Attention Writers...Obsess Much?

A couple days ago, Hubby and I had a big talk. Apparently, I am obsessed with writing.

Yes, it's true folks. I admit it. Of course after being told this, I did what any normal person would do... I Googled, "obsessed with writing."

In my "research", I found that obsession seems to be a popular trait shared by writers. They can't seem to stop writing or thinking about writing, talking about writing, reading about writing or... blogging about writing.

My husband's comment made me reflect and ask myself, "Self, how many people who are good at what they do or WANT to be good at what they do, are not slightly obsessed with their craft?"

And to this I have one word for you. Madonna.

She is good. She has drive and focus and really muscular arms as well as ... a string of failed relationships!..Oh no! Am I doomed? Eek!


I am not saying I am to be compared with Madonna... that I am good at writing because I am obsessed. Actually, I would like to admit to the opposite. My writing is slightly above the level of doggie doo-doo. But I think this is where the obsession thing comes into play.

Unlike my husband, things do not come easy to me. With the exception to Scrabble (yeah, that's right, mama rules around these parts!), my husband is good at everything he does. It is amazing. You name it, he can try it and then be a certified professional five minutes later. Lil' me on the other hand...I have to work, and obsess, and suffer, and then maybe I'll be okay at whatever I am trying to achieve. And to that, I give a mean pirate's ARGH!

For example, gardening. I love learning to garden. I love the creativity that you have to pour into a garden's design. I have been "practicing" for a few years now. I analyze other gardens I see, I research color variations, temperature zones as well as which plants are least likely to die under my watch (very important piece). Each spring and summer I  become obsessed with my backyard. Pruning, watering, planting, replacing dysfunctional plants that for some reason die on me despite my research efforts.  I also transform into Senora Gardening-Killjoy to my children...

Where'd you get that flower? Ah. Thanks. I know you love me. Don't pick the flowers.
Where'd you get that flower? Ah. Thanks. I know you love me. Don't pick the flowers.
(Repeated daily for about six months.)

But I feel this focus has gotten me far, at least in my own backyard universe.


EXHIBIT A:

Note: End of summer....no flowers...amused look on daughter's face. Son not so amused, probably just got "the Senora Gardening-Killjoy talk."

The point is, I don't know how  NOT to do things 100%. That is my problem. Whether it's gardening, sewing, mothering, studying, teaching, eating...I become obsessed, and writing is no exception.

My question for you blogosphere is...how do you manage your writing? Do you obsess? Do you suffer? Do you drive your family CRAZY? The most important question I have for you is...is it so wrong?

P.S. Isn't the banner art (done by the amazing Seth Ahonen) purdy? I am so, eternally grateful to Seth for allowing me to display his art right here, on this very blog. He is a talented northern California, Bay Area artist who does beautiful portraits, colorful murals, Day of the Dead themed art, as well as much more! Check him out!