky, creative teacher.   After drop-off, I headed straight home, grabbed a latte' and beelined for my studio. I sunk down into my favorite writing chair pictured on the right--tah dah!, and I started hammering away on a middle grade novel that I began about six months ago. It was wonderful to finally get to flesh out scenes that had been stewing in my brain for months.   I even got the entire ending plotted out.

And all of this happened on the FIRST DAY OF FREEDOM! Who knows what Day 2 will bring?  Whoa . . . watch out world. I'm baaaaaaaaack!!!!!!!

10 comments:

Katie Anderson said...

I am so glad you're back in the saddle, and I can't wait to read your new stuff!!!!

Jeannie said...

SF, I loved reading your raw, but succinctly stated, emotions. You can feel the love of family as well as the need to ride your own star. You two girls are so interesting. I love reading your "right out of the box" comments and thoughts. What does the reference to Idaho mean? I have never heard that expression.

Hardygirl said...

Thanks so much for your kind words.

The "Private Idaho" reference is from a B-52s song from the early 80s--The lyrics are "you're livin' in your own private Idaho." Fun, kooky song.

I'm glad you asked! sf

TAA said...

Congrats S.F.
I can't wait to see what you do with your new found freedom. I think jeanine must be under 35 or out of the B'52's loop. Ha. lucky girl. I loved the "Private Idaho" reference it takes me back.
Mimi

TAA said...

Congrats S.F.
I can't wait to see what you do with your new found freedom. I think jeanine must be under 35 or out of the B'52's loop. Ha. lucky girl. I loved the "Private Idaho" reference it takes me back.
Mimi

Christy Raedeke said...

Oooh, I just LOVE seeing people's creative workspaces! So fun to check out where the magic happens.

Congrats on getting your last one out of the house - here in Oregon we don't start school until Sept 4 and pre-K until Sept 23! That day you might hear me scream "whoopie" all the way out in Mississippi...

StaffPicks said...

SF: Today is my Free at Last Day. Kids went to school and now I'll finally look at those notes from LA. Ha. Thanks for posting the Lisa Yeeeeeee ReVissioin notes. Ciao, Paul

Hardygirl said...

It's so good to hear from both of you.

Christy, I'll take out my earbuds so I can hear your happy squeals in September.

Paul, where ya been?

sf

Jeannie said...

Yea! I'm under 35!!!

Tyler said...

Yay, productiveness reigns!! And like Christy said, it's super cool to see people's creative workspaces, although mine is not quite as cool as that. Congrats on the free time, and here's to putting it to good use!

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