Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

Chel Owens

It’s about that time again: when I realize that summer vacation is here and whatever meager seconds I’ve had for blogging have already been claimed.

I’ve been at this WordPress gig for five years, officially so on June 24th. Happy Blogiversary to me and all that. I recall my trepidation at its opening: Would anyone read what I wrote? WHY WON’T ANYONE READ WHAT I WROTE? If I start now, by what point will I have a book contract? How can I finagle rights to the script and choice of actors so they don’t pick Hayden Christensen?!

Clearly, I’ve yet to write my book.

But I’ve made friends (thank you!).

I’ve lost friends.

The world turned weird during a pandemic and during a heated election.

I’ve popped out two more children, admitted to being LDS and even wrote about it, and …have lost the joy I used to feel for blogging.

So, for now, we’ll call this au revoir. Knowing me, I’ll be back. Ish. Thank you for reading. I can sincerely say I love you all.

Photo by alleksana on Pexels.com

Write something amazing while I’m gone, and don’t be afraid to share it.

—–

©2022 Chel Owens

And, go listen to “Ted and Trudy,” performed by Matt. Thanks, man.

84 thoughts on “Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow”

  1. Nope. Not allowed. Be back. Soon. Move your name north and become Kensington. Or Holland Park, though that sounds like a dead dodgy Secretary of State for Corruption. You probably need more fibre in your diet … and hope. Have a nice summer and remember, queuing at Costco is God’s way of giving you ready made characters for that book.

    Liked by 1 person

    2. Chelsea’s going West? The World’s End!

      Okay, that’s a cryptic London geographical reference but, oh…

      It happens to the best of us. You’ll need to write that book now; I found you can stop blogging – relatively easily – but to stop the urge to write altogether is way more difficult.

      It’s been fun following your posts, Chel. All the best for the future! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Funny thing is that I *am* West of you…

        You’re right about the need to write. I s’pose that’s why I’ve read so many different topics/blogs you’ve started. Maybe I’ll take up a running one as well some day. 🙂

        I’ll miss your posts as well.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. I knew you were all at sea when you became Chel. Have a nice cruise on the good ship Owens and I hope that chap upstairs you’re always on about blesses her and all who sail in her. Whatever the future brings, know that you have touched the heart of a grumpy old bugger in Australia and your encouragement for his writing has helped keep his ticker going. Here’s an au revoir poem for you to read on the forward deck.

    An Other Place

    Other people always seem on course,
    Full Ahead to somewhere on the Sea of Life.
    I am forever losing the compass
    and forgetting how to drop anchor,
    permanently adrift in
    an Other Place.

    (Occasionally I see harbour lights beckon
    but I’ve decided
    they’re probably home to the Pirates of Love.)

    Out here alone,
    amidst the rocks and icebergs and whirlpools,
    I still need essential supplies
    but I have nothing to trade,
    except for some shells which,
    when placed against the ear,
    whisper cryptic messages
    from an Other Place,
    just in case
    other people are
    in an Other Place
    too.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. No problem Chel 😊 it’s truly been a blast with all of your poetry contests. I slao enjoyed for a spell podcasting Wilhemina Winters

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  11. I’ll miss you and your posts. I’ve been struggling reading posts (trying to have less screen time), and now family visiting with much reduced space is a welcome diversion. See you when you get back!

    Liked by 1 person

      1. The challenge is to find something, Chel. I can’t (don’t want) to write murderous stories and do little else. Even though I have cataracts and can’t read much, that will hopefully get fixed and I might start reading books again. I’ve been reading “Alice in Wonderland” again after 60 years and absolutely detest it! I don’t have a herd of boys to distract me, but I’m sure there are things to do!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. That’s just it for me: the herd (horde?) of boys merely distracts from my never having had a life goal beyond doing something amazing.

          What of your song-writing again? Are any more schools in need of plays?

          Liked by 1 person

          1. I’m too tired to market things! I would like to write things – words and music – without thoughts of fame, audiences, readers, money, bravado… just do it and weed the garden in between! (And eat ice cream).

            Liked by 1 person

      1. The fight against (and for) bad poetry cannot be abandoned. I notice that one of the authors of the anthology I reported to you claims to be ‘excited beyond words’ which, for a professional poet, must be very excited indeed…..

        Liked by 1 person

          1. I think clichés are fine, as long as they clash horribly with the rhythm or rhyme and have absolutely no relevance to the subject matter. I think it’s also terribly poetic (sorry, I meant poetically terrible) to use the same cliché two or three times in the same piece ….

            Guys who like ballet are gay
            Anyway
            Just like the ones who don’t like football
            Who I call
            Gay
            And cry in movies
            They’re not groovies
            Like me
            Especially
            The guy who just slept with my girlfriend.

            Liked by 1 person

  16. Best of luck to you, Chel. I’m finding many other things that keep me occupied these days. As I’ve told my wife all along, if ever something isn’t fun in retirement, I’m moving on. I’m not there yet, but I think it’s normal to go through these phases where it isn’t as interesting as it used to be.

    Liked by 2 people

      1. Still working on it. I started to send it out to agents and realized it wasn’t ready. I flip between working on it and another MG story that I recently completed my first draft on. It’s a painfully long process, but I think I have the right mindset. I know I’m still learning, and there is value in that. This has never been about becoming rich or famous. I just want to get to the finish line while also giving it my best. Many who have been traditionally published and self-published have recommended I go with the latter. It’s the most likely path, but I’m being patient throughout.

        I have also enjoyed reading to seniors at assisted living (twice a week for 30 minutes). Afterward, I hang around and visit with them for a few minutes. They are a kick and appreciate me coming.

        Liked by 1 person

  19. 5 years? I’ve been at it 8 and I only have 3.5 readers. But you write as yourself and found a niche and other moms seem to dig what you are laying down.

    If you want to write a book, write and self-publish. I have found the best is to go small. Keep it short. Easier to edit. Cheaper to produce. I tried writing large opuses and could never get it done. Then during the pandemic I was like what if I just self publish a short story? So I did, then another one, then another one. No one reads them but they’re there.

    PS what’s wrong with Hayden Christianson?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. If you don’t know what’s wrong with Hayden….

      I’ve read your reviews; we usually run on the same wavelength. 😀

      And yeah, people seem to like when your write about what they can relate to I guess. 😀 You’re smart to recommend the short stories.

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      1. I don’t know I thought he did well in the Star Wars movies. Remember, George Lucas had the strange challenge of making prequels about the life and times of Young Space Hitler while still making something that could sell toys and appeal to children while also appealing to adult fans who liked the originals as kids.

        Yeah, go small. Write something short. Maybe something like 10 Things I Learned as a Mormon Mom or something. Mor-Moms would totes read it.

        Are you quitting forever?

        Liked by 1 person

        1. My original WIP was a comedic book on how I didn’t want to be a mother. I’d rather not draw attention to motherhood or Mormon-hood (ironically).

          If I had to make the decision now, I would say that I am quitting. It’s too much work. :/

          I will always come back to read what you think of everything tho.

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  20. What? Like for good? Or just a long long break (I hope). I honor your choice, my friend. I hope another wonderful and creative adventure awaits you. We’ll be here if you decide to pop by once in a while. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Hey Chel, as you know I am relatively new here and your writing and the Terrible Poetry contest are some of the things I’ve enjoyed most since becoming active. I hope your time away is rewarding but I also hope it is only so-long and not goodbye as the picture in your post says. 🙂 I for one will continue to check back looking for your return.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Greg! You’re literally *the* reason why I brought it back. Ha! I like your writings and you’re great at both sincere and …less sincere (say, intentionally terrible) poetry; you’ll get many more followers and find more prompts to write to, I’m sure!

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  26. Enjoy the break. I know what you mean about losing something with blogging, I’ve been struggling for a while. But you are so wonderful at writing and your blog is fantastic. I really really really hope it’s a short break and then your back. I would miss your writing. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you for the encouragement. I don’t have much to write for besides friendships, and look at how infrequently I’m able to read what friends write!

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