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Power-less

Thank you to Stacey, Betsy, Dana, Tara, Beth, Anna, Kathleen & Deb for this amazing platform to write and share writing! What a wonderful community you've created! I'm honored to be part of it. Join us at Two Writing Teachers.


Just when I thought I had nothing to write about, life happens. We have another snow day...or should I say, ice day. 

 I'd woken up early, walked Bella, eaten breakfast and I was just about to sit down to write when the power went out. I waited and it flickered for a moment and then again it was out. It's unusual for my neighborhood to lose power. I looked out the window and saw that everyone had lost power, even the stores and restaurants near me. 
Bella was scared. She refused to leave my side. She was shaking so much. I wonder what spooked her. I remained calm, which isn't like me. After lots of comforting and petting, we  found our way upstairs to the writing room. There a candle and the twinkly tree provided some light for writing. 
The power came on. It took about an hour. I loved the silence. I loved how it knocked me out of my routine. I loved the opportunity to comfort Bella and I loved the uninterrupted time to write. 
Just when you think, "There's nothing to write about!" life comes along and provides. A writer must be looking for those opportunities. 

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  1. SallyFebruary 16, 2016 at 10:31ā€ÆAM

    You definitely live like a writer!! Enjoy the rainy "snow day". I am!!
    And I look forward to spring and a chance to meet up in person soon.
    Your friend 2 counties over in Arlington!

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  2. TaraFebruary 16, 2016 at 11:01ā€ÆAM

    There you go, Michelle! Living like a writer provides many opportunities to write.

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  3. UnknownFebruary 16, 2016 at 11:07ā€ÆAM

    Excellent advice, Michelle!

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  4. elsieFebruary 16, 2016 at 11:21ā€ÆAM

    I hope you continue to have power the rest of the day. It does set a quiet tone, but I can only endure it for a short time. In our worst ice storm ever, we were without power for an entire week. šŸ˜–

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  5. RamonaFebruary 16, 2016 at 11:36ā€ÆAM

    Love the pic of your writing space with candle and twinkly lights! My favorite "out of power" memory was years ago when the kids and I played a board game on the bed by flashlight.

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  6. Terje February 16, 2016 at 12:55ā€ÆPM

    The power break turned out to be inspirational. Instead of panicking you took advantage of it. The candle light writing space looks inviting.

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  7. Stacey ShubitzFebruary 16, 2016 at 2:34ā€ÆPM

    Oh, poor Bella! I'm sorry she got so spooked. I hope your power comes back on sooner rather than later. (Our lights flickered this morning, but that was it. Whew!)

    It's funny how something can just happen like this and spark a slice. I'd love to feature this in one of my March SOLSC "Be Inspired" posts. May I? If so, please shoot me an email (once your power is back on) to let me know if that'd be okay with you. THANKS!

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  8. Jennifer LaffinFebruary 16, 2016 at 7:00ā€ÆPM

    Poor Bella! Rosie does the same thing when the power goes out. They must have a sense for that. :)

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  9. MichelleFebruary 16, 2016 at 7:09ā€ÆPM

    losing power sounds awesome - we're always so connected with tech (which I LOVE) but it's nice to be alone with just our pup, and a pen and notebook. Yep, life is awesome like that, providing exactly what we need! :-)

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  10. Julie JohnsonFebruary 16, 2016 at 8:09ā€ÆPM

    I love the image of your writing room. Sometimes it's nice to have an interruption in our routine to slow us down and give us inspiration.

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  11. Leigh Anne EckFebruary 16, 2016 at 8:23ā€ÆPM

    I am embarrassed to admit this, but I think I could survive living in the times of no electricity. Books, paper, and pencil require no electricity! Glad you enjoyed your "powerlessness."

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  12. Amy WarntzFebruary 16, 2016 at 9:43ā€ÆPM

    Poor Bella! Glad your power wasn't off too long. It's is so true that a story can present itself out of nowhere.

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  13. Jennifer SniadeckiFebruary 16, 2016 at 10:15ā€ÆPM

    I'm glad you got the power back! Wow, what a winter you've had! Ours has been so mild. Take care!

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  14. Linda BFebruary 16, 2016 at 10:25ā€ÆPM

    I saw your notes on FB & then was busy with Ingrid today, so never saw anything again. An hour of quiet sounds very nice. Sorry Bella felt it differently. Dogs are so sensitive. And glad you are okay. Your setting with candle & tree is so nice.

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  15. JulieanneFebruary 17, 2016 at 12:35ā€ÆAM

    A unexpected gift! One never knows. Glad Bella had you and you had your notebook!

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  16. Carol VarsalonaMarch 2, 2016 at 7:31ā€ÆAM

    Michelle, It is wonderful to read about being power-less and filling your time powerfully. Happy slicing.

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