Wednesday, 15 May 2013

IN WHICH BEAR OFFERS A BRIEF APOLOGY

I try very hard to keep up with friends and their blogs, both reading  and commenting (with comments sane or absurd). 

The truth is that I'm having trouble with words. (Those who have know the Bear for a bit may indicate I have "spoken an untruth" for saying that.) But in fact, yes, I am having trouble with words. 

Specifically, I cannot get ideas into words. (There you have it, friends.) There are few things in this world which well and truly scare me, but this does.

I first became aware the problem towards the end of the A-Z Blog Hop Challenge. It was a simple matter, hardly noticeable, really. But as time progressed, this situation became obvious, at least to me. It had gone from frustrating to frankly dismaying. 

I initially thought this was perhaps the onset of some kind of dementia. I just happened to have had tea with a friend yesterday, and he ran me though a "mini-mental" test. (This man is not only a very effective counsellor, but also a very wonderful trainer of counsellors.) He assessment was/is that I am no more demented than usual. (Did I mention he and I have been friends for about 25 years?)

I do not know what to make of all this. I shall try to be non-verbally absent (as in reading your blog without commenting, etc.). 

In the meantime, I'm going to sneak over to Blogland Lane, sleep in my tent, sit by my fire, and swim in the lake. When I re-discover my mind and voice, I'll be back as usual. At least I hope to be.  

Blessings and Bear hugs, friends. 

48 comments:

  1. You may have just worded out from the A-Z. Nature has a way of making everything okay again. Relax and don't worry. I hope words will find you relaxing in Nature. :)
    HUGS
    Mama Bear Musings

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh, Boy...I know what your mean, Rob. I will be typing along and there's a concept or subject...I Know exactly what I need and can't think of the word. Strangely, if I wave my hand in spirals like the "move it along" sign, after a few seconds I'll think of it. It happens in conversations too, which is more embarrassing as when it happens at the computer, it's usually 5 in the morning and no one can see me, when I'm with other people they start whispering to each other...ugggg....

    ReplyDelete
  3. I woould imagine that being pretty worrying. Hope it is just a temporary break in transmission.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I look forward to your return, Bear. I always love to read your posts, and your words find their way right to my heart without fail. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  5. It can be hard to keep up sometimes. I love your words, though, and enjoyed your posts in the a-z challenge.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sometimes we are less verbally inclined and that is no need to get worried. It just means we have less to say or feel no need to say it. Maybe you are in a phase that you want to keep your thoughts to yourself. That is perfectly acceptable.

    xox
    Irene

    ReplyDelete
  7. Very interesting development, Bear. Maybe having a quiet time will bring many benefits. Listening and watching is good. I always enjoy seeing what you have to tell us.

    Best wishes. xo

    ReplyDelete
  8. First I lost words, then complete thoughts. Not to worry, Bear, there are a lot of us out there in the land of Forget-me-not. Many of them run countries.

    ReplyDelete
  9. You know Bear - the last two times I was out with people - strangers I guess - I had a hard time actually talking and coming out with an intelligent conversation - what's that? sandie

    ReplyDelete
  10. Easy there, Bear,you're among friends, and age-appropriate ones, if that matters. We've got you covered for now; but don't retreat too long or you'll be missed for sure.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'll be here. A-Z probably just wore you out. Take two blueberries and call me in the morning.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I hope you find your voice at Blogland Lane.

    Love,
    Janie

    ReplyDelete
  13. Poor bear...I feel the frustration. I have chronic migraines, and the effect is that I struggle for words at times. It is like an aphasia effect or a TIA. Neurologist says it is part of hemiplegghic migraine I have.

    Best to take some steps back and carry a notebook. Writing a few thoughts helped me when I sit down to write.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Bear, I have enjoyed, pondered, and/or learned from EVERY comment you've left on my blog. Continue your written conversation with me when you feel that you've gotten your mojo back - though, I don't think it's gone. :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. You know, I think everyone goes through that. I surely have. HUGS. It has always passed for me. This too shall pass for you too.

    Kathy
    http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. I go through these phases as well, it's as if all the words have been taken out of my brain and I can't form a single thought that makes any kind of sense. Sometimes I even find myself deleting text messages several times before saying what I really want to say. It will come back, rejuvenate at the Lake & we'll see you when you feel it again. No rush on relaxing!

    ReplyDelete
  17. No need to apologize, Bear. Stuff on your mind, over-thinking things and possibly new meds or a change in dose can all interfere with that process from time to time. I'm sure it will resolve itself before too long. Hugs to you.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Sending comforting hugs to Bear...

    ReplyDelete
  19. rob, it happens to all of us! i feel that way right now, actually! no one says you have to blog when you can't find the words to say it

    is it possible you may have too many blogs of your own to keep up with. i count you now have three. i would feel overwhelmed trying to be interesting on three different blogs. your poetry would be lovely right here: maybe you don't need a separate place for that?

    just thinking....

    love any old way!
    kj

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the support, kj. You got me thinking. But in a whole different direction.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!
      Bears Noting
      Life in the Urban Forest (poetry)

      Delete
  20. I used to feel the need to blog everyday but now i only really blog when i have something to say. Putting ideas into words is classic writers/bloggers block. In time it will clear itself. Lisa x

    ReplyDelete
  21. You probably do need to spend time in your peacefully serene tent on Blogland Lane. Sometimes I wish I had such a place to retire to when I'm overwhelmed by too many words that are unfit to print on a family blog.

    Stay well and Bear Up.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I think I saw your words stranded on the side of the road. I'll package them up and send them to you.

    Bear hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  23. kj offers good food (bear type) for thought. I gave up my second blog about a year ago ... a lot of stress went with it.

    ReplyDelete
  24. My blog is pretty eclectic and I jump from subject to subject and that's because I know I could never manage more than one blog. I figure some people will like my blog, others may have expected something different and will fade away. I like to leave comments, but if you are tired and need a rest from words, that's OK, everyone will understand. Personally, I love the somewhat old-fashioned way you phrase your thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I heard that. Yes, it's common after a certain age (and a much younger age than we'd like), but that doesn't mean it isn't scary as hell. One does not want to lose coherence, even in our own thoughts. I started getting a pretty good case of aphasia just after menopause, but it doesn't seem to have progressed. I'm still okay to write (because no one has to see the long pauses) but conversation is fraught, sometimes. Love.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Enjoy your rest and all will be well. Sometimes we just need to be off by ourselves and away from the crowd.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi Rob-Bear! I went to your other blog, saw the note and have now signed on here. I think it’s perfectly OK to take a break from words now and then. It happens to me as well. I think with just a bit of rest you will be feeling much better again. Hugs to you!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Goodness me Bear we cannot have the absence of your dear voice in Blog Land! Perhaps you just need a little holiday or you came out of hibernation too soon. I'm southern UK yesterday they had snow so goodness knows what a Bear is to feel and think when these temperatures are all to pot. Have a good rest by the fire and only come back when you feel like it, not a minute sooner xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have these mixed feelings, Joanne. My desire to keep in touch with my friends somehow overwhelms my desire to be rested. Strange; very strange.

      Actually, not so strange at all. I hope you're doing well with your eating changes!

      I'm all right for the shape I'm in.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!
      Bears Noting
      Life in the Urban Forest (poetry)

      Delete
  29. Saw your comment on Arleen's blog. I love love love your blog titles. My favorite is Chrome on the Range. I could not remember all the kids names when they were growing up so I just numbered them. Hey, you, #2 or 3 or whoever you are, stop it.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Sorry, still not computer literate. Usually I could just holler STOP IT and that would just about cover everybody. Raising two more kids as I am approaching 70 is an adventure! So far, I haven't forgotten to pick them up or take them where they are supposed to go but I do keep a lot of lists. Hope you will stopby and visit. Jody, the Medicare Mom. http://themdicaremom.blogspot.com Just what you need, another blog to read. Sorry, but I find your blog interesting.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for visiting. Sounds like you have a very interesting life!

      Blessings and Bear hugs!
      Bears Noting
      Life in the Urban Forest (poetry)

      Delete
  31. Yes, definitely happens to all of us.... some days I am full or inspiration and words, others I feel hopeless! ...I started my second blog because I didn't have time to work on my stitchery for my first blog, and therefore no posts and I felt guilty, so I started a second blog with a different intent... it has now morphed into something I had not anticipated in that I feel it is more expected of me to "write"... some days it is difficult, we can only hope our true followers will hang in there with us... glad I found your two blogs... (not sure what the third is as per KJ above), hang in there! Cheers~

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the supportive comments. I hope, Heather, you can keep writing, without burdening yourself with other peoples' expectations.

      This blog, too, has "morphed into something I had not anticipated." It was never designed to be a poetry blog. But, um, well, here we are. Writers of fiction seem to believe that, at some points, the characters in the story actually take over and write the story themselves. Or words to that effect.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!
      Bears Noting
      Life in the Urban Forest (poetry)

      Delete
  32. Bear, take care. I can give pretty good bear hugs too so consider yourself hugged by an old friend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bear hugs from friends are wonderful. We all need them. Lots and lots of them.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!
      Bears Noting
      Life in the Urban Forest (poetry)

      Delete
  33. Replies
    1. I'll try m'lady. Thanks for the encouragement.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!
      Bears Noting
      Life in the Urban Forest (poetry)

      Delete
  34. I agree with kj: It happens to us all from time to time. We'll be here when you get back. :)

    ReplyDelete
  35. I have a problem with words too- but my problem is in coming up with new ways to say- hey- that's cool! So I say "cool" a lot. It's beginning to bother me that I seem so hippy-ish, when I'm actually not. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey, Terri — great to see you here. So, listen — be cool, but stay warm, eh?

      Perhaps cool could become exciting, interesting, thought-provoking, funny, weird, or, um, well, . . . just about anything. Have fun finding the right words.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!
      Bears Noting
      Life in the Urban Forest (poetry)

      Delete
  36. Sometimes you've just got to take a break, especially if you have other things going on. My blog is so new, but I imagine I'll get tired of blogging each day soon. It can't go on forever. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Kristen. Yes, I have decided to take some time off. I'm going to contemplate the existential nature of the universal reality.

      Don't worry; I don't understand that, either. Well, not entirely.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!
      Bears Noting
      Life in the Urban Forest (poetry)

      Delete
  37. Replies
    1. I take life four to six hours at a time. So far, I'm OK today. Thanks.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!
      Bears Noting
      Life in the Urban Forest (poetry)

      Delete

So glad you've dropped by the Bear's den. Please leave a note -- getting notes is such fun, and often informative. I'll get back to you, here or by e-mail, as soon as I can (or, if it's winter, after I wake up). 'Til then, please Bear with me.
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS AN AWARD-FREE AND MEME-FREE SITE. While I'm honoured to receive awards, I find they take way too much energy in completing. Thanks, but no, thanks.