Writer's Block...

It's not necessarily that I have it, but I have had a great deal of difficulty blogging lately.  I have no idea what to write about or what would interest my select readers.  So, I'm trying to think about that....  

Originally, this blog was meant to keep up with friends and family while I was in the midst of a crazy busy time in my life.  Now, I'm thousands of miles away from most friends and family and don't really have any more free time than I had before, but a bigger time difference--and, perhaps as a result, emotional distance--from all of you.

So, if you have ideas or thoughts about what you enjoy reading when you come here, please do let me know in the comments or by email.  It would be really helpful to know if this thing is too much of a journal, if you want to know more about literary theory, more about California or what!  

Without such commentary to work with right now, I will spend a little time today thinking about writer's block and how it seems like a very similar kind of thing to "exercise block" and other types of blockages that make us stumble when trying to pursue healthy and fulfilling activities that are good for us.  In continually striving to adapt well to my new schedule with all of its freedom and constraints, I've had to be a lot more in tune with knowing the most productive environment, time of day, and even the kinds of food and drink that keep me focused on reading, writing, responding to students, and preparing for teaching each week.  It's feeling a bit more like the training program that I was in for the marathon when I got to know my body so well that I knew exactly what I could and couldn't eat at certain times of the day if I wanted to go for an evening run and how much water to have to be hydrated for a morning run, etc.  

Maybe I could approach school a bit more like marathon training.  A few things that immediately come to mind are the need for clothing that suits the task, which was of the utmost importance in marathon training, and a good soundtrack for training.  I got some new music from a friend last weekend, so that may be a good start.  Cat Power's Cherokee from the new album is the first song -- this is an excellent sign.  Any other tips from your marathoners or fellow students-for-life?

Anyway, hope you enjoy this new song by Cat Power: