On a weeklong writing project, I lost my way.

There was an agenda, a map, and destinations designed to inspire writing.

But the days got choked with smoke and my haze turned at first to malaise and then to rebellion: Who needs a vista! Who wants some fancy special event?!

I made plans, rescheduled those plans, then cancelled completely. I did not take the hike, drive to the lookout, or dine with the writers. I went instead to my favorite no-pressure, all quiet, mostly clean and quiet place: the library.

And there I wandered, losing my self on the Oregon Trail, in Walt Whitman, in snarky humor, and origami. I wrote and wrote and wrote, mostly a jumble, but maybe a nugget hides in the rubble.

The best part was the sweet relief, realizing inspiration comes to the willing. It's all here and here and here, all within reach. I know this, I do, but often forget.

On this Thankful Thursday, I am thankful, oddly, for plans that unravel and expectations unmet. In a small way, my frustration allowed another sort of writing to take foot, stumble, then, albeit wobbly, stand.

How to Fold

Find a flat surface.

Start with a single fold.

Fold in half.

Fold to back.

Rotate. Flip.

Fold. Unfold.

Difficulty will increase.

You may feel the chill of not knowing.

Keep steady. Like any trick, it will

take practice and a curious mind.

From luck to wisdom to surprise

you’ll build confidence.

Peel back the petals.

To create wings

fold a loving heart

and hold the center.

— a cut-up poem by Drew Myron, with lines from The Joy of Origami by Margaret Van Sicklen

It's Thankful Thursday.
Gratitude. Appreciation. Praise.
Please join me in a weekly pause
to appreciate people, places & things.

What are you thankful for today?