Here We Go Again & Link Up On the Edge #159
Good ole writer’s block has set in. The same thing happened for yesterday’s post and I spent most the day on Wednesday sitting and staring blankly at the computer screen, finding silly distractions to avoid putting words on the page. Finally, my muse decided to show up at the last minute and I was pretty pleased with the post.
Yesterday was the same story but with a different ending. I spent most of the day staring blankly at the computer screen, doing all sorts of mundane tasks to avoid writing because once again my muse decided to take the day off. Without my permission, I must add. When I realized she was not going to return yesterday, I gave up hope and put the computer away. Who works for who here? I thought she was supposed to work for me, but she can be a stubborn bitch sometimes.
And now I am sitting here three hours after I usually have this post published, still waiting for my muse to return. Nothing. Radio silence. So what does a writer do when she has no words? Write words about not being able to write words, I guess. My husband keeps telling me, “Two hundred shitty words a day. That’s what you need to be doing.”
I have been trying to adhere that rule. If I can write 200 shitty words a day, eventually they start to become less shitty. I think. Actually, late last night after I gave up on my writing endeavors, a whole bunch of topic ideas came at me. I remember texting myself some things. For example, I had this overwhelming sensation of imposter syndrome last night. I don’t know where it came from, but it is probably worth exploring.
But just as quickly as it arrived, it departed again. Faker, faker, peanut butter maker. Yep, I feel like a fake and fraud, a foolish writing imposter, especially when I can’t even come up with 200 shitty words a day.
Another text I sent to myself last night said, “Live videos on social media freak me out. I think they can see me watching them.” I actually didn’t even remember sending that until just this moment when I checked my phone. Good thing I do text myself. Otherwise, all the crazy thoughts would just get lost in the wind.
For real, I don’t watch live videos on social media. You get those little pop up notifications letting you know that someone has just gone live on Instagram or Facebook. I apologize to those of you who rely on live video for things, but I don’t watch them. I immediately shut that shit down. When live comments start popping up on the screen and the person making the video is answering them, I just can’t wrap my brain around it. It completely freaks me out.
I have attempted one or two live videos myself and I know I can’t see you. So you would think that I would know better. But then I just assume I am doing it wrong and that you can actually see me if I hop on and watch a live video stream. What if I pick my nose and you can see me? Or any other number of things we do in private when we think no one is watching? Now go ahead and tell me I’m crazy. I already know that I am. But it will still be like trying to convince my 8 year old that there are no creatures in his closet or under his bed or anywhere in his room or our house. There is something so uncomfortably strange to me about watching a live video on social media. So I will just avoid them like my son avoids the dark.
So there you have it…200 shitty words (actually it’s closer to 600 shitty words) and an outfit I wore to my friend’s baby shower two weeks ago. She is having a girl, so I brought out the bright pink tights especially for this celebration. And now I am headed off to my best friend’s house for the weekend. Come back Monday and see what the Fab 40’s has in store this month. Hopefully, my muse will have returned by then! Any writing tips or topic suggestions are welcomed in the comments!
And now your featured favorites from last week.
Maureen of Little Miss Casual is looking so vibrant and perfectly cool in vacation mode in her post, Multicolored Striped Jumpsuit. And check out her adorable bag, too. This is such a fun outfit, I can’t help but smile!
Suzy of Suzy Turner Books & Style is always capturing my green-loving heart! In her post, Khaki (Again) and the First Time I’m Wearing Contact Lenses, she is sporting the most wonderful khaki green tie dye tank top with super cool cargo pants. I am loving this look so much. Plus she has lots of fun life updates, so do go check it out!
Jacqui of Mummbstylish is looking so freaking fabulous in her Black and White from Roman Originals. She looks like she stepped right off the cover of a fashion magazine. Perfectly styled and accessorized.
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.
Shop my look:
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.
43 Comments
Jill
I think it’s harder to write sometimes when you know you have to get it done. I’m horrible with video and the idea of going live on Instagram or Facebook freaks me out too! This is such a fun look! Love the touches of bright pink! Have a wonderful weekend!
Jill – Doused in Pink
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks for stopping by, Jill! It is so true, when the pressure to write is on it makes it so much harder. When the inspiration hits though, I need to grab the moment and write! I rarely get posts written more than a day ahead of time. But wouldn’t it be nice to always be a week ahead. Hahahaha. Have a great weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Grace Liang
Writter’s block is no fun! This was still a great post though! 🙂 Love that dress!
https://colorandgrace.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Grace! Writing about not being able to write! Ha. That’s something, isn’t it? Have a great weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Julie | This Main Line Life
ha, ha… 200 shitty words a day. I love it. I get stuck sometimes too. Since starting the blog I really understand so much more clearly how writers get inspired sometimes and you really have to get the words down on paper when the ideas come to you, otherwise they’re often lost. You can’t always just sit down when it fits your schedule.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Julie! Isn’t that a fun mantra? I seriously repeat to myself multiple times a day to get motivated. Just 200 shitty words! And yes, that is part of the problem…when the words come and you simply cannot just drop everything and sit down to write. Scribbling down notes helps, but sometimes even then the passion still gets lost. I hope you have a fantastic weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennie
Lately I have been thinking about how I used to enjoy writing and thought I was half way decent, but when it comes to the blog I seem to have lost that creativity. Blah. I hope your muse decides to come back soon!
This is such a cute and bright layered look! Love those bright pink tights and amazing shoes.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Jennie, thanks so much for the wonderful comment. I have always loved writing, it has always been my creative outlet, but man, when the words get stuck, I get so frustrated! I guess we just need to push through or take a break and allow it some time to simmer a bit! You will get back to enjoying writing soon, too! Have a fabulous weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Nicole of High Latitude Style
Nice new spot for the photos. The fall sandals’ heels look so interesting. The pink tights are real fashion statements.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Nicole! I love open toed shoes with socks or tights when the weather starts to cool. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Gail
The muse will return, fear not. In the meantime do some fun stuff, nothing challenging. Let the brain cells relax. Btw you’re really rocking those coloured tights!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Gail, thank you so much for the lovely compliment and the wise words for helping to get my muse back on track! Much appreciated. Have a fantastic weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jacqui Berry
Super photos shelbee, and what a fabulous surprise to find me featured – thanks so much. xx Jacqui
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Jacqui! I hope you have a lovely weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
Ha ha, you and a writers block! Can’t imagine that! But enjoy your weekend and how thoughtful of you to wear pink tights!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, Nancy, thanks so much! It is kind of ridiculous when I lose my words! I hope you have a fantastic weekend, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Donna Walmsley
I love your pink tights with this adorable dress, Shelby!! Don’t worry the flow of writing will return just try to relax and not be too hard on yourself – sometimes just taking yourself completely away from the situation is a good start … hang in there, I love your writing!
Donna 🧚🏻♀️❤️🙏
https://donnadoesdresses.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Donna, thank you so much for these very kind and supportive words. The writing struggle can be real sometimes, but you are correct, sometimes you need to just walk away from it for a bit. Then it comes flooding back in! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura
Oh darn those muses! They can be so fickle! Your fashion muse is clearly here to stay though! Love the dress and those fun tights!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Laura! Fickly bitchy muses, they are! I feel like my fashion muse went on vacation this summer, too! I have barely been getting dressed at all and have hardly any photos. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Suzy Turner
Awww thanks for featuring me, Shelbee!! You know, I’m always channelling you when I wear green! I think my contacts must have screwed up my eyesight last week though, lol, because that picture of me is so blurred LOL!!!
I LOVE your outfit – the pink tights are utter perfection. And so wonderful for a girl’s baby shower! I do wish it was cool enough to wear tights here but I’ll just have to wait another few months!
As for your shitty words, your posts are never shitty. Even when you’re not writing about anything in particular. And we all suffer from imposter syndrome (especially us girls) from time to time so you really shouldn’t worry about that.
Big hugs
Suzy xxx
PS. I don’t like watching live videos either!
PPS. I still haven’t got a clue what I’m going to wear for Monday’s post. I hope I can find something (even if it’s ofne of hubby’s shirts!)
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Suzy, thank you so much for all of your kind words! This outfit with the pink tights made me so happy and then some guy commented on Instagram, “How do those tights go with that outfit?” I wanted to responded, “Seriously, guy! That’s your comment?!” Instead I just said, “You have to think outside the box.” I hate when people take the time to post something unkind. Just keep scrolling, man! Anyway, You’re awesome and I thank you for that! I love when you green and I am sure you will come up with something brilliant for Monday! Maybe use my words to that IG guy, “Think outside the box…” She just said “shirt dress”. That can also mean tee shirt dress, right?
xoxo
Shelbee
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Ruth Josey
What a cute look you’re sporting! I have several string-top type dresses and I really need to try wearing T-shirts under them because I love the look. I think it’s a wonderful idea to dress according to the gender of the new arrival for a baby shower and I love the color of those tights. The earrings really add a great tie-in, too. Writer’s block – ugh! It’s always a good idea to text yourself with ideas as they pop up. I rely on browsing other blogs to turn on a lightbulb, too, which is why it’s great to have the linkups (thank you, by the way)!
Ruth
http://www.VogueFauxReal.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Ruth, thanks so much! I love adding tee shirts under the spaghetti strap dresses because it hides the bra straps and back fat! Lol. I am so glad that you can find inspiration from the link ups! Have a great weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Anna Shirley
Oh yes, a writer block. Not fun at all. But you know it will be back. I like to read your posts. If I don’t know what to write, I don’t write. The best thing, in this case, is to go away from the writing.
Anna
http://www.glamadventure.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Anna, thanks for stopping by! Yeah, it definitely is frustrating when writer’s block sets in. Stepping away from it usually works to clear the mind and allow the inspiration to come back. I hope you are having a great weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Mica
What a fun dress and I love the black and white and pink colour combo! 🙂 I giggled at the live video fear – I guess we are all scared of different things!
Hope that you are having a lovely weekend 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Mica! I tried to watch a live video last night and then I couldn’t figure out how to shut it off and I got all freaked out! I was trying to proactively face my fear and it backfired! Hahaha. I hope you are having a super weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
Looking very nice. Love the fun looks that you are wearing. Very nice. The combo of the black and white with the bright pink tights is cool.
Sometimes writing can be strange. Ideas come up at the strangest places. Remember that all written words are good words.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, Patrick, thanks so much! I like that last little reminder…all written words are good words. I will keep reminding myself that when I need to get those 200 words a day written down!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lauren Sparks
Keep at it! No one has your story to tell but you! laurensparks.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Lauren! I read something recently that really struck a chord that was something like, “Your story might not be for everyone, but it is for someone.” If my story can help someone, then it is worth sharing!
xoxo
Shelbee
Chrissy
You crack me up Shelbee. Seriously. I hit a writing block as of late. It’s frustrating because I feel this pressure to get things done and when I finally get a peaceful moment…nothing. lol Ah well, sometimes it helps if I go walk, exercise etc. I should do that more. Fun post….even when your muse has the day off. and cute outfit. That dress is so fun.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Chrissy, thank you so very much, my friend! I have been visiting my best friend all weekend and I am hoping stuff starts flowing this week while I am kid free (they will be at gramma’s all week) and can focus!
xoxo
Shelbee
Emma Peach
Writer’s block when you’re up against a deadline is no fun. I guess everybody gets is, creativity can’t always be turned on at will. I know things are bad when I start doing housework – it reminds of having to write essays and suddenly wanting to tidy my room instead!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Emma, thanks for sharing and relating to the struggle! Oh if I start doing housework, there is something much worse than writer’s block going on! Because I don’t do housework. Hahaha. Thank God I have an amazing housework-loving husband!
xoxo
Shelbee
Sarah
What a great idea to write at least 200words a day! Keep it up…
I have a friend who is also freaked out about live videos. She feels host could see her. Haha.
Sarah http://disisd.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Sarah! I feel like they can see me, too, from the live videos! So creepy.
xoxo
Shelbee
Claire
Aww, love your pink tights! Great dress too. Thanks so much for sharing your post with us at The Weekend Blog Hop. Hope you can join us tomorrow 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Claire! I am just trying to keep things bright and cheery with my clothes!
xoxo
Shelbee
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