The ability to keep moving forward in the face of obstacles is what separates us from the lower animals.
I want to be a lower animal.
Some projects come easily, others are extended childbirth. My current project has the gestational period and comfort of a baby elephant.
This doesn't mean it won't be a beautiful baby elephant when it's born, but getting there is enough to inspire hourly "never again" declarations. Computer viruses, malfunctions with the digital recorder, huge migration from the original concept, data deficit... this one has hit all the buttons.
Like a much wanted pregnancy, the initial euphoria makes all things beautiful -- then the morning sickness sets in. Rather than saltines and soda, I treat it with distractions and diversions. This one has made me a world champion Bejeweled player.
A sonogram, at this point, would be as scary for me as it would my client.
It's making me pine for the fiction work I had been avoiding for months. Like an unfaithful suitor, I promise to be good and true if I can just survive the wandering.
I wish I could say I took this project for money, but in reality it's a great opportunity with some super people. Aside from some structural change issues, the primary culprit is in my mirror.
So it's crunch time. No lunches with friends. No evening diversions. No excuses. No email. I'm inducing labor.
Right after I beat my best score.


Copyright 2004 Judi Griggs