Lately, I have realized my life is going in two directions: being alone and being with people! There’s no in between for me.
On a recent trip to a writer’s conference last Friday, I had time to be alone and time to be with lots of people, including “Wanda”—one of the toll booth workers at the Langhorne exit on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. We chatted it up while she handed me a “pass.” I accidentally got in the E-ZPass lane instead of the “cash only” lane. She ran over two median strips to hand me a ticket. We laughed and had a great time—friends at first sight. The truck driver behind me didn’t enjoy our reunion party. He blew his horn and shouted, “C’mon lady—move it!” I can always tell the “non-people” persons—can’t you?
When I finally arrived at the Philly Writer’s Conference at Philadelphia Biblical University (with just two minutes to spare), I quickly took my place on the editors’ panel—sitting next to Mindy Starns Clark (we had a great time), until I realized I was on the wrong panel. I left that “party” to join another one on the other side of campus. I did my “Sound of Music” wave and sang, “Good-byeeeeeee!” And then the familiar refrain from the audience…“Good-byeeeeeee!” And I was off…
That’s when I met Dianne. What a sweetheart…I felt like I knew her my entire life. She helped me and my backpack—with training wheels—make it through the maze of corridors to the other “party,” which had already started. Susan Kelly Skitt was sitting in for me until I arrived (thank you, Susan!). Dianne—it was so great to meet you (wasn’t that fun?). I can tell you love the Philly Turnpike just about as much as I do (we’ll talk later!).
Sure things didn’t go as expected on my way to the conference, but once there I had a great time—I perked right up. Oh, and get me in the cafeteria with food and people—that’s another story.
While driving home, I reflected on my life. What it is that I do? I realized my life is a dichotomy…I connect with people for a short time while on the road—then I go back home and hide so I can be alone to write. I need the quietness to regroup, just as much as I need the busyness of being with people. This may sound like I have a split personality, but I find other writers are much like me. 
So how do I find peace within this dichotomy of my “Leave It to Beaver Life” without feeling like Norman Bates in “Psycho”? I realize that I can’t sequester myself and leave family and friends behind…I need both to do this thing called LIFE!
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15 Comments
Peace in the midst of panic….Isn’t God good!!!
I just disconnected the cable from our TV…My life will change drastically now….
What really matters is what and who will last forever…and people will…
I saw a sign the other day that I won’t forget…
“Obey God’s Voice”….I emphasize God in my thinking….sometimes it means going away from what other people say we should do…May that be yours today….
Connie, it’s all about balance and it sounds like you’ve achieved it. A little bit of this and a little bit of that.
Jeanne,
Good for you–no Cable?!? I don’t watch much television, but Jon is home this week and he has to watch ESPN. So when I hear the TV, I pop in Andrea Bocelli (”Romanza”) and sing along in Italian while I type. Music is one of those “must-have’s” in my life!
Let me know how the no TV zone is going?
Hugs!
Dotsie,
Now I can’t get that tune out of my head, “A little bit of this; a little bit of that!” Yep, that’s the secret–isn’t it! You have mentored me along that way (I’m sure you didn’t even realize it!). Of all the people I know, you maintain that perfect balance of work, family, and friends!
Hugs!
Connie, I am not surprised that you’d sing along in Italian! It was fun meeting you - sorry I didn’t track you down again to chat more - this newbie girl was kind of in la-la land there!! Yes, gotta love that Philly turnpike - not.
This was a great post and I can totally relate. We do need both!
Dianne, I loved your post about your journey (what is it about Philly?). My son goes there all the time for concerts and around midnight we get a call, “I’m in Langhorne–now what do I do?” I think it’s a conspiracy to keep us on the Turnpike, so we can pay more money!
You looked like a seasoned veteran at the conference (after all you got me to where I needed to go!). Did you come home more confused or focused? As one of my Bible professors used to say, “Eat the meat and spit out the bones!” I think that also applies to writer’s conferences (smile!).
Glad you got home safely!
I’d say I came home more focused. It was definitely a worthwhile experience. Still processing everything! So far not so many bones!!!
Glad to hear “no bones” so far. Marlene Bagnull is such a godly woman and does such a great job of putting the whole thing together. Amazing!
Hugs!
Hey girl, I’m finding that balance, or trying anyhow! We just got back from a fun family trip to the Jersey shore, kind of last minute, but it turned out to be a blast-the water, sand, boardwalk, the kids loved it and so did mom and dad. Oh and that hot carmel popcorn melts in your mouth… yum!
Anyhow, loved meeting up with you at the conference. Glad to fill in until you arrived. I said to my hubby Jim, “You know, Connie made a grand entrance! It was like the sun broke through the clouds when you walked in the room pulling your little wheeled case. You brought balance to the editors panel - fun!”
I’m glad God crossed our paths!
Your U-Turn sister,
Susan
Susan,
Glad you had a fun time at the shore…I think it’s calling me now too! I love to bring “fun” with me wherever I go; I think it’s imperative in this life–don’t you?!
I think the best vacations happen spontaneously like yours…right before school starts (it gets the kids off on the right foot!).
Hugs right back to you!
After I looked up the word dichotomy and figured out what it meant (why yes, I’m a graduate, why do you ask?)…I couldn’t agree more about “writers” being of this mindset. Dare I say it makes us “normal?”
I love my friends and family, they are the blessings in my life, but I also cherish the noninterrupted time for writing. Give me a quiet place, a keyboard, a cup of java, and if I’ve been good…a snack, and let her rip, tater chip. I can write till Elvis makes a come back.
I love the picture you painted of the grand entrance. And if I had to pick one word for you, it would be SUNSHINE. How cool is that?
“Dichotomy”–I had to look that one up too (LOL!). We writers have to add new words…just to make us look “smart.” Oh, I didn’t tell you my training wheels got caught on the microphone chord on the way out, so I was carrying that along with me too! I’m an accident waiting to happen. You and I could do some major damage at those conferences (smile!).
That’s about as graceful an entrance as the one I made one time dragging across stage an extra pair of panty hose out of the leg of my pants…Every time I took a step, they flip into the air, too.
Being a Diva is hard work, isn’t it?
I think we need to go on the road. You can be Lucy and I’ll be Ethel…I think you’re younger! What the heck…we can both be Lucy if you want? You make me laugh so hard…I love that about you! Move over Chondra Pierce…here comes Queen Jaw-Jaw. You’re a hoot and a half!
Hugs!
Yhanks you94bb7e8b008b1177ad6bb60eff667392