When the light goes on
The other day I walked into my kids’ bathroom and flicked the light switch. And much to my surprise – two lightbulbs popped on. There have always been two bulbs — but it has been a long time since they both shone brightly. Not that I can’t change a lightbulb – I can – but it’s a tricky fixture and I just never got around to it.
And now – out of nowhere – there is light.
The same thing happened to my bedroom TV. For a few months it whistled. I got used to it. Then it went all blue and green. I got used to that too. Then, one day it simply did not turn on. I unplugged and plugged, flicked, switched and even swatted. No TV. I turned to books at night, not wanting to spend the money on a new TV. Instead I spent the money on Jonas Brothers concert tickets for July – but that’s another story.
And then a few days ago, I saw a little light on the TV. I pushed the button.
TV. Blue and green TV, but TV nonetheless.
It’s that with writing sometimes too, don’t you think? Out of no where, for no reason you can think of, the light goes on. Hell, sometimes it’s so bright you almost need sunglasses. There is no way to explain it that you know of, so you just go with it – and revel in the clarity that illumination brings.
Because you know it’s going out again eventually.
Sooooo true, so true. When the light comes on, that is what keeps me up until 1 am… composing in the shower… jotting down notes on a napkin at a red light as I chauffer my 4 kids around suburbia. When the light is on, it is a ‘creative high’ like no other. But, who is in charge of the switch???? It sure the heck ain’t me! It’s off way more than it’s on.
By the way, freaky about the TV….
Awesome analogy, and absolutely true. Thanks, Amy.
YES. I love it when the light shines brightly, hate it when it goes out.
My first thought is one of your children replaced the bulb, but I can’t explain the tv. I do love the analogy.
Wish that there were timers we could purchase to regulate the writing light a bit more.
We don’t talk, think about, or admit the whole “burning out” thing. It is the thing which shall not be named.
I rarely watch TV, but I just decided to watch the whole Alias series again. So there goes my pride, LOL!
YES! Great analogy! This is perfect! right now with so much company coming and going, my light is off… but I know it’s going to blind me soon, so I better enjoy the dark while it’s off! LOL! Jenni
Right there with you, in the light, out of the light, trying to find the light, all of it. It wouldn’t be so bad if I knew when it was coming and could plan accordingly. It’s those moments in the middle of the night that are the worst, too tired to find a pencil they’re lost forever.
Also, your house is clearly haunted
There are a few reasons why I added your blog to an rss feed on my site–but this post right here is probably one of the main ones.
It is all about the light.
It just comes on and suddenly, you just get it. No struggling for ideas and words and a voice, it just comes to you.
Anyhow, I love your blog…period, but this has to be my most favorite post right here.
–oh and…you’re a mother like me. Kudos to you for writing and being able to be what appears to be a great mom at the same time.