Feb 18 2009
Sugar Rush and Fingerpainting
That’s the last time I give my toddler more than a tiny block of chocolate. I received some birthday chocolate in a parcel from his grandparents and couldn’t resist tucking into it this afternoon. The Pibler is very partial to sweet things and I gave up shielding him from them completely some time ago. But then his dad gave him some more later on - and as a result he’s been manically racing around the house, romping on furniture and squealing with delight, until nearly 9 pm.He’s finally conked out - but I’ve learned my lesson. That much sugar (and the caffeine in cocoa) racing around in such a little person’s body is not a good idea!
We spent a pleasant morning at a friend’s house in Hanover. The plan was that the Pibler would do some finger-painting as his little friend, ‘O’, likes to do. I was quite excited about his first foray into art. But he was more interested in ‘posting’ the paint tubs through the stairgate, than actually making any marks on paper. He did a few twirls with a brush and then was off exploring balls and brooms. Later he had a great time playing peek-a-boo and bouncing on a bed with his little friend, who he gave a ‘cuggle’ (cuddle) before leaving. He is asking for many ‘cuggles’ a day now, but sometimes it’s not so much a bid for affection, as his way of asking to be brought up to our level, so he can see what’s going on!
On the writing front, another paragraph of mine has been accepted for publication on ‘Paragraph Planet’, this one to appear in March. It was inspired by the beautiful snow we experienced recently, and its aftermath. Once a writer for Paragraph Planet has had three pieces published, he or she gets their own page to publicise their work. So this will be my second piece!
I managed to write a little last night, doing a timed writing exercise with one of my short stories, and some free writing. I find timed writing exercises invaluable when I am struggling with writer’s block, procrastination and excuses. I simply say to myself: okay, I don’t feel like writing, so I’ll just do ten minutes. I set the timer and go, without thinking about what I’m writing. After 10 minutes I’m often ‘into it’ and ready to go on, but if I’m not, at least I’ve kept the momentum of the piece going, rather than just leaving it to atrophy.
