Washing Away Writer's
Block
By Marie Boyum
Since I do some of my best thinking in the shower and writer's block seemed to
have set in, I decided it was time for a refreshing change. As I stood under
the hot water trying to revitalize my brain and decide what to focus my next
article's energies toward, it hit me-- literally. The shaving cream can fell
right on my toe!
I began to think, "Why is it that most showers have safety measures like a
non-slip bath mat, non-skid stickers at the bottom of the tub, maybe even a rail
to grab on to, but our feet and toes are in mortal danger from the shaving cream
can? Do shaving cream manufacturers have stock in splint companies, or with
doctors or clinics?"
My mind started reeling. Factoring out 365 days in a year and one shower taken
daily, times how long the average person lives (77 years), that puts our poor
digits in danger no less than 28,105 times in our lives! Quite high odds that we will
have the need for-- at the least-- tape, splints, and the occasional x-ray. So
what can we do to arm ourselves? Steel-toed shower shoes? Can-on-a-rope?
Perhaps use compressed helium as the shaving cream propellant? Why is steel the
container of choice? There are rubberized phones and stereos, why not shaving
cream cans? Even sponge-coated cans would be more "tootsie- friendly,"
allowing you to "soap up" instead of "swell up."
I say that we have a call to action; writers unite. Stand up on your soap boxes
as it were, and make these shaving cream manufacturers come clean! We want not
only soft skin, but also soft cans! Wash away writer's block with a letter to
your favorite shaving cream manufacturer. If we band together maybe we can
evoke change, or at least temporarily rid our minds of deadline worries. I know
there are many problems to face in the world today, but how can we take a stand
with broken toes? I say start with the shaving cream can. Wash the little
problems away and tackle the bigger problems when you are refreshed. After all,
look at all the things our feet and toes do for us. Isn't taking a stand for
their safety the least we can do for them? And maybe, just maybe, those clean
and safe tootsies of yours will walk you back to writing success.
Marie Boyum is
the author of two nonfiction books, curriculum and grants, and numerous articles
in newspapers, trade publications, magazines, and online. She has taught at
universities throughout Wisconsin and currently works with Milwaukee Public
Libraries as a literacy instructor. As former children's librarian and bookstore
owner, writing and books have always been a part of her life. Visit her website
and link to her blog at:
www.whoismb.com.
