"Thanks, but that's a long drive, and I have a lot of
homework."
Responsible words I'll regret the rest of my life. The next time we were drinking on my porch,
the radio drifting through the open window, my friend's bf exclaimed,
"That's the band! That's who I
took to Chicago!" The Talking
Heads. I could've taken a bus trip with
the Talking Heads. NOoooooo!!! Some head pounding and aauurrgh!!!
Well, let's chalk it up to a life lesson. When someone invites you to do novel things,
go. As sung in "Once in aLifetime" by The Talking Heads...
And you may ask yourself
Where does that highway go to?
And you may ask yourself
Am I right? Am I wrong?
And you may say yourself,
Where does that highway go to?
And you may ask yourself
Am I right? Am I wrong?
And you may say yourself,
"My God! What have I
done?"
Wikipedia says this band was
post-punk, but close enough for "punk". I've been happily chair dancing to their music while putting this bus together. I try to avoid swimming
in regrets.
I called another friend last
night to bubble about my recent productivity in writing. I tamped down my self-congratulations when I
learned he just missed passing a state exam he needs for a mid-life career
change. It's not the first time he just
missed passing it. The last time, he
bumped his head and got a concussion before the test and was only 2 points shy
of his certificate. This time, on the
way to the test he got flagged down by a couple of young people who had just
been robbed at knifepoint. He called
911 and had to fill out a police report, making him worry he'd miss the test
altogether.
"Are you sure you really want this career ? It
seems like there are unusual obstacles cropping up whenever you try to take
the test."
He talked a lot about getting
older, it's a safer career, wanting a 401k plan.
"Yeah, but are you
psyched about doing it?"
He talked more about sensible
choices, but in the end, well, he doesn't like some critical aspects of this
career choice. He just has so much time
and money already invested in this career change, doesn't he have to carry
through? No. Not really. He's
reassessing.
I'm reassessing too. I started writing a book that wasn't going
anywhere. I kept trying to force myself
to work on it. I finally gave up and
starting writing one of my alternate book ideas. Now I've been having a hard time leaving the computer long enough
for lunch. When we're doing what the
heart loves, ideas flow, and time stops -- whether the heart loves sensible
choices or not. I'm hoping the universe
will eventually reward me with a book deal for following my heart's desires.
Ahhhmazing! I would have a hard time not having regrets about that one.
ReplyDeleteArghhhh, that's painful even to hear about! I'm sure I've missed many opportunities keeping my nose to the grindstone too, though probably none quite as poignant as this!
ReplyDeleteI miss your blog Leah. Or do you have another one I don't know about?
DeleteOh, what could've been!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun memory Linda...but no regrets eh..lol. I like the sound of your book..wow! I'm all ears xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Jane! When I get a bit farther maybe I'll start talking about it, but not quite yet :)
DeleteWe should never let us talk ourselves into doing the sensible thing. Go out with a flame - or at least go where the heart points. Sad with the Takling Heads, but I think you new book is so much more important. So maybe the lesson learned back then, was more important than being able to have hung out with a now famous band. Sounds like you are in a good flow. Go with it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Otto! It's too late to relive that moment with the Talking Heads anyway, so I'll keep the lesson :)
DeleteIt's almost eerie - your "almost" brush with Talking Heads and their lyrics. I love your Regret Bus :).
ReplyDeleteIt seems like the universe is telling your friend what he might already know deep down. Reminds me of the saying, "But I've already wasted all this money, I need to waste my time too!" Sounds like your book project is a waste of neither!
I'm hoping the book works out. In a way, I've been writing it in my head for the last few years. Now I'm just doing the actual typing :)
DeleteThat's what I'm hoping! I've never had more fun creating anything in my life. I wish I would have listened to my inner voice sooner. But better late than never. Now, I just need a little luck of the Irish.
ReplyDeleteWishing good luck for both of us Sharon!
DeleteOh, those regrets for the sensible things we've done. I've got 'em too. I have a friend who thrives in a highly sensible practical life of daily routines, but if I tried to live her life, I truly believe I would gradually become mentally ill. I've tried to be sensible in her way for months at a time and slowly lost my zest for life until it was truly frightening for me. I think that her basic personality (SJ in the Myers-Briggs) has set the society standard for what is sensible, but that artist types need their own kind of sensible that is not just a stupid reaction against the other kind of sensible. (But it's hard not to be in reaction because our childhoods were so affected by schools which are mostly designed by and for the SJ). Anyway.....
ReplyDeleteI am just delighted that you are writing your book with energy and joy. My fingers are crossed for that book deal!
I understand what you mean about losing your zest when living a practical life. I've kind of bounced between practical and creative. I forget what my Meyers-Briggs type is, but it's definitely not an SJ. Thanks for the good thoughts for my book!
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