Shovel

 During the cover of night, Jack Frost had left quite a footprint over the land.  More than 5 inches of snow had fallen, throwing off the morning routine.  Equipping myself with the right gear...mittens, a hat, snow pants, boots, and a warm jacket, I was ready for battle.  Armed with my shovel, I ventured out into the cold and windy morning to start the daunting task of clearing out our driveway. 

My eyes peered out over my scarf.   This was not going to be easy.  There was a lot of snow.  But I was determined.    Scoop by scoop, I was gaining ground.   

Soon, I could even see the black top. I had created a path all by myself.  After what seemed to be an hour, I was getting pooped.  The wind was howling, and the snow was starting to drift back over what I had already accomplished.  I was starting to get exhausted and a hint of discouragement was settling in.  I needed some help. 

Out came my daughter on the 4 wheeler.  Yippee!  I just needed another tool, and she was it.  I was extremely grateful.  It took some doing, but soon we saw more of the driveway cleared!  Step by step, it was getting done. Before long, the winds started dampening her elation.  It was hard for her to see as the snow was blowing in her face.  Cold settled in and she had to take a break.  But not before becoming deflated as she saw the plow coming down the road, leaving a huge bank of snow at the end of the driveway, wiping away all the work she had just done. 

Watching from inside the garage, I had this epiphany.  Writing is a lot like shoveling a driveway.  Starting out with a blank page, the words have to come.  There is a whole novel that needs to be written,  and the only way it is going to happen is to chip away at it, scoop by scoop.   I start out ready with my tools.  I have the idea and the scenes and it all seems so clear.  I am so excited and I quickly scoop out a page, and then the next.  I see words and the count is adding up.  Progress.  But, then it starts getting heavy and it is hard to find the words.  Throwing words around, my fingers are weary.  Help would be nice.  Then a blog or an email from a friend boosts my confidence and I am assured to carry on.    Until my computer crashes and all that work instantly is undone.  I can't just do nothing.   The snow has to be removed.  I can't just sit there.  There are goals to accomplish.  Driveways to get out of.  I must continue on.  The alternative is to quit.  For me, that is not an option. 

Has "snow and plows" gotten in your way?  How do you keep moving forward?    What are your goals?