Please don’t gasp. Yes, I’m actually writing a blog post and not just relying on other talented bloggers to fill my pages. Okay, now you can gasp.
Actually I’m writing on my own blog because I have a guest post coming up in November and thought it might be nice to add a bit to my blog.
As some of you know I recently moved from my ‘home’ in Thailand back to the States. I must stop referring to my move as it’s beginning to sound a touch tacky, but I do still miss the quiet of Thailand.
We moved to a fascinating spot on the East coast of Florida called the Treasure Coast. That in itself got my attention. It’s called the Treasure Coast because of the number of Spanish galleons that sank off the coast during storms. To date I haven’t found any bullion or jewels lying about on the beach, but I do keep my eyes open while fishing.
My expectations of the move back far exceeded reality for me. Actually my wife, who was born in Thailand, wanted this return. Don’t get me wrong. I love America and the cornucopia of different people that live here. I just… well, the truth is I’m a recluse by nature and I’m pretty sure it’s in my genetic makeup, so I enjoy solitude.
STOP THE PRESS: My wife just yelled to come look. There was a raccoon looking in the front window. She, my wife, loves wildlife—as long as there is a window between her and the action. One other thing I enjoy about this area is the abundance of wildlife. We are in a Sandhill Crane area and everyday families come to our yard in pursuit of insects buried deep in the ground. The birds are beautiful and can be very loud, but that doesn’t happen often. My first encounter with a family of cranes was exciting. I was outside closing a window I had been repairing and I heard… you know the noise the Velociraptors made in Jurassic Park while searching for prey? Well that’s what I heard. I turned to find a male crane with its wings spread six feet wide and those prehistoric eyes staring at me while protecting its mate and young one. I excused myself while moving slowly to the door. We’ve made friends since then even though I refuse to feed them.
Osprey Nest
Now, where was I… The biggest problem with our move back was my muse refused to move with me. She was happy in a land far away. The good news is, as of late, she has been stopping by for visits trying to determine if she likes the new surroundings. I have my own office with a real desk and that seems to help. I can look out my window—which I do a lot lately—and see the canal and open space behind our little house to give the illusion of being all alone. I do have some very fine neighbors and not only are they friendly but quite an eclectic group from different parts of the States, England and the islands too.
And so goes my return to life in the States. The jury is still out, but if my muse stays then so will I. I’m also trying to learn the new posting method for WordPress, so please forgive the lack of… extra stuff
Have you made any big moves that disrupted your routine?
Dannie C Hill- The writer 
Ok..What the heck is a Muse? And why is yours a female? Doesn’t the wife get jealous?
Ha! Hi Lamar. A muse is the source of inspiration for writers and other artist, but my muse is special. I have a guest post coming up where I talk about her a bit more– you’ll like it. And she seems to make my wife happy too by keeping me out of trouble and keeping me busy. Great to hear from you, buddy! Oh. I have no idea why mine is female, but I’m so glad she is. I’d hate to have some old guy sitting on my shoulder and hanging around all the time.
Cranes and racoons, a real Treasure cove indeed! I hope all this wilderness will inspire you soon and you will find a new routine.
I do too, Letizia. I’m planning on writing in the NaNo next month. That will be a real test for me. The area really is a great place and so close to the sea. So happy you visit me here.
When I moved from the country to the city in early 2000 my muse was nowhere to be seen for miles! But she eventually returned and I really hope yours does too, Dannie 😀
Thank you, Dianne, for your well wishes. I do think she is giving thought to moving back to my office. There is something about rural areas and letting the mind float free from time to time. BTW. I just finished reading Wolf Pear and loved it. You are very talented.
Just read your comment on your site and now I’m Happy Dancing too, lol
Wonderful post Dannie. Of course I can definitely relate to your comments, as I have had the same problem since moving back to the US from Mexico. My muse must have come with me, but currently she’s hiding and nowhere to be found. I have faith that she’ll return to me someday with great tales of her travels. I lived in Florida for several years and loved it very much. Good luck with everything!
Thank you, Linda. Best of luck with your muse, lol. She’ll be back. I’ve been reading some of my old manuscripts and can feel mine looking over my shoulder
Such a wonderful post!
I’m glad your muse is coming back to you. I know how hard it is to get any writing done without one. But then it’s sometimes hard to get writing done with one too. 🙂
It sounds like you live in an area with a LOT of wildlife. My desk at my day job is next to a window that faces the lagoon of a small lake. Twice a year migratory birds pass through so I get to see swan, geese, ducks (as usual), scaup, coots, grebes, etc. It’s really cool.
Welcome back to the blogosphere! 🙂 Be sure to let us know more details about your guest post when you can. I’d love to stop by and read. 🙂
xoxo
I will let you know, Casey. I still can’t get over the support from such wonderful people– like you. It often carries me through the day.
I am surprised at the wildlife. The canal in the back attracts so many birds. Your view sound great. Do you get the whistling ducks? They kept me guessing for a while as to what kind of bird was making that sound.
Thank you again for your support, pretty lady!
*GASP*
Haha, just kidding! So thrilled to read your writing again, Dannie. How can any woman, let alone your muse not be completely enchanted by you? So glad she’s back. xox
eden
You do make me smile, dear Eden. Yes she does seem to be back and is telling me to go for the NaNo next month. It’ll be a good test. I see your latest book is doing very well and that too makes me smile!
“She, my wife, loves wildlife—as long as there is a window between her and the action.” That totally cracked me up! I’m the same way.
You know all about my big move and how that went. Fortunately I was in the final editing stages of Nola Fran Evie, so I didn’t need explicit usage of my creative brain. Still, it was tough to get back in the writing game!
I’m so happy to hear about the update, Dannie! It sounds like you’re settling in, especially since your Muse is nesting. 🙂
Yes, you had a big move to a beautiful place. I’m settling in and it feels good to produce words instead of just daydreams. Thank you for visiting, Britt!
Well, my big move to Mexico worked in my favor in terms of inspiration. I have thought a lot about why my mind goes blank when I’m in the US. Lack of nature is a big reason, once you live in a truly natural setting, parks and such, don’t really cut it. But its the information overload too, access to product and television… Thankfully it sounds like you have a really beautiful place to live and work, I’m certain you and your muse will soon reunite.
You are so right about the information overload and TV. I guess if you haven’t had the opportunity to live in a different, natural setting then there’s nothing to compare it too. As always, I do enjoy your comments!
I am sure muses suffer from culture shock, reverse culture shock and all those other things associated with changing places; they are such sensitive creative creatures after all. 😉 A little pampering, and time, and all will be well.
Everything you’ve said is true. The pampering seems to have worked because she is visiting. Thank you so much for visiting.
Hooray.