It is early morning, the sun peeks carefully through the pleated blinds and the air is still fresh from the night. With a smile I put my breakfast plate in the dishwasher. I glance at the kitchen table, my special little writing corner to be. Today is the day. But first a few small things.
‘Where is that yellow ballpoint?’ I mutter as I rummage through the kitchen drawer. I shove dozens of pens aside in frustration. A blue pen? No, thanks. And a red one? Are you kidding! With a yank I pull the drawer out and tip all the pens onto the table. ‘Hey, there you are,’ I cry triumphantly when my favourite pen appears.
Next I light a stick of incense. Sandalwood fills the room with a soothing scent. ‘Lovely,’ I whisper as I watch the smoke curl upward. Then it is time for the candles. Three in total. One for creativity, one for inspiration and one for motivation. I draw the match along the box, the strip so worn out that I have to try twice, and light them.
‘Just put on some music,’ I say softly. 174 Hz Solfeggio frequencies, supposedly good for concentration. Does it actually work? No idea, but I feel zen, so why not?
Oh, and where is Toby? Without my furry sidekick I cannot write. ‘Toobs, in your basket!’ I call. A little head pops up from the living room and hops cheerfully to his soft bed. ‘Good boy, buddy,’ I say as I give him a pat on the head.
I flop down on my special writing cushion and stretch my arms out once more. Three deep breaths in and out and I am ready for action. Almost. One last check. My glass of water is on the wrong side. That has to be on the left, always on the left. And what if I suddenly get thirsty and lose my flow because of it? Quick to the tap to fill my glass.
I sit down again and look at the screen in front of me. The cursor blinks patiently. Toby sighs, maybe annoyed by my endless fussing. I know I have to start. But there is still something I have to do. Something essential, something crucial…
‘The plants! How could I forget them?’ I exclaim. It is absolutely necessary that I take care of them right now. With one last look at my perfectly ordered writing spot, I walk out of the kitchen, determined to truly find my inspiration after tending to my green friends.