A long bought

I sat down at the table, coffee prepared, iPad open, white page waiting. I'd already written in my diary — which is like a warm-up before a marathon — and I was ready. But nothing came. Or more likely I didn't want anything to come, so I set new writing aside for another day.The weather has been wonderful, and the gap has filled itself with other things. Physical, sweaty things: running in the woods, cutting grass, planting perennials, throwing bags of mulch around. Today there will be a workout that drains me, and more outdoor work after that.My strategy for burnout is not rest but more activity — just activity that doesn't involve sitting. Or work myself so hard that writing starts to look like the easy option. I'm not sure it will work, but at least the garden will get planted.