Outside???

By Lonnie Cruse

One of the first words children usually learn is "out" or "outside." They will stand by a window or screen door and point and beg to go out. That's because they know it's good out there.

Hubby and I like to walk at Massac Park, down by the river. Recently we noticed a couple of new paths leading into the woods, covered by gravel. He checked at the park office and learned that there is a hiking trail that follows along the river. This morning we hiked the first part of it and spotted several deer, some squirrels, and lots of birds. We hope to go back and complete the four mile (one way) trail sometime soon.

I've been hearing for some time that busy people need to take time to do nothing. Or at least nothing that has to do with their usual occupation. Doesn't matter what we do, butcher, backer, candlestick maker, we all need a break sometimes. Particularly writers who spend hours on end sitting in front of a computer screen, praying for inspiration to strike (or lightning, should inspiration fail.) I was thinking about that on our walk. It is such a beautiful time of year, I'd like to suggest to all of you a nature walk or hike, to recharge, refresh, renew. Stave off burnout.

I'm a "glass is half full" rather than "half empty" person, but if we don't renew our creative juices from time to time by doing other things, taking time away, we could empty our own glass to the point of being difficult to refill. And there IS a life out there somewhere, beyond the computer screen. We need to live it as well as write about it.

You're on a deadline? Great. Good luck with it. But take time to recharge, refuel, enjoy, or you likely won't make the deadline. Or survive it.

Don't forget the bug spray and sun screen. And your camera.