Idle hands make mischief by Barbara Edwards

Feeling out of sorts

With all the bustle of the Holidays smashed by a nasty virus that lasted almost a week, I’ve been idle. This is scary. I’m always busy. Either working, finishing, starting or just planning my next move is the way I live. I like being busy.

Being ill forced me to stop. I was quarantined for five days with the nurovirus.

The TV only offered limited channels that quickly bored me to death.

I did have my kindle and a number of the wonderful ebooks offered free by many of my friends. Only I had a headache.

I slept the first couple days. I looked outside. I threw up often.

I sat and wished to be better. I spent time being angry and upset that my valuable days had been ruined by a germ.

I tried typing and found my hands so shaky the words were unreadable.

So I stopped. Does this make sense? I stopped. Not so simple for a type A personality.

I looked at my unpainted fingernails.

I took a long soak in the tub.

I fluffed the pillows and sat under the covers.

I sent my husband out. I hope that makes you laugh. I wanted to help make me better and drove me crazy with his fussing.

I hugged the quiet like a fluffy teddy bear.

I let my thoughts roam like butterflies searching a meadow.

Somehow all of this has turned out to be a good thing.

I am rested.

Although I didn’t aim for it, I lost five pounds.

I have the end of my book firmly plotted.

I didn’t make any New Year’s Resolutions and find the lack freeing. I don’t need to think about my eating habits, my exercise routine or my writing habits.

And I won’t have to feel guilty over failing to keep them.

Maybe I’ve discovered a new way to begin the year. Or maybe not.

After the long days

Visit www.barbaraedwards.net for excerpts from my books, free reads and links to my blog, Facebook page and Twitter.

Have a Happy and Healthy New Year.