Chateau Lloyd

Monday will be my first day in the office since December.  I'm looking forward to it.  There's a strange sort of lethargy that takes one over when there is too much free time.  Other than a few firm things like bills and doctor appointment, the project list can be postponed almost indefinitely.

After all, what else are you going to do?

This is a well-known paradox - people in a rush often make mistakes, but those mistakes may be beneficial.

To use a well-known example, the original Star Wars movies have numerous short-cuts and mistakes in them, yet they were huge blockbusters and retain their power to inspire even today.

The prequels had none of those limitations.  Being self-finances, George Lucas had total control and a loose deadline to do whatever he wanted with them.  They are but a pale shadow of their predecessors.

Normally when I write, I consider a session where I write less than 1,000 words to be something of a failure, almost a waste of time.  (Of course, if I'm working through a difficult passage, that's different.)

Yet on furlough, it took me several weeks to scrape up the measly 4,000 words for a short story.  I'd do as few as 300 words and call it a night.  Why not?  What's the hurry, anyway?

I think retirement can be like this, which is why so many retirees take part-time jobs or volunteer.  it gives the day structure and provides a needed limit on hobbies and leisure activities.

Speaking of writing, I've begun to move ahead with another book project, which was dug out of the archives and is getting a substantial revision.  I'm measuring my progress in what I delete rather than what I write.

I don't have a name for it yet, but as it comes together, I'll let you know. 

And of course once Three Weeks with the Coasties comes back from DoD, there will be an announcement as well.