A leg up

Steven Baird

I know I’ve been spending an inordinate amount of time and thought on the past, and aging, how then brings more clarity to now… it seems to be a consistent theme in a lot of my writing. And I’ve been thinking about the aches and pains of growing older, because I’ve been experiencing them first hand.

I’m not a complainer by nature. Stuff happens, the body wearies more easily, the thought process becomes a little more slippery. I worry about my memory, but not obsessively. I forget names, forget where I set my coffee cup… small lapses, really. But otherwise, okay. My body aches more, particularly the left leg. Some days it feels like bone has been replaced by a splintered plywood plank. An old injury, never fully healed, it’s been aching for a few weeks now. Some days it’s difficult to write, or rest because of the ache. And, recently, an infected elbow. All clear now (well, mostly clear), with only a bit of “cellular debris” remaining (my doctor’s term. He also called it “squishy gunk”: the technical term).

But today is a good day. I’ve been mowing the lawn, stretching the leg, enjoying the sun and mountain breeze. But not overdoing it. Perhaps there’ll be more substantial writing later. That’s been the most frustrating part. Wanting to, but unable to fully focus. The novel is complete, other than the minor detail of writing it down! That part aches too, because I can’t write fast enough. I don’t think I’ve ever had a story so fully formed in my head before, and I’m so damned slow making sure I get it right. Yes, an obsession. Writers know what I mean. It’s a good obsession, I think. Much better than obsessing about growing old, and hurting along the way.

Have a great weekend, and thanks for reading.

36 thoughts on “A leg up”

  1. I’ve got a lot of osteoarthritis from when i worked as a teacher for the multiply handicapped and had to put teenagers and adults on respite tables and changing tables for decades. There are good supplements that help with joint and muscle pain, and some, like Turmeric, help with memory too. MSM is very good; you can take tons of it; it is as nontoxic as pure water. Turmeric is great; it must be taken with a little bit of black pepper and olive oil (for absorbency). Swanson Vitamins (online) has the best quality for the price! 🙂 Alpha lipoic acid penetrates the blood brain barrier and is great for the brain and memory function.

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  3. I used to describe writing as vomiting – the stories just need to spew out of us, and it’s a race to write them down fast enough. Yeah, aging…I can relate. As long as the old brain holds out and I can keep dreaming up stories, the rest is okay. Glad you’re feeling better. Happy Writing, Steven.

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      1. 😊 Steven, I’ve always seen you as the most put together. Since I’ve been tagging along in your writing world, your so… talented. At least that’s what I see ☺ I always find myself saying, “I wish I could finish my projects like him.” Honestly your one of my idols. ❤❤❤ seeing this side of you, brings it home. Your amazing! Everything you do, in spite of your own obstacles Is …inspiring.

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      2. I’m very touched… that’s so kind. 🙂 I’ve never thought of myself as put together. I have a lot of self-doubt and uncertainty, but I try not to let it spill over. I try not to show it all… I think everyone has enough self-doubt they don’t need to hear about mine. But it’s there, and I think it’s a natural part of creativity. It’s always one step at a time, every time, regardless of what you do. Perseverance is everything. Be stubborn! 🙂

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  5. Sorry to hear you’ve been suffering of late – I hope things improve for you. That list of natural remedies upthread sounds pretty good. I hear you with the aging, it sneaks up on us until it becomes a new normal.
    I also hear you with the story bursting to get out – I love that feeling, all-consuming, as the characters beg to be written. I have a character of late who’s been bugging me a bit – I’ve already written his ending, but he’s not sure that’s how things will work out for him. So now I’m considering my options.
    It’s a funny and wonderful game, writing, isn’t it?

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    1. Thanks, Helen. The new normal. Yes, that sounds right. There have been some good remedies suggested, and I’ll try them. It’d much prefer healthier alternatives to drugs. And light exercise and walking seems to help. The weekends are better, when I don’t have to sit behind a desk all day.
      I love those times when the characters become alive in the imagination… you can feel every bump and curve of their struggle and hope everything turns out all right for them — but it may not. Good luck with your options.. they’re kind of like deep daydreams, aren’t they? No wonder some people think that writers are crazy.
      All the best to you, and keep doing what you’re doing. 🙂

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      1. Thank you. Yoga might really help you too. I learned from a DVD by Peggy Cappy called “Yoga for the rest of us” that was available at my local library and recommended by my sister. You don’t have to be gumby at all, she has elderly and arthritic students, one of them is on the video. Might help.

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      2. I’ve actually thought about yoga. I have been doing light squats and bends to limber up the leg. The ‘popping’ sound is quite satisfying, and it does help a little. I think there’s something not quite aligned there. Movement definitely helps, in moderation. Thanks for the heads-up. 🙂

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      3. You’re welcome! If it helps arthritics, and strengthens too, don’t see how you could go far wrong. The warmup stretches are done sitting in a chair, and are strengthening too! Everyone has to find their way, but I understand wanting to take the natural route. Maybe a chiropractor?

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      4. Definitely at the top of my mind. I’ve discussed that with my wife and if there aren’t any real improvements soon, there’s where I’m heading. Stretches are something I work on throughout the day. It’s so hard to do it at work with minimal breaks, but I do ’em anyway. I need to get up every hour or so just to stretch. It helps.

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  9. I am delighted to have stumbled onto your blog – looking forward to getting to know your writing better. So far – I’m entranced. Just reading W. O Mitchell (again) and so between you and him I have some pretty cool images plopping themselves in front of me!

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    1. Thank you, Stacey, I’m happy to meet you. I just started following your blog, reading some of your most recent entries, and I was struck by your words. Here’s to the beginning of a new and lasting friendship. 🙂

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  10. After my husband gives Horatio Hedgehog treats, he puts him in a box with a blanket over the top. Usually Horatio snuggles in and goes to sleep. One night my husband forgot to put him back in his cage. Horatio was nowhere to be found. My husband looked in all the usual spots. (Horatio has escaped from the box before, but was recaptured before bed.) We looked all over. No Horatio. Finally my daughter went down the basement stairs, and Horatio was there by the door. It appeared that he was trying to make his great escape. Point of rambling story: Make sure that if you forget/misplace something, it isn’t the hedgehog. 🙂

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