Perfectly Warped

Perfect 24 hours, you say? Somewhere I know? Well then, let's take a little trip inside my mind. I know it well, and I'm delighted to share. Whether you're brave enough to see it though is entirely up to you. Since it's supposed to be idyllic, it's a Saturday with no teaching.

From the moment I wake up between 5 and 5:30, we (my brain and I) are thinking stories and rhymes. As we stagger to relieve ourself, the perfect day involves a top story-inducing idea - the seed of something exciting. Jotting just a sliver of the idea down is vital. This brain is nearly 62 and needs all the help it can get remembering. Great start!

Now, let it ruminate whilst water washes down the daily pills, followed by watering the garden and pulling a few weeds, wheels turning all the while.

Next, we need exercise - mind and body. Thoughts turn to how to develop this would-be top story while working out. 1, 2, 3... Character development, plot, and voice are all important things to consider. Keep moving, faster. Yes, way to multi-task! Now, where were we? Let's say it's horror. After all, Halloween is around the corner.

8, 9, 10... What flaws can the protagonist as well as the potential reluctant hero possess? Should these characters be male or female? Females aren't usually the bad ones, so let's go there. What twists can be thrown at the characters? How can we add a bit of humor without getting hokey?

4, 5, 6... Let's warp this to draw the readers in. We've got to make it unique. Let's imagine that the story is told by the villainess. What is the backstory that led her to be a thief seductress murderess murdering seductress? We're on a roll now.

We interrupt these thoughts for the mundane tasks of cleaning up, choosing what to wear and what to eat. Fast shower. Arizona heat? Shorts and a t-shirt. Homemade granola and an apple will suffice.

Okay, back to walking - slower now. No need to work up a sweat again. We'll put more attention to the story and actually, physically writing in a notebook.

Let's call her Jennifer. She was abused by her stepfather and her mother wouldn't listen when she spoke up. He called her Jenny, so it's a trigger. Anyone who calls her by that name is doomed, especially if it's a man.

All right, let's not give up anymore of this story to these interlopers visiting for a day. Let's play Wordscapes for a bit, still walking. That weekend tournament won't win itself. There - after just 30 plus minutes, we've helped solidify our team's win and got ourself on top again.

Time to type some of this stuff up and rest from walking for a bit.

We're doing great today. Self pep talks are useful to ward off doubts, imposter syndrome, and general negative thoughts.

Let's take a quick break from typing and go to Facebook to share the poem published yesterday. Oh my! That recipe looks so good. Mmmm, write that down. Oh! We could use that craft with the after school creator club. So much fun. Let's search for ways to incorporate a mini writing lesson. Look at those cute cats playing!

No, no, no! Back to Vocal. Type some more... Wait! Hunger. Yes, it's 12:30 - past my usual lunchtime. Where did the time go? A salad seems just right, with greens from the store, leftover chicken, and spinach and tomatoes from the garden.

Fueled for the afternoon, it's time to read and walk. There are lots of great Vocal writers whose pieces we love to dive into. We start by reciprocating for those who commented on ours. Back to Facebook to check support groups. No, don't watch that video. Stay focused! Yes, we have some new posts on Vocal + Assist, Vocal Society, and Voices in Minor. We'll read some and share some.

Next, time to call Mom. Every Saturday without fail. No one knows when the dementia will truly take hold. At this point, she forgets something shared a minute prior, but she knows her family members. See how scary the brain can be? We worry that's where we're headed. “I love you” are always the last words.

Oops, that Wordscapes star animal would be ready by now. Man, back in second place in the individual tournament. We'll fix that while finishing up the target 20,000 steps for the day...

Much better.

Time for dinner. We enjoy leftover broccoli and finish off the last of that chicken. No worries. Tomorrow is shopping day. A smoothie with a splash of Fireball makes for a nice Saturday drink.

Netflix or Prime? Whatever. We'll find something. We deserve an entertaining tale after putting effort into one of our own.

Oh, that's our best friend calling while walking the dog. A nice chat is always a welcome distraction.

This movie is okay, but we would have written it with a more developed main character. This one is shallow. That may be the point, but it makes for a boring story. He needed a personality better than being a brainless womanizer.

A bit more Wordscapes and it’s time for bed. The synapses have been firing all day and need to rest.

Too bad we rarely remember our dreams. We're jealous of writers who have that goldmine to pull from.

In the morning, we will repeat the first part of our day as we do every day.

It was a perfect Saturday. Glad you wandered along for the ride.