Why do the most interesting conversations or events which grow into the most interesting ideas happen when I am driving my car, exercising, or getting ready for bed and when I have no desire or ability to write them down?
I fall into bed with the trail of a pure thought, perhaps from a joke or conversation I have had with my spouse, and I massage that idea and tease it and dissect it, finding lots of other questions and ideas emerging as I lay with my head on the pillow in the dark room. I tell myself that this is something I should post on my blog, because I have a (small) group of followers who seem to be somewhat eclectic in ages, tastes and philosophies. If I post the idea what a rich treasure trove of discussion might ensue...!
When I arise just before the sun and I find that the idea and the web of connections have melted like the snow on the steps, and I am left with ... nothing...but dampness which is vague and truly uninteresting.
I know, a notebook, I must keep and use a notebook! The problem with this habit (which I have tried before) is I usually discover upon reading the notes later that the ideas are skeletons which can never carry any meat or I have notes that make absolutely no sense at all in the cold light of day.
That often happens to me also. Brilliance comes and goes so easily.
ReplyDeleteAnd yet, here you have created a post out of that "nothing"--and one that will stimulate thoughts, or, at the very least, admiration for your writing.
ReplyDeleteThe thing that helps me most is pillow talk and telling him the dream but that does require a partner who happens to also be awake ;). Waking someone to tell them a dream doesn't go over well... I've been dreaming especially vividly lately, sometimes I don't want to remember them lol
ReplyDeleteA small recorder perhaps, no writing. I used to have one but I tend to talk a lot when I tired so recorded a lot of rambling but it did work for dreams, my husband at the time slept through anything.
ReplyDeleteIf you write things down before bed, maybe they will sound functional in the morning? :)
ReplyDeleteI suffer those gems in the middle of the night, too. Perfectly worded sentences that would undoubtedly change the world. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are preaching to the choir! I have been there so many times. I have created the most beautiful post in my head and by the time I get a pen and paper I really can't remember a word of it. So frustrating.
ReplyDeleteMy inspirations usually come when I am running and there is not a pen or notebook in sight. Also the problem with a notebook by the bed is that I can't turn on a light to write down my thoughts or I'll wake the hubby.
Such dilemmas! ;)
Been there, done that. My notes are undecipherable by morning light.
ReplyDeleteI have a small notebook which I scribble odd ideas into - but what usually happens to me is that whenever I start writing something usually appears on the page - the only trouble is that often it is drivel. Still it is authentic. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteBlessings from Dalamory
www.freda.org.uk
I guess our active brains sometimes overestimate their brilliance. Or is it you just had to be in the moment.
ReplyDeleteMy sympathy -- i've had to start carrying a small note pad to write what the kids say, so i don't forget.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying collage to see if I can't capture these thoughts and connect them.
ReplyDeleteI don't write anything down at night and assume if I can't remember the idea in the morning that it wasn't worth much. If an idea is really good I climb out of bed and write it down or I'd never get to sleep.
ReplyDeleteOh, man! The missed posts. Hopefully they come back to you.
ReplyDeleteI'll tell you what I once told Frank when he was lamenting about the same problem.
ReplyDeleteUse your cell phone and record your voice. You can get as detailed as you need without having to do much more than reach for it on the nightstand or pull over for a moment.
His response? That would be weird. Who talks into a cell phone?
I come up with ideas and topics that vanish like the morning mist.
ReplyDeleteOh - you have the same malady that I have. There must be a room somewhere where all these brilliant ideas wait to be claimed! I hope I find it first.
ReplyDeleteI can so relate. The only reason for not having a bedside note book is that it would wake me up too much and sleep would not easily follow. Oh, the woes of 60-something!
ReplyDeleteI've learned to write those thoughts down, no matter how undeveloped. When I don't and assure myself that I will remember, I don't. So, I understand your pain. And the skeleton appearance of the note taking.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I write my stuff so fast, I can't even read it upon awakening! But at least it stops bugging me-
ReplyDeleteActually I have too much going on I can't write about this week, it would be TMI...
I enjoy reading your assortment of thoughts. Perhaps what ends up on the blog is what's meant for us to read and talk about... and by the way, very interesting, creative, passionate, etc.
ReplyDeleteIt seems we all have those great fleeting thoughts. Maybe they're not as great as we think and that is why we forget. Or, maybe it's just not meant to be.