We were dumped on. Where I live, the winter storm delivered about a foot of snow. And I must say, I’m not a great fan of these negative numbers masquerading as “temperatures.” As I’m typing this, it’s 3 degrees. Not a fan. It’s getting warmer, though. Thank goodness. We’re looking forward to a high of 20 degrees on Sunday.
Some writers have told me they get a lot of writing done during weather conditions like these. Winter doesn’t offer as many distractions for them so they’re much more productive. They wrap up in sweatshirts, sweatpants and comfy socks, and become one with their computers. I admire that so much.
I can block out the cold and the dark when I’m in a project. I can embrace the characters and the world I’ve built, and log quite a few words. Well, in between snow-shoveling sessions. I’ve had some great story brainstorming sessions while shoveling snow. But things get a little trickier when I need to transition from one manuscript world to another.
What’s your favorite way to clear your head? Exercising? Crafts? Baking? Cooking? Soaking in the tub? I enjoy all of the above. But my therapy of choice is a long walk. My husband is my favorite walking partner. He has a fantastic sense of direction so I can clear my mind and enjoy our conversation without focusing as much on where we’re going.
Back in the day when we both intensely disliked our day jobs, we’d take an hour-long walk after work. He’d vent for the first half hour as we walked out. I’d vent for the last half hour as we made our way back to the car. Once we got in the car, we wouldn’t talk about work for the rest of the evening into the night. That helped keep the tension out of our house, which is great for writing.
Long walks in single-digit temperatures is a hard no for me. That’s why clearing my head is more complicated in winter. I have to get more creative. Cooking, especially new recipes. Crocheting. I enjoy these activities but they don’t allow me to let my mind wander the way walking can. With crocheting, I lose track of counting stitches. And when cooking, bad things can happen.
The thing about hiking, though, is that in addition to clearing my mind, it has the added benefit of getting me out of the chair or off the sofa. I miss that in the winter. That activity helps me more quickly clear out the characters, dialogue and plots that have been living in my head for months. It clears the space I need for my new characters, their voices and their missions.
Readers, what activities do you most enjoy to help you clear your mind?
Chicks on the Case 
I hear you, Patricia. We’ve been mired in the negatives/single digits for a week. But we may hit 20 this weekend!
For me, mindless TV in front of the fire works wonders to clear the old brainpan.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Oh, Liz, I enjoy mindless TV watching, too. Ha! Fingers crossed for warmer weather soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Patricia, I love this post! First of all, the pictures are beautiful even if the weather is awful. It was 5 degrees when I visited my late mom in NY a couple of years ago and I thought I’d die. Second, I love how you and your husband have a venting system. And third, I’m totally with you. Nothing helps stimulate an idea like a power walk in my neighborhood. Luckily for me, I have more opps to take them living here in SoCal.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes, totally adorable how you and your husband vented during walks, Patricia!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Those walks were so cathartic. LOL!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ellen, yes, a power walk! I miss those in the winter. Power treadmill walks just aren’t the same. Ha! And thank you so much for your kind words about my post. I really appreciate them. xoxoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m also a huge fan of walks to clear my mind. I also like being close to nature (mostly the beach over here), but I’ll take a koi pond or cute garden as alternatives.
Besides walking, sometimes chores do the trick. I’ll fold a basket of laundry and zone out.
Anyway, hoping you get warmer temps soon!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, you’re right! Laundry is really helpful, too. And at the end, you’ve got clean outfits. Ha! Bonus.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Twofer!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Patricia, so glad you wrote this post today! Here in NH, we also got dumped with white stuff. The skiers are dizzy with glee in the Dunks drive-thru on their way even further north. As I type, our “feels like’ has risen to NEGATIVE 6. Yay? We’re running out of wood for the stove, so we’re rationing and adding extra clothing layers. The only one gleeful in our household right now is our golden retriever. He takes his time doing his business, so he can play in the snow (he knows we won’t follow him to drag him back in). I’m with Liz on comfort TV. Now playing: Hudson & Rex–it’s way colder up there with the St. John’s PD.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh, my gosh, Lisa. That’s really, really cold. I’m so sorry. My cousin in Florida sent me a screen shot of her weather app, showing she had a low of 40. She texted that she knows it’s colder where I am but she’s not used to 40s in Florida. If I weren’t so cold, I would have flown to Florida and pinched her.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have to say, I do feel sorry for those in FL. My mom and her friends used to swear their blood had “thinned out” after living there for a while, so they quickly felt the cold. But my first instinct is also the pinch equivalent, ha!
LikeLike
I wouldn’t do well in those types of temps. I’m a home body, but I hate the cold. So that sound miserable. Frankly, I’m too cold today as it is, and my condo is 73. I just can’t get warm.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Mark, that happened to me yesterday. I couldn’t understand why I couldn’t get warm. I went to the post office and the clerk behind the counter was in a short-sleeved shirt. I was cold in my coat. I wanted to ask him to humor me by putting in a sweater.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Lately it seems like the “normals” we’re all used to have disappeared. It hit me this winter that the “Fall” and “Spring” clothes in my closet aren’t really necessary–it’s just “Summer/Winter” now. A hard concept for us New Englanders, who used to pride ourselves on rolling with whatever Nature throws our way! It used to be a joke. Now it’s not quite as funny, ha.
LikeLike
Beautiful post and photos, Patricia! And I too love your venting process!
Not a fan of the cold. Which is why I leave chilly California in the winter to be a snow bird in Hawai’i. So I sympathize with all you folks having to endure this rotten weather over so much of the country of late. Oy.
For thinking and clearing my mind, I too take walks–often with my pooch, Ziggy. But I get my best plot ideas while on my bike rides. As I’ve said before, not only is it a good time to do some hard thinking about where my book is going, but it helps take my mind off my burning calves!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Leslie! I was thinking of you and your bike rides as I wrote this post. I can believe plotting would take your mind off the pain. Ha! And thank you for your kind words about my post. xoxoxo
LikeLiked by 2 people
This cold weather has been no joke! I’m with you on the long walks in nature. I miss the days when I lived in a state where the weather was always good for a hike! Is a perfect 64 degrees year round so much to ask?!? Stay warm!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Marla, no, it’s not too much to ask. LOL!
LikeLike
Not much help here as I am a walker too. On occasion though, vacuuming the house helps. It is pretty mindless work and I can just zone out and let my mind wander. Ironing used to be my go to, but since I gave that up long before I retired, that’s out. Your pictures are beautiful, even if they make me shiver! Hope your weather improves soon. I say you all have a confab with Punxsutawney Phil and use whatever means are at hand to make sure he does not see his shadow next week!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I absolutely love the way you think. Come sit by me. Ha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read one of those grabber headlines the other day that said virtual groundhogs are being considered to replace the real ones! Nooooo….
LikeLike
I’m a hiker like you! It’s so restorative and I get my best brainstorming and troubleshooting done while in the woods. It’s been a horrible long cold spell in Wisconsin, today I finally braved it (13 degrees, feels like 5 with wind) and it felt good, except for the wind on my face.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I admire you so very much for braving it. Wow. I’m impressed. Lately, I’ve been using all my courage to get out from under the comforters Yes. Plural.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Me too, Patricia!
LikeLike
Wow, nice snowy landscape there. We are expecting our first snow this weekend. I’ll be staying cozily indoors while the hubby drives around in his Subaru 😂 Those after work walks sound wonderful. That’s quality time well spent and needed exercise-a true win-win 👍🏼
LikeLiked by 1 person
You can’t beat a Subaru for snow! (Only drawback here in New England: It’s hard to figure out which car is yours in the parking lot.)
LikeLike
beautiful picture 👌
LikeLike
Love the venting walks! What a great idea.
And that picture through the front window is lovely! Am always happy when there’s snow outside and I’m inside being all cozy but can see it.
LikeLiked by 1 person