The Silent Editor
Somehow, she always knew. She knew me better than all the talented, amazing coaches I worked with in learning the art of writing my memoir.
None of them knew how I have struggled with balance all my life. My enthusiasm for any new project has often exceeded the energy I have available. Of course, all my coaches loved my enthusiasm. Once set on a course of action, or even on any new career which I pursued, I could wear myself out. But they didn’t know that. That worked fine in the early years, but since I am a little older now, I am still perfectly capable of working myself into an almost exhausted state. Slowing down has never felt like an option but now with three bulging discs in my back it has become a necessity. But, somehow, sometimes, I just can’t when I am excited about exploring a new adventure. My body can’t seem to keep up with my mind.
Have you ever felt that way?
None of my writing coaches had any way of knowing how I really am. Classes in structure, dialogue, arc, flow, oh, I loved it in my eagerness to finally write my story.
But somehow, Fiona knew that I needed to pace myself. Every day when I sat at the computer to write, she would gently snuggle her soft, big, white paws around my feet, always interested in everything I did, happy that I was in one place for a while.
But when I sat for hours on end without a break, she would stand up and gently put her big white paw in my lap as if to say, “Take a break, please.”
“No, Fiona, I don’t want to get up yet. I want to write just a few more pages. I’m on a roll now.” Again, the soft paw in my lap. Ignoring her did not work.
Next, she would lay her sweet face in my lap gazing at me with those big black eyes. She would walk to the doorway towards the living room looking back and forth to me with pleading eyes, then toward the TV as if to say, “Come on, take a break.”
She didn’t need to talk. The message was loud and clear. She knew I needed to rest. My back was certainly telling me so. She was one of the best communicators I’ve ever known who studied me and knew me so well. Believe me, I’m not making this up.
Maybe I could trick her. “Okay,” I said. Begrudgingly, I’d go to the living room, and sit in the recliner in front of the TV hoping she’d fall asleep, and I could sneak back to the computer. She did fall asleep…across my feet again so I couldn’t get up.
But she would enjoy a break if I’d go to the piano and play for a while. That was a wonderful escape for us both. If I played a peppy piece like The Entertainer or a boogie-woogie fast piece, she would frolic around the room. If I played the slow, dreamy, Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven, she lay at the foot of the piano sleeping and even snoring a little. So funny. A dog who appreciated music, even when I made so many mistakes.
But I digress. Weeks passed, months and finally years with my faithful friend with me every step of the way.
She taught me so much. About myself. That it’s possible to tackle a new adventure and even pace myself in the process. I really had never had to slow down as a young girl, but now I must.
I learned so much from her that no one else was able to teach me, this loving, gentle 70-pound white Colorado Mountain Dog with the kind black eyes. Our fur baby. Even the chiropractor confirmed what Fiona was trying to tell me. My backaches were telling me that if I didn’t take breaks and slow down, I was in for a lot more pain. Finally, I did learn how to lay down and rest for a while.
We even went for more much needed walks.
How did Fiona know so much? Was it because she was so in tune with me, so aware when I was in pain, so concerned?
After a lifetime of over exuberance, it was finally the loving furball, this beautiful Colorado Mountain Dog with the soft, kind eyes who taught me what I needed to learn the most.
By the way, I finally finished the book. Or I should say that Fiona and I finished the book. It was published recently! I gave credit to all my fine coaches from whom I learned so much. I loved the journey. But the one here at home who got me through those many months and years and knew me best is our Fiona. I could not have done it without her.
Come to think of it, maybe I could, after all, write that other book that I have in mind. But that’s another story…
Enjoy reading Annie’s recently published inspirational memoir, THAT ONE PERSON, by Annie Farris, written to encourage you in these challenging times. Now available on Amazon for $15.95, and Kindle for $9.99. Endorsed by Pat Boone and 18 others with numerous 5 star reviews. It makes a great gift!